Knights of Columbus sponsor free throw contest

For anyone who has ever played a game of H-O-R-S-E or P-I-G, the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest will have a ring of familiarity.

The Robert P. Connelly Council 5918 that serves Lisle and Woodridge will play host to the annual competition for boys and girls ages 10 to 14. The fun begins when the doors open at 8:30 a.m. for registration Saturday, Jan. 10, at the St. Scholastica Parish Gym, 7800 Janes Ave. in Woodridge.

The free competition starts at 9 a.m. Participants will need proof of age, written consent from their parents and a little luck.

The Knights of Columbus national director of public relations, Peter Sonski, Jr., said local councils have sponsored the nondenominational program for the past 35 years with winners going to district, regional and state levels.

"The scores of the winners at the state level are forwarded to the Supreme Council headquarters, where international champions are determined," Sonski said.

Illinois had 151,000 boys and girls participate last year in more than 3,100 competitions around the state, local organizer Mark Henderson said. All contestants are recognized for their participation at every level.

Each participant receives three warmup shots and 15 shots at the local level, district deputy Frank Stock said. At the higher levels, contestants get 25 tries. Boy and girl winners in each of five age categories move on to the next level of competition.

The concept seems easy, but is it? Willing contestants concentrate on their stance, keep their toes just behind the line and follow through launching the ball with the right trajectory to sink their shot.

Although most shooters seem to bend their knees, tuck in their elbows and keep their eyes on the rim, everyone personalizes their methodical approach.

When Stephanie Henderson, 11, comes to the line she bounces the ball a couple of times and then spins it back before taking aim. Last year, when she competed in the contest held at St. Joan of Arc school in Lisle, her technique served her well because she qualified for district and then went on to the regional contest.

This year, she feels she's improved because she plays on a girls' traveling basketball team.

"We practice our free-throwing at every practice," Stephanie said. "I am learning to concentrate and relax more on the line."

St. Scholastica eighth-grader Katie Slattery, 13, had her best achievement last year when she won at each level and went to state. She won a trophy, several medals and bragging rights having made 20 of 25 shots at district, 21 of 25 at regional and 14 of 25 at the state level.

With all the activities and school responsibilities students at these ages have, adding one more place to be on a Saturday morning might be a challenge for some families, but Katie feels testing your skills against others in a similar age group is a great learning opportunity and one a lot more kids should try.

"You should challenge yourself by competing," Katie said. "You will find you get better and more interested in the sport."

Stephanie describes taking part as "fun."

"You get to see what level you are at and how it compares to others in your age category," she said. "Try it at least once and see if you like it."

Lisle residents Meghan McShea, 12, and her older brother, Kevin, have competed in the contest for several years.

"I went on to district, regional and state the last two years," Meghan said in an e-mail. "I learned to concentrate and ignore other shooters so that I don't get nervous."

The St. Joan of Arc seventh-grader gets plenty of practice by being on her school's team.

"Everyone should try it," Meghan said. "It really is fun and you have nothing to lose."

Lisle brothers, Jacob and Dylan Sinn have participated in the past, too.

Dylan, who competed the past two years, is on the Lisle Senior High School freshman team now.

"I went to state last year where I came in seventh in my age group," Dylan e-mailed. "I am really glad that I got to do this. I would encourage other kids to participate if they like competition and enjoy basketball."

Dylan, who turned 15 on Jan. 1, has passed the age to participate this year, but he encourages others if they like competition and enjoy basketball to give it a try. He knows firsthand the importance of accurate free throws.

"Free throws are always important, especially in a close game," he wrote. "Many times teams will foul an opposing player so they can shoot free throws without time coming off the clock and then can get the ball back. They are anticipating that the shooter will miss at the free throw line.

"However, if you can make those shots this tactic becomes useless and it becomes much more difficult for a team to come back late in the game."

Stock, who oversees the district and regional K of C competitions, held in Wheaton and at Benedictine University respectively, says there are roughly 80 to 100 participants at the higher contest levels. At the local level, participation varies, but at each, 10 winners move on to the next level of competition.

For additional information contact, Mark Henderson at (630) 910-0742.

If you go

What: Free-throw shooting contest

Who: For boys and girls ages 10-14; sponsored by Robert P. Connelly Council 5918 that serves Lisle and Woodridge

When: Registration at 8:30 a.m., contest at 9 a.m. Jan.10

Where: St. Scholastica Parish Gym, 7800 Janes Ave., Woodridge.

Info: (630) 910-0742