Northern Star

Ethanharmsnorthernstar
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Ethan Harms

In his senior year he has rushed for 424 yards and 6 touchdowns as QB and racked up 367 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns as receiver.
Isaiah Wiita,

MAPLE, Wis.- When teams play the 7-0 Northwestern Tigers, they make sure they know where number three is on the field. Ethan Harms has been making plays for the Tigers in his Senior year in multiple different positions. On offense, Harms can line up under center and play quarterback or go out wide and play receiver for the Tigers. “He’s…

Jevonwilliamsnorthernstar
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Jevon Williams

Williams leads the Saints with 503 rushing yards this season.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.-St. Scholastica sophomore running back Jevon Williams is having quite the 2025 breakout campaign. In just three games this season, he’s already surpassed his rushing yards total from a year ago by 201 yards. “Just this whole off-season I’ve been really putting my focus towards just being a bigger part of this program, like really showing out for the…

Colleenclaudenorthernstar
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Colleen Claude

Claude is on the verge of 200 assists for the season.
Isaiah Wiita,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In volleyball, the saying goes bump, set, spike. And it seems that the crowd tends to remember the spike the most. However, none of that happens without a perfect set. For UWS, Colleen Claude is a player who can set up plays for her team. Over the years, the senior setter has learned exactly what ball her teammates…

Bensonpetersonnorthernstar
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Benson Peterson

Peterson tallied 17 goals in the first eight games of the season for Duluth Marshall.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- Changing positions can sometimes be an adjustment for players. But for Duluth Marshall senior striker Benson Peterson, it’s resulted in 17 goals in just eight games of action. “I’ve adapted my right wing game at striker. I tend to drive more and use my body to shield the ball and it’s led to lots of opportunites opening up…

Claraswansonnorthernstar
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Clara Swanson

Esko & Swanson are currently 12-2 this season.
Isaiah Wiita,

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko Volleyball team has started their 2025 season red hot. A key piece of that early success for Esko is thanks to Senior Outside hitter Clara Swanson,  who has made a big jump from her junior to senior year. “She was very consistent last year, hitting really well and not making many errors. This year, the power…

Martinsleennorthernstar
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Martin Sleen

Sleen and Hermantown will host Proctor this upcoming Friday at 7 PM.
Neil Vierzba,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Martin Sleen had his fair share of touchdowns in 2024. That trend continued in Week 1 when the junior running back found the end zone three times in Hermantown’s 52 to 7 win over Duluth Denfeld. “When I’m on the field and I’m gone for a big touchdown, I don’t really have much going through my head. It’s…

Harbormonstersnorthernstar
Northern Star, Professional Sports, Sports

Northern Star: Duluth Harbor Monsters

The Harbor Monsters host the Knoxville Bandits on Saturday.
Isaiah Wiita,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters are coming off a spectacular first season in the arena league. Reaching the top of the mountain as they won the ArenaMania championship last season, defeating the Iowa Woo 46-to-44. The Harbor Monster return key pieces from their championship roster. Including quarterback Hassan Brockman, who is ready to hit the ground running in year…

Kalesmithnorthernstar
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Kale Smith

Smith recently tallied his 100th career point.
Neil Vierzba,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-There’s always something special about seeing an athlete reach a century mark. It was no different on May 6th, when Hermantown/Proctor attacker Kale Smith tallied his 100th career point. “I actually still have my first goal ball in my bedroom on my dresser. So I kind of still see that everyday to day and now I have my 100th…

Elliemacalnorthernstar
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Ellie Macal

The senior catcher leads the team in home runs with six.
Isaiah Wiita,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The competitive nature of sports is an aspect that athletes use as motivation during their careers. For UWS senior catcher Ellie Macal, that competitive nature helped her fall in love with softball. “I chose softball because my brother played baseball when I was younger and he was a catcher, and I wanted to be better than him,” said…

Melanialuostarinorthernstar
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Melania Luostari

