Winners announced from annual St. Michael's Parish Nights of Columbus free-throw competition

RUSSELLVILLE - The St. Michael's Parish Knights of Columbus hosted its annual free-throw competition Friday, Jan. 15, at the Russellville Elementary School.

More than 65 participants, ages 9-14, turned out.

The top shooters in each age and gender division will advance to the district competition held at Helias Catholic High School next month. Each winner also received a new basketball with the Knights of Columbus emblem.

The annual event is open to any qualified youth, regardless of address. The council hopes to increase participation from nearby communities without a local Knights of Columbus, said organizer Josh Meller.

The girls champions were: 9-year-old Courtney Edwards, 10-year-old Lexie Plochberger, 11-year-old Hannah Mehmert, 12-year-old Natalie Kirchner, 13-year-old Reagan Jenkins and 14-year-old Skylar Potts.

The boys champions were: 9-year-old Will Boyd, 10-year-old Jackson Hackett, 11-year-old Charlie Miller, 12-year-old Donnie Williams, 13-year-old Cooper Basnett and 14-year-old Matthew Miller.