Author: Ben Burns

Coaches Corner: Kyle Young

Lumberjacks seeking seventh-straight state tournament appearance

AURORA, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, Cloquet Boys Golf Assistant Coach Kyle Young joins us on day one of the invitational at The Quarry at Giants Ridge. Coach Young discussed Cloquet competing against teams in Southern Minnesota, his family’s love for golf, and the Lumberjacks’ goal of getting back to the State Tournament. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy,…

UWS Baseball Drops First Game of Final Regular Season Series

Surrender six runs in second inning

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior baseball team was on the receiving end of a hitting spree Friday afternoon, falling 17-3 against Bethany Lutheran. This is the first of the Yellowjackets’ three final games of the regular season, with two more outings against Bethany Lutheran scheduled for Saturday. Regardless of Saturday’s outcomes, UWS has already clinched a spot in the UMAC Tournament….

Boys Lacrosse: Duluth Drops Home Contest to Hill-Murray, Grand Rapids Earns 1st Win of Season

The Thunderhawks will next host Brainerd on May 8th.

DULUTH, Minn.- A battle of two four win teams would happen in boys lacrosse on Friday. Ultimately, Hill-Murray would stand tall as they took down Duluth, 12 to 5. Duluth falls to 4-2 on the year and will next host Rosemount on Saturday. In other boys lacrosse action, Grand Rapids picked up their first win of the season, defeating Superior…

Top Plays of the Week: 5/3

At number one, Hermantown/Proctor's Kale Smith goes behind his back to pull off the goal against St. Paul.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Both of this week’s top plays would come on the lacrosse field. At number two, Grand Rapids’ Owen Stark with the sidearm of a shot and laser to the back of the net. At number one, Hermantown/Proctor’s Kale Smith goes behind his back to pull off the goal against St. Paul. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Rails End Home Stretch, Roll Past Jacks

First Proctor win over Cloquet since 2022

PROCTOR, Minn.- After losing twice to Cloquet last season, the Proctor baseball team had their revenge on Thursday, taking down the Lumberjacks 7-5 on Thursday. Proctor was the first to score when Tyler Berglund hit an RBI single in the bottom of the first inning. Cloquet would later take the lead 5-3 after scoring four runs in the top of…

Northern Star: Carter Boos

Will play for Northern Iowa Area Community College in 2025

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall baseball is getting the most they’ve ever gotten from Carter Boos, who’s in his sixth year playing for the high school team. “I think just the vibes in the dugout have been ‘We’re one unit,’ and we(‘ve) got to go win games together.” Boos has developed into a dependable hitter, a dangerous pitcher, and a…

Marshall’s Carlson Brings Maturity to Mound

Seven strikeouts in Friday win over Warroad

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Duluth Marshall baseball team continue to play strong this season, senior Tanner Carlson found himself as a leader both on and off the diamond. On Friday, Carlson recorded seven strikeouts in a 6-3 win over Warroad. As a team captain, he’s embraced a leadership role with a team, and not just as a leader by example….

Jake Starling Returns to Duluth FC for 2024 Season

Club leader in minutes, games played

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth FC’s all-time leader in minutes and games played will be back for his fifth season with the club. It was announced on social media that Jake Starling will return for the Duluth FC’s 2024 season. Starling joined the club in 2019 following his collegiate career at Florida Southern. Since then, the defender has become a staple of…

UWS Baseball Spoils Saints’ Home Finale in Downpour

First Yellowjacket win over St. Scholastica in five years

DULUTH, Minn.- A consistent rainfall at Wade Stadium didn’t stop UW-Superior as they defeated St. Scholastica 12-6 in the Saints’ final home game of the regular season. This marks the second time in school history the Yellowjackets have defeated the Saints and the first time since 2019. St. Scholastica had defeated UWS in five straight matchups from March 29, 2021…

Duluth East Baseball Seniors Determined to Achieve Winning Season

Greyhounds start season 5-4 overall

DULUTH, Minn.- At 5-4 overall, The Duluth East baseball team has a chance of finishing with a winning record for the first time since 2019. A key factor in the Greyhounds’ success this year has been their senior class, which has played together as a group since their first times swinging a bat on the diamond. “We’ve played together since…

