Local Basketball Player Looks to Shoot and Score

REDLANDS>> Luke Mathis, 12–year-old Redlands resident, is continuing his passion for basketball and will be participating in the State Elks Hoop Shoot contest on Feb. 4 in Torrance, California. Mathis began playing basketball when he was 5 years old and has participated in the Elks Hoop Shoot since he was 8. The Elks Hoop Shoot is a free throw shooting contest for youth ages 8-13 years old in which contestants shoot 25 free throws and the highest percentage wins. Mathis has been the Elks Hoop Shoot State Champion for the last three years and is going for a 4peat. Mathis was also fifth in the nation 2 years ago. Marvin Mathis, Luke’s father said Luke has shot at 92 percent, making 46 out of 50 shots in the first two contests. The Elks Hoop Shoot Contests consists of five contests that begin at a local level and continue to a district contest, state contest, regional contest and then nationals. With thousands of individuals who participate each year nationwide, Marvin said Luke is feeling confident and has been practicing before school and again in the evening. “He knows that as long as he does his best, that’s all that matters,” Marvin said. Luke, a 7th grader at Moore Middle School, maintains a 3.94 GPA and plays AAU Travel Basketball out of Rancho Cucamonga for the RC Bulls. “I am proud of his hard work and dedication that he puts toward it,” Marvin said. “It’s going to help build good character.” Marvin said Luke’s dream is to continue playing basketball and that the YMCA has been a great supporter of the Elks Hoop Shoot. “The Elks Hoop Shoot is a great program,” Marvin said. “I don’t think enough people know how great it is.” According to the website, the Elks spends more than $80,000,000 every year for benevolent, educational and patriotic community-minded programs in such fields as benefiting physically handicapped children, sponsoring Elks National Foundation scholarships, scouting, athletic teams, veterans' works, the national Hoop Shoot Contest involving more than 3 million children, physical and occupational therapy programs and patriotic programs.