Dakota Cougars Girl's Basketball: Welcome

Please contact the Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball Coach - Phil McCune @ pmccune@cvs.k12.mi.us or by phone at 586-219-7931 with any questions regarding the Dakota Girl's Basketball Program.

Pride developed through hard work and dedication produces success and success is our goal. Do not confuse success with winning. While winning is the essence of competition, success is a higher goal. Success is defined as having done everything within the limits of our ability to become the very best that we are capable of becoming. If we accomplish this, we need never experience shame from defeat. To be defeated by a better team is part of competition. To be defeated because of lack of preparation or lack of desire during the game is unacceptable. Remember, pride is success. Success will produce winning. To develop pride and a winning attitude you must:

In Search of Excellence

1. Act like a Winner. I can't stress enough the importance of handling yourself at all times with class and integrity, especially in the tough times that truly test everyone and usually bring out our worst instincts.

2. Always be positive. Positive people can take on the world.

3. Be committed to hard work. Hard work is not always fun, but it's the price you must pay to be more successful. The harder you work, the tougher it is to surrender.

4. Be nice. Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

5. Avoid having to be right all the time. Your goal is to connect with people, not defeat.

6. Be committed to doing things the right way. Remember that perfect practice makes perfect.

7. Smile! In every culture it is the light in your window that tells people there's a caring, sharing individual inside.

8. Learn to stay relaxed and friendly no matter how much tension you're under.

9. Write down your goals and review them often. When you fail to plan, you are planning to fail by default.

10. Focus all your attention and energy on the achievement of your goals.

11. Don't put things off. Get in the habit every day of doing the more unpleasant things first... If you tell someone you're going to do something, then do it.

12. Eliminate the word quit from your vocabulary. If you want to be successful over the long haul, you must be willing to stay the course... People, who won't quit, don't.

13. Learn from your mistakes. There are four things you should do with a mistake: 1) recognize it, 2) admit it, 3) learn from it, 4) forget it.

14. Be able to admit your weaknesses and establish short-term goals to overcome them.

15. Dress and look your best at all times.

16. Respond with a simple, courteous "thank you" when anyone pays you a compliment for any reason.

17. Sit up front in the most prominent rows when you attend class, meetings, etc.

18. Replace the word "can't" with "can," and "try" with "will" in your vocabulary.


19. Be on time. Always try to be at least ten minutes early.

20. Thrive on pressure. The more you prepare the better able you are to handle pressurized situations. Pressure often brings out extraordinary results.

21. Develop a study routine. Discipline yourself to study 1 to 2 hours a night. Your grades/ performance reflect the amount of time you are willing to invest.

22. Stay humble. Respect and recognition comes from personal sacrifice and hard work.

So, where do you fit into this spectrum of desire? To find out, consider
the following self-assessment scale. Level of Desire Scale
0 percent: I won`t.
10 percent: I can`t.
20 percent: I don`t know how.
30 percent: I wish I could.
40 percent: What is it?
50 percent: I think I might.
60 percent: I might.
70 percent: I think I can.
80 percent: I can.
90 percent: I will.
95 percent: I did it.
100 percent:I did it and I know I can do it again, only this time, even
better!

-My expectations
-Hustle 100% of the time!
-Defense – Defense – and more Defense - Defense Wins Games
-Sportsmanship and team unity
-Everyone is expected to treat one another with respect. Back talk to a coach or another player is completely unacceptable.
-I expect everyone to have FUN!!!

High School Basketball
-Practice is mandatory - no excuses!
-Full participation in all drills.

Congratulations to our five seniors who will be all playing college basketball next fall!

Pictures are from the Senior Signing Day we did at Dakota.  Pictured left to right:

- Miranda Bates (Albion)

- Kylie Churches (Siena Heights)

- Kylie Townsley (Spring Arbor)

- Kyli Verduci (Calvin)

- Olivia Savage (Albion)

This is by far the most student/athletes that are moving on to play college basketball in one year.  We are very proud of you!!! 

The Dakota Varsity Girls Basketball team ended their season with a loss to #1 Ranked Grosse Pointe South, 59-48.  The Cougar's finished their season with a 20-4 record, most wins in a season for any Dakota Girl's Basketball team ever.