UMD’s Treyvon Cahalan to Attend New Orleans Saints Rookie Minicamp

Minicamp set for May 10-12

DULUTH, Minn.- After four stellar seasons on the UMD offensive line, Treyvon Cahalan will get a shot at playing in the NFL. After not being selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints have invited Cahalan to participate in their rookie minicamp, set for May 10-12. During his time with the Bulldogs, Cahalan was twice selected to the…

Twin Ports Border Battle Brings New Competition to Northland

Basketball tournament featured 130 teams

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For the last five years, the Twin Ports Border Battle has rendered the basketball offseason obsolete for players ages 10-18. “Each year it’s grown, and I think what happens is people come up here, they realize how beautiful Duluth and superior is, and they’re like, I want to come back.” Playmakers North Director Phil Roe has put in…

Duluth East Shines in Greyhound Invitational

Athletes battle through rain, wind

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite the rainy conditions, high school track and field teams competed in the Greyhound Invitational on Friday at Duluth East High School. With 32 of 36 events officially scored, Duluth East scored the most points for both the boys’ (181.5) and girls’ (228.5) events, followed by Rock Ridge (149.5 for boys, 109 for girls). You can find the…

Northern Star: Ella Brisbois

Duluth senior to play college lacrosse at Concordia St. Paul

DULUTH, Minn.- On a team full of general newcomers to the sport of lacrosse, Ella Brisbois brings some uncommon experience to the Duluth Wolfpack. “She’s a really good shooter,” says teammate Grace Karakas. “She’s really confident on the field so it helps a lot. She’s a good passer and she just knows what she’s doing out there.” For Karakas, lacrosse…

Prep Softball: Superior, Proctor Deliver Shutouts

Proctor's Shelton pitches no-hitter

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Two of the hottest softball teams in the area started the week off with home shutout victories on Monday. Superior scored 17 runs in the first two innings to defeat Carlton-Wrenshall 18-0 in four innings. The Spartans’ final run came on a solo home run from Paige R. Johnson in the third inning. Superior (4-1) will stay at…

St. Scholastica’s Lindemann, Oberding Ready for Final Meet

Saints Competing in Northfield April 27-28

DULUTH, Minn.- With the St. Scholastica women’s golf team entering its final week, two of their top all-time student-athletes are eager to hit the links in their season finale. Senior Anna Lindemann and Junior Carissa Oberding have been standouts all season for the Saints, with Lindemann placing in the top 15 (+10) in this weekend’s “BU Rumble at the Ridge”…

UWS Baseball Sweeps Minnesota Morris in Weekend Series

Yellowjackets now 17-12 overall

DULUTH, Minn.- After playing 21 innings on Sunday, the UW-Superior baseball team ended the weekend with three straight wins over Minnesota Morris at Wade Stadium. Sunday’s first game of their doubleheader lasted 13 innings, but UWS survived with a 16-15 win. In game two, the Yellowjackets’ defense stayed strong, allowing no runs in the first six innings and ultimately winning…

Harbor City Roller Derby Offers Intense Action and Inclusive Environment

Hosted first home bout since 2019

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For the first time in five years, Harbor City Roller Derby welcomed fans to a home bout, taking on Northern Star at Wessman Arena. “I describe it as a NASCAR plus hockey,” says Harbor City member and captain Abby Jean Goodell. “You’re playing offensive defense at the same time. And it’s a little bit of a race.” Not…

Coaches Corner: Dan Szymczak

Head Golf Coach for St. Scholastica

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, St. Scholastica Golf Coach Dan Szymczak joined the program to discuss the Saints’ women’s spring golf season. Szymczak was named St. Scholastica’s interim head coach in August 2022 and has since taken over as their permanent coach. The Saints are competing in the BU Rumble at the Ridge this weekend in White Bear…

Prep Baseball: Spartans Falls Short, Titans Sink Oredockers

Orlandi Memorial Tournament continues Saturday

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In day one of the Orlandi Memorial Tournament, the Superior Spartans couldn’t keep up with Rice Lake’s scoring while Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin battled through the cold temps for a win against Ashland. In game one, Superior gave up three runs in the first inning, ultimately losing to Rice Lake 14-4. Following the Spartans’ loss, G/NK defeated the Oredockers 5-2. On…

