PORTLAND - It all started with a free throw competition with classmates at Happy Valley Elementary School, and it culminated with a trip to Springfield, Massachusetts and a National Championship at the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The sharpshooter is 9-year-old Addi Wedin, a third grader at Happy Valley Elementary School and she loves basketball.
"I've been playing since I was real little," says Addi. "I like to play it like a lot of my family played it and I think it's real fun."
Her parents, Dan and Kelli, both played basketball. Mom is the new Girls Basketball Coach at La Salle High School.
So, it's a family affair and Addi can shoot it.
"Usually a lot of times every single day after school I practice in this gym," she said.
Addi won her first competition in the Happy Valley Gym, then Milwaukie Elks, followed by Districts, State, Regionals and finally Nationals at the Basketball Hall of fame.
Last year, more than three million kids took part in the Elks annual Hoop Shoot.
"I wasn't that nervous," says Addi.
You couldn't say the same about mom.
"It's pretty intense," says Kelli Wedin. "I mean you can hear a pin drop, so she says there's no pressure on her, but for parents we're a nervous wreck"
Addi averaged 92 percent of her shots along the way. Each player gets 25 shots each competition.
The third grader hit 23 of 25 to win the National Championhsip. With it, a huge trophy and her name engraved in the Hall.
"That's cool. I want to go back there next year at least to see my name in it," says the youngster.
Addi is the first national winner from Oregon in 32 years.
"Oh my gosh, incredible," says Kelli. "Among the greats is my little 9-year-old, blonde hair, blue-eyed kid. It's amazing."
