A rare celebration for an Everett-based basketball club. On February 10, 2024, three kids from Everett were crowned Washington State Champions in the Elks Hoop Shoot contest.
Ellie Matisin, Helaina and Max Soterakopoulos Win State Hoops Championship
The event took place at St. Martin’s University in Olympia. Each athlete won their local qualifier, the district qualifier in Seattle, and the Washington State championship in Olympia.
Trophies were awarded to the top boys and girls in each category: Ages 8-9, 10-11, and 12-13. Elizabeth “Ellie” Matisin (9) will represent the Everett Elks Lodge #479. Helaina Soterakopoulos (10) and Max Soterakopoulos (9) will represent the Shoreline Elks Lodge #1800.
During the district finals, Helaina made 10 out of 10 free throws for the win in round 1. She finished 2 rounds making 21/25 baskets. Ellie and Max both won the State Finals during a tie breaker in a 5 shot shootout of round 3. Ellie completed in the girls’ division and won by 2 baskets, while Max won in a close shootout during the boys’ division. His opponent from Longview was first to go, who made 4 of his 5 shots in the 3rd round. Max finished round 3 by swishing 5 out of 5 shots for the win.
These three competitors have created a close bond within this last year, because they all play for the the same soccer and basketball club. Their basketball teammates and coaches from the Wildcat Basketball Academy (WBA), an AAU club in Everett, are extremely thrilled to have them move onto the next round. In addition to practicing free throws, they are also preparing to compete in the Washington Middle School State basketball tournament in Spokane.
This triple threat group will advance to the NW Regional contest in Kennewick, WA. They will compete against athletes from Alaska, Idaho, and Oregon. Their goal is to secure their spots in the Elk’s National Hoop Shoot Championship located in Chicago, which will take place in mid April, 2024.
February 18, 2024
Everett Schools, Everett Sports