The Dakota Varsity basketball team is about half-way through this year’s season. Varsity junior Teagan Malloy informed us that their current record stands at nine and eight after seventeen hard-fought games. They practice three to five times a week, depending on their game schedule, led by head coach Phil McCune. This year’s team consists of eleven skilled, talented, and passionate girls, who love the sport and each other. Malloy stated that she “loves the sister hood the game develops and playing the sport [she] loves with her friends”. There are three freshmen, six juniors, and two seniors. 

Gabby Brooks-Foster, #2, grade 9

Brooklyn Garavaglia, #3, grade 9 

Gracie Maloney, #4, grade 11 

Samone Andrews, #5, grade 11 

Alexis Oltersdorf, #11, grade 12 

Sidnee Puffpaff, #12, grade 11 

Jessica Moshenko, #15, grade 11 

Gia Rizzo, #20, grade 9 

Teagan Malloy, #30, grade 11 

Enddiea Reese, #32, grade 12 

Tambre Williams, #33, grade 11 

For the 2022-2023 season, the Varsity team only has two seniors- Alexis Oltersdorf and Enddiea Reese- which is drastic change from their previous year with eight seniors. Seniors lead the team by both their experience with the game, and by setting an example for the younger girls. Oltersdorf has been playing basketball for about ten years and has spent all four years of high school playing for Dakota. She brings life to the court with her passionate attitude,

skilled ball-handling, and humorous personality that her teammates adore. It shows during a game how loved Alexis is by her team and how much she brings as a member of it.  

When asked how she feels about being one of only two seniors, she explained that it is even more special to her because there are only two people to be such big leaders to the younger girls. She says, “it is very emotional knowing that pretty soon, [she will] be playing [her] last basketball game”. Her favorite part of the sport is her teammates, because they are more than just a team- they are a family on and off the court. Her favorite Dakota Girls Basketball memory is when the team went to Northwood University for “team camp” two years ago- and actually, this well-rounded player is a multi-sport athlete! She will be attending Northwood to play softball this fall. Congratulations Alexis! 

The team is also making history this season by breaking school records! Varsity junior Samone Andrews broke the record for most points in a single game, with an incredible 38 points! Andrews is a powerhouse on the court, often leading the Cougars to victory. She is extremely well rounded and has a remarkable shot, and Dakota Basketball is very lucky to have her.  

Varsity player and junior Tambre Williams is up next, as she was only three rebounds shy of breaking her sister, Taylor Williams, school record of most rebounds in a single game. This is an incredible accomplishment for a junior, and we have no doubt she’ll be able to achieve this during her Dakota

basketball career. Williams’ favorite thing about basketball is the energy it brings out of her. She says that to many people, it is just a game, but to her it is so much more. She wants to put out there that she wants to “be different and be known for how [she] plays”. Her favorite memory is when they played Port Huron because of the team celebration and happy energy. She also gave the encouraging words “If you want something in this world, it takes heart, energy, time, and love. You have to be able to fight through diversity”. 

Do not forget to go out and support the girls for the rest of the season! Good luck to the Freshman, Junior Varsity, and Varsity Girls Basketball teams with the rest of your seasons! Enjoy it! You will do great things.