Friday Night Frenzy

Prep Baseball: Superior Rallies Past Rock Ridge, Cloquet Picks Up 1st Win

Superior (2-5) will next play at Cloquet on April 16th. Meanwhile, Cloquet will travel to Rock Ridge on April 15th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior baseball team would find themselves down 3-0 against Rock Ridge on Friday. But, after putting up one run in the 3rd and three in the 6th, the Spartans would rally past the Wolverines for the 4-3 win. Superior (2-5) will next play at Cloquet on April 16th. Rock Ridge (2-2) will also play Cloquet next on…

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…

Drew Blair Named Finalist for Trevor Hudgins & Bevo Francis Awards

Both award winners will be announced this upcoming Monday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Drew Blair could end his Bulldog career with some prestigious awards. On Friday, Blair was named a finalist for both the Trevor Hudgins and the Bevo Francis Award. The Stevens point native had quite the last hurrah for UMD as he became the program’s all-time scoring leader with 2,772 points. Blair would also lead the team in points,…

Murray’s OT Goal Lifts Wilderness Past Jr. Blues in Minnesota’s Regular Season Home Finale

With the 1-0 victory, the Wilderness move ahead of the Chippewa Steel for the final spot in the playoffs.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness would close out the home portion of their regular season schedule on Friday with a win. It would take overtime between the Jr. Blues and the Wilderness. But just two minutes in, Nate Murray sent the fans home happy with a game-winning goal. With the 1-0 victory, the Wilderness move ahead of the Chippewa Steel…

Wayne State Spoils Home Opener for UMD Baseball Team with Doubleheader Sweep

UMD will once again face Wayne State in a doubleheader on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn,- After 25 games on the road, the UMD baseball team would finally have their home opener on Friday, hosting Wayne State in a doubleheader. Unfortunately, the Wildcats would take both games by a final of 6 to 0 and 4 to 3. In the bottom of the 9th of game two, UMD would strand the game-tying run at…

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…

Coaches Corner: Melissa Fracker

Fracker is currently in her 4th season at the helm for the Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re joined by Melissa Fracker, the head coach of UW-Superior softball. Fracker is currently in her 4th season at the helm for the Yellowjackets. She’s led UWS to the national tournament twice during her reign. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Polar League Track Teams Stretch Legs in Indoor Exhibition

Esko, Moose-Lake Willow River among top performing teams

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Following two weeks of high school track and field practices, teams in Minnesota’s Polar League got their first taste of competition in an indoor exhibition meet at UW-Superior. Below is a list of some of the top finishers in Friday’s first track events: Girls 4×800 Meter Relay: Moose Lake/Willow River (Olivia Jutila, Amelia Olson, Nia Petry, Shannon Granquist)-…

Coaches Corner: Jamie Lindseth

9-year head coach leading Rock Ridge Baseball program

VIRGINIA, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re joined by Jamie Lindseth, the head coach of Rock Ridge Baseball. In our conversation, Coach Lindseth discussed the challenges of practicing indoors, the Wolverines’ progress as they enter their third year as a program, and how he’s grown as a head coach over the years. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High…

College Hoops Tourney Brings About Bracket Madness

60 million to 100 million brackets filled out each year

DULUTH, Minn.- With the first round of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament complete, there’s a good chance your bracket may already be busted. According to the NCAA, around 60-100 million brackets are filled out every year. With those kinds of numbers, somebody must have completed a perfect bracket out of sheer luck, right? Not exactly. If someone were…

Top Plays: 3/22

Esko Track team shines at indoor meet

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The high school track and field season hasn’t officially started just yet, but Esko has already proven to be a team to watch this spring. At Friday’s Polar League Indoor Meet at UW-Superior, Senior Gwendolyn Lilly won the girls 60-meter hurdle race with a time of 10.93 seconds. In the following girls’ event, Kaitlyn McConnell won the 60…

UMD Relishing Rematch Against Ohio State

Buckeyes have defeated Bulldogs in last six matchups

DULUTH, Minn.- After a thrilling double overtime victory on Thursday, the UMD women’s hockey team is quickly turning its attention to the top-seeded team in the NCAA Tournament, Ohio State. After finding out their place in the bracket during Sunday’s selection show, UMD Head Coach Maura Crowell and her players had their eyes on a potential rematch against Ohio State….

