High School

Grand Rapids Boys Soccer Soars Over Denfeld

Remains undefeated at 3-0-2 overall

DULUTH, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys soccer team remains undefeated this season after rolling over Duluth Denfeld 4-1 Thursday night. The Hunters scored in the first five minutes of the first half with Ben Senich finding the back of the net. However, the Thunderhawks would recover with two goals before halftime. Grand Rapids would carry that momentum to the second…

Esko Girls Soccer Shuts Out Hibbing/Chisholm to Improve to 4-0-1

Esko (4-0-1) will next play at Eden Prairie on Thursday.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team stayed unbeaten on the season on Wednesday, defeating Hibbing/Chisholm 9-0. Kaitlyn McConnell and Jordyn Randa each had two goals to lead Esko. Esko (4-0-1) will next play at Eden Prairie on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Bluejackets (0-3) will host Hermantown on Thursday. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Volleyball: Hermantown Stays Unbeaten, Duluth Denfeld Knocks Off Hibbing

Hermantown improves to 3-0 and will next play at Proctor on Thursday. Denfeld will play at Grand Rapids also on Thursday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown volleyball team continued their winning ways on Tuesday, defeating Duluth East at home 3 to 2. Hermantown improves to 3-0 and will next play at Proctor on Thursday. Duluth East falls to 1-3 and will look to get back on track against St. Francis at home on Thursday. In other volleyball action, Duluth Denfeld would take…

Esko Baseball’s Bryce Hipp to Play Collegiately at Dakota County Technical College

Hipp would mash the ball this past season for Esko. 30 hits in 73 at bats, 10 extra base hits, and 30 runs batted in for a .411 batting average.

ESKO, Minn.- Another Esko baseball standout will make the jump to the college ranks. Soon to be senior catcher Bryce Hipp announced his college commitment to Dakota County Technical College over the weekend. Hipp would mash the ball this past season for Esko. 30 hits in 73 at bats, 10 extra base hits, and 30 runs batted in for a…

Coaches Corner: Tom Nelson

Coming off 6-4 season in 2022

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Two Harbors football head coach, Tom Nelson. Nelson and the Agates are coming off a 6-4 season in 2022 that ended in the section semifinals against Esko. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Football: Wins for Hermantown, Duluth Denfeld, Two Harbors, & Northwestern

High school football is officially back in Minnesota and a number of teams kicked off their seasons on Friday.

PROCTOR, Minn.- High school football is officially back in Minnesota and a number of teams kicked off their seasons on Friday. Hermantown once again takes home the hammer as they defeated Proctor 47 to 8. Duluth Denfeld picks up their first week one win since 2018, defeating Mora 28 to 16. Two Harbors protected their home turf by holding off…

Esko Football Takes Down Duluth East to Extend Regular Season Winning Streak to 18 Games

Esko (1-0) will next host Proctor on September 8th. Duluth East (0-1) will look to bounce back at Hibbing on September 8th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Esko football team opened up their season on Thursday, topping Duluth East 63 to 6. With the win, Esko has now won 18 consecutive regular season games. A streak dating back to 2020. Esko (1-0) will next host Proctor on September 8th. Duluth East (0-1) will look to bounce back at Hibbing on September 8th.   Categories:…

Duluth Denfeld Girls Soccer Blanks Hastings On Home Turf

Duluth Denfeld (2-1-1) will next host Two Harbors on September 5th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld girls soccer team picked up their 2nd win of the season on Thursday, shutting out Hastings 3 to 0. The Hunters were led by Alyssa Doyle, who had two goals in the victory. Cayley Larsen was dominant in net stopping the 17 shots she saw in the game. Duluth Denfeld (2-1-1) will next host Two…

Duluth East Girls Soccer Picks Up 1st Win at Home Against Hastings

Duluth East (1-1-1) will next host Wayzata on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East girls soccer team picked up their first win of the season on Wednesday, defeating Hastings 4 to 2. The Greyhounds had four goal-scorers in the contest. They were Lilly Kuettel, Jessie Paulson, Taitaum Snustad, and Ali Lemon. Duluth East (1-1-1) will next host Wayzata on Saturday. Categories: High School, Sports

