The Stilwell Indians topped the Checotah Wildcats 54-34 in the Wildcats’ season opener at Stilwell. The Wildcats came out fast in the first period with Elijah Thomas and Tyler Or-RODNEY man using their athleticism to take an 11-7 lead at the end of the first period. The Indians would rally in the second period, outscoring Checotah 19-7 to take a 26-18 lead into the halftime break.

Checotah would not go down without a fight as they battled Stilwell score for score with Stilwell getting a slight 14-11 advantage. The Indians’ Keller Hitcher and Chase Benham each scored 11 points in the contest and had a great defensive game.

Checotahs Aum Patel battled in the paint and scored four points in the 54-34 loss.

“I’m proud of our team. Stilwell is a really good team and well coached. We competed hard. We have a lot to work on but I feel confident about this team’s potential,” Checotah head coach Malcolm Warrior said.

Tyler Orman with 16 points led Checotah and Elijah Thomas finished with eight points.

Lady Wildcats fall to Stilwell 82-44

The Checotah Lady Wildcats ran into a buzz saw in their season opener against a tough Stilwell team. Checotah lost the hard fought game at Stilwell 82-44. The Lady Wildcats trailed 54-17 at the halftime break and never recovered. Ruby Folkner led Checotah with 11 points. Folkner was the only Lady Wildcat in double digits.