High School

Mountain Iron-Buhl Girls Basketball Begins State Title Defense

Finished 30-3 in 2022-23, won Class A State Championship over BOLD

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- Eight months ago, the Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team won their first Class A state championship in a 31-point rout over BOLD. If recent history repeats itself, the Rangers will be the favorites to repeat this season. Since 2007, there have been five Class A basketball teams that have won back-to-back state championships (Minneota, Goodhue, Maranatha, Ada-Borup…

Superior Boys Hoops Equipped with Veteran Depth Heading Into Season

Superior's first game is a week from Friday at D.C. Everest.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Spartan boys basketball team returned to the court this week for their first couple of practices of the season. There’s been plenty of excitement surrounding the squad after they made it to their first sectional title game since 2016 last year. The Spartans also return their top two scorers in Tresean Sanigar and Calvin Anderson, who…

Marshall’s Lian Leads Toppers in Rout Over Lumberjacks

Hilltoppers improve to 3-1 overall

CLOQUET, Minn.- After earning an 11-1 win on Tuesday, The Duluth Marshall girls hockey team kept up their offensive attack in Thursday’s 5-0 shutout over Cloquet/Esko/Carlton. Following a scoreless second period, the Hilltoppers would score as Avery Lian sent a wrist shot past C-E-C Goaltender Izabella Strang. Liang would score another goal in the second period on a power play….

Hermantown’s Zam Plante Named to U.S. Junior Select Team

The challenge goes from December 10th to December 17th.

HERMATOWN, Minn.- Hermantown native and future Bulldog Zam Plante will get a chance to suit up for the U.S. Junior Select Team next month. Plante was one of the 22 players selected to compete in the World Junior A Challenge in Nova Scotia. He wasn’t the only future Bulldog named to the roster. Joining him will be Chaska defenseman Adam…

Northern Star: Jacion Owens

Esko junior had breakout season as starting quarterback

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko football team is likely still feeling the pain of Saturday’s state quarterfinals loss to Annandale, but with Jacion Owens returning as their starting quarterback, they should once again be contenders in 2024. “I feel like coming out here and having a good mood helps everyone get through practice,” says Owens, who started practice sharing his Aaron Rodgers…

Proctor Senior Goalie A.J. Reyelts to Play D1 Hockey for Lindenwood University

In 15 games last season, Reyelts posted a 2.34 goals against average.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Proctor senior goalie A.J. Reyelts knows where he’ll be playing college hockey at once his days with the Rails are over. Reyelts announced his commitment to Lindenwood University, a Division one program. In 15 games last season, Reyelts posted a 2.34 goals against average. He would also have a saves percentage of .926. Reyelts was a second team…

Team Minnesota Rallies to Win All-Star Volleyball Game

Cloquet's Carlson named MVP

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In a night full of stars, Team Minnesota rallied from a two-set deficit to defeat Team Wisconsin in five sets. Cloquet’s Ava Carlson, who is graduating as the Lumberjacks’ all-time kills leader, was named the game’s MVP. Below is a roster for each team: Team Minnesota Quinn Danielson, Cloquet Ava Carlson, Cloquet Blythe Proulx, Cloquet Karys Johnson, Duluth…

Girls Hockey: Duluth Marshall Handles Northern Lakes in Home Opener

The Hilltoppers (2-1) will next be in action on Thursday when they play at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton. Puck drop is at 7 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls hockey team protected their home ice on Tuesday, defeating Northern Lakes 11 to 1. The Hilltoppers (2-1) will next be in action on Thursday when they play at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton. Puck drop is at 7 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

Menzel & Bentler to Play in MN HS Football All-Star Game, Spahn to Coach

The game will take place on December 2nd at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two local players will get a chance to suit up for their respective schools one last time. Hermantown wide receiver Peyton Menzel and Two Harbors defensive lineman Zach Bentler have been selected to compete in the 50th Minnesota High School Football All-Star Game. The two will be on the North roster. Joining them on the North team is…

Armed with Strong Defensive Core, Hermantown Boys Hockey Begins 2023-2024 Campaign

Hermantown's first game is December 1st at Cretin-Derham Hall.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Monday marked the first day that prep boys hockey teams in Minnesota were able to hit the ice. One of those teams getting things started was the Hermantown Hawks. Hermantown is coming off a season in which they took 3rd at state in Class A. The Hawks return a number of key defensive players, including goalie Dane Callaway….

