Author: Sam Ali

Expectations Still High for Duluth Marshall Girls Basketball Team

Experience will be an issue early on with a roster that features ten 8th-graders, but some of them did play major minutes during last season's playoff run.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, prep girls basketball teams are wrapping up their first week of practice. One team that has a mission to go back to the state tournament is Duluth Marshall. The Hilltoppers are the two time defending champions of Section 7AA and they have no plans of slowing down. Experience will be an issue early on with…

UMD Women’s Hockey Back in Action After Long Layoff

The Bulldogs will travel to Bemidji State to take on the Beavers and it's been an even series recently, with three of the last four games going into overtime.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team will be back in action this weekend after a three-week layoff due to the Olympic qualifiers. For the players who didn’t participate, they were able to stay home and continue working for when the Bulldogs get back into conference play. “Having those scrimmages helps a little bit so you’re not like “oh…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Face North Dakota in First Match-Up Since 5OT Thriller

Puck drop up in Grand Forks is set for just after 7 o'clock.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last season’s NCAA Regional final saw the UMD men’s hockey team knock off North Dakota in the longest playoff game in NCAA history. Head coach Scott Sandelin reflected on that historic night as the Bulldogs and Fighting Hawks get set to battle this weekend. “Well we’ve had great games with them. If you look at even last…

Esko Football Set to Battle Top-Seeded Dassell-Cokato in Class AAA Semi-Finals

This will be the Eskomos' first trip to the state semi-finals since 1992.

PROCTOR, Minn. – This weekend, U.S. Bank Stadium is the place to be for the MSHSL prep football state sem-finals. For Esko, it’s their first trip to the semi-finals since 1992. This week, the Eskomos practiced at Proctor’s indoor turf facility. But even that can’t simulate what it will be like Saturday to play in an NFL stadium. “We weren’t…

UWS Women, CSS Men Come Out on Top in Basketball Bridge Battle

The Saints and Yellowjackets split their basketball Bridge Battle meeting at the Reif Gym.

DULUTH, Minn. – Proctor native Sam Parendo led all scorers with 14 points as the UW-Superior women’s basketball team topped St. Scholastica 71-45 Wednesday night at the Reif Gym. It was the Yellowjackets 18th straight win over the Saints. In the men’s game, CSS got some late buckets from Esko native Quinn Fischer as they held on to beat UWS…

Superior Boys Basketball Begin Practices with New Head Coach Kory Deadrick

The Spartans will open their season next Tuesday at home against Chippewa Falls.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The first week of practices is underway for the Superior boys basketball team. The Spartans have a new head coach as former Esko star Kory Deadrick takes over the program. The move is exciting for the players, who will be coached by a former player that has won a state title. “That’s definitely a big thing because…

Duluth Marshall Girls Hockey Tops Duluth Northern Stars at Heritage Center

Ilsa Lindaman, Meredith Boettcher and Kendra Royer each scored twice.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ilsa Lindaman, Meredith Boettcher and Kendra Royer each scored twice as the Duluth Marshall girls hockey team defeated the Duluth Northern Stars 11-3 Tuesday night at Heritage Center. The Hilltoppers improve to 2-0 while the Northern Stars fall to 1-2. Categories: High School, Sports

Steve Pitoscia Era Begins for Duluth East Hockey Team

The Greyhounds will open their season November 26th at White Bear Lake.

DULUTH, Minn. – Practices are underway for the Duluth East boys hockey team. And the Greyhounds are going through some big changes on their bench as Steve Pitoscia takes over for longtime coach Mike Randolph. But his familiarity with the program makes the transition a seamless one. “A lot of our kids have had him before, including me. We’re all…

UMD Men’s Basketball Shoot the Lights Out in Win Over Northland College

The Bulldogs had six players finish in double figures, every player scored at least four points and as a team, UMD shot 68% from the field.

DULUTH, Minn. – Lincoln Meister and Drew Blair each scored 18 points as the UMD men’s basketball team defeated Northland College 123-48 Tuesday night at Romano Gym. The Bulldogs had six players finish in double figures, every player scored at least four points and as a team, UMD shot 68% from the field. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota –…

North Woods’ TJ Chiabotti Named Finalist for Mr. Football Award

Chiabotti became just the 19th player in state history to rush for over 5,000 career yards.