Hermantown & Wilderness Defenseman Beau Janzig to Play for Air Force

In 58 games played last season, Janzig would tally 23 points for the Wilderness.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A former Hermantown standout and recent member of the Minnesota Wilderness is making the jump to the division one ranks in two years. Defenseman Beau Janzig announced his commitment to the Air Force Academy on Tuesday. In 58 games played last season, Janzig would tally 23 points for the Wilderness. Then just the year before, he had 29…

Prep Volleyball: Proctor, Cloquet Look Strong in Openers

Lumberjacks sweep Greyhounds in three sets

DULUTH, Minn.- Two local high school volleyball teams tipped off their seasons with promising results Tuesday night. The Proctor Rails made some big plays on their home court against Duluth Marshall, who lost their season opener last week against Hermantown. Meanwhile, the Cloquet Lumberjacks picked up right where they left off in 2022, sweeping Duluth East in three sets. Here…

Duluth East Girls Tennis Headlined by Deep Senior Class

3-3 start to 2023 season

DULUTH, Minn.- The The high school girls tennis season is in full swing, and the courts at Longview will be getting plenty of use from the Duluth East girls, who have already been busy with competitions over the last two weeks. Entering this week, the Greyhounds have gone 3-and-3 as a team, which includes a 7-0 win over Grand Rapids…

Top Play of the Week: 8/25

Cromwell-Wright's Dahl fights for interception

CROMWELL, Minn.- This week’s top play belongs to Brady Dahl of the Cromwell-Wright football team. In the first quarter, Dahl snatched an interception on a deep pass from the Ogilvie offense. The Cardinals lost to the Lions 42-21 and will face Hill City/Northland next week. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Plays of the Week, Sports

Nevis Spoils Raptors’ Varsity Return in Blowout

Carlton-Wrenshall trailed 34-0 after first quarter

CARLTON, Minn.- Friday’s high school football game for Carlton-Wrenshall was supposed to be a celebration of their return to varsity action. Instead, they were the victims of a massive blowout, courtesy of the Nevis Tigers. On the first play of the game, Nevis pitched to running back Ayomide Ogundeji, who stiff-armed a defender and used his legs the rest of…

Cloquet-Carlton Girls Start Season With Scoreless Draw, C-E-C Boys Fall to Two Rivers

Both teams will return to the pitch on Saturday.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The defending section 7AA champions in both boys and girls soccer began their seasons on Friday. The Cloquet-Carlton girls would have to settle for the scoreless draw with St. Francis. The Lumberjacks (0-0-1) will next play at Two Rivers on Saturday. Then later that evening, the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys would fall to Two Rivers 3 to 1. Joe Bailey…

Ogilvie Slips Past Cromwell-Wright in 9-Man Showdown

Cardinals cut lead to five in second half

CROMWELL, Minn.- The Cromwell-Wright Cardinals comeback effort wasn’t enough to earn a season-opening victory as they fell to the Ogilvie Tigers 42-21 Thursday night. Ogilvie was the first team to get on the board with a Colby Milbrandt touchdown pass to Cole Herges. The Lions would run a similar play later in the fourth quarter, but it would result in…

Hermantown Volleyball Opens Season with Straight Set Victory Over Duluth Marshall

Hermantown (1-0) will next play at Esko on August 29th.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown volleyball team opened up the regular season on Thursday, hosting Duluth Marshall at home. The Hawks would go on to win the contest in straight sets. (25-12, 25-12, 25-11) Hermantown (1-0) will next play at Esko on August 29th. Duluth Marshall (0-1) will look to bounce back against Proctor, also on the 29th. Categories: High School,…

Prep Soccer: Proctor Girls, Denfeld Boys Drop Openers

Hunters give up nine goals in blowout

DULUTH, Minn.- Two Northland soccer teams were unable to secure season-opening victories on their home fields Thursday afternoon. The Proctor girls were defeated by the defending state champion St. Francis Huskies 2-1. The Rails trailed early after St. Francis’ Meghan Pryzbilla scored for the Huskies. Proctor will have another chance at a home victory Saturday when they host Esko. Meanwhile,…

State Tourney the Goal for Cloquet Volleyball

Reached sectional finals last two seasons

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet Lumberjacks are hoping that the third time will be the charm this year if they were to once again play in the sectional finals. Led by Head Coach Heidi Anderson, Cloquet has reached the sectional finals two years in a row but lost in both appearances. Despite those losses, the Lumberjacks have won 44 games over…

