Macomb Dakota overcame a rocky start to defeat Fraser 54-42 in their season opener on December 9, 2025. After trailing 14-4 at the end of the first quarter, the Cougars turned the game around with a strong second quarter, outscoring Fraser 17-8 to take a narrow 23-22 lead at halftime. This victory marked a promising start for Dakota in the Macomb Area Conference crossover game.
Senior guard Brooklyn Garavaglia was instrumental in the Cougars’ comeback, scoring a game-high 29 points. Garavaglia displayed remarkable skill, making six consecutive field goals at one point. Her performance also included four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, showcasing her all-around contribution to the team’s success.
Dakota’s defensive effort was crucial in the game. The Cougars forced 16 turnovers and recorded 13 steals, limiting Fraser to a challenging shooting night of just 22.6 percent from the floor (16-for-71). Both teams finished even in rebounds, with 46 each, but Dakota’s tenacity on defense set the tone for the second half.
Fraser started strong but faltered in the following quarters. The Ramblers struggled offensively, making only 3-for-25 from three-point range (12 percent) and converting 7-of-13 free throws. Their senior forward, Brynn Norbeck, faced tough competition against Dakota’s defense, ending the game with four points and six rebounds.
Dakota’s head coach, Olivia Savage, praised Garavaglia’s leadership. “This was the first game, especially a home game, and there were some nerves at first. But I think Brooklyn kind of took over a little bit in that second quarter and the rest followed her lead,” Savage stated. She emphasized Garavaglia’s growth as a player, calling this season her “statement year.”
The Cougars found themselves down 26-25 in the third quarter but responded with a 7-2 run to regain control. Dakota entered the fourth quarter with a lead of 41-33 and maintained their advantage, outscoring Fraser 13-9 in the final minutes.
Fraser’s coach, Robert Fulgenzi, acknowledged the team’s struggles but remained optimistic. “I don’t think we got [Nylah Bell] enough touches on the ball to be honest. We did get a lot of open looks at the basket, but I think we were a little rushed with our shots,” he noted. Bell, a highly-touted freshman forward/center, made her varsity debut, finishing with four points, six rebounds, and nine blocked shots, despite shooting 1-for-7 from the field.
Dakota’s sophomore guard Kaiah Nichols also had a commendable performance, contributing 12 points, six rebounds, and four steals. Other notable contributions included senior forward Alyssa Boron, who added four points and ten rebounds, and senior forward Makayla Reed, who secured a game-high 13 rebounds along with five points.
Coach Savage expressed satisfaction with her team’s resilience, stating, “I saw a lot of things I liked. I thought we fought for rebounds and played hard.” She highlighted the efforts of her players, including freshman Kinley Scalici, who made a solid defensive impact off the bench.
As the season progresses, Dakota’s ability to build on this victory will be essential. Their strong defensive play, combined with standout performances from key players, sets a positive tone for the challenges ahead in the Macomb Area Conference.