Esko’s State Tourney Run Falls Short in Section Title Game

14-0 start propels Pequot Lakes to third-straight state appearance

DULUTH, Minn.- For the third straight season, Esko’s boys basketball team fell short of the State Tournament, losing to Pequot Lakes in the Section 7AA Championship Game. The Patriots had all the momentum from the opening tipoff, going on a 14-0 run before Esko could even score. To their credit, Esko was able to do a lot of catching up…

Coaches Corner: Todd Bouchie

Bouchie has been with the Saints since the 2005 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we were joined by St. Scholastica head men’s & women’s track and field coach, Todd Bouchie. The Saints just closed out the indoor portion of their schedule which included some achieving all-american status. Bouchie has been with the Saints since the 2005 season. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Cherry Boys Basketball Punches Ticket to State for 3rd Straight Year

The Tigers will learn who their first round opponent at state will be over the weekend.

HIBBING, Minn.- The Cherry boys basketball team is once again making their way to Minneapolis for the state tournament. On Friday, the Tigers would defeat Mountain Iron-Buhl 99 to 55 in the Section 7A title game. This is the 3rd straight year that Cherry has won the section. The Tigers will learn who their first round opponent at state will…

Solon Springs Boys Basketball Sees Season End in D5 State Semifinals

Solon Springs finishes the season with a 27-3 overall record.

MADISON, Wis.- Making their first ever state tournament appearance on Friday, the Solon Springs boys basketball team would battle Columbus Catholic in the Division 5 state semifinals. The Eagles would start off strong, holding a 36 to 32 lead going into halftime. Sadly in the 2nd half it was a different story as the Dons outscored Solon Springs 46 to…

State Hockey: Grand Rapids’ Title Hopes Dashed By Edina in AA Semifinals

The Thunderhawks will now play for 3rd place on Saturday against Cretin-Derham Hall. Puck drop is at 4 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys hockey team matched up with top-seeded Edina on Friday in the AA semifinals at state. Sadly, the Hornets would show why they earned the top seed, defeating Grand Rapids by a final of 5 to 2. The Thunderhawks will now play for 3rd place on Saturday against Cretin-Derham Hall. Puck drop is at…

Minnesota High School Curling Championship Returns After 50-Year Hiatus

Tournament featured 24 teams and 96 curlers

DULUTH, Minn.- It only took a half of a century, but the Minnesota High School Curling Championship has returned in full force. “We felt it was very important to try to bring this back after 50 years,” says Kerry Hadiaris, the general manager of the Duluth Curling Club. “The group started last spring trying to figure out how we could…

Mountain Iron-Buhl Girls Capture Fourth Straight Section Title

30 points for Zubich in 77-35 victory

DULUTH, Minn.- The Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team will have a chance to defend their state title next week following Friday’s 77-35 Section 7A Championship win over Cromwell-Wright. This marks the Lady Rangers’ fourth-straight section title and their third-consecutive title win over the Cardinals. “It was fun to watch our kids compete today,” said Jeff Buffetta, the head coach of…

Top Plays of the Week: 3/8

At number one, Esko's Koi Perich intercepts the pass and take it all the way back for the one-handed slam.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the ice and on the hardwood. At number two, U-M-D’S Kyle Bettens gets the shot off before he falls to the ground for his 5th goal of the season. And at number one, Esko’s Koi Perich intercepts the pass and take it all the way back for the one-handed slam….

Coaches Corner: Jacob Smith

Superior 7th Grade boys won McDonald's Classic in La Crosse

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we were joined by former Superior High School Boys Basketball Coach Jacob Smith, who’s now coaching Superior’s 7th grade boys. Coach Smith talked about his team winning the McDonald’s Classic, along with the differences between coaching high school boys and 7th grade boys. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Hermantown Boys Hoops Tops Rock Ridge in Shootout for Spot in 7AAA Title Game

Hermantown will next take on Chisago Lakes on March 14th at Duluth Denfeld High School.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- For the 3rd straight season, the Hermantown boys basketball team will be competing for the Section 7AAA championship. On Friday, the Hawks held off Rock Ridge 101 to 99 on their home court in the semifinals. Nathan Hill led Hermantown with 32 points on the night. Right behind him was Abe Soumis with 27. Next up, they’ll play…

UMD Men’s Hockey Rallies to Take Down #17 St. Cloud State in OT

Both teams will run it back on Saturday with puck drop set for 6:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team opened up their final regular season series on Friday against St. Cloud State. Game one would go down to the wire as the two teams were tied at five heading into overtime. Then in the extra period, Ben Steeves would light the lamp for the 2nd time on the night to give UMD…

Five Bulldogs Score in UMD’s Game One Win Over St. Cloud State

Can Clinch WCHA Final Face-Off Berth With Win

DULUTH, Minn.- With the regular season in the rearview mirror, the UMD women’s hockey team entered the WCHA Playoffs with authority, shutting down St. Cloud State 5-0 for the game one victory. This marks the second-straight time the Bulldogs opened the WCHA playoffs with a shutout victory (defeated St. Cloud State 1-0 in 2023). After a scoreless first period, UMD…

