Henderson 12-Year-Old Wins National Free Throw Title With Perfect Performance

LAS VEGAS, NV — Duncan Walker, a student at Jack & Terry Mannion Middle School in Henderson, was crowned a national champion on April 18, 2026, after delivering a perfect 25-of-25 shooting performance at the Elks National Hoop Shoot Finals.

The Path to Perfection

The Routine: Walker relies on a steady routine of spinning the ball and two bounces before every shot, a method that proved unstoppable at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena.
Division Win: Competing in the boys’ 12-13 age division, Walker made all 25 attempts to secure his title.
Getty Powell Award: Because his score tied for the best overall performance of the day across all age groups, Walker entered a six-round shoot-off. He made an additional 30 consecutive free throws without a miss to win the prestigious Getty Powell Award.

Historical Achievement

Walker is only the third Nevada shooter to win a national title since the competition began, and the first since 1996. As a national champion, his name will be enshrined in the Elks Hoop Shoot exhibit at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Resilience and Calm

This victory was Walker’s third consecutive appearance at the national finals. He previously finished 10th in 2023 and 5th in 2024, experience that his father, Quincy Walker, said helped him stay “cool” while shooting last in the order under intense pressure.

Source: Las Vegas Sun, Morningstar, Elks.org.