- December 8, 2025
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For 12-year-old Claire Bullock, the Lakewood Ranch Elks' annual Hoop Shoot free throw contest usually is an opportunity to show she can handle pressure.
But she did such a good job last year, winning through local, regional and state tournaments to earn a spot in the Hoop Shoot Nationals in Chicago, her performance might have discouraged others from taking her on when the event was held Dec. 5 at Carlos E. Haile Middle School.
Bullock had a walkover in her 12-13 age group and will again move forward to the district competition, which this year will be held Jan. 3 at G. T. Bray Park. She made 19 of her 30 free throws with no competitors pushing her.
Gil Bullock, Claire’s father, said the experience has taught her how to build mental toughness.
This year for the first round of Hoop Shoot local competition, Claire Bullock and her 10-year-old sister Emma were the only girls to compete.
“I didn't have any pressure,” Bullock said. “It just felt easier.”
For the past three years, Bullock has been part of the Wave Basketball program, which is run by Wave Director Luis Morales. The Elks Hoop Shoot is a collaboration between Wave Basketball and the Lakewood Ranch Elks Lodge No. 2855.
The competition is open to boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 13. Morales said about half the kids who participated are part of Wave Basketball of Bradenton.
Morales described the Hoop Shoot experience as a “fun basketball journey” and enjoys any opportunity to pass on knowledge to kids at an early age. He said basketball in general produces well-rounded, contributing members of society.
“Sports and life go hand in hand and you’ve got to work hard to get what you want,” Morales said. “Just like in a job, you have to work hard to get paid a good salary or financially be responsible to make it in life. You can't cut corners. With sports, you can't cut corners, either.”
He said those who earn the right to advance in the Hoop Shoot contest put in the work.
“It's all about having fun, setting goals for yourself, and being with your friends,” said Jeff Bosworth, the Elks chairperson for the event.
The age groups were 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-15.
Liam Goutos won the boys 10-11 group by hitting 21 of 30 free throws. Emma Bullock, Claire Bullock’s younger sister, will advance in the 10-11 age group after making 15 of 30 shots.
Braylen Boleman beat five competitors at 12-13 by making 20 of his 30 free throw shots.
Randy Volkart, who was in charge of the Hoop Shoot for the two previous years, said this year's event had a low turnout.
“We'd like to have more kids,” said Volkart. “We don't care who they are, we’re just happy when they're here.”
