High School

Northern Star: Finn Furcht

Esko ace aiming for return to state tournament

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…

Northwestern Softball Coach Scott Janigo Retires After 15 Seasons at the Helm

During his time, Northwestern won six conference titles, numerous region championships and one sectional title back in 2016.

MAPLE, Wis.- A longtime Northwestern softball coach is saying goodbye to the program. Scott Janigo is retiring after leading the Tigers the last 15 seasons. During his time, Northwestern won six conference titles, numerous region championships and one sectional title back in 2016. That 2016 season was a special one as it marked the Tigers first trip to state in…

Prep Baseball: Duluth Marshall, Esko, & Proctor All Advance to 7AA Quarterfinals

Duluth Marshall will host Mora next. As for Esko, they'll battle with Proctor.

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday marked the first day of the Section 7AA baseball tournament. Top seeded Duluth Marshall is in the quarterfinals after defeating Moose Lake/Willow River 12 to 3. They’ll next host Mora on Thursday at 7 PM. On the other side of the bracket, defending state champions, Esko shut out Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin 13-0. Esko is set to clash with Proctor,…

C-E-C Boys Lacrosse Edges Duluth Marshall for First-Ever Playoff Win

With the win, the Lumberjacks will next host Centennial in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 7 PM.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys lacrosse team achieved a bit of history on Tuesday. C-E-C defeated Duluth Marshall 7-5 in their first-ever playoff contest. With the win, the Lumberjacks will next host Centennial in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 7 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

Moose Lake/Willow River Softball Rallies Past Cherry for Spot in Section 7A Title Game

Moose Lake will next play Cherry again on Thursday in the title game.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Moose Lake/Willow River softball team is one step closer to returning to the state tournament. On Tuesday, the Rebels rallied against Cherry to eventually take a 15-5 victory over the Tigers. Moose Lake will next play either Cherry again on Thursday in the title game. First pitch is at 4 PM at Braun Park in Cloquet. Categories:…

Former Thunderhawk Gavin Hain Re-Signs with Iowa Wild

Hain last suited up for Grand Rapids in 2017.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- A former Grand Rapids Thunderhawk has re-upped with the Iowa Wild. Gavin Hain is heading back to the Wild’s top affiliate on a one-year, two-way contract. Just this past season, he would tally 10 points in 47 games for Iowa. Hain also spent time with the Iowa Heartlanders, where he had two goals in six games. Hain…

Prep Softball: Proctor & Rush City to Meet in 7AA Semifinals, Rock Ridge Secures Spot in 7AAA Semis

The Tigers and Rails will face off on May 28th in Grand Rapids at 1 PM. Meanwhile, The Wolverines are set to clash with North Branch in Chisago Lakes.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Proctor softball team is one step closer to repeating as Section 7AA champions. On Thursday, the Rails defeated Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin in the quarterfinals, 7 to 1. They’ll next meet Rush City, who topped International Falls 7-6 in the other quarterfinal matchup. The Tigers and Rails will face off on May 28th in Grand Rapids at 1 PM. In…

Wolfpack Girls Lacrosse Ends Regular Season By Picking Up 10th Win Over Stealth

Next up for the Wolfpack (10-3) is the section tournament, which begins next week.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Wolfpack girls lacrosse team ended their regular season with a win on Thursday, defeating Hermantown/Proctor 12 to 4. Next up for the Wolfpack (10-3) is the section tournament, which begins next week. Hermantown/Proctor (2-8) will close out the regular season on Friday at Rocori. Categories: High School, Sports

Proctor Derails Northwood-Solon’s Perfect Season

Green Eagles to face Winter/Birchwood in regionals

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor baseball team followed up Monday’s win in Hermantown with a 4-1 victory over Northwood-Solon Springs. Prior to this matchup, Northwood-Solon Springs was undefeated and had already clinched the top seed in the WIAA Division 4 Regionals. The Green Eagles were also shorthanded with a few of their players competing in track and field sectionals. The Green…

Northern Star: Aune Boben

Hibbing senior to play for Northern State in 2025

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…

Superior Softball Handles Eau Claire North in First Round of WIAA Regionals

Superior will travel to play New Richmond on Thursday in the 2nd round.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior softball team is one step closer to returning to Madison for the state tournament. On Wednesday, the Spartans would top Eau Claire North 13-3 in five innings in the first round of the WIAA playoffs. Next up, they’ll travel to New Richmond on Thursday. The Spartans would fall to the Tigers earlier in the season, 9-2…

C-E-C’s Elijah Aultman to Play College Soccer at UW-Superior

Aultman is coming off a season in which he led the Lumberjacks with 20 goals.

