Brayden Taylor, a fourth-grade student at Soldotna Elementary, placed first in the district Elks "Hoop Shoot" free throw contest for his age group, 8-9 year-olds. The finalists went to a state competition where Brayden placed second. Evan Hatfield, district representative for the Elks Hoop Shoot, presented Brayden with his trophy recently at an assembly at Soldotna Elementary.