Sarah Gerdes
Special to the Bellevue Reporter
Two teens, a basketball hoop and an idea to attempt the impossible trick shot. That’s how it all began for 13-year-old Chip Conyard of Bellevue, who was motivated to “get away from the television screen” by his mother, Betsy.
Little did she know that less than two years later, her son and his friend, Will Hendricks, would be featured during the Olympics and recognized by local television stations.
All for trick shots.
“He’s always been a wiggly boy, full of energy,” Betsy said of her son, who found a passion with a basketball.
At first, Chip and a friend, Michael Hoving, who has since moved to California, “started making goofy shots,” explained Chip, but this soon evolved into hours of planning sophisticated shots. Will recalls Chip and Michael taking shots and asking him to join in.
Not long after, Chip came up with the name of the group, United Shots of America, naming Michael CEO, himself president and Will Vice President. They were official.
The teens made videos for nearly two years before saving enough money to buy a light, portable hoop for $80. Hours of practice resulted in a number of videos on YouTube. Word spread, viewers watched and the young men didn’t remain anonymous for long.
A high note came when one of the members of Dude Perfect, a college group, commented on United Shots of America.
“They have millions of followers,” said Chip proudly, along with sponsors and books. The increased visibility led to a clip shown during the 2012 Olympics.
When it comes to determining who takes the shot, they ask one another “how you feel about the shot.”
“I’m better at backwards shot and Will’s better at bouncing off the curb shots,” said Chip. “Michael was good at throwing it from as far away as possible.”
After Dude Perfect commented on the Unites Shots of America, at least one person was thinking sponsors would come calling.
“That was me,” admitted Will’s mom, Kristin Fletcher-Hendricks.
“I was just wondering where is my next shot coming from” said Chip, noting there are only so many shots you can do.
How long will it all last?
“A long time,” predicted Kristin. “At some point they will get jobs. But when the weather is cooperative, it’s their imagination in action.”
Sarah Gerdes lives in Bellevue.
Below, from top to bottom: Chip Conyard (standing at right) performs a trick shot by throwing a basketball backyards over his head, having it bounce once and finally fall through a net as his friend Michael Hoving looks on and prepares for his next shot. COURTESY PHOTOS
