Knights of Columbus to Host Annual Free Throw Championship Jan. 25

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The local chapter of the Knights of Columbus invites area youth to showcase their basketball skills at the 2026 Free Throw Championship. The competition is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 25, at the Watertown Middle School gymnasium, located at 1700 11th St. NE.

The event is open to all boys and girls ages 9 to 14. Registration and practice sessions begin at 1:00 PM, with the official competition starting at 1:30 PM. Participants’ ages are determined as of Jan. 1, 2026.

To ensure fair play across age groups, the competition will utilize specific equipment and distance requirements:

·        Ages 9–11: Contestants will use a 28.5-inch basketball and shoot from a 12-foot line.

·        Ages 12–14: Contestants will use regulation-sized basketballs and shoot from the standard 15-foot line.

The Knights of Columbus will award basketballs to the first and second-place finishers in each age division. Additionally, all first-place winners will earn a spot in the District Championship, which is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 1, at 1:30 PM, also at the Watertown Middle School gymnasium.

This annual event provides a positive outlet for local youth to engage in friendly competition and develop athletic consistency. There is no fee to participate.

For more information regarding the local competition or registration requirements, residents can contact Nick Kranz at (605) 886-7799 or via email at dnkranz4@gmail.com.