Hughes, Scherbarth compete in state finals

RBC I Logan Hughes (11) and Chris Scherbarth (9) competed in the 38th annual Elks Lodge State Hoop Shoot Championship in Salida, Colo., on Feb. 26.
In the competition, participants shoot 10 free throws, then return to shoot 15 more. Ties are broken by a “shoot-off.” Both boys were sponsored by Rifle Elks Lodge #2195.
The competition was rigid, as the state finals hosted 36 of the best 8- to 13-year- old free-throw shooters in Colorado. Both Hughes and Scherbarth made their way to the state finals by placing first in their respective divisions in Meeker, Rifle, then the Mountain District competition held in Craig.
Hughes, competing in the 10-11 boys’ division, started strong, by making 10 for 10. He finished making 20 of 25, one basket short of a three-way tie for first. Hughes did something you don’t see very often. On his first shot of his shoot-off, he landed the ball on the rim, where it came to rest. The judges had to knock it down and give him another shot. Hughes finished fifth in the state.
Scherbarth, competing in the 8-9 boys’ division, tied for first with 18/25. He secured first place by making 4 of 5 in the shoot-off.
Chris will now represent Colorado in a regional competition March 11-13 in Denver, where he will face the 8- and 9-year-old champions from Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming. The winner will go on to compete in Springfield, Mass., for the national championship.