CLOQUET, Minn.- C-E-C senior Elijah Aultman would make it official with UW-Superior Tuesday morning as he announced his commitment to the Yellowjackets. Aultman is coming off a season in which he led the Lumberjacks with 20 goals. He also played a key role in helping C-E-C to the Section 7 AA title the last three years. Categories: High School, Sports

Hilltoppers Hand Esko First Loss of Season

Sectionals begin next week

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko baseball team is no longer undefeated as Duluth Marshall defeated the defending state champions 3-1 Monday night. With this loss, Esko stands at 17-1. They’ll have a chance to get back on track Tuesday at Cloquet before their regular season finale on Thursday at Grand Rapids. The Hilltoppers (13-2) will play both Hibbing and Champlin Park…

Esko & Carlton/Wrenshall Softball Pick Up 1st Round Section Tournament Wins

Each team will next play on Thursday in the 2nd round of their respective tournament.

ESKO, Minn.- Like last year, the Esko softball team would begin section tournament play with a win against Two Harbors on Monday. Esko would top the Agates 15 to 1 to advance to the 2nd round of the 7AA bracket. They’ll next face Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin on Thursday at Braun Park in Cloquet. First pitch is at 10:30 AM. In other section…

Undefeated Esko Has Eyes On State Title Repeat

Undefeated with two regular season games remaining

ESKO, Minn.- After suffering only one loss in their 2023 state championship season, Esko’s baseball team may have gotten even better in 2024. With only two games left in the regular season, Esko is undefeated at 17-0. They’ve been especially hot in the month of May, scoring at least 10 or more runs in their last five games. Esko’s 10-0…

Spartans Shut Out by Tigers in Doubleheader

Fall to 6-14 on season

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior baseball team’s Friday doubleheader didn’t go their way as the New Richmond Tigers won both games, 4-0 and 17-0. With those two losses, the Spartans are now 6-14 on the season. Superior’s regular season wraps up on Tuesday with a home game against Hibbing at 4:30 p.m. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Wolfpack Senior Captains Form Tenacious Triumverate

Duluth 7-4 through 11 games in 2024 season

DULUTH, Minn.- With the MSHSL Lacrosse Sectionals looming, Wyatt Vallie, Gabe Polascek and Connor Kiergaard are determined to lead the Duluth Wolfpack boys to their first-ever state tournament. “My dad, he started me playing when I was eight, and I just been sticking to it ever since.” says Polascek. “Once I got to high school, and I truly fell in…

Coaches Corner: Kadee Vesledahl

Third season as Hibbing softball coach

HIBBING, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re joined by Hibbing Softball Head Coach Kadee Vesledahl. Vesledahl is in her third season as the Bluejackets’ skipper. She previously was a collegiate pitcher at St. Cloud State and the College of Saint Benedict. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Softball: Hudson & Superior Settle for Tie, Grand Rapids Closes Out Regular Season with Win

Both Superior and Grand Rapids will begin postseason play next week.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In their final regular season game, the Superior softball team would tie Hudson 4-4 on Friday. The Spartans (12-6-1) will now shift their focus to the postseason where they will host Eau Claire North on Tuesday, May 21st. First pitch is at 5 PM. In other prep softball action, Grand Rapids would get back to the .500 mark…

Top Plays of the Week: 5/17

At number one, Superior baseball's Owen Blomfeldt makes the diving stop and the long throw to Carter Gilbertson's glove at first.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both of this week’s top plays would come on the diamond. At number two, Duluth East softball’s Nysjah Lillis flashes the leather out in center field to rob a Hermantown Hawk of extra bases. At number one, Superior baseball’s Owen Blomfeldt makes the diving stop and the long throw to Carter Gilbertson’s glove at first. Categories: Friday Night…

Rock Ridge School Board Declines to Renew Ben Johnson’s Contract

Just this past year, the Wolverines went 20-6-1 before falling to Grand Rapids in the Section 7AA semifinals.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Earlier this week, the Rock Ridge school board voted to not renew head boys hockey coach Ben Johnson’s contract. Johnson has been at the helm since the program’s beginning three years ago. Just this past year, the Wolverines went 20-6-1 before falling to Grand Rapids in the Section 7AA semifinals. Categories: High School, Sports

