Media Contact:
Marissa Lewis, CMN Marketing Coordinator
918-549-2856, mlewis@cmn.edu
2025 AIHEC National Basketball Tournament: A Celebration of Athletics and Culture in Okmulgee
The College of the Muscogee Nation (CMN) hosted the 2025 American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) National Basketball Tournament in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, on March 23-26, 2025. The tournament brought together tribal college basketball teams from across the nation for competition, cultural exchange, and community building.
The tournament kicked off with an onsite registration and opening reception on Sunday, March 23, at the River Spirit Casino ballroom. Teams arrived throughout the afternoon for check-in, followed by a coaches meeting and pool play bracketing.
The evening featured a TCU Parade of Flags, showcasing the diverse tribal nations represented at the tournament. CMN President Dr. Monte Randall welcomed participants, followed by addresses from Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill and Council Speaker Randall Hicks, who emphasized the importance of both athletic excellence and cultural preservation.
Nike N7 Ambassador and DJ-Emcee One, Marcus Guinn, created a championship environment. Keynote speaker Chance Rush delivered an inspiring message to the athletes about perseverance, education, and achieving their goals. The evening concluded with a special cultural demonstration by the Duck Creek Ceremonial Ground, providing visiting teams with a glimpse into Muscogee traditions and practices.
“This tournament represents the best of what tribal colleges offer – a blend of educational opportunity, athletic competition, and cultural celebration,” said Dr. Randall. “We’re honored to host these talented student-athletes and showcase our community.”
Basketball competition began on Monday, March 24, with pool play across three venues in Okmulgee: the Mvskoke Dome, Brock Gymnasium, and Wilson/Dunbar Gymnasium. The tournament featured four divisions: Men’s Division I, Men’s Division II, Women’s Division I, and Women’s Division II.
Teams demonstrated good competition and sportsmanship throughout the three days of the tournament, with preliminary rounds narrowing the field for Wednesday’s championship games at the Mvskoke Dome. Local community members joined students, faculty, and families in supporting the athletes, creating an exciting atmosphere for the final matchups.
After intense competition, the following teams emerged victorious in their respective divisions:
Men’s Division I
Champions: Northwest Indian College Runners-up: Sisseton Wahpeton College Third Place: Salish Kootenai College
Women’s Division I
Champions: Salish Kootenai College Runners-up: Northwest Indian College Third Place: College of the Muscogee Nation
Men’s Division II
Champions: Chief Dull Knife College Runners-up: Navajo Technical University Third Place: Oglala Lakota College
Women’s Division II
Champions: Sisseton Wahpeton College Runners-up: Oglala Lakota College Third Place: Navajo Technical University
Men’s Tournament MVP: Tyason Burns, Northwest Indian College
Women’s Tournament MVP: Lonnie Smart, Salish Kootenai College
Scholar Athletes
- Hayden Harjo, College of the Muscogee Nation
- Sara Wolgemuth, Northwest Indian College
Men’s All-Tournament Team
- Bernadine Fisher: CDKC
- Ethan Mosquito: CMN
- Joe Williamson: FPCC
- Montana Miller: IAIA
- Jalen Ashley: NTU
- Anthony Snow: NWIC
- Bryson Rainbow: NHSC
- Trayson Spoonhunter: OLC
- Cavence LaRance: SKC
- TJ Shellman: SWC
- Ben Iron Eyes: SCC
- Parker Wallette: TMC
Women’s All-Tournament Team
- Mya Tiger: CMN
- Tayloure Baker: IAIA
- Maybell Begay: NTU
- Wiwnu Mills: NWIC
- Zoey Long Soldier: OLC
- Aaliyah Wallace: SKC
- Kennedee Bissonette: SWC
- Kaydence Decoteau: TMC
The tournament was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the CMN Basketball Tournament Host Committee, including Cheryl Najera (Co-Chair), Mykalia Frank (Co-Chair), Linette Factor, Elkeena Wind, Colton Wood, Marissa Lewis, and Dr. Monte Randall.
“This event represented months of planning and coordination,” said Mykalia Frank, Tournament Director. “We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to making this tournament a success, from our volunteers and staff to our generous sponsors and the Okmulgee community.”
Numerous organizations supported the event, including our tournament sponsor Nike N7. Gold Sponsors included the Office of the Principal Chief (David Hill), Office of the Second Chief (Del Beaver), and the National Native American Hall of Fame. Additional sponsors included the following:
- Muscogee (Creek) National Council
- Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce
- Muscogee (Creek) Nation Scholarship Foundation
- Red Stick Gallery
- One Fire Casino
- Maska Builders
- Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises
- Duck Creek Casino
- The Pied Piper
- Majestic Lighting
- Creek Nation Council House
The success of the 2025 AIHEC National Basketball Tournament reflects the College of the Muscogee Nation’s commitment to providing meaningful educational and cultural experiences for Native American students. CMN extends gratitude to all participating teams, coaches, sponsors, volunteers, and community members who contributed to this memorable event. Special recognition to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, AIHEC Athletic Commission, Mvskoke Dome, and Okmulgee Public Schools for their support throughout the event.
For more information about the College of the Muscogee Nation and its programs, visit www.cmn.edu or contact the admissions office at (918) 549-2800.
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The College of the Muscogee Nation is Oklahoma’s premier tribal college offering exemplary academic degree programs and student services preparing leaders in tribal and non-tribal sectors.
