Two of the winners from Sedona Elks Lodge’s Elks Hoop Shoot on Jan. 14 advanced through to the state shootoff, to be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Cactus Canyon Junior High School in Apache Junction.

Eight-year-old Zion Velasquez made 16 of 25 free throws to win the 8-to-9-year-old division. Sedona Charter School student Maverick White sank 14 of 25 to win the 10-to-11-year-old group.

The district shootoff was held at Heritage High School in Chino Valley on Saturday, Jan. 21. Three other participants from the Sedona shoot competed there as well.

Past exalted ruler of the Elks Lodge Marsha Helton said that both Velasquez and White plan to attend the state shootoff.

In the case that either wins their division in Apache Junction, they would move on to the regional competition in Las Vegas in March. The Elks Lodge will pay for the participants’ travel and lodging expenses for as far as they reach in the competition.