COOK, Minn. – North Woods running back TJ Chiabotti has been named one of ten finalists for the Minnesota Football Coaches Association’s Mr. Football Award. This past season, Chiabotti rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 30 total touchdowns. He also became just the 19th player in state history to rush for over 5,000 career yards. The winner will be…

UMD Football Embracing Major Temperature Change for Playoff Game Against Angelo State

The temperature at kick-off is expected to be close to 80 degrees, compared to a balmy 40 if the game were held at Malosky Stadium.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, the UMD football team is wrapping up their last few practices before they head down to Texas for their NCAA first round match-up against Angelo State. The temperature at kick-off is expected to be close to 80 degrees, compared to a balmy 40 if the game were held at Malosky Stadium. “A game is a…

Esko Native Jaxson Turner Becomes North Dakota Football’s D1 Sacks Leader

Turner finished with two sacks in Saturday's win over Illinois State, which gave him 21 in his career with the Fighting Hawks.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – This past weekend, Esko native Jaxson Turner became the all-time sack leader for the North Dakota football team in their Division I era. Turner finished with two sacks in Saturday’s win over Illinois State, which gave him 21 in his career with the Fighting Hawks. “Just kind of been working towards it my whole career. For…

Hibbing Native Scott Perunovich Recalled by St. Louis Blues

Through 12 games, Perunovich is tied for the AHL lead in points with 20 off two goals and 18 assists.

ST. LOUIS. Mo. – Monday, the St. Louis Blues announced that they have recalled defenseman and Hibbing native Scott Perunovich. The former Hobey Baker Award winner has been recalled from the team’s AHL affiliate: the Springfield Thunderbirds. Through 12 games, Perunovich is tied for the league lead in points with 20 off two goals and 18 assists. No word yet…

Coaches Corner: Mandy Pearson

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the UMD women's basketball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from UMD women’s basketball coach Mandy Pearson as the Bulldogs were picked to repeat as NSIC champions. UMD will open their season next Tuesday with a road trip to Drury. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Season Ends in Class A Quarterfinals for Deer River Football Team

Joseph Herfindahl would scored a 99-yard touchdown late in the first half.

BRAINERD, Minn. – Joseph Herfindahl would scored a 99-yard touchdown late in the first half, but it would be the only points for the Deer River football team as they fall to New York Mills 20-6 in the Class A quarterfinals. The Warriors end their season at 10-1. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Adrian Scores Twice, St. Scholastica Men’s Hockey Earns First-Ever MIAC Win

The win was the first conference victory for the Saints in the MIAC as they'll look to sweep the Oles Saturday night.

DULUTH, Minn. – Nathan Adrian scored twice for the St. Scholastica men’s hockey team as they defeated St. Olaf 5-2 Friday night at Mars Lakeview Arena. The win was the first conference victory for the Saints in the MIAC as they’ll look to sweep the Oles Saturday night. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Fanti Records Second Straight Shutout, UMD Men’s Hockey Blanks Colorado College

The Bulldogs got goals from Koby Bender, Noah Cates, Casey Gilling, Owen Gallatin and Blake Biondi

DULUTH, Minn. – Junior netminder Ryan Fanti finished with 25 saves and recorded his second straight shutout as the UMD men’s hockey team blanked Colorado College 5-0 Friday night at Amsoil Arena. The Bulldogs got goals from Koby Bender, Noah Cates, Casey Gilling, Owen Gallatin and Blake Biondi as they aim for the sweep Saturday night at Amsoil Arena. Categories:…

UMD Men’s Basketball Wins Season Opener at American Family Insurance Classic

Sophomore Joshua Brown led the way with 18 points as the UMD men's basketball team defeated Nebraska-Kearney.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sophomore Joshua Brown led the way with 18 points as the UMD men’s basketball team defeated Nebraska-Kearney 77-64 on the first day of the American Family Insurance Classic at Romano Gym. Drew Blair chipped in with 17 points while Austin Andrews scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. The Bulldogs will face East Central Saturday at 4…

Grand Rapids Volleyball Falls to Top-Seeded Marshall in State Semi-Finals

The Thunderhawks will face New Prague in the third-place game Saturday afternoon.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Marshall volleyball team showed why they are the #1 overall seed in the Class AAA state tournament as they swept Grand Rapids 3-0 Friday afternoon at the Xcel Energy Center. The Thunderhawks will face New Prague in the third-place game Saturday afternoon. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

