Basketball Star Luke Mathis Heads to Regional Contest of Elks Hoop Shoot by Kayla Sheldon - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Basketball Star Luke Mathis Heads to Regional Contest of Elks Hoop Shoot

By Kayla Sheldon, Staff Writer
February 24, 2016 at 09:15am. Views: 106

Eleven–year-old Redlands resident Luke Mathis doesn’t miss a beat, or a shot. At the end of this month, Mathis will be heading to Las Vegas, Nevada to compete in the Regional contest of the Elks Hoop Shoot Contest. Natural born basketball player, Mathis secured his number-one title as the California/Hawaii State Champion for his third year in a row. His winning statistics were nearly perfect as he made 46 shots out of 50, making his free throw (FT) percentage 92. With this impressive stat, he ranks higher than Los Angeles Clippers Shooter Guard Jamal Crawford who is currently the best FT shooter in the NBA with a percentage of 91.7. Also beating Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry as he holds a FT% of 91.2. Considering the “hardcore” Clippers fan Mathis is, he was very proud of this accomplishment, according to his father Marvin. “This year has been tougher for Luke because there is an expectation of him winning,” Marvin said. “He has really had to focus on the task at hand and try not to look ahead.” Every year, Mathis follows a simple motto: “No Days Off”. No matter if there is an upcoming competition or not, Mathis puts in hard work during the day and even at night, according to Marvin. “We have tried to make every session focused with the emphasis being on a certain area,” he said. Last year, Mathis won the Regional Contest, sending him to the National Contest where he placed fifth. Although only in middle school, Mathis’ long-term goal is to play at the powerhouse school University of Kentucky where a myriad of successful basketball players like New Orleans’ Power Forward Anthony Davis attended. “As his father I am so proud of the young man he is developing into and the drive he exhibits each day,” he shared. “I know that he will succeed in life regardless of how he finishes this year.”

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 312

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 351

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 307

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 198

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 326

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 436

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 433

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 358

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 293

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 242

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 467

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 217

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->