Hayden Heavener, representing Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221, won first place at the lodge and district Hoop Shoots before placing first for boys ages 10-11 at the North regional Hoop Shoot Jan. 28 at Columbia High School in Lake City, Florida. He then advanced to the state Hoop Shoot Feb. 18 at the Florida Elks Youth Camp, where he won first place again. He then went on to the southeast regional competition in Valdosta, Georgia, March 18, again scoring first in his age division, moving him to the national Hoop Shoot later in April. Hayden is the first contestant from Jacksonville 221 to make it to the national level. His grandfather, David Heavener, is an Elks member as well.
Pictured are Hayden and Brent Reedy, Lodge and District Hoop Shoot Chair.