Tip Off Classic: Breakout upperclassmen performances

While the high school season began last Thursday, it's the Breakdown Tip Off Classic that truly set things into motion for the 2025-26 season. On Saturday we ventured out to Southwest Christian High School in Chaska to take in all that the Tip Off had to offer. There were plenty of nailbiter finishes, game-winning shots, and unexpected results to be found. PGH scouts Tony Ragulen and Grant McGinnis are also providing coverage on the event, so be sure to check those articles out. As for me, I'll be looking at the event in two parts, beginning with 5 upperclassmen who have raised their game coming into the 2025-26 season.   [player_tooltip player_id='764216' first='Maryn' last='Prenevost'] –2027 Guard, Orono   The Orono junior (pictured above), had one of the most exciting breakout performances of the week at the Tip Off Classic. Prenevost, who has long been known as a lights-out three-point shooter, showed off the many other aspects of her game in Saturday's matchup against [player_tooltip player_id='433933' first='Chloe' last='Johnson'] and Duluth Marshall. The 5'7 guard used her explosive quickness and relentless motor to create havoc on the defensive end, forcing turnovers and creating scoring opportunities as the Spartans clawed their way back into the game after being down by double digits. Maryn was relentless on the glass, tallying a whopping 11 boards. And when the game came down to the wire, Prenevost launched her signature quick release three, knocking it down and earning the Spartans the win in the process.   Haley Benson – 2026 Guard, Lakeville South   The Cougars senior had a big performance on Saturday, putting up 14 points in Lakeville South's matchup against Stewartville. Benson, a 5'9 guard, is a standout three-point shooter with some significant range on her shot. She showcased her shooting ability at the Tip Off, knocking down four shots from beyond the arc. Haley made a major impact on the defensive end, as well, employing her length and high-energy style of play to create deflections, force turnovers, and jump passing lanes. Using her quick hands, Benson picked up numerous steals, allowing South to push the pace in transition. Following their win over Stewartville, the 1-0 Cougars will play Edina and St. Michael-Albertville later this week.   Lucy Lewandowski – 2026 Guard/Forward, Crosby-Ironton   Lewandowski has long been a member of the Crosby-Ironton varsity rotation, but the Rangers will need her to step up in a big way in her senior season. The 5'10 forward showed just what she's capable of at the Breakdown, putting up 18 points in the matchup against 4A powerhouse Minnetonka. Lucy used well-timed cuts to the rim and a strong post up to create space for herself in the paint. Once the ball was in her hands, the Rangers senior used her strength and ability to play off two feet to consistently finish through contact at the rim. On the other end of the floor, Lewandowski defended with physicality and was highly aggressive on the boards.   [player_tooltip player_id='764213' first='Madalynn' last='McLaughlin'] – 2027 Guard, Rochester Mayo   The junior guard from Rochester Mayo was all over the floor at the Tip Off, using her explosive speed and relentless effort to impact the game in a variety of ways. McLaughlin, a 5'7 point guard, brought tons of energy to the defensive end in Saturday's matchup against Maple Grove. She used her quick hands to generate steals, and played lockdown defense on the perimeter. A fiery competitor with an endless motor, Madalynn made numerous hustle plays, earning extra possessions for the Spartans in the process. On the offensive end, McLaughlin displayed her quick release three-point shot, skilled passing in transition, and willingness to crash the glass and grab o-boards, helping Rochester Mayo come away with the win over the Crimson.    [player_tooltip player_id='932009' first='Cara' last='Sarbacker'] – 2027 Wing, East Ridge   The Tip Off Classic was a great opportunity to see Sarbacker in her first game with the Raptors since transfering in over the summer from St. Paul. The 6'0, lengthy wing saw plenty of floor time on Saturday, spending much of it creating a major impact on the defensive end. Cara was highly active and vocal on defense, calling out screens and help coverage. She used her length to disrupt passing lanes, get deflections, block shots, and grab boards over her opponents. While she only recorded 6 points in her debut, we know from her previous stat lines that Sarbacker can be a major scoring threat, particularly from beyond the arc. As soon as she settles into her new role, Cara's shot will be yet another weapon in East Ridge's arsenal.

While the high school season began last Thursday, it's the Breakdown Tip Off Classic that truly set things into motion for the 2025-26 season. On Saturday we ventured out to Southwest Christian High School in Chaska to take in all that the Tip Off had to offer. There were plenty of nailbiter finishes, game-winning shots, and unexpected results to be found. PGH scouts Tony Ragulen and Grant McGinnis are also providing coverage on the event, so be sure to check those articles out. As for me, I'll be looking at the event in two parts, beginning with 5 upperclassmen who have raised their game coming into the 2025-26 season.