Dakota was led by Olivia Savage (4 assists) & Kylie Townsley with 12 points each.  Rio Dudgeon added 10 points.  Kylie Churches scored 7 points and 7 rebounds.  Miranda Bates & Tanina Grace each had 2 points and Carmen Hoskins scored 1 point.  It was an honor to coach such a wonderful group of young ladies, thank you all for all of your hard work each and every day!  Congratulations on a Great Season!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball team defeated the Sterling Heights Stallions, 64-56 in a MHSAA Regional Semi-Final.  With this win the team now moves to 20-3 on the season.  This is the first ever season for Dakota Girl's Basketball to win 20 games.

The Cougars were led by Kylie Townsley (8 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals) & Miranda Bates (6 rebounds) with 16 points.  Kylie Churches added 12 points & 16 rebounds.  Olivia Savage (5 assists & 4 steals) & Olga Caruso each had 8 points.  Carmen Hoskins came up big off the bench with 4 points & 3 rebounds.  Let's Go Cougars!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball team defeated the Port Huron Northern Huskies 51-45 to take home a MHSAA District Championship.  Dakota has won 4 out of 5 Districts.  The Cougars move to 19-3 overall and play Sterling Heights at Lake Shore High School on Tuesday at 7:00.

Dakota were led by a career high 30 points by Olivia Savage.  Kylie Townsley came up big with 15 points, 6 steals & 4 assists.  Kylie Churches also came up big for us with 5 points and 7 rebounds.  Rio Dudgeon scored 3 points, while Miranda Bates had 1 point and 5 rebounds.  Congratulations Girls!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball team defeated the L'Anse Creuse North Crusaders 65-47 in the MHSAA District Semi-Final.  With the win Dakota goes to 18-3 overall and move on to take on Port Huron Northern in the District Final on Friday, 6:00 at Dakota.

The Cougars were led by Kylie Townsley with 20 points and 9 steals.  Next was Miranda Bates with 15 points, 5 assists & 4 steals, along with a great defensive effort on LCN's best player.  Olivia Savage added 12 points and 5 assists, while Kylie Churches scored 10 points and 7 rebounds.  Rio Dudgeon & Tanina Grace each had 3 points, while Carmen Hoskins scored 2 points.  Way to Go Lady Cougars!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball defeated the Utica Ford Falcons, 61-57 on Senior Night.  With the victory Dakota ends up in 2nd Place in the MAC Red with a 17-3 overall record and 9-3 in the MAC Red.

The Cougars were led by Rio Dudgeon's 14 points.  Next was Miranda Bates with 13 points and 5 rebounds.  Kylie Townsley added 10 points and 4 assists.  Kylie Churches scored 6 points and 8 rebounds.  Olga Caruso came up big again with 5 points.  Tanina Grace and Carmen Hoskins each had 4 points.  Kyli Verduci added 3 points and Alex Hamlock scored 2 points.  Olivia Savage had 8 assists.  Great job Ladies!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball team defeated the Roseville Panthers, 50-15.  Dakota record is now 16-3 overall.

The Cougars were led by Kylie Townsley & Olivia Savage (5 assists) with 9 points each.  Next was Rio Dudgeon with 8 points.  Miranda Bates added 7 points, 5 steals and 3 assists.  Olga Caruso scored 6 points.  Kyli Verduci (6 rebounds), Carmen Hoskins (6 rebounds) & Kylie Churches each had 3 points.  Tanina Grace had 2 points.  Keep up the Good Work Cougars!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball team defeated the Stevenson Titans, 59-21.  The Cougars are now 15-3 overall and 8-3 in the MAC Red.

Dakota was led by Olivia Savage (4 assists) and Kylie Churches (6 rebounds) with 14 points.  Next was the hot shooting Olga Caruso with 9 points.  Miranda Bates scored 8 points, 5 rebounds & 3 steals.  Angela Terranova (7 points) and Sarah "high glass" Burke (4 points) each started their first Varsity game as a senior and played a big role.  Kylie Townsley added 3 points, 4 assists and 6 steals.  Keep up the Good Work Ladies!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball team defeated the Grosse Pointe North Norsemen, 50-42.  Dakota goes to 14-3 overall and 7-3 in the MAC Red.

