BEVERLY — Emma Moriarty sank 21 of 25 free throws on Saturday to become the state champion in the 12- to 13-year-old girls category of the annual Elks Hoop Shoot.
Moriarty was trailing Nicole Melchionda of Marshfield, who made her first 10 shots in the competition at Woburn High School. But Moriarty came back to hit 13 of her final 15 shots to beat Melchionda, 21-19.
Moriarty now advances to the New England competition on March 27 at the University of Maine in South Portland. If she wins there, she'll compete in the national finals scheduled for April in Springfield.
Two other youngsters representing the Beverly-Salem Elks Club also fared well in the state competition. Veronica Delacruz of Salem hit 12 of 25 shots to place fifth in the 10- to 11-year-old girls category. Sam Carmasino of Swampscott sank 16 of 25 to finish sixth in the 12-13 boys age group.
