High School

State Hockey: Garski’s Late Goal Lifts Grand Rapids Past White Bear Lake in AA Quarterfinal Thriller

The Thunderhawks will next play Edina on Friday at 8 PM in the semifinals.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys hockey team opened up state tournament play on Thursday, taking on White Bear Lake in the AA quarterfinals. Will Shermoen would put the Thunderhawks in front first slinging a wrister through traffic a little over four minutes into the game. It would stay that way until 1:34 to go in the 3rd, some…

Solon Springs Boys Basketball Edges EC Immanuel Lutheran in D5 Section Semifinals

The Eagles will next face Owen-Withee on Saturday in the section finals. That game will take place at Ashland High School at 7 PM.

CHETEK, Wis.- The Solon Springs boys basketball team is just one game away from state after defeating Eau Claire Immanuel Lutheran in the D5 section semifinals, 67 to 49 on Thursday. The Eagles will next face Owen-Withee on Saturday in the section finals. That game will take place at Ashland High School at 7 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

Northern Star: Isaiah Kastern

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

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

Cromwell-Wright & Mountain Iron-Buhl Girls Basketball to Meet in 7A Title Game for 3rd Straight Year

The section title game takes place on Friday at Romano Gymnasium at 6 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- History repeated itself on Wednesday as both the Cromwell-Wright and Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball teams secured spots in the Section 7A title game. In the first semifinal matchup, Cromwell-Wright would rally in the 2nd half to take down Ely 57 to 51. Following that contest, Mountain Iron-Buhl would handle South Ridge 81 to 36 to take the other…

Proctor & Duluth Marshall Girls Hoops See Seasons End in 7AA Semifinals

Proctor finishes the year at 22-7 and Duluth Marshall closes their campaign at 20-9.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Section 7AA girls basketball tournament continued in Cloquet on Wednesday. Unfortunately, both the Duluth Marshall and Proctor girls teams would see their seasons come to a close. The Rails would fall in the first semifinal of the night to top seeded Pequot Lakes, 49 to 44. Then in the nightcap, Crosby-Ironton would handle Duluth Marshall 96 to…

State Hockey: Hermantown Blanks Alexandria 6-0 for Spot in Class A Semifinals

Hermantown advances to the semifinals on Friday to play either Orono or Mahtomedi. Puck drop is at 1 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team opened state tournament play on Wednesday with a statement, shutting out Alexandria 6-0 in the Class A quarterfinals. The Hawks were led by Henry Peterson, who had two goals offensively. In net, Dane Callaway would become the all-time leader in Hermantown history with shutouts breaking Garron Opsahl’s record of 14. Hermantown advances…

Grand Rapids Boys Hockey Eyes Revenge Against White Bear Lake in AA Quarterfinals

White Bear Lake was able to get the best of Grand Rapids, 2 to nothing back in January.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The fourth time was the charm for the Grand Rapids boys hockey team as they were finally able to get past Andover in the Section 7AA tournament, winning a 3 to 2 double overtime thriller last Thursday. The Thunderhawks are now state bound for the first time since 2017. An impressive feat given it’s the first year…

Prep Basketball: Esko, Marshall Boys Advance in 7AA Sectionals

Esko's Perich scores 2,000th career point

ESKO, Minn.- In round one of the Section 7AA Playoffs, both Esko and Duluth Marshall were able to secure victories on their home courts. Esko — who is the top seed in the tournament — defeated International Falls 93-46. The game was especially memorable for Koi Perich, who scored his 2,000th point on a steal-turned-dunk in the first half. Meanwhile,…

Hermantown Hockey Returns to State With Experience at Xcel

Hawks facing Alexandria in Quarterfinals

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- History continues to repeat itself for the Hermantown Hawks, who are once again getting ready for the Class A Boys Hockey Tournament. As the top seed in this year’s tournament, the Hawks will face Alexandria on Wednesday. After suffering eight losses during the regular season, Hermantown’s road to state was a little bumpier than in previous years. However,…

