Saturday January 17, 2026 – from 7:30 to 11:30 AM

St. John Evangelist school gym
 

Sponsored by the St. John Knights of Columbus Council 12154 • Cedar Lake Knights of Columbus Council 3840

Schererville Knights of Columbus Council 12177 • Merrillville Knights of Columbus Council 4047

 

Who –    All boys and girls ages 9-14 are invited to compete (age as of January 1, 2026)

What –   K of C annual council/district free throw competition open to all youth in 

             St. John, Cedar Lake, Schererville, Merrillville and nearby areas

When –  Saturday January 17, 2026 – from 7:30 to 11:30 AM

Where – St. John Evangelist school gym - 9400 Wicker Ave (US 41) in St. John 

How –    Just show up and see how many free throws you can make out of 25 attempts

 

The Details:

• Show up any time between 7:30 and 11:30 AM to compete

• Basketballs used for the competition are provided

• 12 competition brackets – boy/girl, ages 9-14

• Older boys (ages 12-14) will use a men’s size basketball and will 

        shoot from the regulation 15 foot line

• Older girls (ages 12-14) will use a women’s size basketball and will

        shoot from the regulation 15 foot line

• Younger boys and girls (ages 9-11) may use a women’s size basketball and 

         may shoot from a 12 foot line, if desired

• After several practice shots, each competitor will shoot 25 free throws

• Highest number of baskets made wins the age bracket

• No cash prizes awarded, participants will receive a certificate, patch, or medal 

                    (if playing high school basketball, participants should check with their coach)

• Winners are invited to advance to the Regional level of the competition to be 

                     held in Portage IN in February 2026

• Note: A participant may compete in only 1 area K of C council competition

 

Contact with any questions:

• Steve Backe, K of C Council 12154 Youth Director

      email – steve.backe@comcast.net

      talk/text – 219-796-7272 (leave message if calling)