Sugar Grove kids hit the Bulls-eye

Ken Obremski of Sugar Grove was stunned -- in a pleasant way -- to see his 9-year-old son, Jake, make a regulation three-pointer and win the Kirk Hinrich sharpshooter challenge Dec. 3 at the United Center in Chicago.

He was even more surprised to see 8-year-old Hannah Nauert win in the girls group in the same age category.

Both are third-graders at Shields Elementary School in Sugar Grove, and both had played on the same basketball team.

Neither family knew the other child was participating, until the day they both won.

"We had no idea Hannah was competing until I saw her dad at the United Center," said Jake's dad. "It was really great that they're both from Sugar Grove and they both won."

Credit the way the Sugar Grove Park District basketball program emphasizes skill building. Or maybe there's something in the village's water supply.

The saga began in late September when both children separately entered the competition at the Dick's Sporting Goods store in Geneva.

The challenge was to rack up points by making as many baskets as possible within 30 seconds at area Dick's stores, alternating free throws and layups.

There were male and female groups for children in three age categories: 6-8, 9-14 and 15-18.

About two months later, each family received a call with an invitation to compete in the semifinals Dec. 3 at the United Center along with about 60 others. The invitation came with two tickets to the Bulls game against the Dallas Mavericks.

Jake and Hannah competed in the semifinals around 3 p.m. The rules were the same: Each had to score points by making free throws and layups within 30 seconds.

"Bill Wennington (former Bulls player and current radio announcer) met with the kids and coordinated everything," said Dan Nauert, Hannah's father. "He did a great job."

The finals were held at 7 p.m. in front of the crowd attending the game. Each was up to the challenge.

"Jake tied with another boy in the finals, and he made a three-pointer to win the tie-breaker," Obremski said. "Everyone was cheering and giving him high-fives. Here's this little kid, making a three-pointer on an NBA court."

"I was really excited," Jake said. "I make a three-pointer to win. I was jumping around on the court and screaming."

Hannah had a great experience as well.

"It was fun to be on the Bulls court," said Hannah, "I think I'll keep playing basketball."

"It was awesome," agreed her dad. "Hannah did great. I don't know if I ever saw her make a free throw before, much less in front of 10,000 people."

Jake also plans to continue with the Sugar Grove basketball program.

Each child received a gift certificate from Dick's Sporting Goods and an autographed Kirk Hinrich jersey.