Top-Seeded Solon Springs Prepared for Sectionals

Facing Eau Claire Emmanuel Lutheran in Sectional Semifinals

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- With only two games standing between them and the WIAA State Tournament, the Solon Springs boys basketball team is ready for the challenge that awaits them in sectionals. On Saturday, Solon Springs claimed their second-straight Regional Championship as they defeated Luck 84-40. As the top seed in the Division 5 bracket, the Eagles only suffered two losses…

Proctor’s McPhee Ends Historic Season with State Title

Won 189-Pound Title with overtime victory

PROCTOR, Minn.- Friends, family and fans of Proctor-Hermantown wrestler Zak McPhee celebrated his return home following his state championship victory on Saturday. McPhee won the 189-Pound Championship round in overtime, solidifying a perfect 53-0 season and his first-ever state championship. “I pretty much knew the match was over as soon as I grabbed his ankle underneath, and it was two…

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,…

Grand Rapids Boys Hockey Unseats Andover as Section 7AA Champions

Seth Carlson would tie the game in the 3rd period and he would also get the game-winning goal in double overtime to lead the team.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys hockey team is state bound for the first time since the 2016-2017 season. On Thursday, the Thunderhawks would take down four-time defending champion Andover, 3 to 2 in double overtime. Seth Carlson would tie the game in the 3rd period and he would also get the goal in double overtime to lead the team….

Girls Basketball: Duluth Marshall, Proctor, & Esko All Advance to 7AA Quarterfinals

All 7AA quarterfinal games will take place on Saturday at Duluth Denfeld high school.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Section 7AA girls basketball tournament tipped on Thursday. Among the teams picking up a win was Duluth Marshall, who handled Pillager on their own home floor, 86 to 35. The Hilltoppers will next face Mesabi East in the quarterfinals on Saturday. In other 7AA girls action, Proctor would top Staples-Motley 76 to 38. The Rails will next…

Superior’s Autumn Cooper Wins 2024 Miss Hockey Wisconsin Award

Cooper is the first player in Superior history to win the award.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior senior forward Autumn Cooper capped off her Spartan career with the state’s top individual award. Announced on Wednesday, Cooper was named the 2024 Miss Hockey Wisconsin award winner. She’s the first player in Superior history to win the award. This past season, she led the state with 67 points, 33 of which were goals and 34 of…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Claims Section 7A Title for 5th Straight Year

Will Esterbrooks, Charlie Marchand, AJ Francisco, and Bradford Skytta would be the goal-scorers for the Hawks.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team is once again state bound after defeating Hibbing/Chisholm 4-0 in the Section 7A title game on Wednesday. Will Esterbrooks, Charlie Marchand, AJ Francisco, and Bradford Skytta would be the goal-scorers for the Hawks. This is the 5th straight year that Hermantown has made it to the state tournament. The Hawks will learn who…

Northern Star: Abe Soumis

Senior holds Hermantown's all-time scoring record

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

Cloquet Girls Basketball Handles Hibbing for Spot in 7AAA Semifinals

The Lumberjacks will next host Grand Rapids in the semifinals on Saturday.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet girls basketball team opened postseason play with a win on Wednesday, defeating Hibbing 58 to 20 in the 7AAA quarterfinals. The Lumberjacks will next host Grand Rapids in the semifinals on Saturday. Other 7AAA quarterfinal scores: Duluth Denfeld 14, Rock Ridge 86 FINAL Hermantown 44, North Branch 72 FINAL Chisago Lakes 43, Grand Rapids 73 FINAL…

Proctor’s Carson Pavlowich Signs Tender with Colorado Grit of NAHL

In 27 games this season for the Rails, Pavlowich would tally 5 goals and 30 assists for a total of 35 points.

