Sharp shooter from Elm Creek takes family to new experience

ELM CREEK, Neb. -- 

The sound of swishing in the gymnasium at Elm Creek resonates loudly.

Cole Cavenee lacing up to perfect his shot from the free throw stripe. He’s so good at it, the 11-year-old has won several events locally and regionally to qualify for the Elks Hoop Shoot national competition.

“Cole qualified and he won the Elm Creek one,” said his dad, Tanner Cavenee. “We went to Kearney, then we went to York, we went to Colorado Springs (and won at all the locations).

“I did not think I was going to make it this far,” Cole said. “I knew I was going to make it kind of far, but I did not think I was going to make it all the way.”

“He actually was 24 of 24, and he missed his last shot,” added Tanner.

The kid has the talent and the form, and he’s got the mojo, too.

“Pretty good confidence in (my shot),” Cole said.

“He’s around the game all the time,” said Tanner, who is also the head coach of the boys basketball program at Elm Creek. “I’ve taught him basketball since kindergarten.”

With the precise aim and a whole lot of swishing, Cole gets to take his mom and dad to Chicago for the finals, and they’re flying the family out there. Tanner has never been to the Windy City.

“In your wildest dreams, did you think your 11-year-old would be bringing you to Chicago?” I asked.

“No!” Tanner says while emphatically shaking his head. “No, no. Usually, we have to pay for his vacation, so this opportunity has just been amazing and we’re really looking forward to it.”

The message from mom and dad is clear and concise, and Cole is full steam ahead with it.

“(My mom) just tells me good job and keep having fun,” Cole said, “because I might not get a chance like this again.”

“Have fun,” said Tanner. “For him to have the opportunity to do this, it’s pretty special.”