Lumberjacks Girls Soccer Reloading With Young Lineup

9-0 home record in 2022

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet-Carlton girls soccer team has made their mark on the pitch in recent history, winning four straight section 7AA titles. Even without last year’s strong senior class, the Lumberjacks are ready to defend their crown. Cloquet-Carlton’s 2022 season included a 10-game winning streak. They were also a perfect 9-0 on their home field. Head Coach Dustin Randall…

Hermantown Volleyball Boasts Strong Returning Core of 9 Seniors

The Hawks open the season at home Thursday against Duluth Marshall.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Two days from Tuesday a number of teams will have their first regular season games. That includes the Hermantown Hawks, who having a whopping nine seniors on the roster this season. Head Coach Jessica Williams enters her 2nd year at the helm. She says having that amount of experience will help her team throughout the course of the…

Chisholm’s Tresa Baumgard to Join MSU-Moorhead Basketball in 2024-2025 Season

Baumgard is on the brink of history this season as she's only 318 points away from breaking the program record.

CHISHOLM, Minn.- Chisholm senior post Tresa Baumgard has been playing varsity basketball since she was in the 7th grade. Her playing career will continue for at least four more years after her time with the Bluestreaks comes to an end as recently she announced her commitment to MSU-Moorhead. Baumgard is on the brink of history this season as she’s only…

Superior Falls in Home Opener, Northwestern Cruises Past Ashland

Second-straight year Spartans lose to Warriors

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Despite an early lead, the Superior Spartans begin their football season with a 24-3 loss to Wausau West. Superior’s lone scoring drive began with a third-and-long conversion on a pass from Sam Meller to Taynum Clark, who broke multiple tackles before crossing the first-down line. Despite the drive stalling at the 34-yard line, Tanner Leno put the Spartans…

Coaches Corner: Erik Lofald

In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Duluth Denfeld head football coach, Erik Lofald.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Duluth Denfeld head football coach, Erik Lofald. Lofald is entering his 5th season coaching the Hunters. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Top Play of the Week: 8/18

This weeks’ top play belongs to Tanner Leno of the Superior football team.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- This weeks’ top play belongs to Tanner Leno of the Superior football team. Leno booted an impressive 51 yard kick in Superior’s season opener against Wausau West. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Plays of the Week, Sports

C-E-C Soccer Excited to Defend LSC Title

Third-place finish at 2022 State Tournament

ESKO, Minn.- Last season, the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys soccer team claimed the top spot in the Lake Superior Conference, going a perfect 7-0 against L-S-C opponents. On August 25, the Lumberjacks will be back in action with hopes of defending their title. C-E-C ended the 2022 season with a third-place finish at the Class AA State Tournament. The Lumberjacks were often…

MIB’s Hali Savela to Play College Basketball at Jamestown

Savela averaged 16 points per game helping the Rangers to their first state championship this past season.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- Mountain Iron-Buhl senior guard Hali Savela announced her commitment to the University of Jamestown on Friday. Savela averaged 16 points per game helping the Rangers to their first state championship this past season. Savela joins Grand Rapids forward Jessika Lofstrom as part of the 2024 Jimmies recruiting class. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Esko’s Finn Furcht Commits to Play College Baseball at Iowa Western

The soon to be senior compiled a 6-1 record with a 1.68 ERA last season.

ESKO, Minn.- Esko pitcher and outfielder Finn Furcht announced his commitment to Iowa Western on Thursday. The soon to be senior compiled a 6-1 record with a 1.68 ERA last season. He could also hit too as Furcht had 10 extra base hits with 29 runs batted in. Furcht played a huge role in helping lead Esko to their first…

Esko Ready to Overcome Recent State Losses

Undefeated in last two regular seasons

ESKO, Minn.- Over the last two years, Esko’s football team has had a spotless record in the regular season, but a pair of heartbreaking defeats in the postseason has kept the section 7AAA powerhouse outside of state title contention. In November of 2020, Esko lost in the state quarterfinals to Dylworth-Glyndon-Felton 21-17. Head Coach Scott Arntson is entering the year…

Proctor’s Hope Carlson to Play College Hoops at St. Scholastica

Carlson averaged 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists per game last season.