PROCTOR, Minn.- With his high school season now wrapped up, Proctor senior defenseman Carson Pavlowich will get to play more hockey this year. Pavlowich signed a tender with Colorado Grit of the NAHL. In 27 games this season for the Rails, Pavlowich would tally 5 goals and 30 assists for a total of 35 points. He’s also seen some time…

Boys Basketball: Carlton/Wrenshall Picks Up 7th Straight Win, Duluth East Handles Grand Rapids

The Raptors will next play at Fond du Lac Ojibwe on Thursday. Meanwhile, East is back at home to host Hermantown on Friday.

WRENSHALL, Minn.- The Carlton/Wrenshall boys basketball team was once again victorius on Monday, defeating Proctor 82 to 79. The Raptors (18-7) have now won seven straight games and will close out the regular season on Thursday at Fond du Lac Ojibwe. Proctor falls to 5-20 and will host Cloquet on Thursday in their regular season finale. In other boys basketball…

Cherry’s Isaac Asuma Lands in Top 10 for Mr. Minnesota Basketball Award

The final five will be announced on March 17th with the winner declared once the state tournament wraps up.

IRON JUNCTION, Minn.- The top 10 for the Mr. Minnesota Basketball Award was announced on Monday. Only one local standout made that cut and that is Cherry senior Guard Isaac Asuma. He’s currently averaging 16.7 points per game, 8.1 assists and 7.2 rebounds through 27 games. Cherry is also the top ranked Class A team in Minnesota. The final five…

Northwestern Wrestler Ian Smith Captures 2nd Individual State Title

Smith now finishes his senior campaign with an undefeated record of 19-0.

MADISON, Wis.- Northwestern’s Ian Smith had a weekend to remember. Competing in the Division Two state individual championship on Saturday in the Kohl Center in Madison, Smith would defeat Two Rivers’ Chase Matthias in the 215 pound bout. Smith had a two point takedown with 75 seconds remaining to eventually earn the 3 to 2 victory. Smith now finishes his…

First-Year Wrestler Ayden Schauer Prepares for State Tournament

Won Sectionals with three straight pins

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- This week, Minnesota’s top high school wrestlers will compete in St. Paul at the MSHSL State Tournament. That will include senior Ayden Schauer of Grand Rapids, who’s coming off her section-winning run, where she pinned all three of her opponents. “I remember stepping on the mat for the first time,” says Ayden. “I was like, ‘Oh, crap….

Rock Ridge, Cloquet Earn Top Seeds in 7AAA Tournament

Tournament play begins Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn.- The MSHSL 7AAA Girls Basketball Tournament bracket is set, with eight teams vying for a section title and a spot at state. Rock Ridge earned this year’s top seed, going 23-3 during the regular season. The Wolverines will face Duluth Denfeld in the first round. On the other side of the bracket, Cloquet is the #2 seed. The…

Grand Rapids, Andover, Hermantown, Hibbing/Chisholm Advance to Section Championships

Thunderhawks to face Huskies, Hawks taking on Bluejackets

DULUTH, Minn.- A busy Saturday at Amsoil Arena saw four teams advance through the MSHSL Sectional Semifinals. In the 7AA semis, Grand Rapids defeated Rock Ridge 6-2. The Thunderhawks earned three goals in the first period, which were scored by Nathan Garski, Kyler Miller and Gavin Forrest. Grand Rapids will move on to face Andover, who beat Duluth East 4-1….

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…

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

Superior Girls Hockey Falls Short of Heading Back to State Tournament

The Spartans finish the year with a 20-4-1 record.

MOSINEE, Wis.- The Superior girls hockey team was just one game away from making state for the 2nd straight year on Friday. The Spartans would battle Central Wisconsin for the section two title and it would come down to the wire. Trailing 3 to 2 with 44.7 seconds left in the 3rd, Superior would tie the game with their goalie…

Lindaman & Reyelts Named Finalists for Top Minnesota Hockey Awards

Both award winners will be announced a day after their state tournaments conclude.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Marshall senior Ilsa Lindaman is just days away from possibly being named Ms. Hockey Minnesota. Late last week, she was named one of the five finalists for the award. Lindaman ended her season ranked 2nd in goals scored with 57 and she was also 2nd in overall points with 86. Lindaman helped lead the Hilltoppers to the…

Prep Basketball: Duluth Marshall Girls Extend Win Streak to 9, Hermantown Boys Handle Superior

Marshall was led by Regan Juenemann, who had 21 points and also surpassed 2,000 career points in the contest.