Luostari is set to play for Auburn next year.
Neil Vierzba,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Former Athletics GM Billy Beane once said “You get on base, we win. You don’t, we lose.” Superior senior infielder Melania Luostari has done a lot of hitting in her four years. Which of course, leads to plenty of victories. “Softball is a large part of my life, but it’s not everything. When I don’t go 3 for…

Brettkurthnorthernstar
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Brett Kurth

Kurth is one of the captains for the Duluth Wolfpack.
Isaiah Wiita,

DULUTH, Minn.- The game of Lacrosse has been described as a mix of soccer and hockey. That takes many different athletic skills. For Duluth Wolfpack Senior Brett Kurth, he has worked all off-season on his lacrosse craft. “He’s really put in some effort this off-season and kind of taken his work ethic and putting in focus into his athleticism, said…

Aidenwilliamsnorthernstar
College, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Aiden Williams

Williams is looking to become the first Bulldog drafted since 1990.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD offensive lineman Aiden Williams has dreamed of this moment his whole life. No, it wasn’t when he scored a touchdown this past September against Southwest Minnesota State. It’s the upcoming NFL Draft in Green Bay. “Just kind of looking forward to what’s next. I’ve just been working out and lifting every day, doing drills, stuff like that,…

Benwellenorthernstar
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Ben Welle

Welle has posted two complete games for UWS this season.
Isaiah Wiita,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS baseball team has been building a successful program in the last several seasons with head coach TJ Oakes at the helm. Over the years the foundation of the program has been built off of the team’s ability to make plays in the field. “Pitching and defense has been kind of our program the last couple of…

Donaldwestnorthernstar
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Donald West

West is entering his 4th straight year as the starting quarterback for CSS.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.-Spring ball is usually a time for team’s to freshen up their skills and focus on the fundamentals. But for St. Scholastica quarterback Donald West and his teammates, they’re also adjusting to a new head coach in Matt Bremer. “They’ve been smoothly. The guys took the change and ran with it. It wasn’t as much change, it was just…

Northernstarnicoleschmitt
Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Nicole Schmitt

Schmitt leads the team in home runs with 10.
Isaiah Wiita,

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD softball team enters the 2025 season with a young squad, with only two seniors on the team. One of the two seniors is infielder Nicole Schmitt who has been making plays in the field and at the plate for the Bulldogs. ” She’s fantastic, just a gifted hitter. Very high standards for herself. There is an…

Northernstarcherrybasketball
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Cherry Boys Basketball

Cherry will face BOLD on Thursday at 11 AM at the Target Center.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- For the fourth straight year, the Cherry boys basketball team has made it to the big dance. As a repeat attendee, the Tigers know there’s not much time to celebrate beforehand. “Obviously the goal is to take care of business one step at a time. Win the section and this team has big goals. We’ve been at the…

Umdhockeynorthernstar
College, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northen Star: UMD Women’s Hockey

The Bulldogs finished the regular season with a 21-14-2 record and earned their fifth-straight NCAA tournament appearance.
Isaiah Wiita,

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey program continues to compete at a high level in the WCHA and the NCAA. All under a new head coach at the helm in Laura Schuler. But this isn’t the first time Schuler has been apart of the UMD coaching staff. As she was an assistant coach from 2008 to 2015 and helped the…

Uwsuperiorbasketballnorthernstar
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: UW-Superior Women’s Basketball

Yellowjackets making first national tournament appearance since 2018.
Neil Vierzba,

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The UW-Superior women’s basketball team ended a lengthy drought on March 1st, clinching the UMAC title and a securing a spot in the national tournament. So just how long has it been? “I think coach said it was maybe her sophomore year was the last time they made the tournament. She reminded us, guys I’m old that’s a while…

Trentbesethnorthernstar
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Trent Beseth

Beseth has been named MIAC athlete of the week five times this season.
Isaiah Wiita,

