RAPID CITY — Levi Elk Nation is back running point guard for the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte Braves. 

One year after missing the entire basketball season due a torn MCL and meniscus, Elk Nation is back playing for the Braves. 

“It’s a great feeling, man,” Elk Nation said. “It was just so sad sitting out last year. I am just so glad to be back and playing the game I love.”

Elk Nation injured his knee during the 2024 football season, taking away his junior basketball season.

“It was very frustrating,” Elk Nation said. “I was kind of falling into depression and was just very sad and just wanted to play with my guys.”

This season, Elk Nation is back playing his guys and the Braves are happy to have him back in the lineup. 

“I am proud of him,” CEB senior guard Damien Clown said. “He’s been through so much, and just for him to come back and prove that he is able to come back, and keep doing what he is doing, it’s amazing.” 

Last season, Elk Nation made the best of his situation and was another set of eyes for the coaching staff. He also encouraged, cheered and sometimes coached the Braves. 

“Last year when he was out, some timeouts he would take the huddle,” CEB head coach Galen Eberhard said. “He’s that kind of basketball brain and these kids have been playing together. They’re happy to have him back, too. Because he’s unselfish. He’s going to look for his guys.”

Elk Nation, a 5-foot-10 senior guard, has had a big impact for the Braves (3-0). On Wednesday, Elk Nation scored 21 points, grabbed nine rebounds and finished 5-of-6 at the free-throw line.

In Thursday’s 58-48 overtime upset win over Class A No. 7 Rapid City Christian, Elk Nation scored a game-high 16 points, collected six rebounds and finished 9-of-11 at the free-throw line. 

And Eberhard said Elk Nation’s best basketball is still ahead of him. 

“He’s still trying to hit his groove,” Eberhard said. “I don’t think we’ve seen the full potential of Levi yet.” 

Elk Nation and Clown, two of CEB’s starting guards, combined for 27 points as the senior classmates are playing in their final Lakota Nation Invitational. 

“Last year we struggled a lot because we didn’t have a point guard and he’s there, setting us up all the time and it just feels good having him back,” said Clown, who had 11 points for the Comets.  

Elk Nation capped off the upset with three free throws in the final 33 seconds, one year after watching the LNI action from the bench. 

“That was very special to me,” Elk Nation added about the win. “Something I will remember for the rest of my life.”