The Cougars were led by Kylie Townsley with 14 points, 6 rebounds & 4 steals.  Olivia Savage had a tremendous floor game again with 10 points & 5 assists.  Rio Dudgeon had a complete game with 9 points, 6 blocks, 6 rebounds & 4 steals.  Miranda Bates had 8 points & 5 steals.  Kylie Churches added 8 points and 10 rebounds.  Tanina Grace scored 1 point.  Great Game Lady Cougar's!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball team defeated the Romeo Bulldogs, 50-49.  The game winning shot came from a 3 point basket by Kylie Townsley, off of a dribble drive pass from Olivia Savage with 7 seconds left.

The Cougars were led by Townsley's 12 points.  Rio Dudgeon added 11 points and 7 rebounds.  Miranda Bates had a great all around game with 9 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.  Savage added 7 points and 6 assists.  Kylie Churches also had 7 points and 8 rebounds.  Olga Caruso had 4 points.  Good Win Cougars!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball team lost to Grosse Pointe South, 57-52.  Dakota is now 12-3 overall and 5-3 in the MAC Red.

The Cougars were led by Olivia Savage with 15 points and 7 assists.  Next was Kylie Churches with 11 points.  Rio Dudgeon added 8 points and 9 rebounds.  Miranda Bates, Olga Caruso & Kylie Townsley (5 steals) each scored 6 points.  Good Effort Cougars.

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball team defeated the Chippewa Valley Big Reds, 61-55.  With the win Dakota now goes to 12-2 overall and 5-2 in the MAC Red.

The Cougars were led be Kylie Townsley with 16 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists.  Next was Kylie Churches with 10 points and 8 rebounds.  Miranda Bates added 9 points and Rio Dudgeon scored 8 points.  Olivia Savage had another great floor game with 7 points, 7 assists & 4 steals.  Olga Caruso came up with 6 big points.  Carmen Hoskins scored 4 points and Tanina Grace added 1 point.  Good Job Cougars!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball team was defeated by Utica Ford, 44-40.  Dakota now goes to 11-2 overall and 4-2 in the MAC Red.

The Cougars were led by Olivia Savage with 13 points.  Kylie Townsley scored 11 points.  Kylie Churches had 9 points and 15 rebounds.  Miranda Bates scored 3 points and Rio Dudgeon and Carmen Hoskins each scored 2 points.

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball team defeated the Port Huron Huskies, 73-59.  The Associated Press 7th ranked team Dakota Cougars move to 11-1 on the season.

The Cougars were led by Kylie Townsley with a career high 22 points, 6 assists & 5 steals.  Olivia Savage added her career high of 20 points.  Olga Caruso came off the bench with a huge spark for our team with her career high of 13 points.  Kylie Churches had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.  Miranda Bates scored 8 points and had 6 big assists.  Way to Play Lady Cougars!

The Dakota Cougar's Varsity Girl's Basketball team defeated the Sterling Heights Stevenson Titans, 59-27.  The Cougars move to 10-1 overall and 4-1 in the MAC Red.

Dakota was led by Rio Dudgeon & Kylie Churches (9 rebounds) with 12 points each.  Next was Olivia Savage with 8 points and 8 assists.  Kylie Townsley (7 steals) and Miranda Bates each had 7 points.  Kyli Verduci added 5 points.  Carmen Hoskins, Olga Caruso, Tanina Grace & Marissa Madynski each scored 2 points.  Sarah Burke chipped in with 5 rebounds.  Keep Up the Good Work Ladies!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball team defeated the Grosse Pointe North Noresman, 57-48.  Dakota moves to 9-1 overall & 3-1 in the MAC Red.

The Cougars were led by Miranda Bates 15 points & 8 rebounds.  Next was Rio Dudgeon with 14 points, 3 blocks & 3 assists.  Kylie Townsley scored 10 points and was terrific on defense.  Olivia Savage had a great floor game while scoring 9 points and had 7 assists.  Tanina Grace had 3 important points.  Kylie Churches scored 2 points and 11 rebounds.  Kyli Verduci & Carmen Hoskins each had 2 points.  Way to Go Lady Cougars!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball team defeated the Romeo Bulldogs, 50-41.  Dakota now goes to 8-1 overall and 2-1 in the MAC Red.

