Reader-Submitted by Kim Flowers

Alexa Werneck and Ethan Flowers, both from Dexter, will compete in Jefferson City at the Knights of Columbus State Free Throw Competition next week.

Both Werneck (10-year-old girls division) and Flowers (14-year-old boys division) won the local, council, and regional free throw competitions held over the last 6 weeks.

At the local level, the competitor's goal is to shoot 15 consecutive free throws, with the council, regional, and state competitors shooting 25 consecutive free throws.

This will be Werneck's first trip to the state competition and Flowers' third trip to the state competition.

Since 1972, the Knights of Columbus councils have sponsored the Free Throw Championships for boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 14. The championship is set up to have contestants compete within their own gender and age group. All competition starts at the local level. Winners move on to the district, regional, and state levels. From there, some make it to the international level for championship competition in their groups.

Alexa is a 4th grader and the daughter of Chad and Amber Werneck, and Ethan is an 8th grader and the son of Tim and Kim Flowers.