Cortez will be represented at the Elks Hoop Shoot state competition once again.
Makayla Long is making her second consecutive appearance after winning the girls 10-11 class. She made 14-of-25 free throws to best her competitors Sunday at Hotchkiss High School.
In the boys 10-11 group, Teagan Whiteskunk hit 15-of-25 at the charity stripe to take home a first-place trophy and a trip to state.
The state competition will be held in Salida on Saturday, Feb. 23.
In the Elks Hoop Shoot, contestants have 25 foul shots and the highest scorer in each category advances through four tiers of competition to get to nationals.
Cortez brought its six winners to districts from the local competition last December.
In addition to Long and Whiteskunk, John Thomas Carver took third in the 8-9 boys class.
Other Cortez participants were Zoey Simmons, 8-9 girls; Tyra Pinnecoose, 12-13 girls; and, Cutter Mathews, 12-13 boys.
First-place winners also included Erika Kuta (Delta), 8-9 girls; Anthony Flint (Durango), 8-9 boys; Kayla Hutton (Hotchkiss), 12-13 girls; and, Enoch Kropp (Hotchkiss), 12-13 boys.
Cortez Elks Lodge No. 1,789 is extremely proud of all its competitors.
Also attending and assisting in the district event were Gini Olson and Fre DeWitt, Cortez Elks Hoop Shoot Co-Directors. Representatives from other West District Lodges volunteered their time and support as well.
For more information about the Cortez Elks Hoop Shoot, please contact Olson at 882-4904.