ESKO, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls basketball team continued their winning ways on Thursday, defeating Esko 76 to 63. With the win, the Hilltoppers have now taken nine straight games. Marshall was led by Regan Juenemann, who had 21 points and also surpassed 2,000 career points in the contest. In other basketball action, the Hermantown boys team would handle Superior…

Proctor/Hermantown Mirage Extend Season with Consolation Title Game Berth

The Mirage will next play Willmar in the consolation title game on Saturday. Puck drop is at 10 AM.

ST. Paul, Minn.- The Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team bounced back on Thursday, defeating Luverne 3-2 in the Class A consolation semifinals. The Mirage would score two unanswered goals in the 3rd after trailing 2-1 early in the period. Jane Eckstrom, Addi Hieb, and Hannah Graves would each find the back of the net. The Mirage will next play Willmar in…

Mirage’s State Title Hopes Dashed By Warroad in Class A Quarterfinals

The Mirage next head to the consolation bracket where they'll play Luverne on Thursday at 2 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team made their 4th straight appearance at state on Wednesday. Sadly, their hopes at a title ended as they fell to Warroad 2 to 1 in overtime in the Class A quarterfinals. Taylee Manion had the lone goal for the team with 40 seconds remaining in the 3rd period. Under four minutes to…

Northern Star: Justin Jobe

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

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

Prep Hockey: Hermantown, Proctor, C-E-C, Duluth East Boys Advance

Home teams stand strong in section quarterfinals

DULUTH, Minn.- High scores and blowouts were the norm on Tuesday as boys hockey teams faced off in the first round of sectionals. In 7A, top-seeded Hermantown dominated in their 14-0 shutout over International Falls. The Hawks — who are seeking their fifth-straight section championship — outshot the Broncos 65-9. Meanwhile, Proctor survived their first sectional test, defeating North Shore…

Superior Girls Hockey Handles Northland Pines for Sectional Title Game Berth

Superior will now meet Central Wisconsin in the Sectional one finals on Friday. Puck drop is set for 7 pm in Mosinee.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior girls hockey team is one step closer to heading back to state. On Tuesday, the Spartans would defeat Northland Pines 10 to 2 in the Sectional one semifinals. They’ll now meet Central Wisconsin in the Sectional one finals on Friday. Puck drop is set for 7 pm in Mosinee. Categories: High School, Sports

Mirage Prep for 4th Straight Trip to State, Rematch with Warroad

The Mirage will look for revenge against the Warriors, who took the 2-1 win in November, Wednesday at 8 PM in St. Paul.

PROCTOR, Minn.- For the fourth straight year, the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage are making the trek to the X in hopes of being the last girls hockey team standing. The Mirage made that possible last Wednesday when they shut out Duluth Marshall 4 to nothing to claim the Section 7A crown. The last month was an impressive one for the team as…

WIAA Boys Basketball Tournament Bracket Revealed

Superior lands three seed, Solon Springs earns top D5 seed

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The WIAA has revealed the brackets for Wisconsin’s 2024 Boys Basketball Tournament. In Division 1, Superior has been chosen as a three seed and will host #14 Hortonville on Friday, March 1 on their home court. If they win, they’re guaranteed another home game in the next round, either against #6 Neenah or #11 Eau Claire North. In…

Cloquet Seniors Fueled by On-Court Connection

Five-game winning streak ahead of regular season finale

CLOQUET, Minn.- With the postseason quickly approaching, the Cloquet girls’ basketball team knows they’ll be leaning on their five seniors to carry them through sectionals. After winning their first eight games of the season, the Lumberjacks spiraled, losing seven in a row. “We started off really strong and just kind of, like, lost what we’re good at,” said Quinn Danielson….

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…

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…

Duluth Marshall Boys Hockey Making Strides in 2023-2024 Season

Marshall has gone from a 9-18 record a year ago to now a 14-9-2 record.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers are having no sophmore slump under 2nd year head coach Shawn Bartlette. Marshall has gone from a 9-18 record a year ago to now a 14-9-2 record. A big reason for the jump has been the ability to develop. This season, the Hilltoppers fielded a junior varsity team for the first time in awhile….

Boys Hockey: Northern Lakes Snaps Proctor’s Six-Game Winning Streak

Proctor (18-7) next will play North Shore in the 7A quarterfinals on Tuesday. Puck drop is at 6 PM.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor boys hockey team ended the regular season on Thursday with a loss, falling to Northern Lakes 3-0. The defeat ended a six-game winning streak for the Rails. Proctor (18-7) next will play North Shore in the 7A quarterfinals on Tuesday. Puck drop is at 6 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Hoops: Proctor Girls Win Fifth Straight, East Boys Topple Rivals in Double OT

Greyhounds snap six-game losing streak

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor girls basketball team has been full steam ahead in the weeks leading up to the playoffs, winning their fifth straight game on Thursday night. The Rails defeated Chisholm 78-28, setting their new team high for points scored in a game this season. This win puts Proctor at 19-5 overall with two games left in the regular…

Superior’s Lucas Williams to Play College Football at UW-Stout

Williams is the 2nd Spartan to join the Blue Devils as lineman Braylon LeMieux committed to UW-Stout back in December.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior senior wide receiver and safety Lucas Williams has announced his commitment to UW-Stout. Just last season, Williams would tally 59 tackles on the defensive side. Offensively, he totaled almost 500 total yards for the Spartans. Williams is the 2nd Spartan to join the Blue Devils as lineman Braylon LeMieux committed to UW-Stout back in December. Categories: High…

State Skiing: Duluth East Girls Win Team Sprint Finals & Claim State Title, Greyhound Boys Place 2nd

In the team sprint, the Greyhounds would finish with a time of 13:43:60.

BIWABIK, Minn.- The Duluth East girls skiing team would claim gold on the final day of the state tournament. In the team sprint, the Greyhounds would finish 1st with a time of 13:43:60. Anna-Britta Helmer and Greta Hendrickson would lead the team. East would have a total score of 371 to claim the state title as a team. On the…

Proctor/Hermantown Mirage Claim Section 7A Title for 4th Straight Year

All four goals would come in the 3rd period as Taylee Manion, Katie Sandelin, Izy Fairchild, and Morgan LaValley all found the back of the net.

PROCTOR, Minn.- For the 4th straight season, the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage girls hockey team is heading to state. On Wednesday, the Mirage would shut out Duluth Marshall 4-0 in the Section 7A title game. All four goals would come in the 3rd period as Taylee Manion, Katie Sandelin, Izy Fairchild, and Morgan LaValley all found the back of the net. Proctor/Hermantown…

Hermantown’s Peyton Menzel Officially Signs with UMD Football

Menzel hauled in nine touchdowns last season for the Hawks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Last week, the UMD football team announced their signing class of 2024. One of those 32 players to sign with the Bulldogs was Hermantown wide receiver Peyton Menzel. On Wednesday, Menzel made it official as the school hosted a signing ceremony. Menzel, who had nine touchdowns for the Hawks last season, says being able to play close to…

Prep Basketball: Superior Boys Extend Win Streak to Six, Proctor Girls Pick Up 18th Victory

Superior will next host Chippewa Falls on Saturday. Meanwhile, Proctor will host Chisholm on Thursday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior boys basketball team continued their winning ways on Tuesday, defeating Eau Claire North 73 to 58. The Spartans have now won six straight games and will next host Chippewa Falls on Saturday. In girls action, Proctor would knock off Mesabi East in a battle of 17 win squads, 64 to 49. The Rails improve to 18-5…