Prep Baseball: Esko, Hermantown Stay Undefeated With Thursday Wins

Esko takes down Proctor 7-3, Hermantown tops Denfeld 8-1

ESKO, Minn.- Esko and Hermantown each proved their strength on the diamond on Thursday as they each put their undefeated records on the line. Esko defeated Proctor 7-3, improving to 4-0 in 2024. The defending state champions were scheduled to face Duluth Marshall on Friday, but that game has been postponed. Meanwhile, Proctor (2-1) will be in Maple Grove on…

Superior Softball Shuts Out Rock Ridge in Home Opener

Spartans improve to 3-1 overall

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior softball team allowed only two hits in their 7-0 home opening win over Rock Ridge on Monday. One of the Spartans’ biggest plays came in the bottom of the fourth when Paige Johnson hit a two-run home run, increasing Superior’s lead to seven. This win puts Superior at 3-1 overall as they look ahead to Grantsburg…

Northern Star: Shay Callaway

Played as UMD's #1 singles player 2022-24

DULUTH, Minn.- As UMD’s women’s tennis season came to a close on Saturday, so did Shay Callaway’s four-year run on the court with the Bulldogs. “I think that these four years have been some of the best years of my life,” Callaway said during her final practice with UMD. “And the people that I’ve met on this team are some…

Proctor Softball’s Hot Start Continues With Win Over Esko

Rails' fifth-straight win over Esko

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor softball remains undefeated, taking down Esko 7-3 on their home field on Monday. This marks the fifth-straight time Proctor has defeated Esko in head-to-head games. The Rails — who are now 4-0 — have outscored their opponents 42-8. Proctor has a favorable matchup ahead of them as they’ll take on 0-5 Bemidji on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Esko…

Saints Dig Out of Five-Run Hole, Win by Double Digits Over Northland

14 runs scored in last four innings

DULUTH, Minn.- After giving up five runs in the third inning, the St. Scholastica baseball team rallied to defeat Northland College 16-6 at Wade Stadium on Monday. The Saints’ largest offense surge came in the final four innings, where they scored a combined 14 runs. Jake Schelonka had a standout performance at the plate, recording three hits, four RBI, and…

Spartans Girls Soccer Can’t Keep Up With Golden Bears

Brynn Johnson scores Superior's lone goal

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior girls soccer team fell back to .500 on Monday in a 3-1 loss to Barron. After a scoreless first period, Superior’s defense couldn’t keep up with the Golden Bears’ offensive attack. Junior Brynn Johnson scored Superior’s only goal of the night (team’s eighth goal of season). Superior (2-2) will stay home this week as they’ll host…

Late Surge Lifts Yellowjackets Past Rams

Seven runs scored in seventh inning

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior baseball team earned their second win in a three-game series with North Central, defeating the Rams 9-1 Sunday afternoon. North Central took an early lead off a throwing error by UWS in the second inning. The Yellowjackets were able to tie the game in the fifth inning with a Trey Sybrant single that brought in Payton…

Bulldogs Softball Settles for Split With Mavericks

Potts homers twice in game one

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a tale of two outings for the UMD softball team this Sunday as they split a doubleheader series against Minnesota State Mankato. In game one, the Bulldogs came away with a 6-2 victory. Elle Potts was the biggest difference-maker at the plate, hitting two home runs (including a grand slam) and five RBI. In game two,…

UMD Baseball Splits Doubleheader With Northern State

Bulldogs win fourth home game of 2023 season

DULUTH, Minn.- Following Saturday’s 8-6 victory against Northern State, the UMD baseball team ended their three-game series with a loss and another win against the Wolves on Sunday. In game one of Sunday’s doubleheader, Northern State won 10-7 after scoring 8 runs between the second and fifth innings. UMD was gearing up for a rally with four runs scored in…

UMD Lacrosse Hosts First Home Games in Four Years

Bulldogs begin playoffs April 19

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time in four years, Griggs Field was a lot more than just a practice field for the UMD lacrosse team. With the remnants from a previous snowstorm cleared out, the Bulldogs were able to host home games against North Dakota State and Drury. “I’ve always dreamed of playing on this field,” said Reece Wickman, a…

