Tony's Takes: Players who are back on the rise

Not every impact shows up in headlines. This group features players working their way back from injury, adjusting to new schools, or quietly doing the work without much attention. Different paths, same mindset. They're healthy, confident, and producing when it matters. Here are five players we've seen over the past few weeks getting it done in the spotlight and behind the scenes.   [player_tooltip player_id='377584' first='Ava' last='Cupito'] - 2027 guard - Hopkins   After a sophomore season slowed by injury, Cupito is back and playing angry in the best way. Over her last three games, the 5'7 guard has poured in 66 points, highlighted by a 29-point night where she went 7-for-10 from deep in Hopkins' win over DeLaSalle. Her shooting alone changes the game. Defenses can't load up on Hopkins' other weapons because Cupito makes them pay the second she gets daylight. What gets overlooked is her handle and feel. She can put it on the deck, make the right read, and keep the offense flowing. She's currently leading the Royals at 18 points per game and doing it with real confidence. It's been a long road back, and you can feel it in how she plays. There's an edge to her game right now, and she's clearly making up for lost time.   [player_tooltip player_id='932009' first='Cara' last='Sarbacker'] - 2027 forward - East Ridge   The transition from CHOF to East Ridge has been smooth for Sarbacker, and it shows early on. The junior forward stepped right into the starting lineup and gives the Raptors another reliable piece as they push toward a section title. She has good size, can guard multiple spots, and fits well within East Ridge's system. In two wins last week, she averaged 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, strong numbers considering the scoring options the Raptors already have. When you're sharing the floor with a player like Oklahoma commit [player_tooltip player_id='351665' first='Vienna' last='Murray'], finding ways to impact the game without forcing things matters, and Sarbacker has done just that. She moves the ball, plays within herself, and makes winning plays. She wanted a bigger challenge making the move, and so far, all signs point to her being a great fit.   Leila Colvin - 2027 forward - Cretin-Derham Hall   Colvin brings value well beyond the stat sheet, and her impact is felt every time she checks in. A standout volleyball player who earned all-conference honors, that athletic background shows up on the court with her hands, footwork, and body control. She comes off the bench for the Raiders with great energy and a positive attitude, fully bought into her role. While the numbers may not jump off the page, she's more than capable and understands how to play within the system. When starting center [player_tooltip player_id='1048328' first='Joey' last='Hover'] ran into early foul trouble at the Twin Cities Thanksgiving Tip-Off, Colvin stepped in and didn't miss a beat. She impacted the game on both ends, made smart reads, and kept the offense flowing. She knows where the ball needs to go and when. When her number is called, the Raiders keep rolling.   Graycie Smith - 2026 guard - Park of Cottage Grove (St. Olaf)   Smith averaged just under 12 points per game across three contests last week and continues to be the steady hand for Park. The senior guard missed most of her sophomore season with a knee injury, but she's shown real toughness bouncing back. Her junior year set the tone, and she's carried that momentum into this winter. Smith is the only senior seeing major minutes for a Wolfpack group that leans heavily on a talented junior class, led by forward Olivia Czarnota. In a hard-nosed battle against Stillwater, Smith scored 14 of Park's 32 points, and none of them came easy. She took contact, made timely shots, and kept them within striking distance all night. Park's record may not jump off the page, but they compete every possession. The St. Olaf commit is doing her part, leading by example and giving this young team a chance every time out.   [player_tooltip player_id='905146' first='Harper' last='Vossen'] - 2028 guard - Woodbury   Woodbury hadn't beaten White Bear Lake in eight straight seasons, and Vossen made sure that run came to an end. The 5'10 sophomore wasted no time setting the tone. In the opening minute, she jumped a passing lane at half court and went in for an easy layup. A possession later, she did it again, this time finishing through contact for an and-one. From there, her impact was felt on both ends. She brought steady pressure on defense, disrupted rhythm, and turned effort plays into points. Vossen finished with 15 points, helping the Royals knock off the Bears and even their record at 3-3 on the season. Big things are happening for Vossen. She plays with edge, competes every possession, and if she gets the ball around the rim, you can pretty much count it. Her presence changed the game, plain and simple.

Not every impact shows up in headlines. This group features players working their way back from injury, adjusting to new schools, or quietly doing the work without much attention. Different paths, same mindset. They're healthy, confident, and producing when it matters. Here are five players we've seen over the past few weeks getting it done in the spotlight and behind the scenes.