Nelson takes third in Iowa Elks Hoop Shoot

Though he's understandably frustrated he didn't get farther, Dawson Nelson, a seventh-grader at Nodaway Valley, made his community proud by placing third at the State Elks Hoop Shoot recently at Grinnell College.

Nelson, the son of Curtis and Ashlee Nelson, won a competition in Greenfield, then two in Creston, before reaching Grinnell.

The ultimate prize would have been a trip to the United Center in Chicago, though Nelson says he's proud of how he competed.

"In Grinnell, I went 19 of 25," Nelson said.

Nelson's mother states he began to love basketball in about fourth grade, and his love for the sport has grown from that point on. This year, Nelson was an integral part of the seventh grade boys basketball team at Nodaway Valley that is coached by Brett Welsch.

Nelson competed in the Elks Hoop Shoot two years ago but he says making it to the state level was a completely different feeling. Each shooter took 10 shots, then 15 more.

"I was pretty happy to make it as far as I did, but I was disappointed I didn't make it farther," Nelson said. "It was pretty fun. I got a little nervous. I was in the 12 and 13 year old age group and there were girls on one side and boys on the other side for my age group [shooting at the same time]."

The Nelsons say their entire trip to the state competition was paid for.

"The second night, they had a banquet for the boys with a nice meal, and he got an award," Ashlee said. "I'm proud I made it that far. Next year will be the last year [I'll be eligible]. This year makes me hungry for next year."