Tony’s Takes: Some players you need to know

Tony&#8217;s Takes: Some players you need to know

Tony Ragulen November 26, 2025 @ 02:58 PM

Between the Breakdown Tip Off Classic and the first stretch of games to open the season, this group of players has stepped up in a big way. They're playing behind some well-known prospects, but they aren't getting swallowed up by the spotlight. Instead, they're carving out their own identity and showing why they matter just as much to their teams' success. These players bring toughness, IQ, and timely playmaking that wins games even if it doesn't always draw headlines. Here's the latest installment of Tony's Takes, shining a light on a few unsung heroes who are proving they belong in the conversation.   [player_tooltip player_id='889671' first='Nesa' last='Namjoshi'] – guard, 2027 - Eden Prairie   Eden Prairie graduated a lot of scoring, which opened the door for someone to step forward, and Namjoshi wasted no time claiming that space. At the Breakdown Tip Off Classic, she played with the confidence of a seasoned vet. Against Hill-Murray, the junior poured in 19 points, including a pair of deep threes that forced the defense to stretch out and gave her room to attack downhill. She carried that momentum into the Prior Lake matchup, where she delivered 22 points and knocked down the game-winning free throws in overtime. Her poise, shot-making, and willingness to take big moments head-on stood out in a big way.   [player_tooltip player_id='764173' first='Lexi' last='Nicolai'] – forward, 2027 - Providence Academy   For the first time in years, the Lions don't have a Counts holding down the paint, but Nicolai is stepping in with her own style. She may not bring the same physical presence as the three sisters before her, but she matches their energy and toughness on the glass. In a fast-paced matchup against Hopkins, the junior grabbed 11 rebounds and scored 10 hard-earned points against one of the toughest interior defenses in the state. Through three games, she's averaging 7 points and 7 rebounds. As she settles in and gains confidence, expect her impact to continue climbing.   [player_tooltip player_id='897934' first='Lanaia' last='Durant'] – guard, 2028 - Hopkins   There might not be another player in the state playing with the same confidence and swagger as Durant. Her energy lifts everyone around her, whether she's celebrating her own bucket or hyping a teammate after a big play. Against Providence, she delivered one of the defining moments of the game, driving hard to her right and banking in a tough running floater that halted a late Lions surge. That shot sucked the momentum out of the gym. On defense, she's relentless – always in a stance, always pressuring, always refusing to back down. The sophomore is playing with purpose, and it shows. She's on a mission.   [player_tooltip player_id='963569' first='Kaylee' last='Dilger'] – guard, 2028 - Rosemount   There's plenty of attention on the Irish thanks to the Ramlall sisters, and rightfully so. But in all that noise, Dilger has carved out a steady, important role. In a tight matchup against Wayzata, the sophomore never looked rattled. She handled pressure with poise and made timely plays on both ends to help her team close out the win at the Breakdown Tip Off Classic. Her impact won't always jump out in the box score, but the way she moves the ball, stays disciplined on defense, and picks her spots to attack matters just as much. She's proving she can thrive in the spotlight ,too.   [player_tooltip player_id='764215' first='Mariko' last='Lang'] – guard, 2027 - Hill-Murray   Lang goes about her work quietly, but she's making a real impact. With the Wilson sisters and [player_tooltip player_id='772240' first='Sarah' last='Poepard'] drawing so much defensive attention, there's plenty of room for her to step in and she's taking full advantage. She can knock down shots from the perimeter, finish inside, and gives her team steady production without forcing anything. On top of that, the junior is one of the strongest defenders on the roster, using her awareness and toughness to disrupt opponents. She understands her role and plays it at a high level, giving this group exactly what it needs to compete.

Between the Breakdown Tip Off Classic and the first stretch of games to open the season, this group of players has stepped up in a big way. They're playing behind some well-known prospects, but they aren't getting swallowed up by the spotlight. Instead, they're carving out their own identity and showing why they matter just as much to their teams' success. These players bring toughness, IQ, and timely playmaking that wins games even if it doesn't always draw headlines. Here's the latest installment of Tony's Takes, shining a light on a few unsung heroes who are proving they belong in the conversation.