A local level of the 2016 Knights of Columbus International Free Throw Championship was held on Jan. 17 at Our Lady of Mercy Parish Center.
The Knights of Columbus sponsors the contest each year to promote family activities in its council’s communities. The Plainville Knights Council invited all boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 14 to try their best for 15 free throws and compete for some prizes and the chance to advance to the area advanced level contests.
Nine winners were named local champions and earned the right to compete at the district level.
Anthony Schinkel was the 9-year-old boys champ and Michael Bakaysa was best among the 10-year-old boys with a score of 14 baskets out of 15 tries. Morgan Levesque shot best among the 11-year-old girls while Jacob Stanczykiewicz won the 11-year-old boys contest. Riley Giblin was the winner among the 12-year-old girls and Jacob Demmons was the 12-year-old boys winner. Gabbie Schinkel shot a perfect 15-of-15 to take the crown in the 13-year-old girls group and Javan Paradis was great as well with 13 out 15 to win among the 13-year-old boys. Ryan Snyder scored of 13 of 15 to win the 14-year-old boys division.
Runners-up were Tom Keough in the 10-year-old boys; Sarah Thompson of the 11-year-old girls; Cameron Lamothe for the 11-year-old boys division; Cali-Rose Dayon for the 12-year-old girls; Jordan Rediker of the 12-year-old boys; Olivia Heslin for the 13-year-old girls; Dominic Sousa in the 13-year-old boys; and Branden Zeng of the 14-year-old boys..
Other contestants were 11-year-olds, Daijon Taft, Joe Rossi, and Nicholas Grabowski; 12-year-olds. Laren Matteo, Ryan Barker, Brandon Paznokas, Austin Halat, and Joseph Michalic; 13-year-olds Casey Roberge, Matthew Stanczykiewicz, and Tomasso Ettore; and 14-year-old, Jason Demmons.
Community sponsor J.R. Heating and Cooling contributed towards prizes for winners in each age group category.
Olivia Heslin shows good shooting form at the local level of competition in the Knights of Columbus International Free Throw Championship in Plainville on Jan. 17.