When she competed at the state Elks Hoop Shoot contest last year, Lily Porreca was nervous. She had done well at the local event in Columbia, where she won first place in the 8- and 9-year-old age group, and she had won her division at districts as well.

She knew what she had to do: get on the court and push past the nerves. "After I took a few shots, I felt better," Lily recalled. She ended up placing third at the state competition, and she's looking forward to competing again in this year's local event. The Columbia-Middletown Elks 1074 will hold the annual Elks Hoop Shoot program on Sunday, Nov. 5, in the gym at Park Elementary School, 50 S. Sixth St., Columbia. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m., and the contest will start at 12:30 p.m.

"You don't have to be on a basketball team to compete," said Hoop Shoot committee member Jon Porreca, who is Lily's father. "This competition is more about the grit the participants need to compete and win. Through the Hoop Shoot program, the Elks have been developing and reinforcing grit for nearly 50 years - long before researchers and experts concluded that grit is so important for our children."

For the local competition, participants are divided into six age groups: girls ages 8 and 9, 10 and 11, and 12 and 13, and boys ages 8 and 9, 10 and 11, and 12 and 13.

Participants shoot two rounds of free throws, striving to make as many baskets out of 25 total shots as possible. Winners from each age group move on to districts, and the winners from there go to the state competition. State winners in each division compete in the national contest, which will be held on April 20, 2024, in Chicago.

Jon explained that the competition is all about having fun while encouraging friendly competition. For Lily, participating in the state contest provided a way for the Park School fourth-grader to push herself out of her comfort zone.

"It was really fun, and I got to meet people from all over the state," she said of the competition held in State College last year. Lily, who plays basketball with CBAA, has been busy getting ready for this year's local Hoop Shoot.

"I've been practicing shots in my backyard," she said.

For more information on the Elks Hoop Shoot and to register, search for "Columbia-Middletown Elks #1074" on Facebook or email bpoe1074@comcast.net. Preregistration is encouraged, and everyone who preregisters by Friday, Oct. 27, will be entered in a prize drawing.