Kids can take their best shot at annual free-throw contest

2-minute drill

A quick chat with a Lisle newsmaker

It doesn't matter if you're in a gym or a playground, in a driveway or a schoolyard, by the time you turn 10 you've probably had a chance to shoot hoops.

Which is a good thing because the Knights of Columbus has refined games such as P-I-G and H-O-R-S-E to create a free-throw challenge for kids ages 10 to 14 of all skill levels.

We recently caught up with Mark Henderson, an officer with the Knights of Columbus and area chairman of the group's annual competition, which is scheduled for Saturday in Lisle. Here's what he had to say about the competition and his organization.

Q. What is the Knights of Columbus?

A. It's a Catholic fraternal men's organization with 1.7 million members nationally. It has been in existence a little more than 125 years. We work on charitable and youth programs, with a lot of the focus on families. Our Tootsie Roll Drive is one of our bigger events, where proceeds go to children with special needs.

Q. How did you get involved?

A. I'm originally from Buffalo, N.Y., and my grandfather was a member. I remember the ceremonies at our church many years ago.

I also remember going to this free-throw competition with my dad when I was 10 or 11. I didn't do well, but it was a neat experience with my dad. Now I have young daughters, and with all the good events the Knights do, I like that we still do a lot of things for youth.

Q. What is the free-throw competition?

A. It's a chance for kids to compete in a basketball free-throw shooting contest. It's open to boys and girls ages 10 to 14 of any faith or background. It's a chance to get out of the house for some healthy competition.

We do it on a local level, with first-place winners in each category going on to the district level in February, then regional, state and national competitions.

Q. What are the age divisions?

A. You are competing against your own age and gender, so there are categories for 10-year-old girls and 10-year-old boys, and so on all the way up to 14-year-old girls and 14-year-old boys.

I also will do a random raffle of a basketball for a boy and a girl that day that any participant can win.

The contest takes about an hour or two. It is fun and fast-paced.

Q. How many children participate?

A. We usually have 30 to 75 kids. We hope to have more this year. Everyone is welcome. It's free. We award the trophies right there for first place and a medal for second. Everyone who competes is a winner.

Q. How many shots do you get?

A. Participants in the 10- and 11-year-old groups get 15 shots. Kids ages 12, 13 and 14 get 25 shots.

We've had kids make all their shots, which is pretty hard to do. Some are really good and have a lot of poise; others come out and do their best.

Q. When one of your players is on the line, what do you tell them to concentrate on?

A. Concentrate on good form, first; a good release and a nice arch on the ball. Don't rush it. To me, use your legs and get a spin on the ball. I tell players to think to the back of the rim; to look deep to the back of the basket.

Q. What do you tell your own daughters about the competition?

A. Relax, take your time, take a deep breath, be patient, get your composure, don't be rattled. If you miss a couple, there's still a lot more to come. Have fun.

If you go

What: Knights of Columbus free-throw contest, sponsored by Robert P. Connelly Council 5918; open to boys and girls ages 10-14

When: Registration at 8:30 a.m. Saturday; contest at 9 a.m.

Where: St. Joan of Arc School Athletic Center, 800 Division St., Lisle

Info: (630) 910-0742

By the numbers

97 The NBA record for most consecutive free throws, set by Michael Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves over 19 games spanning two seasons, March 24 to Nov. 8, 1993.

28 The NBA record for most free throws made in one game, set by Wilt Chamberlain on March 2, 1962, in a game between Philadelphia and New York in Hershey, Pa.

840 The NBA record for most free throws made in one season, set by Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1965-66 season.

9,787 The NBA record for most free throws made in a career, set by Karl Malone from 1985-86 through 2003-04 while playing for the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers.

5,221 The Guinness Book world record for consecutive free throws set by Ted St. Martin on April 28, 1996.