[April 7, 2026 | Cullman, AL] At its April 6, 2026 meeting, Mayor Woody Jacobs and the Cullman City Council recognized five outstanding young athletes from Cullman County who recently competed in the Elks District 12 Regional Hoop Shoot in Valdosta, Georgia. Representing the Cullman Elks Lodge, these students achieved remarkable success, with four earning first-place finishes in their age divisions and advancing to the Elks National Hoop Shoot Finals on April 18 in Chicago.

This year marks a historic milestone for the Cullman Elks Lodge, which sent five competitors to the regional competition, the most in its history. Even more notably, four of those competitors will advance to the national finals, setting a national record for the most participants any Elks Lodge has ever sent to nationals in a single year.

The following students were recognized for their achievements:

  • Alex Wood of Holly Pond Elementary, first place, girls 8–9
  • Avery Stricklin of Good Hope Elementary, first place, girls 10–11
  • Kylie Minor of East Elementary, first place, girls 12–13
  • John Carl Knight of Sacred Heart Elementary, first place, boys 12–13
  • Paxton Plourd of Parkside Elementary, second place, boys 10–11

John Carl Knight will be making his second appearance at the national finals, having previously placed fourth in the boys 8–9 division in 2023. Paxton Plourd was the 2025 national champion in the boys 8–9 division.

Each of these students advanced to the regional competition after winning their respective divisions at the local, district, and state levels, demonstrating exceptional dedication, discipline, and skill. At regionals, they competed against top shooters from Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and South Carolina.

Alabama has produced six national Hoop Shoot champions, and five of those are from Cullman County, underscoring the strength and tradition of the local program.

Council members also recognized Donnie Handley for his 35 years of leadership with the Cullman Elks Hoop Shoot program. The Cullman Elks Lodge has supported the Hoop Shoot for 53 years, building one of the most respected programs in the nation and providing young athletes with opportunities to develop confidence, sportsmanship, and pride in representing their schools, community, and state.

The City of Cullman congratulates these students on their accomplishments and wishes them the best as they represent Cullman County and the State of Alabama at the national competition.