Local Basketball Player Looks to Shoot and Score by Ashley Dinkel - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events

Local Basketball Player Looks to Shoot and Score

By Ashley Dinkel, Staff Writer
January 20, 2017 at 11:55am. Views: 121

REDLANDS>> Luke Mathis, 12–year-old Redlands resident, is continuing his passion for basketball and will be participating in the State Elks Hoop Shoot contest on Feb. 4 in Torrance, California. Mathis began playing basketball when he was 5 years old and has participated in the Elks Hoop Shoot since he was 8. The Elks Hoop Shoot is a free throw shooting contest for youth ages 8-13 years old in which contestants shoot 25 free throws and the highest percentage wins. Mathis has been the Elks Hoop Shoot State Champion for the last three years and is going for a 4peat. Mathis was also fifth in the nation 2 years ago. Marvin Mathis, Luke’s father said Luke has shot at 92 percent, making 46 out of 50 shots in the first two contests. The Elks Hoop Shoot Contests consists of five contests that begin at a local level and continue to a district contest, state contest, regional contest and then nationals. With thousands of individuals who participate each year nationwide, Marvin said Luke is feeling confident and has been practicing before school and again in the evening. “He knows that as long as he does his best, that’s all that matters,” Marvin said. Luke, a 7th grader at Moore Middle School, maintains a 3.94 GPA and plays AAU Travel Basketball out of Rancho Cucamonga for the RC Bulls. “I am proud of his hard work and dedication that he puts toward it,” Marvin said. “It’s going to help build good character.” Marvin said Luke’s dream is to continue playing basketball and that the YMCA has been a great supporter of the Elks Hoop Shoot. “The Elks Hoop Shoot is a great program,” Marvin said. “I don’t think enough people know how great it is.” According to the website, the Elks spends more than $80,000,000 every year for benevolent, educational and patriotic community-minded programs in such fields as benefiting physically handicapped children, sponsoring Elks National Foundation scholarships, scouting, athletic teams, veterans' works, the national Hoop Shoot Contest involving more than 3 million children, physical and occupational therapy programs and patriotic programs.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 839

Moreno Valley fire officials keep a watchful eye on dry vegetation near local neighborhoods as fall inspections focus on reducing wildfire hazards and helping residents protect their homes before dangerous conditions arise. Red more on how to stay compliant and keep hazards at bay...

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:06am. Views: 454

An emergency preparedness representative speaks with a family at an outdoor earthquake safety information booth. A large Great California ShakeOut banner and displays explaining earthquake safety are visible beside emergency supplies, including a backpack, flashlight, water, and first-aid kit

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 30, -0001 at 12:00am. Views: 153

Young adults speak with a female public health outreach worker at an outdoor information table beside a mobile health services vehicle. Educational brochures and health resources are displayed, with a youth center building in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 499

A healthcare worker assists a resident during a community health outreach event. San Bernardino County's Wellness on Wheels program offers testing and preventive health resources at locations throughout the city.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 408

A female safety instructor demonstrates how to secure a young girl in a child car seat while the child's mother and older brother watch beside an open vehicle door. A child car seat safety education banner is visible in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 518

Redlands Police uniform patch beside a ceremonial police cap, framed recognition plaque, and white flowers. Police patrol vehicles, American and California flags, and a police department building appear in the background at sunset, symbolizing Police Chief Rachel Tolber's retirement after 28 years of service.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 259

Festive University of Redlands Homecoming celebration, with alumni, students, and families gathered on campus wearing maroon Bulldogs apparel. A bulldog mascot greets attendees while cheerleaders and a marching band perform near decorated tents and balloons, with university buildings and mountains in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 392

Redlands Planning Commission meeting, with commissioners seated at a council dais as a presenter discusses proposed development plans. Maps, architectural renderings, American and California flags, and a City of Redlands emblem appear in the background while community members observe the proceedings.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Contributing Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 465

Image depicting visitors entering the Museum of Redlands beneath a banner announcing its October 24 opening. The historic-style building features cream-colored columns, vintage photographs, landscaped gardens, and mountains in the background, symbolizing 26 years of community efforts to preserve Redlands history

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 581

A resident and a volunteer wearing a reflective safety vest place an old wooden cabinet into a large blue disposal container. Other volunteers and residents unload household items from vehicles at an outdoor collection site, with mountains in the background

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 451

Outdoor internet access can help residents complete schoolwork, search for employment and stay connected while enjoying Moreno Valley's public spaces.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 504

An older man practices walking between parallel bars while a female physical therapist in navy-blue scrubs provides support in a bright rehabilitation center. Exercise equipment and other patients are visible in the background.

--> -->