Local youth takes second in statewide free-throw competition

A Wrangell girl has taken second place in the state for the 2016-17 Elk's Hoop Shoot.

Jamie Early sank 18 of 25 baskets during the Wrangell Lodge's shoot in December, taking first among the girls 12 to 13 age group. Local-level winners have their scores weighed against those from around the state, with awards distributed via various Elks lodges. Those taking first place by category can compete on the regional level, going on from there to the national competition in Chicago on April 22.

Now a seventh grader, Early has been participating in the annual test of free-throw skills since she was eight years old. This is the first time she has received an award at the state level. Her score was one basket shy of tying the Wrangell girls 12-13 record set in 2014 by Kaylyn Easterly, a previous winner.

Though this was the last Hoop Shoot Early will be eligible to participate in, she plans to continue on with basketball in the future. Her mother, Penny Early, cites the community's various programs, including the Amateur Athletic Union team for middle school age students, the parks and recreation department, and the 10,000 Shot Club put on by high school girls coach Laurie Brown for helping her daughter.

"It really made a big difference," she said.