Local boy from Massapequa finishes second in the New York State "Hoop Shoot" finals held recently at upstate Horseheads. Thomas Anderle, 9 years of age, a student at East Lake Elementary School in Massapeua Park, won four successive levels of free throw basketball competitions to qualify for the NY State Elks Hoop Shoot Finals; namely, his school contest, the Massapequa Elks Lodge Hoop Shoot at the Massapequa High School, the Elks East District Hoop Shoot at Deasy Elementary School in Glen Cove, and finally the Greater New York including all five boroughs of New York City, all of Long Island and Westchester County-Regional Elks "HoopShoot" championship in Glen Cove High School.

Thomas placed second of the four regional winners in his age group at Horseheads which means he finished second of approximately 174 Elks Lodges in New York state. Thomas is not only an excellent "Hoop Shooter" but is also proud of his school record and a great credit to his family.