When 8-year-old Brianna Layng steps to the free-throw line, some long shadows stand behind her. Daughter of current Jefferson High basketball coaches Clint and Sarah Layng, granddaughter of retired JHS coach Dick Norden, Brianna comes by her basketball knowledge from many hours in the gym, watching those coaches. But she also comes by her talent from many hours of practice.
With a practiced eye, a calm demeanor and a sure stance, she sinks free throws with seeming ease. It all paid off Saturday when she finished third at the Northwest Region Elks Hoop Shoot in Rapid City, South Dakota. The Elks paid the way for Brianna and her parents to travel to the regional, where she faced hot shots from North and South Dakota. She earned the right to compete there with local, district and state wins.
On February 4 she took the state title for the 8-9 girls’ division by swishing 21 of 25 free throws. The national free throw shooting program rewards the top boy and top girl from each of three age groups in eight regions with the right to compete in the national competition. Seventy-two of the best young free throw shooters from across the country aged 8-13 will compete in the finals in Chicago April 22.
Although Brianna did not earn a trip to the nationals this year, as an 8-year-old she has five more years to vie for the honor. Something tells us that the determined youngster will see 25 out of 25 – and lots of envious opponents and admiring fans – in her future.