Superior Girls Soccer Edges Chippewa Falls in High-Scoring Affair

The Spartans improve to 5-6-1 and will next play at Hayward on Saturday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior girls soccer team and Chippewa Falls would combine for 10 goals on Thursday night. In the end, the Spartans were victorious as they came away with the 6 to 4 win. Superior would have a 3-1 lead at the break. Anna Manion had three goals to lead the team offensively. Brynn Johnson would have two. The…

Superior Softball Spoils Proctor’s Senior Day With Blowout

Spartans undefeated vs. Minnesota opponents in 2024

PROCTOR, Minn.-The Superior softball team showed no mercy in Thursday’s game against Proctor, winning 22-2 during the Rails’ Senior Night. With this win, the Spartans are a perfect 9-0 against Minnesota opponents, marking the third straight season Superior has gone undefeated against teams from the Gopher State. Superior will finish their regular season on Friday at home against Hudson before…

Esko Retains Perfect Record With Win Against Mora

Seventh double-digit win of season

ESKO, Minn.- Despite giving up four runs in the first inning, Esko was able to pull out the 15-4 win, staying undefeated with only three games left in the regular season. Thursday’s win also marks the seventh time Esko has won by 10 or more runs. Esko’s win streak has now stretched to 23 games (including the 2023 regular season…

Northern Star: Anika Burke

Senior catcher eying section three-peat

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…

Duluth East Softball Uses Four-Run 2nd Inning to Top Hermantown

Duluth East improves to 4-13 and will next play at Cambridge-Isanti on Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East softball team picked up their 2nd straight win on Wednesday, defeating Hermantown at home 5 to 2. The Greyhounds would put up four runs in the 2nd inning after trailing by one after one inning of play. Duluth East improves to 4-13 and will next play at Cambridge-Isanti on Friday. Meanwhile, Hermantown (4-8) awaits for…

Duluth Denfeld Baseball Walks-Off Against Proctor for 9th Win

The Hunters are now 9-7 on the season and will next play at Cloquet on Wednesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld baseball team would earn their 9th win of the season on Tuesday in walk-off fashion against Proctor, 3 to 2. The Hunters are now 9-7 on the season and will next play at Cloquet on Wednesday. Proctor (8-5) will try to bounce back at Grand Rapids on Thursday.   Categories: High School, Sports

Two-Run 3rd Inning Helps Proctor Softball Get Past Cloquet

KK Hemming had a two-run single in the bottom of the 3rd to help Proctor pull ahead.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Two of the Lake Superior conference’s best softball teams met up on Tuesday as Proctor hosted Cloquet. After falling behind 1-0 in the first, KK Hemming would drive in two runs in the bottom of the 3rd. Hemming’s two-run single would prove to be the difference maker as the Rails came away with the 2-1 win. Proctor improves…

Cloquet Softball Tops Esko for First Time in Five Years, South Ridge Extends Win Streak to 7

Cloquet improves to 10-6 and will next play at Proctor on Tuesday. South Ridge is now 12-4 and will host Two Harbors on Wednesday.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet softball team did something on Monday that they haven’t done since 2019. And that’s defeat Esko. The Lumberjacks would get the best of Esko, 9-1 on their home field at Braun Park. Allie Jones tossed five innings of no-hit ball and struck out 12 Cloquet improves to 10-6 and will next play at Proctor on Tuesday….

Superior Boys Tennis Edges St. Francis for 4th Win of Season

The Spartans will next be in New Richmond on May 18th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Superior boys tennis team would play St. Francis close on Monday, ultimately defeating the Fighting Saints 4 to 3. The scores are listed below: Singles: No. 1 – Otto Netteberg, St. Francis def. Vinnie Theisen, Superior, 6-0 , 6-2 , -; No. 2 – Dylan Urbaniak, Superior def. Joe Zandlo, St. Francis, 6-2 , 6-0 , -;…

Superior Picks Kristin Riesgraf to Coach Spartan Volleyball Team

The Hibbing native will begin her duties in August and will make her home debut as head coach on August 9th against Duluth Marshall.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior high school has a new volleyball coach. The Spartans have hired Kristin Riesgraf to replace Brenda Pluntz. Riesgraf has been an assistant for UW-Superior since 2011. She’s also had two stints leading club teams in Superior. The Hibbing native will begin her duties in August and will make her home debut as head coach on August 9th…

