Youth Basketball Star Luke Mathis, Always A Winner

Over the past few years Redlands’ Luke Mathis, Moore Middle School student, has undoubtedly proved his talent throughout the basketball realm. Every year he showcases his basketball skills through the “Elks Hoop Shoot Contest” and this year, it's evident that he keeps progressing. The past two years, Mathis has been the California State Champion, two years ago he was the Regional runner-up and this past year, he was the Regional Winner and took fifth place in the entire nation. The contest consists of multiple competitions spread over a few months. It starts at a local competition, then onto the district, state, regionals, and then nationals. So far this year, Luke took first place at the local competition, held at the YMCA in Redlands. The next stop was the district competition which was took place on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Mt. San Antonio College. Mathis, once again, took first place, earning his spot in the upcoming state competition. This year, the State competition is scheduled for Jan. 30 at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, which is better known for the Los Angeles Lakers and Kings practice facility. "Although Mathis is a dedicated LA Clippers fan, the opportunity to play in the LA Lakers practice facility is still an honor," his father Marvin Mathis said with a chuckle. Other than his parents, one of Mathis’ biggest supporters is Hoop Shoot Contest Director Tony Lemos. Marvin shared, “He and his wife take time off of work to come watch Luke play.. he just does a great job; he really goes above and beyond.” According to Marvin, all contestants and family members that attend the State competition can stay for the Los Angeles Defenders, the NBA D-League team for the LA Lakers, game against Oklahoma that same day. As an added bonus, the contestants also have the opportunity to meet some of the players, the Laker girls, and NBA Legend A. C. Green.