Friday Night Frenzy

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…

UWS Men’s & Women’s Basketball Break Out Brooms Against North Central

J'Vaun Walker had a night to remember for the men's team as he led the team with 36 points.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS men’s basketball team extended their win streak to four games on Friday, defeating North Central 72 to 68. J’Vaun Walker had a night to remember as he led the team with 36 points. Before the men’s game, the women’s team would also take down the Rams 68 to 62. Both teams will be back in action…

Hilltoppers Overcome Early Goals, Beat Breck On Home Ice

Thorson scores three, Lindaman adds two

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite giving up two early goals in the first period, the Duluth Marshall girls hockey team was able to pull out a 6-4 victory against Breck at Mars Lakeview Arena Friday night. Following Breck’s two goals to begin the game, Ilsa Lindaman evened the score with two goals of her own in the first period. The Hilltoppers would…

Coaches Corner: CeeJay Schaffner

Schaffner is currently in his 5th season leading the Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with UW-Superior head men’s and women’s tennis coach CeeJay Schaffner. Schaffner is currently in his 5th season leading the Yellowjackets. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

UMD Women Shut Out Mavericks, Earn First Win in Three Weeks

Two goals scored by Bergen

DULUTH, Minn.- After a pair of difficult series against the top two teams in the nation, the #7 UMD women’s hockey team got back on track Friday with a 3-0 win over Minnesota State Mankato. Danielle Bergen scored the first goal by batting the puck in midair on a power play. Mannon McMahon would add a second goal in the…

Mackenzie Moe Finding Self-Confidence Through Boxing

16-year-old competing in National Silver Gloves Tournament

DULUTH, Minn.- 16-year-old Mackenzie Moe is currently in Missouri fighting in her second National Silver Gloves Tournament. She’s done a lot of growing up in the ring and has learned a lot about herself through the sport of boxing. “There’s a lot that goes into boxing, not just physically but mentally.” says Moe, who attends Duluth Denfeld High School. “You…

Boys Basketball: Superior Edges Rock Ridge for 14th Victory of Season

Superior improves to 14-4 and will next play at Menomonie on February 6th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior boys basketball team would host Rock Ridge in a battle of 13 win teams. In the end, the Spartans would pull out the victory 74 to 59. Superior improves to 14-4 and will next play at Menomonie on February 6th. Rock Ridge (13-6) is next at Chisholm on February 6th. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School,…

Coaches Corner: Byron Negen

2nd year as Rock Ridge Girls Basketball coach

VIRGINIA, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Rock Ridge girls’ basketball coach Byron Negen. In this interview, Coach Negen discussed combining the Virginia and Eveleth-Gilbert teams, the Wolverines’ success on the court this season, and how he’s grown as a head coach over the years. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Hermantown Hockey Shut Out in Physical Matchup

Hawks' first scoreless game since December 29

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team failed to score in their 3-0 loss to St. Thomas Academy Friday night. The first period ended without a goal as players from both teams delivered and received physical hits from each other. The Cadets pulled ahead in the second with two goals before knocking in an empty-net goal in the third period….

No. 7 UMD Women Can’t Pull Upset Over No. 2 Wisconsin

Bergen scores Bulldogs' lone goal

DULUTH, Minn.- The seventh-ranked UMD women’s hockey team couldn’t keep up with the No. 2 Wisconsin Badgers, falling 2-1 on Friday. Wisconsin took the lead in the second period, but the Bulldogs were quick to respond with a goal from Danielle Bergen. However, a third-period power play goal from Eden Lacy would prove to be the difference maker for the…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Sweep Minnesota Crookston in Doubleheader

Both teams will be back in action on Saturday against Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams would pick up wins on Friday night. The women’s squad would start the night by thumping Minnesota Crookston 82 to 59. Ella Gilbertson and Lexi Karge would each have 12 points in the win. Following that contest, the men’s team would take down the Golden Eagles 72 to 62. Drew…