The Cougars were led by Rio Dudgeon with 16 points, 5 steals & 5 rebounds.  Kylie Townsley (5 steals) & Olivia Savage (4 assists) each added 10 points.  Miranda Bates did an outstanding job defending Romeo's best shooter while also scoring 10 points and 5 rebounds.  Kyli Verduci added 3 points and Kylie Churches scored 3 points and had a career high 17 rebounds.  Let's Keep it Going Ladies!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball team lost a tough one to the #1 ranked Grosse Pointe South Blue Devils, 54-52.  Dakota is now 7-1 overall and 1-1 in the MAC Red.

The Cougars were led by the strong play of Miranda Bates with 21 points.  Kylie Townsley had 11 points, 3 assists and 3 steals.  Rio Dudgeon added 10 points.  Kylie Churches scored 5 points and 6 rebounds.  Olivia Savage had 3 points and 4 assists, while Kyli Verduci added 2 points.  Great Effort Lady Cougars!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball Team Finish 2012 with a perfect record with a victory over Chippewa Valley, 58-31.  The Cougar's are now 7-0 overall and 1-0 in the MAC Red.

The Cougar's were led by Miranda Bates with 16 points and 4 steals, to go along with her tremendous defense.  Next was Olivia Savage with 13 points and 6 assists.  Kylie Townsley added 10 points.  Kyli Verducci (5 rebounds) and Kylie Churches (7 rebounds) each scored 5 points.  Sarah Burke was "All Net" tonight with 4 points, while Tanina Grace scored 2 points.  Way to Go Lady Cougars!

Merry Christmas to all of our players, parents and coaches in our program!!! 

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball Team defeated Warren Regina, 56-34.  The Cougars put together a great third quarter outscoring Regina 18-7.  Dakota now goes to 6-0 on the season.

The Cougars were led by our senior point guard Olivia Savage with 16 points, 5 assists and 5 steals.  Rio Dudgeon scored 15 big points.  Kylie Churches came up big with 7 points & 9 rebounds.  Miranda Bates had an outstanding game with 7 points, 6 assists and 4 steals while holding Regina's top scorer to 4 points.  Kylie Townsley added 6 points and 4 assists.  Kyli Verduci came off the bench and did a great job with 2 points, 4 rebounds & 3 steals.  Tanina Grace had 2 points and Carmen Hoskins added 1 point.  Great Win Ladies!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball team defeated the Fraser Ramblers, 59-26.  Dakota ran out to a 29-4 lead after the 1st quarter.  All 11 players that dressed scored in the game.  The Cougars are now 5-0 overall.

Dakota was led by Rio Dudgeon and Miranda Bates (4 assists) with 9 points each.  Kylie Churches had 8 points & 5 rebounds.  Olga Caruso added 7 points and 4 steals.  Olivia Savage (3 assists & 3 steals), Kylie Townsley, & Carmen Hoskins added 6 points.  Marisa Madynski scored 4 points.  Angela Terranova had 2 points, while Kyli Verduci & Tanina Grace added 1 points.  Keep It Going Lady Cougars!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball Team defeated the Utica Cheiftains, 61-26.  The Lady Cougars are now 4-0 on the season.

The Cougars were led by the hot shooting Rio Dudgeon with 18 points & 3 blocks.  Next was Miranda Bates with 10 points & 4 steals.  Kylie Townsley had 9 points & 4 assists.  Olivia Savage scored 6 points & 4 assists.  Kyli Verduci added 5 points, while Tanina Grace had 4 points.  Kylie Churches had 3 points & 7 rebounds.  Carmen Hoskins, Angela Terranova and Sarah "high glass" Burke all had 2 points.  Nice Work Girl's!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball Team defeated the Clarkston Wolves, 56-34.  The game consisted of great defense by our Lady Cougars.  Dakota is now 3-0 overall.