Mike Randolph Set to Lead Northern Lakes Boys Hockey Next Winter

The former Greyhound spent the last three seasons at St. Thomas Academy.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Duluth East hockey coach Mike Randolph has found his next gig. Pending school board approval, Randolph is set to lead Northern Lakes boys hockey next winter. The school confirmed the news with FOX 21. “The Pequot Lakes School District is excited to announce the hiring of Mike Randolph as the next Northern Lakes Boys Hockey Head Coach,…

Proctor Softball On Track for Third-Straight Section Title

Three games remaining in regular season

PROCTOR, Minn.- With the high school softball season winding down, the Proctor softball team will have another opportunity to win a section title. The Rails are currently 14-3 overall and most recently defeated Duluth East 4-1. After winning sectionals in 2022 and 2023, Proctor’s seniors are confident they have what it takes to step up in big moments. “We have…

Track and Field Teams Take Mark in Matt Kero Invitational

Hastings wins boys, girls events

DULUTH, Minn.- High school track and field teams competed one last time ahead of the Lake Superior Conference Championships in Friday’s Matt Kero Memorial Invitational at Duluth Denfeld High School. In team scores, the Hastings boys and girls both came out on top with 162 and 166 points, respectively. Meanwhile, Duluth East earned second place in both groups (121.5 for…

Burke Homers in Proctor Win Over Duluth East

Rails improve to 15-3

PROCTOR, Minn.- A three-run home run from catcher Anika Burke in the third inning lifted Proctor over Duluth East 4-1 on Friday night. This win puts the Rails at 15-3 overall with three games remaining in the regular season, including Tuesday’s home game against Cloquet. Duluth East’s only run came off a wild pitch in the second inning. The Greyhounds…

Haugen Earns 300th Career Win for Esko Baseball, Marshall Blanks Roseau

Finn Furcht for Esko and Tanner Carlson for Duluth Marshall would each have complete game shutouts. Furcht threw a no-hitter as well.

ESKO, Minn.- Esko baseball head coach Ben Haugen celebrated a milestone in Friday’s 10-0 win over Roseau. Haugen would pick up his 300th career victory in the contest. Esko was led by Finn Furcht, who tossed a complete game no-hitter. Esko improves to 13-0 on the season and will next play at Rock Ridge on Monday. In other prep baseball…

Hermantown/Proctor Unable to Hold Off Wayzata as Stealth Drop 2nd Straight Game

The Stealth (7-3) will next play at Hopkins/St. Louis Park on May 14th.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown/Proctor boys lacrosse team faced a tall test on Friday against Wayzata. Ultimately, they would be unable to hold off the Trojans as they fell 13 to 5. The Stealth (7-3) will next play at Hopkins/St. Louis Park on May 14th. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Marshall Baseball Tops Rock Ridge in 7AA Quarterfinal Rematch, Hermantown Earns 2nd Straight Victory

Rock Ridge previously defeated Duluth Marshall 3-2 in the Section 7AA quarterfinals last year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall baseball team earned revenge on Thursday, defeating Rock Ridge 9 to 2. Rock Ridge previously defeated Duluth Marshall 3-2 in the Section 7AA quarterfinals last year. The Hilltoppers improve to 6-2 and will next host Roseau on Friday. As for the Wolverines, they’ll next be in action on Monday, hosting Esko. In other prep baseball…

Polacsek’s Big Night Helps Wolfpack Boys Pick Up Road Win Against Stealth

Duluth was led by Gabe Polacsek, who had four goals in the first quarter.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Duluth Wolfpack boys lacrosse team picked up their 2nd straight win on Thursday, defeating the Hermantown/Proctor Stealth 15 to 9. Duluth was led by Gabe Polacsek, who had four goals in the first quarter. The Wolfpack improve to 6-3 and will next host Wayzata on Saturday. Hermantown/Proctor (7-2) will also play Wayzata next. That game is scheduled…

Boben’s Pitching Leads Hibbing Softball Past Denfeld

Fourth-straight win for Bluejackets

DULUTH, Minn.- A 17-strikeout performance by Hibbing’s Aune Boben was a key factor in the Bluejackets’ 17-2 win over Duluth Denfeld on Thursday. In a complete game on the mound, Boben only allowed three hits and two walks on 102 pitches. At the plate, she went a perfect 4-4, including a solo home run in the sixth inning. Kori McCormick…

