August 26, 2019
Lighthorse wins rematch against National Council, CMN takes win against Higher Ed.
Slow start fuels Lighthorse for late comeback victory
by: Darren DeLaune/MCNPR
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — It was a wonderful evening for basketball and education as two games were held at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Mvskoke Dome on Aug. 23 in Okmulgee.
The first game for the evening was a match between the MCN College of Muscogee Nation and MCN Higher Education while the nightcap was a rematch from March 8, between the MCN Lighthorse Tribal Police Department and MCN National Council.
Proceeds from the game were used for two $600 scholarships for the CMN Criminal Justice Program.
For the first game between the educational establishments, what looked like an early blowout for the CMN Ravens turned into a closer game than expected as they pulled out a victory for the College.
CMN Criminal Justice Coordinator and Instructor Cheryl Najera said the scoreboard showed a certain team won but overall it was for a scholarship for a student that achieved a victory.
“I absolutely loved what we all did here this evening for the scholarship,” she said. “This is a step closer for a student to be able to help further their education in the Criminal Justice Program.”
MCN Higher Education Manager Pete Coser, Jr. said it was great to see all these different departments and entities working together and giving back to the citizens.
“Anytime the community can build their own assets and in this case build their own scholarships for their community members, it is always a great thing,” he said.
The first game between LTPD and MCNNC ended with a margin of two points and victory for the National Council.
“I’m going to be honest with you, the first meeting was a chance for us to feel them out (MCNNC),” LTPD Deputy Chief Daniel Wind said. “We didn’t play 100 percent. They are our elders and we wanted to show them some respect.”
The first half mirrored the first game as it looked like an early night for the legislators as they jumped out to an early double digit lead.
From then on, the gun-toting, badge wearing officers took matters into their own hands, and like warrants, started serving out points as they stormed back to make it a close game for both teams.
LTPD squeaked out a couple of baskets in the final minute to win the game 31-30.
Najera, Coser and Wind all said these games are for fun and the whole idea is for a student to continue their education and they feel that is going to happen.
“These students can achieve anything and this is a step closer to help them do that,” Najera said.
For LTPD and MCNNC, bragging rights goes to the officers.
Vkkopvnkv tutcenen? (Game three?)
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