CEC Girls Hockey Get Set to Open Regular Season This Weekend

After graduating a huge senior class two years ago, the Lumberjacks return 17 players with loads of experience, led by goaltender Araya Kiminski.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton girls hockey team is getting set to open their season this weekend. After graduating a huge senior class two years ago, the Lumberjacks return 17 players with loads of experience, led by goaltender Araya Kiminski. “We feel really comfortable with her in net and know we’re able to take a little more chances and be…

UMD Women’s Cross Country Prepare for Trip to Nationals

The 18th-ranked Bulldogs finished second at the NCAA Central Regionals to qualify for their 10th ever nationals appearance.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s cross country team is NCAA-championship bound for the first time since 2017. After a challenging season last year and another coaching change, the 18th-ranked Bulldogs finished second at the NCAA Central Regionals to qualify for their 10th ever nationals appearance. “The one constant we’ve had is just our team and just believing in each…

Grand Rapids’ Bill Kinnunen to be Inducted into MSHSBCA Hall of Fame

Kinnunen is the second Grand Rapids alum to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, Along with his old head coach Bob Streetar, who was part of the inaugural class in 2004.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Friday afternoon, Grand Rapids baseball coach Bill Kinnunen will be inducted into the Hall of Fame of Minnesota State High School Baseball Coaches Association. He’s led the program since 2001 and is coming off a season that saw the Thunderhawks finish in second place at the state tournament. Kinnunen said he was surprised to be inducted…

Late Touchdown Knocks Out Grand Rapids Football in State Quarterfinals

Owen Glenn scored twice and Jack Cleveland scored the other touchdown for the Thunderhawks.

OSSEO, Minn. – Owen Glenn would score twice for the Grand Rapids football team, but a late touchdown would give Orono the 22-19 win in the Class AAAA state quarterfinals. Jack Cleveland scored the other touchdown for the Thunderhawks as their season ends at 8-3. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD’s Fanti, Laderoute Hope to Carry Momentum into Series Against Colorado College

In Saturday's win, Fanti recorded his first career shutout, while Laderoute scored twice for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team is back from their road trip to Kalamazoo where they split their series against Western Michigan. And it was mostly thanks to the efforts of two upper classmen. Junior netminder Ryan Fanti stood on his head in Saturday’s game, making 35 saves on the night, including 18 in the third period alone…

NCAA Approves Expansion of National Women’s Hockey Tournament Field

The field will be expanded from eight teams to 11.

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Big news this week for women’s college hockey as the NCAA has approved to expand the national playoff field from eight teams to eleven. This comes after last week’s social media push for the move, which was spearheaded by UMD women’s hockey coach Maura Crowell. What the exact format will be is still to be determined, as…

Top-Seed Mayer Lutheran Too Much for South Ridge in State Volleyball Quarterfinals

The Panthers will face Badger/Greenbush-Middle River Friday in the consolation bracket semi-finals.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The South Ridge volleyball team had a tough time getting anything going as they fall to Mayer Lutheran 3-0 in the Class A quarterfinals at the Xcel Energy Center. The Panthers will face Badger/Greenbush-Middle River Friday in the consolation bracket semi-finals. Categories: High School, Sports

Cloquet’s Sam Baker Commits to Florida Gulf Coast Men’s Golf Team

Baker is coming off a junior year that saw him lead the Lumberjacks to their first state title in program history, including a top medalist finish in Class AA.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Thursday, Cloquet’s Sam Baker signed his National Letter of Intent to join the men’s golf team at Florida Gulf Coast University. Baker is coming off a junior year that saw him lead the Lumberjacks to their first state title in program history, including a top medalist finish in Class AA. Baker credits his family and friends for…

Greenway Volleyball Drops State Quarterfinal Match to Sauk Centre

The Raiders will face Cannon Falls in the consolation bracket Friday morning at 11 a.m.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – In the Class AA volleyball state quarterfinals, the Greenway volleyball team were defeated by Sauk Centre 3-1 Thursday afternoon at the Xcel Energy Center. The Raiders will face Cannon Falls in the consolation bracket Friday morning at 11 a.m. Categories: High School, Sports

Moose Lake-Willow River’s Natalie Mikrot Officially Commits to Minnesota Crookston Women’s Basketball

Last season, Mikrot became the Rebels' all-time leading scorer in program history.