DULUTH, Minn.-The CSS senior thrower Trent Beseth has made his mark in the national standings. As he is currently ranked second in the nation for division III indoor shot put with a distance of 17.57 meters. During Beseth’s time at CSS, Track and Field wasn’t the initial sport he was recruited for. “He didn’t originally join the track and field…

Alex Schott
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Alex Schott

Third season as Hermantown's starting quarterback
Ben Burns,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Experience can often be hard to come by at the quarterback position in high school football, but Alex Schott is a rare exception for the Hermantown Hawks. “You got your Peyton Mannings of the world, you got your Tom Bradys, and that was always kind of who I looked up to, and kind of wanted to always be…

Addison Sandman
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Addison Sandman

Co-Captain for Cloquet/Carlton girls soccer team
Ben Burns,

CLOQUET, Minn.- As the Cloquet/Carlton girls soccer team hunts for its fourth-straight Section 7AA title, Addison Sandman has become a critical part of the Lumberjackets’ success at midfield. “In my opinion, without the midfield, there wouldn’t be a soccer team,” says Sandman, who’s a co-captain in her senior season. “(Addison)’s the best, my favorite person to play with,” says junior…

Tate Nelson
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Tate Nelson

Two Harbors senior to play for UMD in 2025
Ben Burns,

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- As a high school senior at Two Harbors, Tate Nelson will soon achieve his dreams of playing for the UMD football team. “It’s a place that I’ve been cheering for all my life, going to games almost every weekend, just growing up around the team,” says Nelson. “It’s kind of been a spot that I’ve always been…

Finn Furcht
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Finn Furcht

Esko ace aiming for return to state tournament
Ben Burns,

ESKO, Minn.- As the Esko baseball team defends its 2023 section and state titles, Finn Furcht will no doubt do his part on the mound. “I’ve been pitching probably since about third grade. I got into it, then I just loved it ever since,” smiled Furcht. “The fastball is my go-to pitch, but I overlay it with the curveball a…

Aune Boben
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Aune Boben

Hibbing senior to play for Northern State in 2025
Ben Burns,

HIBBING, Minn.- In her five years of pitching for the Hibbing Bluejackets, Aune Boben has proven to be a problem for opposing batters. “I’d say sometimes I like to mess with people. That sounds weird.” Boben smiled as she described her strategy on the mound. “I start it off something kind of strong, try to get a strike. And then…

Anika Burke
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Anika Burke

Senior catcher eying section three-peat
Ben Burns,

PROCTOR, Minn.- After being a key contributor to Proctor’s 2023 Section 7AA title, Anika Burke has only gotten better this year as a senior leader with the Rails. With six home runs on the season, Burke has proven to be the strongest hitter in Proctor’s lineup. She also has a strong opinion on Bigfoot, of all things, which stems from…

Isaac Fugere
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Isaac Fugere

First-Team All-UMAC selection in 2023
Ben Burns,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- From the perspective of Isaac Fugere, time has flown by in the last four years playing baseball at UW-Superior. “It’s definitely different being an older guy that people kind of look at as just the older guy that has been there.” However, the First-Team All-UMAC selection is taking things in stride as a senior leader for the Yellowjackets….

Carter Boos
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Carter Boos

Will play for Northern Iowa Area Community College in 2025
Ben Burns,

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…

Ns Brisbois
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Ella Brisbois

Duluth senior to play college lacrosse at Concordia St. Paul
Ben Burns,

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…

Northern Star Web
College, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Shay Callaway

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

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…

Bjorn Lind
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Bjorn Lind

Duluth East senior to play college baseball at Augustana
Ben Burns,

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…

Aidan Altona
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Aidan Altona

Denfeld senior returns to court after severe knee injury
Ben Burns,

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…

Kloe Zentkowski and Eva Peterson
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Kloe Zentkowski and Eva Peterson

