High School

Prep Baseball: Hermantown Puts Up 13 Runs in 6th to Handle Denfeld in Season Opener

After three innings of play, the Hawks would hold a 4 to 3 lead.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the Hermantown and Duluth Denfeld baseball teams would open up their seasons on Wednesday. After three innings of play, the Hawks would hold a 4 to 3 lead. Three innings later, Hermantown put up 13 runs in the 6th to take the eventual 18 to 3 victory. The Hawks (1-0) will next play at Hibbing on April…

Lofstrom, Savela, & Zubich Named to MGBCA All-Star Roster

The Rangers head coach Jeff Buffetta and assistant Dawn Savela will also serve as coaches for the games.

DULUTH, Minn.- Three local senior standouts will get a chance to represent their respective schools one last time. Grand Rapids’ Jessika Lofstrom and Mountain Iron Buhl’s Hali Savela and Jordan Zubich were all named to the roster for the MGBCA All-Star Series. The Rangers head coach Jeff Buffetta and assistant Dawn Savela will also serve as coaches for the games….

Denfeld’s Starstead Steps Up Amid Hunters’ Injuries

17.1 PPG, 9.2 RPG in 2023-24 season

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Denfeld’s boys’ basketball season was derailed by injuries, but one senior was able to make the most of his extra minutes on the court. In the 2023-24 season, Ethan Starstead finished with 17.1 points per game, along with a team high of 9.2 rebounds per game. “Going into the season, I was the third, fourth option on…

Mountain Iron-Buhl Seniors Reflect on Final Season

Zubich, Havela, Lira and Aubrey all to play college basketball

VIRGINIA, Minn.- On Thursday, a quartet of Mountain Iron-Buhl seniors had a chance to decompress from their Class A State Championship loss earlier this month. Jordan Zubich, Hali Savela, Gabby Lira and Suzy Aubrey were all selected to play in the Iron Range Engineering Senior All-Star Game. “I think it (was) a good break from playing.” said Zubich in regard…

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…

Hungry Hilltopper Baseball Team Ready for Tough Section 7AA Schedule

Marshall's first game is set for April 4th at Esko.

DULUTH, Minn.- Anytime you finish a season at 17-6, that’s something you can be proud of. But for the Duluth Marshall team they weren’t satisfied with the way their season ended a year ago. Facing a tough section 7AA schedule, the Hilltoppers would fall short by being eliminated in the quarterfinals. The good news is Marshall is ready to run…

Northwestern Hosts 43rd Dennis Simpson Invitational

Hayward girls, Moose Lake boys take home titles

SUPERIOR, Wis.- As the snow from this week’s winter storm begins to melt, high school track and field teams competed indoors at the 43rd annual Dennis Simpson Invitational at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. For the girls, Hayward won the Simpson Invitational for the third straight year while Northwestern took 2nd place. For the boys, Moose Lake/Willow River captured their first…

Asuma & Soumis Set to Compete in 42nd Annual MBCA All-Star Series

The games take place on April 6th at Anoka Ramsey Community College.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two Northland standouts will take part in the 42nd annual Minnesota High School All-Star Basketball Series. Cherry’s Isaac Asuma and Hermantown’s Abe Soumis were both named to the blue team roster and will play in the games on April 6th at Anoka Ramsey Community College. Asuma is coming off a season in which he led the Tigers to…

Northern Star: Kloe Zentkowski and Eva Peterson

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

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…

Basketball Seniors Shine in Iron Range All-Star Game

MIB's Zubich, Denfeld's Altona among participants

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Though their high school hoops careers are officially over, seniors were able to enjoy another game on the court at the Iron Range Engineering Senior All-Star Game at Minnesota North College- Mesabi Range. In the girls’ all-star game, the home team won 86-79. Members of the winning team included Mountain Iron-Buhl’s Hali Savela and Suzy Aubrey, Cloquet’s Leilani…

Former Thunderhawk Jack Peart Inks Deal with Minnesota Wild

Peart just finished up his third year at St. Cloud State.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- After being selected by the Wild back in the 2021 NHL Draft in the 2nd round, Grand Rapids native Jack Peart is ready to join the team. On Tuesday, the defenseman signed a three-year, entry-level deal with the squad. Peart just finished up his third year at St. Cloud State. Before his time with the Huskies, he…

