Cooper takes 2nd in Illinois Elks Hoop Shoot [March 24, 2010]  Grant Cooper of Lincoln made his third trip in three years to the Illinois State Elks Hoop Shoot Contest. Cooper made 22 of 25 free throws to bring home the second-place trophy in the 12-13-year-old boys' division for the second year in a row. In 2008 Cooper was the state champion in the 10-11-year-old division. The state contest this year was on Feb. 13 at Decatur Eisenhower High School.

Each year the state champion moves on to compete at the North Central Regional Semifinals in Iowa City against state champions from Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The winner advances to the National Hoop Shoot Finals at Western New England College in Springfield, Mass.

The Elks Hoop Shoot Contest is the largest and most visible of the many youth activities sponsored by Elks Lodges. More than 3 million boys and girls ages 8-13 have participated this year.

[Text from file received]