Spartans' duo both named to Lake Superior All-Conference Team
Ben Burns,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior girls basketball team know they have two giant holes to fill next season with Kloe Zentkowski and Eva Peterson graduating in May. It’s now been over one month since Superior had their season come to an end in WIAA Regionals on their home court. Since then, Zentkowski and Peterson have gained some perspective on their last…

Will Esterbrooks
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Will Esterbrooks

Senior reached State Tournament in all three years with Hawks
Ben Burns,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Will Esterbrooks of the Hermantown truly put it all on the line in his three years playing for the Hawks’ boys hockey team. It’s now been over a week since Hermantown suffered a 3-1 loss to St. Cloud Cathedral in the 3-1 Class A State Championship. Following the game, Head Coach Patrick Andrew acknowledged they wouldn’t have made…

Drew Blair
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Drew Blair

Holds UMD's all-time scoring record
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- 5 seasons, 141 games, and 4,719 minutes. Entering the NCAA Division II Tournament, that’s how long Drew Blair has played in a UMD uniform. “Hopefully, I still have a little bit more left in the tank here as we go on the stretch and can keep playing better,” says Blair, who recently turned 24 years old. After proving…

Isaiah Kastern
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Isaiah Kastern

Solon Springs senior to play for Bemidji State in 2024-25
Ben Burns,

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- The Solon Springs boys basketball team is fueled by a senior class that have run up the ranks sharing the rock. “We’ve been playing together since like fifth grade, so chemistry probably for sure would be our strong suit,” says Dylan Taggart, who recently scored his 1,000th career point. “Since they’ve been little kids, they’ve been on…

Abe Soumis
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Abe Soumis

Senior holds Hermantown's all-time scoring record
Ben Burns,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- On Monday, Abe Soumis broke the all-time scoring record for the Hermantown boys’ basketball team when he put up 48 points against Chisago Lakes. For anyone who has watched the Hawks in the last two seasons, this didn’t come as a surprise. “You know, the thing about Abe is that he’s that kind of kid that every coach…

Jj3
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Justin Jobe

Jobe will have a chance to qualify for his third individual state tournament.
Ben Burns,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- “Pull the rope” is a mantra often used by the Grand Rapids’ high school wrestlers. It’s part of the reason why Justin Jobe treats wrestling as a team sport. “Just because it sucks so much,” Jobe smiles, alluding to the hard work required to be great on the mats. “You know, it sucks, but it’s awesome at…

Mannon McMahon
College, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Mannon McMahon

10 goals, 15 assists through 30 games in 2023-24 season
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- Entering this season, the UMD women had some huge skates to fill following the departure of their three captains. With the postseason in sight, it’s now clear that Mannon McMahon was the right woman for the job. “It definitely was a little daunting, just knowing that it is such a big role and such a big opportunity,” says…

AJ Reyelts
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: AJ Reyelts

Finishing high school career with 1,000+ saves
Ben Burns,

PROCTOR, Minn.- Last week, Proctor’s AJ Reyelts put himself in rare company for high school goaltenders when he recorded his 1,000th save. “Ever since the Christmas tournament, we’ve been firing,” says Reyelts. “The team feels great. I mean, we’ve been winning a lot, so that’s always fun.” When Reyelts is in front of the net, life is good for the…

Madison Burns, Ashland Wrestling
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Madison Burns

Ashland wrestler coming off undefeated season
Ben Burns,

ASHLAND, Wis.- Madison Burns may get pre-match jitters, but once the clock begins to tick, her opponents are the ones who start to get nervous. “She gets mad at me because sometimes I don’t let her pin girls right away…I make her wrestle a little bit.” Ashland Wrestling Head Coach Joe Hasskamp has mentored Burns throughout her burgeoning career, including…

Isaac Asuma
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Isaac Asuma

Minnesota Mr. Basketball finalist surpassed 3,000 points Monday
Ben Burns,

CHERRY, Minn.- The Cherry boys basketball team always seems to amass large crowds whenever they play on the road. Even if those fans aren’t Tigers fans, it’s clear they’re there to see Isaac Asuma. “It’s just a blessing,” says Asuma. “I’m thankful for it. I know it’s a big weight to carry but it’s just a great experience.” As he…

