Shannon O’Donnell, Hayley O’Donnell, and Ashley Brinkley

Seven Jessieville and Fountain Lake students qualified for advancement in the 2011 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championships. The Hot Springs Village Knights held the council level contest at the Jessieville Sports Arena.

Four of the winners also captured local titles in 2010. The repeat winners included 12-year-old Dylan Anderson, 13-year-old Justin Bates, 13-year-old Hayley O’Donnell, and 14-year-old Alisha Davis. Dylan and Alisha both hit 11 of 15 free throws to win their categories.

Justin Bates and Youth Director Ike Eisenhauer

The first time winners included 10-year-old Shannon O’Donnell, 11-year-old Colby Anderson, and 12-year-old Ashley Brinkley.  Among these, Ashley had the toughest competition. She sank 10 of her 15 shots to narrowly defeat both Gabi Merritt and last year’s state champ, Taylor Williams.

The championship is for boys and girls aged 10 to 14. Local winners advance to next month’s district competition in Hot Springs. They will compete to make it to the state championships, which are held in Conway.