Wheeling’s Miehle on Elks Hoop Shoot Win: ‘A Moment I’ll Never Forget’
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WHEELING - Within 24 hours of taking a slew of national accolades in Chicago, Our Lady of Peace School seventh grader Morgan Miehle was back home and back to practice.
On Saturday, Miehle made each of her 25 free throw attempts to win the 2023 Elks Hoop Shoot National Title at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. For this feat, she was also awarded the Getty Powell Award, awarded to the best-scoring girl, and the Emile Brady Trophy, awarded to those who achieve a perfect score.
"I was very focused on the moment," Miehle said Sunday. "After the first round, I was confident I would be able to make another 15 (baskets). And when I did, I was very happy - it was great, and it was a moment I'll never forget."
On Sunday, after returning home from Chicago, Miehle first went to volleyball practice, and was already heading to a basketball workout before the afternoon was done. She plans to continue her pursuit of athletic greatness.
"I was happy that I could represent my school, my community, my teachers and all my friends at the national competition," she said. "I want to thank my coaches, my teachers and my parents, and all my friends who supported me on my journey."
Miehle's best performance heading into the national finals was 23 out of 25, but on Saturday, shooting from the lead-off spot in a group of 12 of the nation's best shooters in the 12-13 age range, she set the mark to tie and watched on as everyone else came up short. One shooter, Maggie Brogdon, shot a 24 of 25 to come close, but in the end Miehle's perfect score stood and earned her the national title.
Miehle, the daughter of Joe and Lisa Miehle of Wheeling, qualified by winning the recent Elks Hoop Shoot Regional Foul Shooting Contest in Charlottesville, Virginia. She was sponsored by Wheeling Elks Lodge 28. She said she shoots about 100 free throws a day, three or four days a week.
In addition to playing for the Little Patriots Travel team, Miehle is a straight-A student and also enjoys playing softball and volleyball.