Johnston places 2nd at national hoop shoot

LIBBY — Ryggs Johnston placed second at the National Elks Hoop Shoot on Saturday at Western New England University gymnasium in Springfield, Mass.

The Libby fifth-grader was 23-for-25 in regulation competition, which put him into a 3-way tie for second place.

A five-shot shootoff eliminated one boy and a second five-shot shootoff eliminated the second boy. All in all, Johnston was 33-for-35 on the day — and 127-for-135 throughout the entire competition.

There were 72 children in all in the competiton — 36 boys and 36 girls spread over three age groups. There were 12 boys in Johnston’s division.

The New York boy who won the competition made all 25 of his regulation free throws.

“We were very, very proud of him. Of course, he was disappointed, not satisfied with second,” said his mom, Cindy Ostrem-Johnston of Libby.

“We were proud of him for keeping his composure and focus. That was good to see.

“It was a good experience and he got a huge trophy,” she said.

“Now he’s on a mission to go back and win it,” she said.

Johnston will have two more shots at that, if he chooses. He will compete in the boys 12-13 year old age division next year.

Each contestant also received a plaque and other prizes, she said.

“They were very nice people,” she said. She added a thank you to the Elks and to all those who supported Johnston.