Duluth East Boys Tennis Protects Home Court Against Hibbing

East would take three out of four singles matchups and two out of the three doubles matchups.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East boys tennis team picked up their 10th win of the season on Wednesday, defeating Hibbing 5 to 2. East would take three out of four singles matchups and two out of the three doubles matchups. The Greyhounds (10-11) will next play Mahtomedi on May 10th. Hibbing (9-5) will play Grand Rapids and Thief River Falls…

Stealth Handle C-E-C in Battle of Boys Lacrosse Heavyweights

After the contest was 5-4 in favor of the Stealth at the half, Hermantown/Proctor would outscore C-E-C 8 to 1 in the 2nd half.

ESKO, Minn.- The Hermantown/Proctor boys lacrosse team would hand Cloquet-Esko-Carlton their first loss of the season on Tuesday, 13 to 5. After the contest was 5-4 in favor of the Stealth at the half, Hermantown/Proctor would outscore C-E-C 8 to 1 in the 2nd half. The Stealth (7-1) will next host Duluth on Thursday. Meanwhile, C-E-C (7-1) will try to…

Nine Local Hockey Standouts Selected in USHL Draft

Three were drafted in Phase 1 on Monday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Plenty of locals heard their named called at the USHL Draft. On Monday, Marshall goaltender Kaenan Smith was the first Northlander to be selected as he was taken by Sioux Falls in the 4th round. Two rounds later, Tri-City would pick Hibbing/Chisholm’s Jackson Strukel and then in the 7th round Des Moines grabbed Grand Rapids forward Nathan Garski….

Big 2nd Inning Lifts Superior Softball Past Hermantown

The Spartans (7-4) would put up nine runs in the 2nd inning.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Superior softball team was back in the win column on Monday, defeating Hermantown on the road 16 to 0. The Spartans (7-4) would put up nine runs in the 2nd inning. They’ll next be in action on Tuesday at Duluth Denfeld. Meanwhile, Hermantown (3-4) will try to bounce back at Rock Ridge also on Tuesday. Categories: High…

Hermantown/Proctor Girls Lacrosse Hands Duluth Marshall 1st Loss

Hermantown/Proctor improves to 2-5 and will be at Superior on Thursday.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls lacrosse team suffered their first defeat on Monday, falling to Hermantown/Proctor 9 to 8. Hermantown/Proctor would rally after being down 7-2 at the half. The Hilltoppers fall to 3-1 and will next play at Coon Rapids on Thursday. Hermantown/Proctor improves to 2-5 and will be at Superior also on Thursday. Categories: High School, Sports

Marshall’s Owen Marsolek to Play College Baseball at Western Kentucky

Just this past season, Marsolek would hurl 92 strikeouts in 44 innings of work.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Marshall junior pitcher and outfielder Owen Marsolek won’t have to worry about learning a new nickname when he begins playing his college ball. On Saturday, the Hilltopper announced his commitment to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, a Division one program out of the USA conference. Just this past season, Marsolek would hurl 92 strikeouts in 44 innings of…

John Scott & Christian Houser Latest to Join Wilderness NA3HL Team

They join C-E-C forward Ryan Jones as local players on the roster.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Duluth East defenseman Christian Houser and Duluth Denfeld forward John Scott both inked tenders with the NA3HL Minnesota Wilderness team over the weekend. They’re the latest local talents on the team after Minnesota would pick C-E-C forward Ryan Jones in the NA3HL draft last week. Just this past year, Houser skated in 26 games for the Greyhounds, totaling…

Hermantown’s River Freeman Signs Tender with Minnesota Wilderness

Just this past season, Freeman had his best year with the Hawks, tallying 22 goals and 27 assists.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A current Hermantown Hawk will soon be suiting up for the Minnesota Wilderness. Forward River Freeman signed a tender with the club out of Cloquet. Just this past season, Freeman had his best year with the Hawks, tallying 22 goals and 27 assists. The year prior, he would have just 13 goals and 14 assists. Number 23 played…

Norsemen Eager for Sanctioned Boys Volleyball Season

Boys volleyball to become official MSHSL Sport in 2024-25

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- With a 3-0 record, the Proctor/Hermantown boys’ volleyball team has a lot to be excited about both this — and next — season. Since the Norsemen’s debut in 2019, they’ve made a name for themselves in the Northern Minnesota Conference. But in the next school year, they’ll compete for the first time as an official high school team…