Under-the-radar talent delivered at Thanksgiving

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were plenty of “star” performances at this year's Thanksgiving tournaments, from [player_tooltip player_id='471360' first='Mya' last='Moore'] to [player_tooltip player_id='344333' first='Cail' last='Jahnke'] to [player_tooltip player_id='565312' first='Ari' last='Peterson']. These elite, D1-bound standouts might grab the headlines and appear in the highlight reels, but it takes more than star power to win. This weekend at both the Pat Patterson Tournament and the Twin Cities Thanksgiving Tip Off we saw numerous so-called “role players” step up and contribute in a big way. Today we offer four great examples of under-the-radar talent that delivered over Thanksgiving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='773421' first='Micah' last='Chose'] – 2026 forward, Minnetonka</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The quintessential blue-collar player, Chose quietly does all the little things that win games. This weekend she made a ton of noise for the Skippers. A top 150 prospect in the Class of 2026, Micah is versatile and dependable, taking on multiple roles and matchups each night. Chose moves well without the ball, creating spacing with her shooting or slipping into open seams for easy baskets. Defensively, she understands team concepts and executes the game plan flawlessly, often covering gaps to allow her teammates to play more aggressively. A true student of the game, she studies scouting reports and knows every opponent's tendencies. The [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] <strong>S40</strong> forward may not grab headlines, but her basketball IQ, consistency, and ability to elevate everyone around her make Micah indispensable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='502555' first='Emma' last='Meschke'] – 2026 guard, Visitation</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Visitation senior captain sets the tone on both ends of the floor for the Blazers. The 5'7 guard, who played AAU this summer with [program_tooltip program_id='774653' first='Minnesota' last='Bobcats'] <strong>2026 West</strong>, has become a steady producer of offensive opportunities and a standout defensive leader. Meschke routinely guards the opponent's top ball handler, using quick feet and anticipation to generate steals and spark transition opportunities. A confident shooter from three, Emma has also expanded her ability to drive and finish through contact. With the graduation of star <strong>Sam Wills,</strong> who is now at Harvard, Meschke's role has grown as a leader on the court and mentor to the younger guards. Coach Kevin Block is counting on Emma's intelligence, effort, and timing to anchor the team in her final year of high school basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='742286' first='Sydney' last='Schmitz'] – 2026 forward, Centennial</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 5'11, Schmitz is stepping into a major role this season following the graduation of standout post <strong>Autumn McCall</strong>, who is now earning big minutes at the University of St. Thomas. &nbsp;The versatile forward, who averaged 13 points and 4 rebounds per game last year, was a focal point of the Cougar offense this weekend at Hamline. Schmitz plays with grit, leadership, and relentless energy – qualities that align perfectly with new coach Jason Wirtz's vision for a tough, defensive-minded team. A natural captain, she stays positive, communicates well, and sets the tone with her effort. Offensively, she scores from all three levels and finishes through contact. Schmitz's combination of physicality, speed, and basketball IQ make her a valuable veteran and a key piece for the Cougars' success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='999558' first='Lauren' last='Phillippe'] – 2026 guard, Minnetonka</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Phillippe's defensive intensity and offensive creativity make her an invaluable part of Minnetonka's deep rotation under new coach Dre Jefferson. Known for her quickness and explosiveness, Lauren (pictured above) disrupts opposing guards while complementing the defensive presence of star players like [player_tooltip player_id='252383' first='Lanelle' last='Wright'], [player_tooltip player_id='630244' first='Jazmin' last='Daing'], and [player_tooltip player_id='994855' first='Izze' last='Austin']. Offensively, Phillippe is confident and composed and is more than capable of draining perimeter shots or breaking down defenders to create scoring opportunities. She is crafty with the basketball to be sure, but on a team loaded with D1 talent her role is decidedly different as a senior for the Skippers. She played with poise this weekend, made few mistakes, and brought steady energy every possession. A model of consistency and competitiveness, Phillippe will be a quiet force this winter for one of Minnesota's top programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->