Makayla Long traveled to Denver last Saturday representing Colorado in the Region-8, Elks Hoop Shoot contest.
Long, 9, made 15 of her 25 shots to take third-place in the girls 8-9 age category. Contestants from Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming also competed.
Abigael Ostenson, of Atchinson, Kan., succeeded in taking fist-place by shooting 22 of 25 at the free-throw line. Madeleine Wegner, of Kearney, Neb., took second, shooting 21 of 25. Torrie Schutzman, from Cody, Wyo., placed fourth going 10 for 25.
Each state represented a different color at Rock Canyon High School in Highlands Ranch where the contest was held.
Other state winners were, Lizzy Lucero (10-11 girls), Lakewood, shot 23 of 25; Taylor Robertson (12-13 girls), McPherson, Kan., 23 of 25; Holton Harman (10-11 boys), Fairbury, Neb., 23 of 25; Mitchell Greiner (12-13 boys); Columbus, Neb., 24 of 25; and, Mitchell Allard (8-9 boys), Rawlins, Wyo., 23 of 25.
Each of the four Region-8 states will be represented at nationals in Springfield, Mass., on April 26-29.
The Cortez Elks Lodge congratulates Long in all her success in the Elks Hoop Shoot.
Makayla is the daughter of Suzanne and Bryon Long.
