The Dakota Cougars will venture away from home to take on the L'Anse Creuse Lancers at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Dakota has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.
Last Thursday, Dakota was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 49-45 to Rochester. While losing is never fun, the Cougars can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Michigan basketball rankings (they are ranked 246th, while the Falcons are ranked 43rd).
Despite their defeat, Dakota saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Meadow Cameron, who dropped a double-double with 16 points and ten boards, was perhaps the best of all. The team also got some help courtesy of Brooklyn Garavaglia, who went 6-for-12 en route to 16 points.
Even though they lost, Dakota was working as a unit and finished the game with ten assists. This was only their second loss (out of six games) when they've passed the ball that well.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for L'Anse Creuse, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They blew past New Haven, posting a 48-19 victory. The win continues a trend for the Lancers in their matchups with the Rockets: they've now won three in a row.
L'Anse Creuse found their leader in sophomore Allison Tuladziecki, who shot 46% from the field to rack up 16 points and five steals. The last time Tuladziecki's field goal percentage was this high was back in December of 2024. Another player making a difference was Madison Schuck, who posted eight points and five rebounds.
Dakota dropped their record down to 8-14 with the loss, which was their third straight at home. As for L'Anse Creuse, their victory bumped their record up to 6-16.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Dakota has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 30 boards per game. However, it's not like L'Anse Creuse struggles in that department as they've been averaging 28 rebounds. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.
Everything came up roses for Dakota against L'Anse Creuse in their previous meeting back in January of 2016, as the squad secured a 52-24 win. In that game, Dakota amassed a halftime lead of 34-7, an impressive feat they'll look to repeat on Monday.
