by Dan Ninham, Contributing Writer
The Lindy Waters III Foundation welcomed high school basketball players from all backgrounds to the Elevated Native Basketball Tournament, held July 5–6, 2025 at The HIVE Sports Complex in Edmond, OK. This is a story of one of the participating athletes.
DN: What is your name, tribe/s, next year grade, next year’s school and location, position, and name of summer teams?
TH: My name is Taejah Hightower. I’m Comanche, Kiowa, and Osage. I’m an upcoming junior at Riverside Indian School. I’m an all around player but prefer to play a small forward. I play for Legynds EYCL 16U.
DN: What are your major athletic accomplishments so far?
TH: Biggest athletic accomplishment would be receiving my first offer as a freshman to Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
DN: How do your indigenous core values come out in how you practice and compete?
TH: knowing there is some native populations out there that don’t have as much as others is something I strive to help. I want to be a “me” to give back to those who need it most.
DN: Which athlete do you admire most and why?
TH: Aja Wilson, she’s a hard working player that also is supportive to everyone on and off the court.
DN: What are your goals going to be for the school year and how are you working on them this summer?
TH: My biggest goal is to just have fun, and play to the best of my abilities every chance I get.
DN: Share another storyline that you would like readers to know about you.
TH: I try my hardest in practices and in games and push myself to be better at all times.
