Class 4A State Tournament Unsung Heroes

To win the big game at any level, you need players who are ready for the moment. At this year's Class 4A high school State Tournament, there was no shortage of Division I talent on the floor. But as we all know, championships aren't won by star power alone. It takes a full team effort, and often it's the players who don't always grab the headlines that end up making the difference. These are the players who defend, rebound, make the extra pass, and step up when their team needs a play the most. The ones willing to do whatever it takes to give their squad a chance to win.   The four players below did exactly that throughout the season and delivered again on the biggest stage. Only one team could walk away with the trophy, but each of these players left their mark on the Class 4A State Tournament.   [player_tooltip player_id='963569' first='Kaylee' last='Dilger'] - 2028 guard, Rosemount   Dilger is the kind of player every winning team needs but doesn't always get the credit she deserves. The sophomore guard has taken on a role that asks her to sacrifice parts of her own game so the team can function at its best. What she gives Rosemount is steady ball handling, strong on-ball defense, and a level of toughness that shows up every time she steps on the floor. Dilger plays with confidence and poise, which is why the coaching staff trusts her in big moments.   In the state championship game against Hopkins, Dilger delivered when her team needed it most. With the game tight late, she stepped into a three and knocked it down to give the Irish a 63–60 lead they would not give back. It was a moment that showed exactly who she is as a player. There was no hesitation in that shot. Make or miss, she was ready for it. That mindset, along with her defense and leadership, makes Dilger an important piece for Rosemount moving forward.   [player_tooltip player_id='764213' first='Madalynn' last='McLaughlin'] - 2027 guard, Rochester Mayo   McLaughlin is the type of defender you love to have on your team, but absolutely hate playing against. In the opening round against Monticello, she picked up full court and never let up. Using quick feet and active hands, she baited her matchup into making a move and – boom – the next thing you know she's picked their pocket and heading the other way for an uncontested layup. That isn't hyperbole either. It happened again and again. She played with the kind of energy and passion that quickly spread to the rest of the floor. Her motor never slowed down.   When the dust settled, McLaughlin finished with 9 points, 5 assist and 4 steals, along with countless hustle plays that don't show up in the box score. Her effort helped Rochester Mayo sneak past Monticello 73-71 to move on to a semifinal battle with Rosemount. After that tough loss, she bounced back with 11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists to help the Spartans bring home the third-place trophy. Not too shabby.   [player_tooltip player_id='644107' first='Inarah' last='Nesbitt'] - 2027 guard, Hopkins   Nesbitt is the quintessential team player. She was set to be the go-to player at Bloomington Jefferson but chose to challenge herself and be part of something special. What she brings to the Hopkins Royals doesn't always grab headlines, but those who know the game see it right away. If there's a battle for a rebound or a loose ball, you can count on Nesbitt being in the middle of it.   Throughout the season and during the state tournament, she gave up her body, played with nonstop energy, and picked up full court while rarely coming off the floor. More than once we watched an opponent think they had secured a rebound, only for Nesbitt to fly in, rip it away, or tie it up. Her impact doesn't always show in the box score, but it plays a big part in keeping the Royals in the fight night after night.   [player_tooltip player_id='502550' first='Mia' last='Banks'] - 2026 guard, Rochester Mayo (Bemidji State)   As an upperclassman, it can sometimes be a tough ask to step back and let younger players take the reins. In this case, it was what was best for the team, and it had Rochester Mayo just a bounce or two away from playing for the 4A state title. Banks (pictured above) was a big part of that run as the Spartans finished the season 30-2 and brought home the third-place trophy.   Mia played all but two minutes the entire tournament, which tells you everything about the trust the coaching staff has in her. That trust didn't come by accident. Banks does all the little things that help teams win in March. She made key plays in the thriller against Monticello, battled through the heartbreaking loss to Rosemount, and chipped in 10 points and 4 rebounds in the third-place game against Maple Grove. Banks is a class act, and Bemidji definitely struck gold landing this one.

To win the big game at any level, you need players who are ready for the moment. At this year's Class 4A high school State Tournament, there was no shortage of Division I talent on the floor. But as we all know, championships aren't won by star power alone. It takes a full team effort, and often it's the players who don't always grab the headlines that end up making the difference. These are the players who defend, rebound, make the extra pass, and step up when their team needs a play the most. The ones willing to do whatever it takes to give their squad a chance to win.