Under the Potawatomi Fire’s championship banners, Citizen Potawatomi Nation Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett speaks during the 2024 TBL Championship Banquet & Ring Ceremony at FireLake Arena on Jan. 17. The Fire were the first TBL (The Basketball League) team to be owned by a Native American tribe in 2022, and they have won the national championship for two years in a row. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Bethel junior Ava Gascon shoots a three-pointer during the Jan. 17 homecoming game with North Rock Creek. The Lady Wildcats lost, 42-49. Photos courtesy of Richelle Treece.

Asher Middle School students Braxton Ray, Hayes Templeton, Weston Knox and Eli Larman pose before their first Oklahoma High School Fishing tournament at the Lake of the Arbuckles in Oct. 2024. They placed fifth in that tournament, and they are looking forward to the season starting again in March. Photo provided by Melissa Ray.

Oklahoma Baptist University’s Ethan Scott launches a three-point shot in the 75-72 win over Henderson Saturday, Jan. 18. Scott finished the game with a career-high 22 points. Photo provided by OBU

Dale junior Denton Forsythe drives to the basket during the Jan. 17 homecoming game against Millwood. The Pirates won, 64-57. Countywide & Sun/Jessica Jones

North Rock Creek’s Caleb Hawkins goes up for two.

The Bethel High School Pom Team performs during halftime of the Jan. 7 Lady Wildcats home game with Mount St. Mary. Countywide & Sun/ Natasha Dunagan