Cherry Captures Boys Basketball Class A State Championship

Defeated Fertile-Beltrami 78-40

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Cherry boys basketball team has ended their 2023-24 season with the ultimate prize, defeating Fertile-Beltrami 78-40 in the Class A State Championship Game. The Tigers started the game on an 11-0 run, which included a Noah Asuma three-pointer and a Noah Sundquist steal-turned-layup. Defensively, Cherry kept Fertile-Beltrami off the scoreboard for the first five minutes and 25…

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…

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…

State Basketball: Cherry Advances to Class A State Championship Game

Cherry will next face Fertile-Beltrami in the title game on Saturday. Tip-off is at 11 AM at the Williams Arena.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Cherry boys basketball team continued their march towards a Class A state championship on Friday. In the semifinals, the Tigers would handle the Nevis Tigers by a final of 76 to 58. Cherry was led by Noah Asuma and Isaac Asuma, who each had 20 points in the victory. Cherry will next face Fertile-Beltrami in the title…

Mixed Bag of Veterans & Youth to Lead Proctor Softball Team Into 2024 Season

Proctor returns six of nine starters from a year ago.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor Rails are coming off two straight successful seasons, winning the section 7AA title both years. Even better news for the team this year is they return six of their nine starters from a season ago. And it gets even better because those six starters play multiple positions, making the challenge of finding replacements not as difficult….

State Basketball: Cherry Rolls Past Russell-Tyler-Ruthton in Class A Quarterfinals

Cherry will next face Nevis on Friday at noon.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The top seeded Cherry Tigers showed why they were given the one seed in Class A on Thursday. In the quarterfinals, Cherry would dominate Russell-Tyler-Ruthton 78 to 46 to advance to Friday’s semifinals. The Tigers were led by Isaiah Asuma, who had 26 points in the victory. Just behind him was Isaac Asuma, who had 20. It was…

Northern Star: Will Esterbrooks

Senior reached State Tournament in all three years with Hawks

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…

After State Championship Win, Esko Baseball Embracing Challenges of a New Season

Esko said goodbye to eight seniors, including the Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year Cale Haugen.

ESKO, Minn.- The start of a new season means a fresh start and clean slate for all teams. Even coming off a Class AA state championship, the Esko baseball team has the same mentality. Nothing matters in the past, it’s all about moving forward. Esko said goodbye to eight seniors, including the Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year Cale Haugen….

Unselfish Cherry Tigers Hoping 3rd Times the Charm at State Tournament

The Tigers have won their last 21 games and are on their way to their 3rd straight state tournament.

IRON JUNCTION, Minn.- There’s a saying in all sports where sometimes it just takes getting hot at the right time. But, for the Cherry boys basketball team they’ve been on fire since the new year. The Tigers have won their last 21 games and are on their way to their 3rd straight state tournament. A big reason for their success…

Denfeld’s Mace Brooks & Luke Pearson to Play College Football at Concordia

The pair played key parts in helping lead the 7-2 Hunters to the Section 7AAAA semifinals.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of Duluth Denfeld Hunters are both heading to Concordia-Moorhead next fall. Quarterback Mace Brooks and Running Back Luke Pearson have each committed to the Cobbers in recent days. Brooks would tally seven total touchdowns and was an All-District honorable mention. Pearson was All-Section and All-District as he would have four touchdowns in 2023. The pair played…

Superior Softball Begins Season with New Head Coach Bobbijean Gidley

The Spartans are coming off a state championship runner-up finish in 2023.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Coming off their state championship runner-up finish, the Superior softball team was back on the practice field on Monday to begin their 2024 campaign. Its been an off-season of changes for the squad. The big one being Bobbijean Gidley replacing Mike Sather, who retired, as the team’s head coach. They’re also tasked with making a lineup without the…

Jordan Zubich Lands In Final Top 5 for Miss Basketball Award

Zubich would average almost 28 points per game for the Rangers this past season.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- Cherry’s Isaac Asuma isn’t the only local finalist for the Mr. & Miss Basketball Award in Minnesota. Mountain Iron-Buhl’s Jordan Zubich cracked the top five for the Miss Basketball Award. She’s coming off a season in which she led MIB to the Class A title game. Zubich would average almost 28 points per game for the Rangers…

Cherry Draws #1 Seed at State, Asuma A Finalist for Mr. Basketball Award

The Tigers will play Russell-Tyler-Ruthton on Thursday at the Target Center.