The Cougar's were led by Kylie Churches with 15 points and 12 rebounds.  Next was Rio Dudgeon (8 rebounds) and Miranda Bates with 11 points (5 steals & 3 assists).   Kylie Townsley added 5 points and 4 assists.  Carmen Hoskins scored her first 4 points of her Varsity career.  Olga Caruso & Kyli Verduci each had a big 3 pointer.  Tanina Grace scored 2 points & Olivia Savage had 2 points and 6 big assists.  Awesome Job Ladies!

The Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball team won a tough match against L'Anse Creuse, 51-39.  The Cougars are now 2-0 on the season.

Dakota was led by Rio Dudgeon with 11 points, 7 rebounds, 7 steals & 4 blocks.  Kylie Townsley also added 11 points, 4 assists and 4 steals.  Miranda Bates had 7 points and 8 rebounds, Olivia Savage had 7 points & 5 assists, & Kyli Verduci came off the bench with 7 big points.  Kylie Churches did a great job on defense and added 6 points & 7 rebounds.  Sarah Burke chipped in with 2 points on a shot off the "high glass".  Way to Go Cougars!

The Dakota Varsity Girls Basketball Team defeated the Troy Colt, 60-29 in the season opener.

Dakota was led by Miranda Bates with 23 points and 6 rebounds.  Olivia Savage had a great floor game with 14 points, 5 assists & 6 steals.  Next was Kylie Churches with 8 points and 6 rebounds.  Kylie Townsley added 7 points, 5 assists and 5 steals.  Great start to the season Ladies!

2012-13 Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball Game Schedule Link:  

http://www.macombareaconference.org/g5-bin/client.cgi?cwellOnly=1&G5statusflag=view&schoolname=&school_id=6&G5button=13&G5genie=305&vw_schoolyear=1&vw_agl=53-3-5&category_sel=&category=  

2012-13 Dakota JV Girl's Basketball Game Schedule Link:  

http://www.macombareaconference.org/g5-bin/client.cgi?cwellOnly=1&G5statusflag=view&schoolname=&school_id=6&G5button=13&G5genie=305&vw_schoolyear=1&vw_agl=53-3-4&category_sel=&category=

2012-13 Dakota Freshman Girl's Basketball Game Schedule Link:  

http://www.macombareaconference.org/g5-bin/client.cgi?cwellOnly=1&G5statusflag=view&schoolname=&school_id=6&G5button=13&G5genie=305&vw_schoolyear=1&vw_agl=53-3-1597&category_sel=&category=

A few of our most recent former Lady Cougar's are playing at the college level.  The links below are to our former player’s, feel free to follow them this season: 

Shantelle Herring - 2009 Dakota Graduate - Madonna University http://www.madonnacrusaders.com/roster/8/5/487.php

LaQwana Dockery - 2010 Dakota Graduate - Adrian College
http://www.adrianbulldogs.com/sports/w-baskbl/2010-11/bios/dockery_laqwana_pyjh

Heather Kehrer - 2010 Dakota Graduate - Macomb Community College http://www.macomb.edu/Community/Athletics/Bios/10-11/Heather+Kehrer.htm

Ashley Thomas - 2010 Dakota Graduate - U-M Dearborn http://www.gowolves.net/roster/10/2/880.php

Kaitlyn Downey - 2010 Dakota Graduate - Albion College (Softball) http://www.albion.edu/sports/womens-sports/softball

Good luck to all of our former Dakota Cougars that helped bring us many Championships!

I’m pleased to announce that Emily Joseph has accepted the position of Dakota JV Girl's Basketball coach.  Emily is currently a math teacher at Dakota's 9th Grade Center.  Emily has had a very successful basketball career, listed below are just some Emily's past highlights:

- While at Utica Ford High School Emily was Macomb County Player of the Year in 2006
- Played College Basketball at Lake Superior State University on a full ride scholarship
- Three year captain at LSSU
- GLIAC Player of the Year her senior season
- Utica Ford Varsity Girl's Basketball Assistant Coach last year under her father Matt Joseph.

Please join me in welcoming Emily to our program.

I want to say a special thank you to our previous JV head coach Mike Misuraca for all of his hard work and dedication to our program.  Coach Mike will be spending more time with his family and we all wish him the very best!  Coach Mike will also be helping out when he can as a program assistant when time permits.

Best regards,
Phil McCune
Dakota Varsity Girl's Basketball Coach