One left in Hoop Shoot

Rimer onto state free throw tourney while Neal comes within a single shot.

From KITSAP NEWS Reports

The Bremerton Elks Lodge will again see one of its top free throw shooters onto state after Esquire Hills Elementary student Starr Rodenhurst advanced to nationals a year ago.

At the Elks West District Hoop Shoot, last weekend at Hoquiam High School, Bremerton saw one representative advance to state, while another came close: Taylor Rimer, who advanced in the 8-9-years-old Girls Division; and RJ Neal, who fell just shy in the 12-13-year-old Boys Division.

More than 100 people turned out at the district competition, with 19 boys and 22 girls competing from ages 8 to 13. Contestants shot more than 1,000 collective free throws to determine the six total finalists.

Rimer made 14 of her 25 shots to edge Ashlynn Uvila of Naval Elks Lodge, by a single free throw. Rimer’s parents are Kalani and Nichole Rimer.

For Neal, both he and Ronnie Espedal, representing host Hoqiuam, made 22 of their 25 shots. In a five-shot tie-break, Espedal hit four while Neal hit three, ending his shot at state by just a single free throw. His parents are Raymond and Michelle Neal.

Trophies were presented for first- and second-place finishers. Highland Middle School in Bellevue will host state on Feb. 9. In the event that a first-place district winner cannot move on, the second-place finisher will take the vacant spot.

For more information about the Elks Hoop Shoot or the Elks, visit www.elks.org/hoopshoot.