PROCTOR, Minn.- A Proctor girls basketball standout won’t have to go far for her next team. Forward Hope Carlson announced that she will suit up for the College of Scholastica this upcoming season. Just last season, Carlson was a Class AA All-State honorable mention. She averaged 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists per game. Categories: College, High School, Sports

Duluth East Enters Football Season With New Look

Aiming for first winning season since 2020

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East Greyhounds haven’t had a winning football team since the shortened 2020 COVID season. The freshmen from that team are now seniors, hoping to get their program back to its former glory. The Greyhounds will have a lot of fresh faces taking the field on their season opener. Head Coach Joe Hietala estimates he has about…

Proctor Football Aims to Change Narrative & Mindset in New Campaign

The Rails are entering year two under head coach Matt Krivinchuk.

PROCTOR, Minn.- It was a learning year for the Proctor football team in 2022. They picked up two wins, including their first since the 2020 season. Now, the Rails enter year two under head coach Matt Krivinchuk. With a heavy senior class led by Zak McPhee, Aaron Bergquist, Nolan Okstad, and Gavin Tabbert, Proctor is looking to put more blocks…

Hermantown Football Preaching Responsibility Ahead of 2023 Season

The Hawks kick off week one in the annual hammer game against Proctor on September 1st.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown football team is back at it on the practice field after a 6-3 campaign a year ago. Having a season like that is something you can pat yourself on the back for. But, for Hawks head coach Mike Zagelmeyer and his 14 seniors they still think about the ending. Which was a 7AAAA semifinal loss to…

No Need for Speed, Duluth Denfeld Football Already Has It

The Hunters open the season September 1st at home against Mora.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Denfeld football made a step forward in 2022, picking up three wins last season. Which was three wins better than the year before. Even better news for the Hunter program is that a lot of those guys that competed in those games last year are back. That includes quarterback Mace Brooks, running back Taye Manns, and wide…

Cloquet Football Faces Challenges of Restructuring Line & Road Dominated Schedule in 2023

The Lumberjacks will play most of their home games at Egerdahl Field in Proctor this season.

CLOQUET, Minn.- It was the first day of practice for prep sports in Minnesota on Monday. One of those teams kicking off their 2023 season was the Cloquet football team, who is coming off a 7-4 season. The Lumberjacks return a number of skill position players including running back & linebacker Warren Hietala and fullback & linebacker Carter Horvat. However,…

Carlton-Wrenshall Raptors Return to Varsity Competition

Co-op fielding 24 players following 2022 JV season

WRENSHALL, Minn.- The Carlton-Wrenshall Raptors have returned to the football field as they prepare for their season opener later this August. It will actually be their first varsity game in over a year after only fielding a JV team in 2022 due to low numbers. At the end of last fall, the Raptors had 20 high school players on their…

Duluth Marshall Alum Grace Kirk Hosts First-Ever Girls Basketball Camp

The camp wasn't all basketball as Kirk led a talking session on self-determination, self-worth, and voice for young women.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Marshall alum Grace Kirk has gone on to do big things since her Hilltopper career ended in 2020. Now a senior guard at Brown University, Kirk made her return to the Duluth community to give back with her first-ever girls basketball camp. Nearly a dozen local athletes grades 8 through 12 were on hand to receive instructions…

Grand Rapids Forward Jessika Lofstrom to Play College Hoops at Jamestown

Just this past season, Lofstrom averaged 16 points per game and helped lead Rapids to their 3rd consecutive state tournament.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Grand Rapids standout Jessika Lofstrom has announced her college commitment. Over the weekend, Lofstrom said on her personal twitter page she intends to suit up for the University of Jamestown, once her time with the Thunderhawks comes to an end. Just this past season, she averaged 16 points per game and helped lead Rapids to their 3rd…

Northwestern Football Relies on Young Talent in Upcoming Season

The Tigers are set to kick off their season, on August 18 on the road against Ashland. 