Top Plays: 4/12

At number one, Solon Springs' Isaiah Kastern crashes the hoop for the put-back jam in Wednesday's DAYBA Border Battle.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both the softball diamond and on the hardwood. At number three, UW-Superior’s Mykenzie Leccia slides on her knees to rob a Blue Devil of an extra base hit. At number two, Hermantown’s Bryden Geisen smacks a deep shot to center for a two-run homer in a 11-0 win over Esko. At number…

Hermantown Softball Blanks Esko in Season Opener

Geisen hits two-run home run

ESKO, Minn.- The Hermantown softball team started their season on all the right notes as they delivered a 11-0 blowout win against Esko on Friday. After three scoreless innings, the Hawks’ bats came alive, starting with freshman Bryden Geisen hitting a two-run home run to break the stalemate. Hermantown (1-1) will host Superior on Thursday in the Hawks’ home opener….

Proctor’s Big Bats Serve Up Home-Opening Win

Rails improve to 2-0

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor baseball team are off to a hot start, stringing together their second-straight win in an 8-3 victory over Mesabi East on Thursday. The Rails were propelled by Wyatt Mineheine, who led off with a triple in the first before recording a two-RBI double in the second inning. On the mound, Tyler Berglund pitched a complete game…

Prep Lacrosse: C-E-C & Marshall Boys Win First-Ever Games, Marshall Girls Spoil Superior’s Home Opener

The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, Duluth Marshall, & Superior boys and girls lacrosse teams are in their first seasons.

CLOQUET, Minn.- On Thursday, four local area teams would have either their first-ever home game or their first-ever inaugural game. For the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys, they played and hosted their first-ever contest against Rocori. After being tied 5-5 at the half, the Lumberjacks would outscore the Spartans 5-2 in the 2nd half to earn their first victory, 10 to 7. Michael…

Northern Star: Bjorn Lind

Duluth East senior to play college baseball at Augustana

DULUTH, Minn- Duluth East’s baseball team is chock full of returning starters in their lineup, including Augustana-commit and versatile defender Bjorn Lind. “I’m definitely a lot stronger, faster, more physical and (I’ve) grown a couple inches.” says Lind, who has a lot of reasons to why he loves baseball. “I would say going into the field every day with your…

Rails Cut Through Fog in Rout Over Agates

15 runs scored in five innings by Proctor

PROCTOR, Minn.- After defeating Rock Ridge in their season opener, the Proctor softball team stayed undefeated, taking down Two Harbors 15-0 in five innings. After a scoreless first inning, the Rails adjusted to the foggy conditions by scoring eight runs in the second inning. Three of the first four runs were scored on wild pitches before Emma Shelton and Sydney…

Duluth Harbor Monsters Introduce Inaugural Roster

Season opener set for May 25

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters drew one step closer to their inaugural season, introducing their 2024 roster to fans and media members on Saturday. Head Coach Tony O’Neil says cutting down the team’s roster following player tryouts was difficult, but he’s happy it’s now over and is now focused on bringing the players closer together as a unit. “We…

After Playing Career Cut Short, Bailey Brings Expertise as Coach

CSS Assistant Coach Hosting Spring Skills Camp

PROCTOR, Minn.- St. Scholastica Men’s Hockey Assistant Coach Colin Bailey is spending his offseason teaching kids on-ice fundamentals at his own spring skills camp at the St. Luke’s Sports & Events Center. “This is my first year doing this, so (I) definitely kind of took a chance on myself,” says Bailey, the founder of Bailey Hockey Development and a Level…

UWS Softball Wins Ninth Straight in Shutout Over Crown

Yellowjackets 3-0 at home this season

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Despite the cold weather, the UW-Superior softball team looked red hot on Friday, capturing their ninth-straight win in an 8-0 shutout over Crown College. Freshman Bella Garley (5-0) struck out five batters in her six innings on the mound, allowing only five hits. In her 44.1 innings pitched this season, Garley has allowed 48 hits and 15 runs…

Top Play: 4/5

Duluth Marshall's Berrisford hits in-the-park HR

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Marshall’s Max Berrisford opened the season with a big-time hit at Wade Stadium. In the third inning, Berrisford delivered a hit to right field. Although it didn’t make it over the wall, the catcher rounded the bases for a two-run in-the-park home run. The Hilltoppers won their season opener over Cloquet 8-1. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High…

Prep Baseball: Duluth East & Duluth Marshall Open Seasons with Wins Against Cloquet

The Greyhounds (1-0) will next face Duluth Denfeld on April 9th. Meanwhile, Marshall (1-0) will next play at Aitkin on April 11th.