Superior Boys Basketball
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Superior Boys Basketball

Spartans raise money for childhood cancer victims
Ben Burns,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- On Monday, the Superior boys basketball team put on a show in their 54-40 win over Hudson. However, the play of the game didn’t happen on the hardwood. The Spartans’ “Shoot Out Childhood Cancer” night raised money for the St. Luke’s Foundation, as well as for Amelia, who’s a student at Cooper Elementary School currently battling acute Lymphoblastic…

Emily Montgomery, South Shore
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Emily Montgomery

Averaging 25.8 PPG through 12 games
Ben Burns,

PORT WING, Wis.- The South Shore girls basketball team has produced some of the best players to ever come out of the state of Wisconsin. Emily Montgomery may soon join that list. Last season, Montgomery etched herself in South Shore basketball history when she scored her 1,000th point. “It was surreal, honestly. The energy was insane.” Five years before that…

Travis Elling
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Travis Elling

Duluth East senior swimming in long-distance races
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Boys’ Swim & Dive team has faced adversity this season following the graduation of All-American Grant Wodny. “Very big shoes to fill…Impossible shoes to fill, really.” smiles Travis Elling, a senior with the swim team. “With all the previous seniors leaving, it feels like it’s my time to shine and step up. I try and set…

Autumn Cooper
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Autumn Cooper

Superior senior wants state title before graduation
Ben Burns,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior girls hockey team is well on their way to returning to the state tournament. Team captain Autumn Cooper has had an immeasurable impact on the Spartans’ success, and she’s hoping to do a little bit more before she heads to Bemidji State. On a Saturday afternoon, the Spartans took the ice on the same day as…

Elise Besonen
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Elise Besonen

UWS junior leads UMAC in 3PT% and FT%
Ben Burns,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Anyone who’s been to a UW-Superior women’s basketball game this season is well aware that Elise Besonen has been given the green light to shoot the ball. “I know that if she doesn’t pass it to me, she’s making it for sure,” smiled Katie Dobson, both a teammate and roommate of Elise’s. “She’s one that’s not selfish, but…

Bauer Murphy
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Bauer Murphy

Grand Rapids senior named team captain
Ben Burns,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys’ hockey team is undergoing some changes with Grant Clafton as their new head coach. One thing that hasn’t changed: Bauer Murphy imposing his will on the defensive side of the puck. The Thunderhawks’ season got off to an electric start in their home-opening win against Hibbing-Chisholm. “That was really awesome,” recalls Murphy. “It…

Northern Star Dashawn Moore
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Dashawn Moore

Senior brings energy, defense to hungry Hunters team
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- On a team full of playmakers, sharpshooters, and athletic specimens, Duluth Denfeld’s Dashawn Moore has found a way to make his presence known. “I bring the energy and it just feeds off,” says Moore. “We’re going to ball out, we’re going to do what we’re supposed to do.” As a football player at heart, Moore brings the same kind…

Ilsalindamanduluthmarshallhockey
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Ilsa Lindaman

St. Thomas commit leads Hilltoppers in goals, points
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls hockey team will once again be in contention for the Section 7A championship with senior Ilsa Lindaman leading the Hilltoppers onto the ice. “Obviously as a senior captain, you have to take on a little bit of responsibility, provide for those points, and then also you have to be sure that it’s definitely a…

Jordan Zubich
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Jordan Zubich

Mountain Iron-Buhl Senior to play for UNC in 2024
Ben Burns,

MOUNTAIN BUHL, Minn.- After winning their first-ever Class A State Championship, Jordan Zubich and her Mountain Iron-Buhl teammates are now in title defense mode. “Just going out the way we did last season, I think it added like extra motivation to come back this year,” says Zubich, who averaged a team-high 26.5 points per game in 2022-23. “(Winning state is)…