MAPLE, Wis.- In three of the last four seasons, the Northwestern football team has completed a perfectly unblemished regular season. This year, the 17-time Heart O’North Champions will face the challenge of filling 18 of the 22 starting spots. That all began on Monday, Day One of practice. The Tigers graduated a large senior class last season of key players…

Superior Football Riding Youth Movement Into 2023 Season

Superior is looking to turn things around after a 1-8 season in 2022.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Hard to believe but in just 17 days from now, prep football in Wisconsin kicks off. Tuesday was the first day teams hit the practice field in preparation of the 2023 season. One of those teams getting things going was Superior, who are looking to turn things around after a 1-8 season in 2022. Head Coach Bob DeMeyer…

Hermantown’s Henry Peterson Commits to Play Hockey at St. Thomas

Peterson skated in 22 games last season for the Hawks and would tally one goal and two assists.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- With the calender flipping over to August, junior high school hockey players are allowed to announce their verbal college commitments. Hermantown junior defenseman Henry Peterson was one of those players to waste no time. Peterson announced via his own personal Twitter account that he has committed to the University of St. Thomas. He skated in 22 games last…

Thunderhawks Head Coach Wade Chiodo Named Team President of Oklahoma Warriors

Chiodo will still serve as head coach of the Thunderhawks for this upcoming season.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Grand Rapids head boys varsity hockey coach Wade Chiodo has been serving as director of player personnel for the Oklahoma Warriors of the NAHL the last three seasons. Now, he’s preparing for a new gig as Chiodo was named as Team President. Chiodo will still serve as head coach of the Thunderhawks for this upcoming season. Grand…

Hermantown’s Peyton Menzel to Play College Football at UMD

The soon to be senior wideout hauled in 40 receptions with seven touchdowns and 579 yards receiving.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A Hermantown standout is staying close to home to play college football. Hawks wide receiver Peyton Menzel announced his commitment to UMD on Saturday. The soon to be senior wideout hauled in 40 receptions with seven touchdowns and 579 yards receiving. Overall, he would accumulate 687 all-purpose yards. Menzel and Hermantown are coming off a 6-3 season last…

Hermantown Native Aaron Pionk Selected By Minnesota Wild in NHL Draft

It will be a few years before Pionk puts on the Wild sweater. He's set to play for UMD this upcoming season.

  NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Hermantown native Aaron Pionk would have to wait a little bit on Thursday to hear his name called in the NHL Draft. Finally at pick number 149 in the 5th round, Pionk’s home state team, the Minnesota Wild would select the defenseman. “The thought of that is crazy. I thought I had played my last game there…

Hermantown Hockey Standout Aaron Pionk Soaking Up NHL Draft Experience

Pionk says he's spoken to seven organizations at the combine and has had others team reach out after the fact.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hermantown hockey standout Aaron Pionk is set to experience a childhood dream. And that’s hear his name called at the NHL draft in the coming days. Over the past year, the former Hawk forward now turned defenseman, started to see interest from NHL teams at his USHSL games as well as the combine. He says he’s spoken to…

Former Greyhounds Pitcher Caden Edwards Transfers to Minnesota Crookston

Over the course of three seasons in Fargo, Edwards appeared in eight games.

CROOKSTON, Minn.- Former Duluth East and NDSU pitcher and first baseman Caden Edwards announced on Tuesday that he is transferring to Minnesota Crookson. Over the course of three seasons in Fargo, Edwards appeared in eight games. He would strikeout eight over the course of 11 1/3 innings played. Edwards also earned his first collegiate win in a contest against Mayville…

Hermantown’s Pionk & Hanson Hope to Hear Name Called in 2023 NHL Draft

Both players spent last season in the USHSL. They are each set to join UMD in the coming years.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The NHL draft takes place on Wednesday in the Music City. And two local Hermantown standouts could potentially hear their named called on the two-day draft. Those two being defenseman Aaron Pionk and Ty Hanson. Pionk just recently flipped his commitment from MSU-Mankato to UMD. He spent last season with the Waterloo Blackhawks in the USHSL, posting 12…

Esko Baseball’s Cale Haugen Awarded MSHSBCA AA Player of the Year

Haugen was also named Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year.

ESKO, Minn.- Esko senior Cale Haugen reached another great honor to round out his high school career. Haugen was awarded Minnesota State High School Baseball Coaches Association Class AA Player of the Year. The Mankato commit was lights out on the mound with a .27 earned run average with 98 ks in 51.1 innings pitched. While at the plate, he…

Superior’s Eva Peterson Commits to Play Hoops at Grand View University

The junior would average 12.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game for the Spartans last year.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior’s Eva Peterson made her college commitment on Thursday. Peterson will play college hoops for the Grand View University Vikings beginning in the fall of 2024. The junior would average 12.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game for the Spartans last year. She would also tally 32 steals and 40 assists as Superior went 21-3. Categories: High School,…