Andrew ‘AJ? Carlson’s got a hot hand. The St. Joseph’s Catholic School 7th grader was the top free-throw shooter in his age group in Michigan for the Elks USA Hoop Shoot competition. He’s sponsored by the Rochester Elks Club.
AJ, 12, made 22 of 25 free throw attempts at the Elks? state contest in Grand Rapids, on Feb. 25. He made nine of 10 in the first round and 13 of 15 in round two.
Because of his aim, he takes to the hardwood again in Semifinal competition, on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) in Angola, Indiana. AJ will represent Michigan against the best shooters from Ohio, Indiana to see who is tops in the Great Lakes Region.
According to AJ’s mom, Tanya, the lad spends a lot of time shooting baskets. He participates in a Catholic Youth League and on the Clarkston Grizzlies AAU league, as well as practicing at Basketball America on Clarkston Road.
‘He’s pretty cool under pressure,? his mom says.
The winners of all the regions will compete in the Elks Hoop Shoot finals on April 28 in Springfield, MA.
AJ is the son of Don and Tanya Carlson and the ‘little? brother of Katherine, 14. As a side note, big sis Katherine won the state free throw competition herself in 2010. AJ is also the grandson of Lake Orion residents Joe and Margie Kloka.