A youngster from Geneva has made his way through the Elks “Hoop Shoot” contest to the national competition held in Springfield, Mass. April 24-27.

Oakley Baker, a 9-year-old, took first place in North Central Regional Championship March 14 held in Iowa City, Iowa.

Baker placed first in the local, district and state competitions and is now one of 72 finalists in the nation in the 8-to-9-year-old age group.

Baker, who represents Albert Lea Elks Lodge 813, sank 24 out of 25 free throw attempts in Iowa City for first place.

Baker was also awarded the Dick Froeschle Award as the best boy competitor, after he won a shootoff by making 14 of 15 free throws.

Albert Lea resident Tyler Vandenheuvel also competed in the regional competition in Iowa City and placed third in the 12-to-13-year-old division.

Vandenheuval made 21 of 25 free throws.

The Elks “Hoop Shoot” Free Throw Contest is in its 37th year and more than 104 million young boys and girls have participated in the event.

A number of professional basketball players have been among the past winners of the contest, including Cleveland Cavaliers player Trajan Langdon, Steve Alford, and Chris Mullin.