Keystone State Free Throw Championships A Success

/ by / coachronn / on / August 05, 2010 @ 10:07 pm

By Jim "Makevery" Schatz

The NBSA/WILSON KEYSTONE STATE FREE THROW CHAMPIONSHIP, in conjunction with the HOOPS OF HOPE ALL STAR FESTIVAL was held July 31 in Philadelphia, PA,  at the King of Prussia Mall. 

The Hoops of Hope All Star Festival took up an entire city block with over 60 basketball hoops, food vendors, and a huge stage where many local and well known bands performed.  There was something for everyone and great music all day. After the shooting stopped for the day, the evening concert began.  

                        
 
The Hoops of Hope Organization was started by a nine year old boy named Austin Gutwein who decided he wanted to help those less fortunate than himself.  The Hoops of Hope organization is now part of World Vision and primarily helps orphans in Africa who are victims of Aids.  Now, six years later, that young man and his organization have raised millions of dollars and have done some amazing things while helping people and communities.  Visit their web site for more information:  www.hoopsofhope.org .

With Wilson Sporting Goods Sponsorship, the NBSA came in force to direct the tournament.  NBSA's contingent, led by Jim "Makevery" Schatz, consisted of free throw master shooters and teachers, Eddie Palubinskas, Rick Rosser, Bob Owen, Rod Kirschner and James Pauley.  Together, they helped make the Hoops of Hope All Star Festival the biggest and best outdoor free throw event ever.  According to Shatz, "A record for the amount of free throws shot and made was set here.  I don't know the numbers but you can imagine 60 hoops with a sea of people and shooters constantly shooting."

                      NBSA Crew

All competitors were able to shoot in their age/gender divisions, with an opportunity to advance and compete further in the Open Division.

The NBSA tournament format requires a competitor to shoot 50 free throws in his or her own age division. The highest scorers are the champions of their age divisions. 

All shooters who score 92% (46 out of 50 shots), or better, in their age divisions, qualify for the NBSA Open Division.  What's most unique about the NBSA Open Division competition is that all ages and genders can qualify and compete against each other.  

The Open Division is a single elimination format with head-to-head competition by alternating shots.  Shooters are placed into a draw sheet according to how well they shot in their age division competition.  Matches are won by first shooter to 25 up to the quarter finals, first to 50 in the semi finals and first to 100 in the finals. 

As with all NBSA tournaments, free instruction was offered by NBSA instructors to individual competitors throughout the day.  Even Hoops of Hope founder, Gutwein, received personal instruction while attending the event.

Not only were the competitors able to get pointers on their shooting from masters and world record holders, but NOAH ARC ANALYZER was available to measure the shooting arc for each shooter. The Noah System is a patented product that allows athletes to build a consistent arc: Noah System.

Results:

Age Group Winners  (Results are for outdoor conditions, shooting 50 shots.  Higher shot attempt/makes combines age group and open shooting)
 
Girls 16-19             Christy Lorah  24-50  48%  (Hummelstown, PA)
Boys 14-16            John Jenkins 25-50  50%  (Downingtown, PA)
Men  20-24            Alex Saltzberg 99-115  86% (Cherry Hill, N.J.)
Men  25-30            Ben Saltzberg  34/50  68%  (New Jersey)
Men  30-34            Jerry Gallagher 40-50  80% (Pennsylvania)
Men  50-54            Rick Rosser  125-127  98% (Alabama)
Men  55-59            Eddie Palubinskas 123-129  95%  (Louisana)
Men  60-64            Rod Kirschner  40/50= 80% (Louisana)
Men  65-69            Bob Owen  72-77  92% (Indianna)   

Open Division
 
1.   Rick Rosser  125/127= 98%  (Pennsylvania State Champion)
2.   Eddie Palubinskas 122/129= 94.5%