COOK WINS FREE-THROW CONTEST

Even international champions can have problems with that infamous No. 13.

When Rebecca Cook of Delta competed at the state competition of the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest in Jefferson City, her 13th free throw attempt proved to be her only miss. But she's not complaining, she made her other 24 attempts in winning the state title.

It was one of her better shooting days. Cook said she once made over 30 free throws in a row, but acknowledged her 24 out of 25 was one of her better rolls.

She then held her breath as her 24 makes were put up against other competitors around the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

"It took a little while to notify me so I figure somebody made a perfect score," said Cook.

As it turned out, Cook bettered every competitor on that level and was notified she was the international champion.

The feat was impressive in the fact that 11,500 Knights of Columbus lodges held local competitions.

Cook won her local competition in Oran, and later advanced to state with regional wins at Poplar Bluff and Sikeston.

A freshman at Delta High School, Delta has been playing basketball since the third grade. She regularly competes in free throw contests and said she advanced to the state level as a sixth grader in the Elk's Lodge competition.

Oh, and there's just one more honor for Cook. Although this one didn't come with any international acclaim, she won Delta High School's free throw percentage for the just completed season.