Flint climbed the ranks of the local competition when he made 23-for-25 free throws. He returned at the district competition, which was held at Fort Lewis College, and sank another 23-of-25 shots.
He continued that success at the state competition by sinking another 23-for-25 shots.
The 12-year-old Flint went on to go 22-for-25 in the regional competition, which was held in Denver. Fittingly, he donned his classic Larry Bird Boston Celtics jersey.
Flint has been competing in the 12- and 13-year-old boys division and represents Elks Lodge No. 507. Throughout the competitions, Flint has shot 91 percent from the free-throw line.
“We’re proud of what he’s accomplished, and the way he’s handled himself in competing,” said Ken Flint, father of Anthony. “He’s won with humility.”
In the first round of each competition, contestants have five warm-up shots before getting 10 opportunities to make as many shots as they can. In the second round, contestants shoot 15 with no warm up. Totals roll over each round, and the highest combined total after two rounds wins the competition. In case of a tie-breaker, each round goes to only five shots.
There were 12 regionals with the winner in each age bracket moving on. Flint competed in the West Central Region.
This is Flint’s fourth year competing in the Elks Hoop Shoot. He won the state competition last year, winning in a playoff elimination round. That year, Flint finished second in regionals.
While Flint is excelling in basketball, he also plays for the Durango Youth Soccer Association.
“I’ve been impressed with the organization with getting kids confidence and stressing good sportsmanship; they’re a good community service program,” Ken Flint said. “I’d like to thank Elks for giving us this opportunity to watch our boy blossom.”
The Elks National Foundation paid for the trip to Chicago for Anthony, Ken and Anthony’s mother Abbey.
There will be a live-stream of Anthony’s competition on www.elks.org/hoopshoot. The entire shootout will begin at 7:30 a.m. Saturday.
jmentzer@durangoherald.com