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – This week, Moose Lake-Willow River’s Natalie Mikrot officially committed to playing basketball at Minnesota Crookston. Mikrot led the Rebels in scoring as a junior, posting over 23 points per game to go along with three assists and three steals, as well as knocking down 52 three pointers. Last season, she also became the program’s all-time leading…

Virginia’s Rian Aune Signs NLI for Southwest Minnesota State Women’s Basketball

The Blue Devils point guard averaged 13 points, four rebounds and four assists last season as a junior.

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Wednesday, Virginia’s Rian Aune signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Southwest Minnesota State women’s basketball team. The Blue Devils point guard averaged 13 points, four rebounds and four assists last season as a junior. Aune is also closing in on her 1,000th career point at Virginia. Categories: College, High School, Sports

UW-Superior’s Bellamy, Mooney Take Top Men’s Soccer Honors from UMAC

Bellamy was named Rookie of the Year, while Mooney took home his third Coach of the Year honor.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UW-Superior men’s soccer team picked up two major awards from the UMAC. Freshman defender Josh Bellamy was named Rookie of the Year after scoring six goals and four assists, including the game-winning goal in the UMAC championship game. Joe Mooney is your UMAC Coach of the Year for the third time in his career after leading…

Duluth East’s Smith, Benson, Carlson Make NLI Signings Official

A trio of Gryehounds signed their National Letters of Intent Wednesday afternoon.

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday afternoon, Duluth East had three signings on National Signing Day. Tyler Smith will be joining the Rockhurst men’s lacrosse team in Kansas City, while Elaina Benson won’t be going too far as she committed to the UMD women’s soccer team. “It just felt like home. I went to a lot of colleges for the recruiting process…

Trio of Duluth Denfeld Athletes Commit to Local Schools

Hannah Hovland is heading to UMD, while Logan Nylund and Kamryn Hill are going across the bridge to UWS.

DULUTH, Minn. – On the first day of National Signing Day, a trio of Duluth Denfeld put pen to paper on their college committments. Hannah Hovland and Logan Nylund will be joining first-year head coaches as Hovland has signed with UMD softball and Nylund will head across the bridge to join the UWS baseball team. “He was filling me in…

St. Scholastica Men’s Basketball Drops Season Opener to UW-River Falls

Senior Jack Silgen led the way with 22 points.

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior Jack Silgen led the way with 22 points, but the St. Scholastica men’s basketball team dropped their season opener to UW-River Falls 77-76 in overtime at the Reif Gym. The Saints will look to bounce back with a road trip to Northwestern on Saturday. Categories: College, Sports

Superior’s Jakob Kidd, Jeffrey Olson Sign with Different UMAC Soccer Teams

Jakob Kidd signed his National Letter of Intent to join the UWS men's soccer team and Jeffrey Olson is taking his talents to Ashland as he'll suit up for Northland College.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A pair of Superior boys soccer teammates will be playing on opposite sides of the pitch in the UMAC. Jakob Kidd signed his National Letter of Intent to join the UWS men’s soccer team and Jeffrey Olson is taking his talents to Ashland as he’ll suit up for Northland College. Kidd finished his senior year second in…

Grand Rapids Volleyball Advances to Class AAA State Semi-Finals

The Thunderhawks move on to face top seed Marshall in the state semi-finals. That match will take place Friday at 5 p.m.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – In the Class AAA volleyball state quarterfinals, Grand Rapids knocked off Monticello 3-1 at the Xcel Energy Center. The Thunderhawks move on to face top seed Marshall in the state semi-finals. That match will take place Friday at 5 p.m. Categories: High School, Sports

Cloquet’s Dana Jones Signs with Winona State Softball, Katie Turner Joins Northern Michigan Women’s Soccer

Cloquet had a pair of Lumberjacks make their commitments official on National Signing Day.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Wednesday afternoon, Cloquet had a pair of Lumberjacks make their commitments official on National Signing Day. Dana Jones signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Winona State softball team. She described the moment she signed and made things official as exhilarating. “I mean I’m obviously shaking. I’m so excited. Coach Jones down there, kind of…

Hibbing’s Ayden McDonald Commits to Augustana Men’s Basketball

Ayden is the 11th member of the legendary McDonald family to play at the college level, which includes his dad and head coach Joel McDonald.

