The Oglala Lakota College men's basketball team returned from the Navajo Nation where there ran off three victories straight to secure the Dine College Shoot-out championship. For more information on OLC’s athletic programs please visit www.olc.edu. Courtesy photo

OLC men’s basketball is taking off
By Brandon Ecoffey
Lakota Country Times Editor
www.lakotacountrytimes.com

PINE RIDGE—The Oglala Lakota College Brave Hearts are quickly becoming a legitimate program under the guidance of Dale Pine Jr.

The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation has been known for producing some of the greatest athletes that the state of South Dakota has ever seen. Many of these athletes however never make it out of the friendly confines of the great Lakota nation. One coach on the reservation is attempting to compile as many of these athletes together under the banner of the quickly developing Oglala Lakota College’s men’s basketball team.

“People don't always take us serious because we are a smaller program but we are gaining the respect of people. I've already talked to some high school seniors and we are looking at bringing in some recruits to add s Depth next fall, it's exciting,” said Dale Pine Jr., first year head coach for the Bravehearts. “Our goal is to compete for an AIHEC title. We want to build on this year’s team and come back stronger next year. Our practice attendance has increased dramatically. A lot of these players played for Dusty LeBeau, Matt Rama and other coaches who instilled discipline into them so it makes it that much easier for me.”

Although the Bravehearts are only 6-22 on the year the team is loaded with talent. OLC features two recent South Dakota stars in Jake Dreamer who had 18 points against Northern New Mexico, and Jake brown who had 14 also against northern New Mexico. These two former Pine Ridge graduates are in the prime of their playing career after making a deep run in to the South Dakota High School post season only two years ago. Additionally OLC has secured the talents of 6’4” scoring forward Jeremy blacksmith who erupted for 32 against Navajo tech.

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Unlike other college hoops programs OLC has a decentralized campus that allows for athletes to choose classes that are being featured in their home communities.

“The distance does create problems for players as they have to traverse long often snow packed roads to attend practice. Despite the logistical difficulties, however, Pine says that this unique set up actually helps develop the program,” said Pine. Coaching at OLC has been a challenge. It's a lot of miles and its tough for the students who are full time but its also very rewarding.”

OLC has just returned from the Navajo Nation where there ran off three victories straight to secure the Dine College Shoot-out championship. For more information on OLC’s athletic programs please visit www.olc.edu.

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(Contact Brandon Ecoffey at editor@lakotacountrytimes.com)