From KITSAP NEWS Reports

The Bremerton Elks Lodge will again see one of its top free throw shooters onto state after Esquire Hills Elementary student Starr Rodenhurst advanced to nationals a year ago.

At the Elks West District Hoop Shoot, held last weekend at Hoquiam High School, Bremerton saw one representative advance to state, while another came close: Taylor Rimer, who advanced in the 8-9-years-old Girls Division; and RJ Neal, who fell just shy in the 12-13-year-old Boys Division.

More than 100 people turned out at the district competition, with 19 boys and 22 girls competing from ages 8 to 13. Contestants shot more than 1,000 collective free throws to determine the six total finalists.

Rimer made 14 of her 25 shots to edge Ashlynn Uvila of Naval Elks Lodge, by a single free throw. Rimer’s parents are Kalani and Nichole Rimer.

For Neal, both he and Ronnie Espedal, representing host Hoqiuam, made 22 of their 25 shots. In a five-shot tie-break, Espedal hit four while Neal hit three, ending his shot at state by just a single free throw. His parents are Raymond and Michelle Neal.

Trophies were presented for first- and second-place finishers. Highland Middle School in Bellevue will host state on Feb. 9. In the event that a first-place district winner cannot move on, the second-place finisher will take the vacant spot.

For more information about the Elks Hoop Shoot or the Elks, visit www.elks.org/hoopshoot.