UMD’s Jobst-Smith Leads Through Kindness, Grit

Named Alternate Captain for 2023-24 Season

DULUTH, Minn.- Nina Jobst-Smith has done a lot of growing up in the last four years. It all stemmed from her life-changing decision to leave her home country for the United States. “I had intended to go to a school up in Canada. So, after kind of having a change-of-heart in my 12th grade year, I decided to decommit and…

Top Plays: 3/1

Superior's Anderson, Barnum's Hurst deliver big blocks

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- A pair of big-time blocks are featured in this week’s Top Plays. At number two, Calvin Anderson of Superior sends back a shot in the Spartans’ playoff game against Hortonville. At number one, Barnum’s Brock Hurst delivers a denial in the Bombers’ road matchup against Two Harbors. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Plays of the Week,…

Boys Basketball: Superior Sees Season End, Duluth East & Two Harbors Protect Home Courts

Both Duluth East & Two Harbors will next enter section play which begins next week.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior boys basketball team opened up postseason play on Friday night against Hortonville. Sadly, the Spartans would see their season come to a close as the Polar Bears pulled off the first round upset, 66 to 64. Superior finishes the season with a 18-7 overall record. Over in Minnesota, Duluth East would snap Hermantown’s nine-game winning streak,…

Girls Basketball: Superior Sees Season End in Region Semifinals, Marshall’s Win Streak Snapped

Superior finishes the year at 15-9 and the Hilltoppers now shift their focus to section play.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior girls basketball team opened up postseason play on Friday, taking on Appleton East in the Division one region semifinals. Sadly, it didn’t go the Spartans way as they fell to the Patriots 63 to 49. Superior finishes the season with a 15-9 overall record. In other girls action, Duluth Marshall saw their nine game win streak…

Birkie Week Persists Despite Late Changes

Barnebirkie, Birkebeiner among modified races

HAYWARD, Wis.- The 50th American Birkebeiner almost looked like a lost cause due to a lack of February snowfall, but somehow, they were able to make it happen. However, that’s not to say there were some major changes. Take the Birkebeiner, for example. The children’s pre-race companion to the Birkebeiner set for Thursday was converted into a fun run. “At…

Coaches Corner: Andy Fenske

Hermantown boys seeking third-straight sectional title

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, Hermantown Boys Basketball Coach Andy Fenske discussed the Hawks’ regular season, preparing for sectionals, and how he’s grown as a head coach over the years. This is Fenske’s eighth season as the Hawks’ head coach. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Top Play of the Week: 2/23

Elise Besonen of UWS women's basketball takes home the honor.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- This week’s top play comes from on the hardwood. Time winding down in the 3rd quarter of Wednesday’s North Central and UWS semifinal contest Elise Besonen puts up the heave near the logo and she’s got it! Three of her team leading 25 points on the night The Yellowjackets are set to host Minnesota Morris on Saturday in…

Top Play: 2/16

Johnson's steal leads to thunderous dunk

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Marshall’s Brooks Johnson once again makes an appearance in our Top Plays segment! On Monday against Hibbing, Johnson ripped the ball out of a Bluejackets player’s hands before throwing down a high-flying dunk in the final seconds of the first half. Despite trailing by two at halftime, the Hilltoppers would rally for the 69-56 win. Categories: Friday…

Bulldogs’ Battle Against #5 Denver Ends in OT Loss

Overcame two-goal deficit twice

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite overcoming a pair of two-goal deficits, the UMD men’s hockey team wasn’t able to finish on top in Friday’s 5-4 overtime loss against #5 Denver at Amsoil Arena. The Bulldogs trailed 2-0 after the first period, but they were quickly able to re-tie the game in the second period with goals from Aiden Dubinsky and Quinn Olson….

MacLeod Shines in #8 UMD Shutout Over #10 St. Cloud State

Van Wieren scores lone goal

DULUTH, Minn.- The #8 UMD Bulldogs’ net was closed for business in Friday’s 1-0 win over #10 St. Cloud State at Amsoil Arena. UMD Goaltender Hailey MacLeod delivered one of her best performances of her burgeoning college hockey career, recording 39 saves while giving up no goals. Clara Van Wieren scored the game’s only goal 4:33 into the third period….

