Basketball fans are in for an exciting week as the 2025 AIHEC National Basketball Tournament continues today, bringing high-energy men’s and women’s college hoops action to the Mvskoke Nation Reservation.
Basketball fans are in for an exciting week as the 2025 AIHEC National Basketball Tournament continues today, bringing high-energy men’s and women’s college hoops action to the Mvskoke Nation Reservation.
Hosted by the College of the Muscogee Nation, the tournament started Monday, with pool play games taking place Monday at three locations in Okmulgee: Brock Gym, Dunbar Gym, and the Mvskoke Dome. Games begin at 9 a.m. each day.
Teams from tribal colleges across the country have gathered to represent their schools in a spirited showcase of talent and culture. Monday’s matchups feature men’s and women’s teams battling it out during pool play, all vying for a shot at the championship later this week.
Spectators are encouraged to come out and support the players. Admission is cash only, $5 with children ages 3 and under admitted for free.
The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) organizes the national event each year, bringing together student-athletes from tribal colleges and universities. The tournament is also supported by Nike’s N7 initiative, which promotes health and wellness in Native communities.
For those in the Okmulgee area, it’s a rare opportunity to witness top-tier tribal college basketball right here in the heart of Muscogee Nation.
Later this week, the College of the Muscogee Nation is hosting the Fourth Annual Intertribal Rising Stars Basketball Event Set for March 29 at Mvskoke Dome.
The hardwood will heat up once again at the Mvskoke Dome on Saturday, as the basketball event brings together top 8th grade boys and girls athletes from across the region.
This year’s event promises a full day of exciting matchups, showcasing talented student-athletes from K-12 and ORES schools. The Rising Stars event is a celebration of Native youth athleticism and community spirit, highlighting future standouts in the sport.
--- Tentative Schedule Saturday, March 29
Player check-in times are 30 minutes before each game.
• 1 p.m. - K-12 School Girls Rising Stars Game
• 2 p.m. - K-12 School Boys Rising Stars Game
• 5 p.m. - ORES School Girls Division III & IV Rising Stars Game
• 6 p.m. - ORES School Boys Division III & IV Rising Stars Game
• 7 p.m. - ORES School Girls Division I & II Rising Stars Game
• 8 p.m. ORES School Boys Division I & II Rising Stars Game -The Intertribal Rising Stars event continues to grow, offering an incredible platform for Native youth to be recognized for their athletic achievements. Family, friends and fans are encouraged to attend and cheer on these rising stars as they represent their schools and tribal communities.
For updates or changes to the schedule, follow the College of the Muscogee Nation’s social media pages or visit the venue on game day.
