

By Cara Pattison
Contributing Writer
Before youth returned to school from the extended Christmas holiday break, Yukon Parks & Recreation hosted its 20th Annual Free Throw Contest on Friday, Jan. 3 at the Jackie Cooper Gym, 1024 E Main.


Organized by Jackie Cooper Gym facility supervisor Tyler Kilmer and his staff, the event brought out a large crowd for a variety of reasons.
“We have kids at the Jackie Cooper Gym every day playing basketball,” Kilmer said. “Our Free Throw Contest is always held on the last Friday of Christmas Break. It’s a great way for our basketball loving youth to get to know each other and get some exercise on Christmas Break. Many of them go to different schools, so it’s fun for them to meet and compete.”


The day of the event, 30 boys and girls ages 6-13 years-old showed up compete in the free competition.
Participants shot 20 free throws each, and after tie breakers, ribbons were presented to first, second, and third place winners. Age brackets included 6-7 years-old, 8-9 years-old, 10-11 years-old, and 12-13 years-old.


THE WINNERS
Age brackets included 6-7 years-old, 8-9 years-old, 10-11 years-old, and 12-13 years-old.
6-7 Boys
1st Jackson Smith
2nd Benson Ritchey
3rd Landon Ferguson
6-7 Girls
1st Tinley Pierson
8-9 Boys


1st Max Schlegel
2nd Brayson Beale
3rd Eric Bryant
8-9 Girls
1st Avery Nelson
10-11 Boys
1st Jayen Burrett
2nd Boston Campeotto
3rd Everett Doctorman
10-11 Girls
1st Mia Bromlow


12-13 Boys
1st Easton Doctorman
2nd Mason Jernigan
Engaging in a little friendly “Canadian County Bedlam” competition, winners of the Yukon Free Throw Contest advance to the finals of the Yukon vs. Mustang Free Throw Challenge.
“This is an annual event,” Yukon Parks & Recreation recreation leader Danya Goss said. “We always have a great turn-out. I’m looking forward to seeing the Yukon winners compete against the Mustang winners.”
The Bedlam competition will be Tuesday, Jan. 28 at Mustang High School.