Coaches Corner: Shawn Bartlette

Bartlette is in his 2nd season as the Hilltoppers head coach.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Duluth Marshall boys hockey coach Shawn Bartlette. Bartlette is in his 2nd season as the Hilltoppers head coach. Marshall begins the postseason on Saturday when they host Northern Edge. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coach Flip, Carlton-Wrenshall Hoops Stay Strong Through Inaugural Season

Filipiak diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2023

WRENSHALL, Minn.- It’s now been over seven months since Carlton and Wrenshall’s boys’ basketball teams merged as one. “The whole time really, I don’t think anybody’s talked about it much,” says Senior Carter Woodall, who attends Wrenshall High School. “It’s been more of just like, everybody’s here to play basketball, it’s what we do.” “It’s a lot of fun. Every…

UW-Superior Women’s Hockey Extends Win Streak to 3 By Shutting Out Northland

Rose Beeman would stop all 32 shots she saw in net to lead the Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior women’s hockey team continues to finish strong in the regular season. On Friday, they would shut out Northland College 3-0. Rose Beeman would stop all 32 shots she saw in net to lead the Yellowjackets. UWS (7-16-1) will once again host Northland on Saturday. Puck drop is at 2 PM. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Augsburg Spoils Senior Night for CSS Men’s Hockey

CSS entered their matchup against Augsburg only six points back of the Auggies.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team’s chances at securing the one seed in the MIAC was dealt a blow on Friday. CSS entered their matchup against Augsburg only six points back of the Auggies. It would be all Augsburg in the matchup as they went on to win 6 to 0. The two teams will run it back…

Coaches Corner: Heather Young

Head coach for Cloquet Girls Basketball

CLOQUET, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Cloquet Girls Basketball Coach Heather Young. Coach Young discussed practicing with middle school players, expectations for her players in the classroom, Cloquet’s senior leadership, and what we can expect from the Lumberjacks heading into the playoffs. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, News Update, Sports

Though Intimidating, Ice Climbing a Safe, Fun Winter Activity

Midwest Mountain Guides teaching beginner courses

DULUTH, Minn.- Outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers at heart, and people just looking for something to do on a Saturday strapped in for a day of ice and mixed climbing at Quarry Park. It was all part of the Duluth Ice & Mixed Fest, hosted by the Duluth Climbers Coalition. “A lot of folks here in the beginner class have never even…

College Hoops: UMD Sweeps SMSU, Keeps Win Streaks Alive

Men win seventh straight, women win third straight

DULUTH, Minn.- Both of UMD’s basketball teams took down NSIC opponent Southwest Minnesota State University in Friday night’s doubleheader at Romano Gymnasium. The #22 UMD men defeated SMSU 70-62 for their seventh win in a row. The Bulldogs trailed at halftime, but they came alive in the second half, outscoring the Mustangs 37-27. Drew Blair led the team with 24…

Top Plays of the Week: 2/9

At number one, St. Scholastica's Taylor Leonard hits Allie Bussey in stride and Bussey will do the rest on the breakaway burrying the backhand in net.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays would all come from on the ice. At number three, C-E-C’s Brooke Koski unloads a laser that finds the back of the net in Tuesday’s quarterfinal win over Hibbing/Chisholm. At number two, Duluth Marshall’s Kaenen Smith makes the behind the back save on a Proctor shot. At number one, St. Scholastica’s Taylor Leonard hits…

St. Mary’s Rallies to Take Down CSS Women’s Hockey in OT

Former Mirage standout Reese Heitzman would net the game-winning goal for the Cardinals.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica women’s hockey team would take a 1-0 lead over St. Mary’s on Friday. Sadly, the Cardinals would score two unanswered goals to take the 2 to 1 victory in overtime. Former Mirage standout Reese Heitzman would net the game-winning goal for the Cardinals. The two teams will meet again on Saturday with puck drop at…

Boys Hockey: Roseau Rolls Past Duluth East as Greyhounds Drop 3rd Straight Game

Duluth East (8-14-1) will next play at Rogers on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The woes continued for the Duluth East boys hockey team on Friday as the Greyhounds fell to Roseau 9-2. Kyle Peterson and Noah Teng would be the goal-scorers for the Greyhounds. Duluth East (8-14-1) will next play at Rogers on Saturday. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Top Plays of the Week: 2/2

At number one, UMD's Danielle Bergen plays a little baseball with the puck as she bats in a goal against Minnesota State on Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the hardwood and on the ice. At number three, UMD’s Drew Blair gets the steal and the slam in Tuesday’s victory over Minnesota State. At number two, Superior’s Calvin Anderson skies up and gets the poster jam in Friday’s win against Rock Ridge. And lastly at number one, UMD’s Danielle…