Denfeld’s Doyle, Seguin Staying in Duluth to Play College Soccer

Doyle signs with UMD, Seguin with CSS

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of Denfeld girls soccer players have officially signed on the dotted line to play college athletics in Duluth. Before the start of the fall sports season, Alyssa Doyle had committed to the UMD. The senior ends her high school soccer career as the Hunters’ all-time leader in goals and points. She was also named first-team Class…

State Volleyball: Grand Rapids & Ely Take Home Consolation Titles

Grand Rapids went 22-10 on the year. Ely went 25-6.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- In case you missed it over the weekend, the Ely and Grand Rapids volleyball teams ended their seasons on a high note. Grand Rapids would defeat Monticello in four sets to claim the consolation title in Class AAA. The Thunderhawks previously fell in the 3rd place game the last two seasons. Meanwhile, Ely earned redemption as they…

Esko Football Sees Season End in AAA Quarterfinals

Esko finishes the year at 10-1.

BRAINERD, Minn.- The Esko football team’s historic season came to a close on Saturday in the Class AAA quarterfinals. Esko was matched up with Annandale at Brainerd High School. Early on, Esko would strike first as Jacion Owens connected with Sam Haugen on the deep ball to give Esko the seven point lead. Then sadly the team was dealt with…

Esko Football Facing Fellow Unbeaten Team at State

Kickoff at 1 p.m. in Brainerd

ESKO, Minn.- On Saturday, the Esko football team will be in Brainerd to kick off Minnesota’s AAA State Quarterfinals. It’s the same field where Esko lost in last year’s quarters after leading by seven points at halftime. Esko enters Saturday 10-0, which includes last week’s 34-14 win over Pequot Lakes in the Section 7AAA Championship. Their opponents will be Annandale,…

Breck Spoils Home & Season Opener for Duluth Northern Stars

Ellie Marciniak and Mae McCall would each find the back of the net for Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Northern Stars girls hockey team opened up their season on Friday, unfortunately it didn’t go their way as Breck picked up the 5 to 2 victory. Ellie Marciniak and Mae McCall would each find the back of the net for Duluth. Senior goalie Ella Brisbois reached history in the contest, tallying her 1,000th career save. Duluth…

State Volleyball: Grand Rapids & Ely Bounce Back with Consolation Semifinal Wins

Grand Rapids will next face Monticello on Saturday at 8:30 AM for 5th place. Ely matches up with West Central Area School. That game takes place at 10:30 AM

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Both the Grand Rapids and Ely volleyball teams will compete for a consolation championship on Saturday. The Thunderhawks made that possible when they defeated DeLaSalle 3-1 in the AAA consolation semifinals on Friday. Ely also was able to get it done, topping Badger/Greenbush-Middle River in four sets in the A consolation semifinals. Grand Rapids will next face…

Mountain Iron-Buhl’s State Title Defense Ends in Loss to Nevis

Rangers' lowest-scoring game since 2018

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers won’t be repeating as 9-player football state champions this year as they fell to Nevis 12-8 in Thursday’s quarterfinal matchup. The Rangers went scoreless in the first half, despite reaching the red zone twice. They also recovered a fumble on defense that led to a 94-yard return by Evan Anderson, but the would-be…

State Football: Eden Valley-Watkins Too Much for Moose Lake/Willow River in AA Quarterfinals

The Rebels end the season with a 10-2 record.

FOREST LAKE, Minn.- The Moose Lake/Willow River football team made their 3rd straight state tournament appearance on Thursday. Sadly like the other two, they would see their season end as they fell to Eden Valley-Watkins 60 to 0 in the AA quarterfinals. The Rebels end the season with a 10-2 record. Categories: High School, Sports

State Volleyball: Mayer Lutheran Eliminates Ely for 2nd Straight Season

Ely now heads into consolation play and will next have a matchup Friday at 3 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- For the 2nd straight season, the Ely volleyball team was matched up with Mayer Lutheran in the Class A quarterfinals. Sadly for the 2nd straight year, the Crusaders would get the best of the Timberwolves, winning in straight sets. Ely now heads into consolation play and will next have a matchup Friday at 3 PM. Categories: High…

Mirage Seniors Graves & Fairchild Officially Sign with Bemidji State

Both players are coming off monster seasons for the Mirage.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- It was signing day for a number of area athletes on Wednesday. That included a senior duo on the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team. Hannah Graves and Izy Fairchild both signed their letters of intent with Bemidji State Wednesday afternoon. Both players are coming off monster seasons for the Mirage. Graves would tally 35 total points and Fairchild would…

State Volleyball: Detroit Lakes Knocks Grand Rapids Down to Consolation Bracket

Next up for Rapids, they'll play DeLaSalle in consolation play at 9 AM on Friday.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Grand Rapids volleyball team made their 3rd straight appearance at state on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the Thunderhawks couldn’t get it done in their AAA quarterfinal matchup against Detroit Lakes, falling in straight sets. Next up for Rapids, they’ll play DeLaSalle in consolation play at 9 AM on Friday. Categories: High School, Sports

Two Harbors Center Jake Widdes to Play College Football at Gustavus

Widdes anchored the offensive line the last two seasons for the Agates.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- A Two Harbors football standout announced his college commitment on Monday. Senior center Jake Widdes will suit up for Gustavus Adolphus beginning next fall. Widdes anchored the offensive line the last two seasons for the Agates. Even more of an impressive stat, Widdes just started playing football three years ago. He’s one of the few members of…

Duluth, Area Soccer Players Shine in All-Star Games

Show-stopping goals and celebrations highlight matches

DULUTH, Minn.- Some of the best high school soccer players in Duluth and the surrounding area had one more night to shine on Monday as part of the Essentia Health All-Star Soccer Games. Below is a roster of each All-Star team: Boys- Team White (Duluth) Camden Rask, Duluth Denfeld Matt Eklund, Duluth Denfeld William Foldesi, Duluth Denfeld Jonah Engebretson, Duluth…

Top Plays: 11/3

McMahon scores on breakaway, Sleen slips away for 66

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays feature a pair of impressive scores from a college captain and a high school footballer. At number two, UMD’s Mannon McMahon scored a goal unassisted on a breakaway in the first period against St. Thomas. The Bulldogs women’s hockey team would go on to win 3-1. At number one, Hermantown’s Martin Sleen dodged tacklers…

Prep Football: Hermantown, Deer River, & Northwestern See Season’s End

One team that did punch their ticket to state on Friday was Mountain Iron-Buhl. The Rangers are heading to state for the 6th straight year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hermantown football team wasn’t able to return the favor to North Branch on Friday, falling to the Vikings 28 to 21 in the Section 7AAAA title game. This is the 2nd straight season the Vikings have advanced to the state tournament. Weirdly enough, both of the contests that Hermantown and North Branch met up this season, ended…

Prep Football: Esko Rolls Past Pequot Lakes for 3rd Consecutive Section 7AAA Title

Esko will hear who their opponent will be at state this upcoming weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Esko football team added another Section 7AAA trophy to their collection on Thursday, defeating Pequot Lakes 34-14 in the title game. Esko now heads to the state tournament for the 3rd straight year. This will be the 15th time in program history Esko has made it to state. Esko will hear who their opponent will be at…

Prep Volleyball: Grand Rapids Repeats as Section 7AAA Champions for 3rd Straight Year

The Thunderhawks made that possible when they defeated Cloquet 3-0 in the Section 7AAA title game on Thursday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Grand Rapids volleyball team will make their way to St. Paul next week for the state tournament. The Thunderhawks made that possible when they defeated Cloquet 3-0 in the Section 7AAA title game on Thursday. The scores were 25-16, 25-22, and 27-25. Grand Rapids will wait to hear who their next opponent will be at State. Cloquet…

Northern Star: Kyra Johnson

Esko senior to play for Gustavus Adolphus

ESKO, Minn.- Esko’s class of 2024 has produced several students who will go on to play college athletics. That includes Kyra Johnson, who will play volleyball for Gustavus Adolphus next fall. Johnson hasn’t been shy of sharing her admiration for both volleyball and her Esko teammates. “This season has been so much fun with all of them,” she says while…

Prep Volleyball: Esko Advances to Section 7AA Title Game, I-Falls Eliminated in Semifinals

Esko will next play Rush City in the section title game on Saturday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Esko volleyball team picked up the upset victory on Wednesday, topping Mesabi East 3-1 in the Section 7AA semifinals. Esko will next play Rush City in the title game, who swept International Falls in the other semifinal game on Wednesday. The Section 7AA title game will take place Saturday at 6 PM at Hermantown High School. Categories:…

Prep Volleyball: Cloquet & Grand Rapids to Meet in Section 7AAA Title Game for 3rd Straight Year

The section title game will take place on November 2nd at 6 PM at Hermantown High School.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet volleyball team continued their quest for a state berth on Monday, defeating North Branch 3-1 in the Section 7AAA semifinals. The Lumberjacks would fall in the first set before rallying to win the final three sets. The scores were (22-25, 25-20, 25-17, and 25-22). Ava Carlson had a team-leading 12 kills in the victory. Cloquet will…

Duluth Marshall’s Carter Boos to Play College Baseball at North Iowa Area CC

Last season, Boos led Marshall in runs scored and stolen bases while posting a batting average of .363.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Marshall senior infielder and pitcher Carter Boos announced the next step in his playing career over the weekend. Boos will suit up for North Iowa Area Community College once he’s done playing for the Hilltoppers. Last season, he led Marshall in runs scored and stolen bases while posting a batting average of .363. On the mound, he…

Esko, Hermantown Advance to Sectional Finals

Esko to play Pequot Lakes, Hermantown facing North Branch

DULUTH, Minn.- Esko and Hermantown punched their respective tickets to the Sectional Finals in Saturday’s high school football playoff action. On their home field, Esko defeated Pierz 56-8. They’ll now have the chance to earn their third-straight Section Championship on Thursday when they take on Pequot Lakes at Malosky Stadium. Meanwhile, Hermantown took out Duluth Denfeld 10-6 on the Hunters’…

Coaches Corner: Jon Nelson

Lake Superior Conference Championships this Saturday in Superior

PROCTOR, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Proctor Hermantown girls swimming head coach Jon Nelson as his team prepares for the Lake Superior Conference Championships. Proctor Hermantown will also compete in the Sectional Championship November 9-11 in Hibbing. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Esko Volleyball Advances to Sectional Semis, Downs Pine City in Four Sets

Facing Mesabi East Wednesday Night

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko volleyball team is still alive in the playoff hunt as they defeated Pine City in four sets in Friday’s Section 7AA quarterfinal match. This marks Esko’s 10th-straight victory, which spans back to September 28. Esko will now head to Mesabi East in the Sectional semifinals on Wednesday, November 1. Last year, Esko made it as far…

Prep Football: Northwestern Advances to Level 3 with Victory Over Stanley-Boyd

Next up for the Tigers, they'll host St. Croix Falls in Level 3 action on November 3rd. Kickoff is at 7 PM.

MAPLE, Wis.- The Northwestern football team is moving on to the next round after defeating Stanley-Boyd 58 to 48 in Level 2 on Friday. Next up for the Tigers, they’ll host St. Croix Falls in Level 3 action on November 3rd. Kickoff is at 7 PM. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

State Soccer: St. Paul Academy Knocks Off Esko Girls in Shootout at Class A Quarterfinals

Esko finishes the season with a 13-3-3 record.

IRONDALE, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team would play St. Paul Academy tough in the Class A quarterfinals on Thursday, but would ultimately fall short 2-1 in a shootout. The Spartans went a perfect five for five in the shootout. Esko’s lone goal came from Britta Koski in the first half. Esko finishes the season with a 13-3-3 record. Categories:…

Proctor Hermantown Swimmers Set for Conference, Sectional Meets

P-H: Two state-qualifying swimmers in 2022

PROCTOR, Minn.- The high school girls swimming and diving season is nearing its end, and swimmers with the Proctor Hermantown is hoping to make some waves before in a pair of crucial upcoming meets. Despite not having a dive team — and practicing in a pool five yards short of regulation — Proctor Hermantown has kept up with their conference…

State Soccer: C-E-C & Duluth Marshall Boys, Cloquet-Carlton Girls See Season’s End

Esko girls soccer is the lone remaining area team at state.

WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys soccer team saw their season come to a close on Wednesday, falling to St. Cloud Tech 2-1 in the AA quarterfinals. Joseph Bailey had the lone goal for the Lumberjacks in regulation. The game would then go to a shootout and the Tigers would outscore the Lumberjacks 4 to 2. In other state…

Prep Volleyball: Hermantown Advances to Section 7AAA Semifinals, Proctor Eliminated in 7AA Tourney

Hermantown will next host Grand Rapids on Monday in the semifinals.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown volleyball team left no doubt on Wednesday, topping Duluth Denfeld in straight sets to open Section 7AAA quarterfinal play. The Hawks were led by Claire Kaups, who had nine kills in the contest. Hermantown will next host Grand Rapids on Monday in the semifinals. In other section volleyball action, Proctor would see their season come to…

Prep Football: Hermantown Shuts Out Rock Ridge to Advance to 7AAAA Semifinals

With the win, the Hawks will next play at Duluth Denfeld in the semifinals.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown football team opened up postseason play on Tuesday with a win as they defeated Rock Ridge 21-0 in the 7AAAA quarterfinals. With the win, the Hawks will next play at Duluth Denfeld in the semifinals. Kickoff is set for 2 PM on Saturday. Categories: High School, Sports

Iowa Wild Sign Former Thunderhawk Gavin Hain to Player Tryout Contract

Hain just wrapped up his five-year college career with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks.

DES MOINES, Iowa.- Former Grand Rapids Thunderhawk Gavin Hain will get a chance to latch on with the Iowa Wild of the AHL. Just last week, Iowa signed Hain to a player tryout contract. Hain just wrapped up his five-year college career with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. He was set to play for the Iowa Heartlanders of the ECHL…

Bright Future Ahead for Lily Clark, Superior Tennis

Clark: 17-5 singles record in 2023

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The high school girls tennis season may be over in Wisconsin, but the Superior Spartans have a rising star that’s worth keeping an eye on in 2024. Freshman Lily Clark ended the 2023 season as Superior’s number two singles player, compiling a 17-5 record. Clark made the rare jump from middle school to varsity this fall, but she…

Northwestern Cruises Past Elk Mound in Playoff Opener

Seventh-straight Level 1 victory

MAPLE, Wis.- The Northwestern Tigers are headed to the next round of the playoffs after defeating Elk Mound 44-12 Friday. Cooper Lawton scored the Tigers’ first touchdown before Ethan Harms made it a two-score game with a quarterback sneak at the goalline. The Tigers will face Stanley-Boyd on their home turf on Friday, October 27.   Categories: Friday Night Frenzy,…

Duluth East Seniors Shine in Sweep over Hilltoppers

Facing Forest Lake in 7AAAA Sectionals

DULUTH, Minn.- In front of a student section beaming with spirit, the Duluth East volleyball team swept Duluth Marshall on Senior Night. This win (25-22, 25-20, 25-10) puts the Greyhounds at 10-9 while the Hilltoppers are now an even 10-10. Duluth East is set to face Forest Lake in the first round of the 7AAAA Sectional Tournament on Wednesday, October…

Prep Football: Denfeld, Esko Earn Wins; Cloquet, Proctor Fall at Home

Final week of regular season for Minnesota high school football

DULUTH, Minn.- On a rare Wednesday night of high school football, two of the Northland’s top teams wrapped up their regular season with impressive home victories. The Duluth Denfeld Hunters won on the road against Hermantown 31-29, improving to 7-1 overall. Esko cruised past Pine City 61-0, marking their 26th-straight regular season win and putting them at 8-0 in 2023….

Duluth Marshall Boys Soccer Advances to State for First Time Since 2012

The Hilltoppers now await their first round opponent at state as matchups will be announced on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys soccer team extended their season on Wednesday, defeating PACT Charter 3-0 in the Section 7A title game. This is the Hilltoppers first section title win since 2012. They now await their first round opponent at state as matchups will be announced on Saturday. Categories: High School, Sports

Grand Rapids to Hire Grant Clafton as Next Boys Head Hockey Coach

It's a reunion of sorts as Clafton was an assistant coach for Rapids in the 2014-2015 season.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- It appears Grand Rapids has circled in on their next head boys hockey coach. Activites Director Dale Christy tweeted out that former Greenway head coach Grant Clafton will be hired as the next head coach of the Thunderhawks, pending school board approval. Clafton coached the Raiders from 2015 to 2019. During that run, Greenway would place 2nd…

Prep Soccer: Lumberjacks girls, boys advance to State

Fifth-straight state appearance for girls, third-straight for boys

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet/Carlton girls and Cloquet/Esko/Carlton boys opened their new field Tuesday with a pair of Section 7AA Section Final victories. The Cloquet/Carlton girls defeated North Branch 3-0 after losing to the Vikings earlier in the season. Lauren Hughes, Makayla Stirewalt and Mackenzie Lynch each scored goals for the Lumberjacks. This is the fifth-straight year Cloquet/Carlton has qualified for…

Esko Girls Soccer Repeats as Section 7A Champions

This will be Esko's 2nd state tournament appearance in the last 12 years.

ESKO, Minn.- For the 2nd straight year, the Esko girls soccer team is heading to the state tournament. Esko would defeat Duluth Marshall 4-0 in the Section 7A championship on Monday. This will be Esko’s 2nd state tournament appearance in the last 12 years. “It was a continuation of last season. They were able to continue to learn. We knew…