IRON JUNCTION, Minn.- It’s been an eventful few days for the Cherry boys basketball team. On Friday, the Tigers won their 3rd straight straight section 7A title game, topping Mountain Iron-Buhl. Then on Sunday, there were a few headlines surrounding the team. First, was their seeding at state. Cherry drew the top seed in Class A and will match up…

Four Northlanders to Participate in U.S. NTDP Evaluation Camp

Hermantown's Victor Plante and AJ Francisco, Superior's JJ Marthaler, and Duluth Marshall's Kaenan Smith are all scheduled to participate.

PLYMOUTH, Mich.- 47 players were invited to the U.S. National Team Development Progam Evaluation Camp. 4 of which have ties to the Northland. That includes Hermantown’s Victor Plante and AJ Francisco, Superior’s JJ Marthaler, and lastly Duluth Marshall’s Kaenan Smith. Those four will head to Plymouth, Michigan later this week to participate in on-ice practices, off-ice training and a six-game…

Mountain Iron-Buhl Falls in Class A State Championship

Final high school game for Zubich, Savela

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Mountain-Iron Buhl girls basketball team’s road to their second-straight state title fell one win short, losing to Goodhue 70-65 in the Class A State Championship. The Rangers got off to a rocky start as they trailed 9-0 with 15:18 remaining in the first half. What’s more is Jordan Zubich was called for a pair of quick fouls,…

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…

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…

Rock Ridge’s First State Tournament Ends in AAA Consolation Title Game Loss

Rock Ridge finishes the season with a 27-5 overall record.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Rock Ridge girls basketball team would see their season end on Friday, falling to St. Peter 61 to 34 in the AAA consolation title game. The Wolverines were making their first-ever state tournament appearance. Rock Ridge finishes the season with a 27-5 overall record. Categories: High School, Sports

State Basketball: MIB Girls Heading to Class A Title Game for 2nd Straight Year

Mountain Iron-Buhl will next face top seeded Goodhue in the title game on Saturday. Tip-off is at 12 PM.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team will get a chance to defend their Class A state title on Saturday. On Friday, the Rangers would handle Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart in the semifinals, 69 to 50. MIB was led by Jordan Zubich, who had 31 points in the victory. Mountain Iron-Buhl will next face top seeded Goodhue in the title game…

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…

Hawks’ Title Defense Falls Short in Section Championship

Chisago Lakes advances to State Tournament

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hermantown boys’ basketball team was unable to defend their Section 7AAA title Thursday night as Chisago Lakes defeated the Hawks 95-82 in the Section Championship. Hermantown defeated Chisago Lakes 104-101 on February 26, but Patrick Rowe and the Wildcats came out the gates hot, leading by 7 at halftime and keeping their lead throughout the second half….

State Basketball: Rock Ridge Picks Up 1st Win at State, Advance to Consolation Title Game

The Wolverines now are in the consolation title game and will next play St. Peter on Friday at 4 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Rock Ridge girls basketball team extended their season on Thursday, defeating Totino-Grace 55 to 39 in the Class AAA consolation semifinals. The Wolverines now are in the consolation title game and will next play St. Peter on Friday at 4 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

State Basketball: MIB Girls Roll Past Walker-Hackensack-Akeley for Class A Semifinal Berth

MIB now advances to the semifinals on Friday. They'll play Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart at 2 PM.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Moutain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team opened up state tournament play on Thursday, topping Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 71 to 36 in the Class A quarterfinals. The Rangers were led by Jordan Zubich, who had 20 points in the win. Right behind her was teammate Anna Neyens, who had 18. MIB now advances to the semifinals on Friday. They’ll play Buffalo…

Boys Basketball: Esko Handles Moose Lake-Willow River to Advance to Section 7AA Finals

Esko will next face Pequot Lakes in the section championship on Friday at 6 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Esko boys basketball team is one step closer to making the state tournament. On Wednesday, Esko would top Moose Lake-Willow River 89 to 65 in the section 7AA semifinals. They’ll next face Pequot Lakes in the section championship on Friday at 6 PM. In other boys action, Cherry would defeat Fon Du Lac Ojibwe 114 to 55…