HIBBING, Minn. – On the first day of the National Signing period, Hibbing’s Ayden McDonald signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Augustana men’s basketball team. Ayden is the 11th member of the legendary McDonald family to play at the college level, which includes his dad and head coach Joel McDonald. “It wouldn’t have been possible without my…

UMD Women’s Basketball Team Eyeing Bigger Goals, Deeper Run in NCAA Tournament

The Bulldogs are coming into the season as the preseason favorites to repeat as NSIC champions.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday afternoon, the UMD women’s basketball team hosted Media Day at Romano Gym. The Bulldogs are coming into the season as the preseason favorites to repeat as NSIC champions. But this squad feels like they are capable of more, including a deeper run in the NCAA tournament. “Just not being complacent with what we have accomplished within…

Young, Experienced Roster Returns for UMD Men’s Basketball Team

All five starters from last season, who each averaged over 12 points per game, will be back for UMD, as well as the vast majority of their bench so depth will be a big key to the team's success.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s basketball team is coming off a season that saw a lot of growing pains with one of the youngest squads in the NSIC. But with that came valuable experience, especially for the sophomores who just went through the first full offseason of their college careers. “Freshman year is tough. You’re away from your family….

Defense Puts UMD Football in Driver’s Seat for NCAA Tournament Berth

Saturday's win over Augustana puts the Bulldogs in 7th place in the super regional rankings as they are now in full control of their playoff destiny.

DULUTH, Minn. – Going into their game against Augustana, the UMD football team knew they had to get a win if they wanted any shot at an NCAA tournament berth. Not only did they beat the Vikings, but it wasn’t even close. The Bulldogs got off to a monster start and never looked back as they picked up a home…

UWS Women’s Soccer Team Sweeps Top UMAC Honors

Superior native Niya Wilson was named Player of the Year, while Allison DeGroot takes home Coach of the Year honors for third straight season.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UWS women’s soccer team wrapped up their most successful conference season ever by sweeping the top honors from the UMAC. Superior native Niya Wilson was named UMAC Player of the Year after finishing eighth in the country in goals. Senior Erin Schoborg is your Defensive Player of the Year and freshman goalkeeper Jenna Lang was named…

Stiff Competition at State Tournament Awaits MIB Football Team

The Rangers will face fifth-ranked Fertile-Beltrami in the quarterfinals Thursday night in Grand Rapids.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – State football tournaments kick-off this week and Mountain Iron-Buhl is back in the 9-man bracket after a dominant win in the section title game. The Rangers come in with just one loss on the season and are riding a five-game win streak. But now the competition gets tougher as they’ll face fifth-ranked Fertile-Beltrami in the quarterfinals….

Grand Rapids Football Team Motivated by Preseason Injuries to Senior Captains

The Thunderhawks will face Orono in the Class AAAA state quarterfinals. Kick-off Thursday at Osseo High School is set for 7 p.m.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Grand Rapids football team is getting set for its first trip to the state tournament since 2006. And it wasn’t easy as they had to knock off previously unbeaten North Branch in the section title game. And it came during a year when they lost two of their four senior captains before the season even…

Cloquet’s Kruse, Grand Rapids’ Mvogo Earn MVP Honors at All-Star Soccer Game

Kruse and Mvogo helped their respective teams pick up wins in penalty shootouts.

DULUTH, Minn. – At the Essentia Health All-Star Soccer Game, the girls match needed penalty kicks after finishing with a 1-1 tie. Team Grey would go on to defeat Team Blue 3-2 as Cloquet’s Caley Kruse was named MVP. In the boys match, they would also need penalty kicks as their game ended in a 3-3 tie. Team Grey would…

UW-Superior Soccer Teams Learn NCAA Fates During Selection Show

The women will face St. Catherine while the men will battle Washington University.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After winning their first-ever UMAC championship on Saturday, the UW-Superior women’s soccer team found out on Monday where they’re heading for the NCAA tournament. And it’s not that far as UWS will face top-seeded St. Catherine in the St. Paul regional. The MIAC champion Wildcats have won all seven all-time matches against the Yellowjackets, with the most…

Coaches Corner: Dave Louzek

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the Moose Lake-Willow River football team.

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Moose Lake-Willow River head football coach Dave Louzek as the Rebels are making their 15th ever trip to the state tournament. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

UMD Volleyball Swept at Home by Southwest Minnesota State

Kate Berg led the Bulldogs with 10 kills as UMD will close out the regular season Saturday at home against Sioux Falls.

DULUTH, Minn. – In their penultimate match of the regular season, the UMD volleyball team were swept by Southwest Minnesota State 3-0 Friday night at Romano Gym. Kate Berg led the Bulldogs with 10 kills as UMD will close out the regular season Saturday at home against Sioux Falls. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth