In a spirited season opener on December 9, 2025, the Macomb Dakota Cougars overcame a rocky start to secure a 54-42 victory against the Fraser Ramblers in a Macomb Area Conference crossover matchup. After trailing 14-4 at the end of the first quarter, Dakota rallied to seize control of the game, outscoring Fraser 50-28 in the subsequent three quarters.
Senior guard Brooklyn Garavaglia spearheaded the Cougars’ comeback, scoring a game-high 29 points. Despite being the shortest player on the court, Garavaglia’s impact was monumental. She displayed exceptional shooting skills, netting six consecutive field goals at one point, and complemented her scoring with four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Dakota’s early struggles were evident, but they quickly turned the tide by intensifying their defensive efforts. The Cougars forced 16 turnovers, recorded 13 steals, and limited Fraser to just 22.6 percent shooting from the floor, as the Ramblers finished the night with an unremarkable 16-for-71 shooting performance.
Turning the Game Around
Dakota’s head coach, Olivia Savage, credited her team’s resilience in overcoming nerves during their first game. “It’s nice to have a senior like Brooklyn,” Savage said. “She took over in the second quarter and the rest followed her lead. There’s been a lot of growth from her, and I think this will be her statement year.”
Fraser, which started strong, faltered in the second quarter and beyond. The Ramblers struggled with their shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, making only 3-of-25 three-point attempts (12 percent). Their free throw shooting was also a concern, as they converted just 7-of-13 attempts.
The standout for Fraser was senior guard Alaynah Quinn, who led her team with 19 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and three assists. Despite their challenges, the Ramblers maintained a competitive spirit, particularly with the debut of their highly-touted freshman, Nylah Bell. Standing at 6-foot-3, Bell showcased her defensive prowess with nine blocked shots, six rebounds, and two steals, although she struggled offensively, scoring only four points.
Key Contributions and Future Prospects
Dakota managed to regain control of the game in the third quarter. After falling behind 26-25, the Cougars responded with a quick 7-2 run, leading 32-28. They maintained their advantage, entering the fourth quarter with a 41-33 lead and outscoring Fraser 13-9 in the final period.
Alongside Garavaglia, other key contributors for Dakota included sophomore guard Kaiah Nichols, who added 12 points, and senior forward Makayla Reed, who recorded a game-high 13 rebounds. Coach Savage expressed satisfaction with her team’s performance, noting the tenacity displayed on the boards and the contributions from less experienced players. “We had a lot of players step up after the slow start. That was nice to see,” she remarked.
Looking ahead, Fraser’s coach Robert Fulgenzi acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in getting the ball to Bell more effectively. “Once we get our shots to start falling and get the ball inside to Nylah more, that will open more things up for us,” he stated.
As the season progresses, both teams will aim to refine their strategies and build on their performances. For Dakota, the victory serves as a promising start to the season, while Fraser will look to bounce back and capitalize on their young talent.