State Basketball: Rock Ridge Girls Fall to Alexandria in State Tournament Debut

The Wolverines were led by Anna Westby, who had 20 points in the contest.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Rock Ridge girls basketball team’s title hopes came to an end on Wednesday, as the Wolverines would fall to Alexandria 67 to 50 in the AAA quarterfinals. Rock Ridge would only trail 27-24 at the break. Then, the Cardinals would outscore them 40 to 26 in the 2nd half. The Wolverines were led by Anna Westby, who…

Iron Range Boys & Duluth Girls Take Bragging Rights at Essentia Health All-Star Games

The 25th annual Essentia Health High School All-Star Games would take place on Tuesday at the Heritage Center.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 25th annual Essentia Health High School All-Star Games would take place on Tuesday at the Heritage Center. The Duluth girls would improve their all-time record to 2-0 against the Iron Range with the 9 to 4 victory to start the night. Duluth Marshall’s Ilsa Lindaman would be named MVP of the contest. Following that game, it was…

Mountain Iron-Buhl Girls Basketball Ready to Defend Class A State Title

In their lone regular season matchup against the Wolves, it was all Rangers as they came away with the 76 to 39 victory.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- In just two days, the Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team will tip things off against Walker-Hackensack-Akeley in the Class A quarterfinals. In their lone regular season matchup against the Wolves, it was all Rangers as they came away with the 76 to 39 victory. Head Coach Jeff Buffetta though knows that their opponent has improved and so…

Rock Ridge Girls Hoops Set to Make State Tournament Debut on Wednesday

The Wolverines have yet to see the Cardinals in their two years of existence.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The Rock Ridge girls basketball team is less than 24 hours away from making their state debut against Alexandria in the AAA quarterfinals. The Wolverines have yet to see the Cardinals in their two years of existence. No matter what happens going forward for the team, head coach Byron Negen says making the tourney is special and he…

Solon Springs Draws 4th Seed in First-Ever State Tournament Appearance

The Eagles will now shift their focus to top seeded Columbus Catholic in the semifinals.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- The Solon Spring boys basketball team is heading to state for the first time in program history after taking down Owen-Withee in the division five sectional title game on Saturday. The Eagles, who earned the four seed, will now shift their focus to top seeded Columbus Catholic in the semifinals. It’ll be an early one for Eagles…

Nate Hill, Hermantown Hoops Ready for Section Final

Facing Chisago Lakes Thursday

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- With the Hermantown boys basketball team one win away from the State Tournament, Nate Hill and his fellow seniors are ready to deliver on their final section playoff game of their high school careers. With an increased role this season, Hill has provided athleticism and leadership for the Hawks, according to Head Coach Andy Fenske. ” He’s always…

Hermantown’s State Title Run Ends in Championship Loss

Hawks held scoreless through first 49 minutes

St. Paul, Minn.- After two victories in the Class A State Tournament, the Hermantown Hawks were unable to win their final game, falling to St. Cloud Cathedral 3-1 in Saturday’s State Championship. In the first period, St. Cloud Cathedral wasted no time in finding the back of the net with Andrew Gwinnell scoring with 13:12 on the clock. Hermantown’s offense…

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…

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…

State Hockey: Hermantown Earns Redemption Against Mahtomedi in Instant Classic

Hermantown now advances to the Class A state title game against St. Cloud Cathedral on Saturday. Puck drop is at 12 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team would get revenge on Friday, knocking off Mahtomedi in the Class A Semifinals, 7 to 6 in overtime. The Hawks would put up four goals in the first period, those coming from River Freeman, Jack Slattengren, A.J. Francisco, and Weston Bohlman. That lead would dwindle down to just one in the 3rd…

Rock Ridge Topples Cloquet, Advances to State Tournament

First section title in program's two-year history

DULUTH, Minn.- In only their second season as a program, the Rock Ridge girls basketball team has claimed the Section 7AAA Championship, defeating Cloquet 58-41. After leading 27-26 at halftime, the Wolverines outscored the Lumberjacks 31-15 in an electric second half for Rock Ridge. After the game, Rock Ridge Head Coach Byron Negen explained what has made his team special…