DULUTH, Minn.- More local area baseball teams would have their season openers on Thursday. In the first game of a doubleheader at Wade Stadium, Duluth East would top Cloquet 7 to 4. The Greyhounds were led by Dylan Cole, who was four for four with two runs batted in. On the mound, Bjorn Lind went four innings with 10 strikeouts….

Northern Wisconsin Schools Compete in Packy Paquette Invite

Chippewa Falls boys, Hayward girls take home titles

SUPERIOR, Wis.- 12 high school track and field teams were at UW-Superior on Thursday to compete in the annual Packy Paquette Invitational. For the boys, Chippewa Falls finished with the most points (102), followed by Eau Claire North (95) and Rice Lake (92.5). Meanwhile, the Hayward girls were victorious (101), finishing ahead of Cameron (93) and Chippewa Falls (77.7). Below…

Northern Star: Aidan Altona

Denfeld senior returns to court after severe knee injury

DULUTH, Minn.- After suffering a torn meniscus and a partial ACL tear in December, Duluth Denfeld’s Aidan Altona returned to the court in last week’s Iron Range Senior All-Star Game. Altona was set to have an earth-shaking season with the Hunters in 2023-24. But after going up for a shot block in their season opener, everything changed when he landed…

Denfeld’s Starstead Steps Up Amid Hunters’ Injuries

17.1 PPG, 9.2 RPG in 2023-24 season

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Denfeld’s boys’ basketball season was derailed by injuries, but one senior was able to make the most of his extra minutes on the court. In the 2023-24 season, Ethan Starstead finished with 17.1 points per game, along with a team high of 9.2 rebounds per game. “Going into the season, I was the third, fourth option on…

UMD’s Sandelin Sounds Off on Men’s Hockey Season

Bulldogs failed to reach NCAA Tournament

DULUTH, Minn.- The NCAA Men’s Hockey Frozen Four is now set, but UMD has been out of the picture for over two weeks following their elimination in the NCHC Tournament. On Monday, Bulldogs Head Coach Scott Sandelin addressed the media to share his thoughts on the 2023-24 season. “We weren’t as good a team as maybe we wanted to be,”…

UMD Football Spring Practices Underway

Joint practice/scrimmage with Bemidji State set for April 17

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite the college football season still months away, the UMD football team has returned to Malosky Stadium for their annual spring practices. The Bulldogs’ spring practices will end with a joint practice and scrimmage against Bemidji State, which is scheduled for April 17 at 4 p.m. This marks the second straight season UMD will face another school in…

Mountain Iron-Buhl Seniors Reflect on Final Season

Zubich, Havela, Lira and Aubrey all to play college basketball

VIRGINIA, Minn.- On Thursday, a quartet of Mountain Iron-Buhl seniors had a chance to decompress from their Class A State Championship loss earlier this month. Jordan Zubich, Hali Savela, Gabby Lira and Suzy Aubrey were all selected to play in the Iron Range Engineering Senior All-Star Game. “I think it (was) a good break from playing.” said Zubich in regard…

Top Play: 3/29

MIB's Zubich swishes half-court heave at halftime

VIRGINIA, Minn.- This week’s Top Play wasn’t officially made during an actual game, but it’s good enough for us! At Thursday’s Iron Range Engineering Senior All-Star Basketball Game, Mountain Iron-Buhl’s Jordan Zubich drained a half-court shot during the game’s halftime shootout competition. Zubich is ending high school career as a state champion, the Rangers’ all-team leading scorer and will take…

Cherry Boys Hoops Celebrate State Title With Community

Tigers' first-ever boys basketball state championship

CHERRY, Minn.- In the middle of a winter storm, the Cherry community packed themselves into a town hall to celebrate the Tigers boy’s basketball team, fresh off their 78-40 Class A State Championship win over Fertile-Beltrami. “The support that we’ve had this season has been incredible,” said Head Coach Jordan Christiansen at Sunday’s celebration. “All the comments that I’ve seen…