Two young basketball players from Wharton County gave it their best shot at the annual Elks State Hoop Shoot but fell short of regionals this season. Aaliyah Tutson and Rylie Martinez represented El Campo Elks Lodge 1749 after winning the Gulf Coast district title in February. At state, Tutson finished 8th, making 5 of 25 free throws, while Martinez placed 7th with 3 of 25. Winners now advance to a four-state contest, with nationals set for April in Chicago. The last Wharton County athlete to reach nationals was Oliver Miles.