Top Plays of the Week: 1/26

Nina Thorson would light the lamp on a spectacular shot from the boards for the top play of the week.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays both come from on the ice. At number two,  Duluth East’s Oscar Lundell splits two defender and then finds teammate Stratton Maas all alone on a breakway goal. Finally at number one, Nina Thorson would light the lamp on a spectacular shot from the boards to give her Duluth Marshall team a lead over…

Top Play: 1/19

Martinsen's goal ignites blowout victory

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- This week’s top play was the spark one local high school hockey team needed to have one of their best games of the season. In the first period, Hermantown’s Henry Martinsen stole the puck in front of the net before deking out Hibbing-Chisholm’s goalie for the score. The Hawks would go on to score a season-high eight goals…

Coaches Corner: Matt Solberg

Solberg and the Rails are currently on a nine-game winning streak.

PROCTOR, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Matt Solberg, the head coach of the Proctor girls basketball team. Solberg and the Rails are currently on a nine-game winning streak. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Bethany Lutheran & UW-Superior Split Men’s & Women’s Hoops Doubleheader

Both squads will be back at it on Saturday against Martin Luther. The women's game begins at 3 PM and the men will follow at 4:45 PM.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s basketball team faced a tough test on Friday, ultimately falling to the 1st place Bethany Lutheran Vikings, 69 to 47. The loss snaps a four-game winning streak for the Yellowjackets. UWS was led by Andrew Kunelius, who had seven points. In other basketball action, the UWS women’s squad would take down Bethany Lutheran, 74 to…

Coaches Corner: Tim Stark

Second-year Nordic ski coach at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

CLOQUET, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Tim Stark, the head coach of the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Nordic ski team. Stark is in his second season heading C-E-C Nordic, but he’s coached the sport since 2007. In this interview, Coach Stark talked about his team’s training regimen, practicing when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, and his outlook on the…

UMD Men’s Hockey Knocks Off #17 Colorado College in OT to Take Game One

Ben Steeves would net the game-winning goal.

DULUTH, Minn.- It would take overtime between Colorado College and UMD men’s hockey on Friday. In the end, the Bulldogs would send their home fans away with a 3 to 2 victory. Ben Steeves would net the game-winning goal. Both teams will run it back again on Saturday with puck drop at 7:07 PM. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports,…

Top-Ranked Cherry Tigers Outshoot Esko in Packed Gym

Tigers' fourth-straight win

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko boys’ basketball team’s “Pack the Gym Night” was spoiled by the Cherry Tigers, who ran away with the 100-74 victory. All five members of Cherry’s starting lineup scored in double digits. Noah Asuma was the Tigers’ leading scorer while Isaac Asuma and Carson Brown each added 20 points. This marks the fourth-straight win for Cherry (11-2),…

Boys Hockey: Two Goal 2nd Period Lifts Little Falls Over Duluth Denfeld

The Hunters fall to 9-5-1 and will next play Duluth East on January 16th. Puck drop is at 7 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Little Falls boys hockey team came into Heritage Center on Friday and left with a two to nothing win over Duluth Denfeld. Both of the Flyers goal would come in the 2nd period. The Hunters fall to 9-5-1 and will next play Duluth East on January 16th. Puck drop is at 7 PM. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy,…

Top Plays of the Week: 1/12

At number one, Superior's Calvin Anderson has his teammates back, he steals the ball back and then takes it to the rack.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the ice and on the hardwood. At number two, Duluth Denfeld goalie Connor Doyle denies the Flyers of two chances keeping the game a one score affair. At number one, Superior’s Calvin Anderson has his teammates back, he steals the ball back and then takes it to the rack. Categories:…

Bulldogs Shut Out Beavers in First Win of New Year

Sadura scores in first, Beavers' second-period goal called back

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team captured their first win of 2024 on Friday in a 2-0 shutout over Bemidji State. The Bulldogs’ first goal came in the first period when Grace Sadura scored on a deflection off a shot from Jenna Lawry. In the second period, Bemidji State appeared to tie the game on a power play, but…

