Fifth grader Roman Bacchus showed in recent weeks he’s one of the best pre-teen free throw shooters in the state.

The 11-year-old Helen Haller Elementary student was runner-up in the Elks Hoop Shoot ages 10-11 boys contest on Feb. 15 at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey.

Bacchus almost made it to the regional tournament as he was tied for first place at the end of regulation, shooting 20 for 25. He and another student went into an overtime shoot-off.

To qualify for the state tournament, Bacchus won the 10-11 boys district tournament in Sequim where he also shot 20 for 25 and tied for first again, requiring a shoot-off. Bacchus sank all five of his shots to win.

He was the only Sequim student to qualify for state.

The Elks Hoop Shoot free throw contest is open to children ages 8-13 with three age groups and has been running for more than 50 years to help them develop grit and perseverance through friendly competition. For more information, visit elks.org/hoopshoot.

Photo courtesy Robyn Bacchus Sequim’s Roman Bacchus, 11, won second place for boys ages 10-11 in Washington’s Elks Hoop Shoot on Feb. 15.