By The TimesLedger
Patricia Zillas, a seventh grader at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacarement and a Bayside resident won the Knights of Columbus Free Throw championship at West Point for the third year in a row on April 20.
Nine thousand entered the competition, which has five stages for boys and girls, ages 10-14.
The finals, which are held at the Army's Military Academy at West Point, culminates with three competitors in each age group shooting for the title of New York State champion.
Patricia competed with two other girls in the 12-year-old division who all shot equally well, but Patricia, who shoots foul shots every day, won by hitting 21 out of 25 shots.
Patricia who prides herself on her shooting, can stroke it from beyond the arc as well as inside the paint. She has a great handle for the game and court awareness. Her love for foul-shooting and the game of basketball is a seven day and night a week affair.
She looks forward to high school in two years and attending the Army Academy at West Point after that. Her admiration for the Cadets and Officers at West Point was overwhelming. Patricia would like to thank her mother, father, grandparents, aunts and uncles for their support and guidance. She dedicates this win to the memories and souls of all 9/11 victims and their families and all the armed services both here in the U.S. and overseas.