Prep Basketball: Duluth Marshall Girls, Superior Boys Pick Up Wins

Hilltoppers snap two-game losing streak

DULUTH, Minn.- In their first home games of the calendar year, the Duluth Marshall girls and Superior boys were each able to earn some much-needed victories in front of their own fans. The Hilltoppers defeated Grand Rapids 85-58. Friday’s win put an end to Marshall’s two-game losing streak and put the Hilltoppers at 6-4 overall on the 2023-24 season. They’ll…

College Basketball: UMD Men Open 2024 By Taking Down UMary, UMD Women Fall in Nightcap

Both teams will be back in action on Saturday against Minot State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team opened the 2nd half of the season with a win, defeating UMary 82 to 60. The Bulldogs were led by Drew Blair, who had 18 points in the contest. In the nightcap, the UMD women dropped a close one to the Marauders, falling 77 to 66. Taya Hakamaki had a team-leading 20 points…

Coaches Corner: Mackenzie Meneguzzo

Meneguzzo is in her first season leading the Spartans.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Mackenzie Meneguzzo, the head coach of the Superior girls basketball team. Meneguzzo is in her first season leading the Spartans. Superior is 7-5 so far this year. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School

Top Play of the Week: 1/5

A.J. Reyelts was stellar all week in net for Proctor.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play comes on the ice. A.J. Reyelts was stellar all week in net for Proctor. He had a 46 save performance against Hermantown and then he would follow that up with 35 save outing against Denfeld. Include one snag in a two on one against the Hunters. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Cliff Knettel

Fifth-year head coach with Duluth Boys Swim & Dive team

DULUTH, Minn.- For this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Cliff Knettel, the head coach of the Duluth boys swim & dive team. Knettel is in his fifth year as the head coach of the co-op program (Duluth East and Duluth Denfeld). The swim team will be competing at a meet in Superior on Saturday, December 30 before hosting…

Besonen’s Long-Range Shooting Leads to UWS Holiday Classic Win

Yellowjackets to face St. Norbert Saturday

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Despite some early-game struggles on offense, the UW-Superior women’s basketball team found their groove enroute to a 60-44 win over Marian in day one of the Superior Shootout Holiday Classic. At the end of the first quarter, the Yellowjackets trailed 8-6, making only two field goals. However, Elise Besonen came alive in the final three quarters, sinking five…

Boys Hockey: Denfeld, Proctor Claim Holiday Tournament Titles

Hunters 8-3-1, Rails 9-4 overall

DULUTH, Minn.- Both host teams from two of the biggest high school boys hockey holiday tournaments in the Northland came out as champions on Friday. Duluth Denfeld defeated Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 5-4 in overtime to claim the Heritage Holiday Classic Championship. The Hunters previously defeated Irondale 4-1 and Park of Cottage Grove 3-2 to earn a spot in the championship game. Meanwhile,…

Top Plays of the Week: 12/29

At number one, River Freeman was playing hockey for Hermantown but he decides to take a baseball swing for the goal in Wednesday's victory over Delano.

DULUTH, Minn.- Top plays this week came from both the ice and the hardwood. At number two, Duluth Marshall forward Brooks Johnson makes it a one man fast break and the slam in Tuesday’s game versus East Central. At number one, River Freeman was playing hockey for Hermantown but he decides to take a baseball swing for the goal in…

Men’s Hockey: St. Scholastica & UW-Superior to Meet in Superior Showdown Title Game

The title game is set for Saturday at 7:05 PM at Wessman Arena.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The St. Scholastica and UW-Superior men’s hockey teams will get to renew their rivalry on Saturday. On Friday, St. Scholastica would defeat Dubuque 5 to 1 and UW-Superior would top Marian 2 to 1 in the semifinals of the Superior Showdown. For the Saints, they were led by Filimon Ledenkov, who had two goals in the victory. As…

Rosemount Plays Grinch in Hermantown’s First Loss of Season

Irish outshot Hawks 43-31

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- After the first two periods ended in ties, the Rosemount Irish scored two goals in the third period to defeat Hermantown 3-1. This marks the Hawks’ first loss of the 2023-24 season. Hermantown (4-1-2) will play three games in three days, starting with a home matchup against Delano, following another home game against East Grand Forks on Thursday….