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<p>Some players just naturally gravitate toward the spotlight, either by the nature of how they play the game or the profile of the team on which they compete. Others fly under the radar. We're always hunting for lesser-known but highly valued prospects. Last week we found five low-key performers of note. Two of them play vital roles for teams with plenty of star power; the other three are standouts in programs that operate largely out of the mainstream. Have a look.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1556205' first='Anne' last='Wright'] – 2028 guard, Spring Lake Park</strong></p>
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<p>Wright has quietly become one of Spring Lake Park's most valuable pieces, earning the starting point guard role for a Panthers team that is off to a strong start with six straight victories. Pictured above, the 5'5 guard is averaging over 9 points per game, including an 18-point outing against St. Francis, building on last year's solid all-around production. Crafty and composed, Wright is a quality playmaker who shoots the three well, slashes effectively to the rim, and consistently creates opportunities for teammates. On the other side of the floor she is a pesky on-ball defender with excellent anticipation, a knack for steals, and a willingness to take charges. Her rebounding energy is notable, especially tracking down long offensive boards. A vocal leader with strong instincts, Wright plays with maturity beyond her age and brings steady energy every possession.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1556200' first='Lily' last='Christiansen'] – 2027 guard, Lakeville North</strong></p>
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<p>Lakeville North coach Andy Berkvam has been searching for the right lineup combinations, and recently that has included Christiansen in the starting group – an important development on a roster with lots of promising young talent. With good mobility and athleticism, Lily doesn't need to score much in her current role, although her offensive game has shown signs of progress. What stands out most of late is her ability to defend. She may be the Panthers' best on-ball defender and has been tasked with guarding the strongest opposing point guard. Christiansen rarely turns the ball over, handles it with confidence, and plays with a relentless motor. After limited varsity minutes last season, she's carved out a meaningful role through grit, reliability, and high basketball IQ. She is a tough, team-first guard who does a lot of the unglamorous work well.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='861905' first='Clara' last='Jeddeloh'] – 2026 guard, Lake Crystal-Wellcome-Memorial</strong></p>
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<p>Jeddeloh is putting together one of the most efficient and productive seasons in the state. She's shooting over 40 percent from the field, nearly 40 percent from three, and close to 90 percent at the free-throw line, including two perfect 29-for-29 performances. A proven long-range shooter who made 80 threes last season, Clara has added improved rebounding – now averaging around nine per game – and a stronger ability to take it to the house off the bounce. Her confidence and assertiveness have taken a clear step forward, highlighted by recent stat lines of 31 and 12, 30 and 8, and a 39-point outburst. An All-Conference selection and unquestioned team leader, Jeddeloh wants the ball late and delivers with poise and toughness.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1229262' first='Kaida' last='Helgenset'] – 2027 guard, Benson</strong></p>
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<p>Helgenset is the engine behind Benson's resurgence, and one of the most dynamic scorers in Section 6A. The 5'4 lefty guard is averaging 27 points per game. Last year she had a school-record 48-point performance against Long Prairie-Grey Eagle and has continued to score at a prodigious clip. Playing with pace and confidence, Kaida is a fearless shot-maker with deep range, smooth mechanics, and a high-arching release that gets off quickly. She's a creative attacker who can finish around the rim, though her game carries a bit of risk-taking as she shoulders a massive offensive load. Defensively, her anticipation stands out as she racks up steals and creates offensive opportunities as a result. A consistent AAU scorer with [program_tooltip program_id='713023' first='West' last='Central Wildcats'], Helgenset's raw ability, competitive edge, and leadership have transformed the trajectory of a high school program that was on the verge of extinction.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1380705' first='Adisyn' last='Preston'] – 2028 guard, Zumbrota-Mazeppa</strong></p>
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<p>Preston has been a fixture in the Zumbrota-Mazeppa lineup since 8th grade, and her growth as a floor leader continues to stand out. The point guard distributes the ball with purpose, communicates constantly, and sets the tone defensively by guarding multiple positions and pressuring the ball to create turnovers. In Zumbrota-Mazeppa's 62–60 win last week over Lake City, we saw Preston trending near triple-double territory with 7 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals – numbers that give a clear indication of her wide-ranging impact. Last season she averaged 8.1 points, 6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 2.7 steals per game on a young team. Adi has nice length, runs the floor well with long strides, and gets to the basket to finish with regularity. Her shooting mechanics are smooth and she plays with poise and confidence. This is a player to watch.</p>
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Some players just naturally gravitate toward the spotlight, either by the nature of how they play the game or the profile of the team on which they compete. Others fly under the radar. We're always hunting for lesser-known but highly valued prospects. Last week we found five low-key performers of note. Two of them play vital roles for teams with plenty of star power; the other three are standouts in programs that operate largely out of the mainstream. Have a look.
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