High School

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,…

Public Schools Stadium to Be Renamed on July 1st

It will now be called Walt Hunting Stadium-Marv Heikkinen Field.

DULUTH, Minn.- Beginning on July 1st, Public Schools Stadium on the campus of Duluth Denfeld high school will have a new name. It will now be called Walt Hunting Stadium-Marv Heikkinen Field. Hunting coaching the Denfeld football team from 1927 to 1955, winning 14 city titles, and 5 state titles, some of which were official and some were unofficial. Heikkinen…

MSHSL All State Baseball and Softball Teams

All baseball and softball players that earned All-State Honors this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The MSHSL baseball All-State teams are as follows: Class A Fr. Noah Asuma, Cherry Jr. Logan Loe, Ely Sr. Wyatt Olson, South Ridge Class AA Jr. Finn Furcht, Esko Furcht batted .394, with 29 RBIs and 5 homeruns. On the mound he posted a 1.69 ERA, 69 Ks in 37.1 IP. Sr. Cale Haugen, Esko Haugen was voted…

Esko Baseball with Record Setting Season

Esko now holds the MSHSL record for lowest batting average against with a combined .140.

ESKO, Minn.- The book closed on the 2023 prep baseball season this past Friday with one State Championship coming home to the Northland, by way of Esko’s 9-0 shutout over Perham to claim their first ever State Title. Aside from being the champs of Class AA, the Eskomos were on a tear this season, shattering one record after another. Esko…

Esko Baseball Shuts Out Perham for First-Ever State Championship Title

In their first state tournament appearance since 2000, the Esko baseball team is leaving the tourney with the top prize.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- In their first state tournament appearance since 2000, the Esko baseball team is leaving the tourney with the top prize. “We were a little nervous at the beginning, which is to be expected, but they weathered the storm and our offense carried us today and we got three unbelievable pitching performances in the tournament. I think we…

Reyelts, Nelson, & DeMars Selected in NAHL Draft

Proctor's A.J. Reyelts, Hermantown's Drew Nelson, and Grand Rapids' Hayden DeMars are taking their talents to the NAHL.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NAHL draft took place on Wednesday and three local area hockey players heard their name called in the 15 round affair. The first to hear their name called was Proctor goalie A.J. Reyelts. He was selected at pick number 125 in the 4th round by the Kenai River Brown Bears. Reyelts manned the pipes in 15 games…

Ashland Girls Soccer Sees Season End in D3 WIAA State Semifinals

Ashland finishes the season with an overall record of 19-3-2.

MILWAUKEE, Wis.- The Ashland girls soccer team would battle with Edgewood on Thursday in the D3 WIAA State Semifinals, ultimately falling to the Crusaders 5 to 1. Cassidy Lustig had the lone goal for the Oredockers in the contest. Ashland finishes the season with an overall record of 19-3-2. Categories: High School, Sports

State Baseball: Esko Earns Spot in AA Championship Game, Grand Rapids Places 4th, South Ridge Wins Consolation

Esko will next play Perham in the title game on Friday at 1 PM at CHS Field in St. Paul.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- The Esko baseball team is on their way to St. Paul after defeating Cannon Falls 7-2 in the AA semifinals on Wednesday. In the bottom of the 4th, Esko would take the 3-2 lead via a throwing error by the Bombers shortstop. Moments later, Isaak Sertich stepped to the plate and crushed a grand slam to give…

State Baseball: Esko Advances to Semifinals, South Ridge Upset By B-B-E

Esko will next play Cannon Falls in the semifinals at 1:30 on Wednesday.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- The Esko baseball team made their first state appearance since 2000 on Tuesday, shutting out St. Agnes 1-0 in the AA quarterfinals. Esko was led by Cale Haugen, who pitched a seven inning complete-game shutout and had 12 strikeouts on the day. Esko will next play Cannon Falls in the semifinals at 1:30 on Wednesday. In other…

State Baseball: Grand Rapids Blanks St. Thomas Academy to Advance to AAA Semifinals

Next up for Grand Rapids, they'll play Mahtomedi in the semifinals at noon on Wednesday.

JORDAN, Minn.- The Grand Rapids baseball team lived up to the underdog role on Tuesday, upsetting #2 St. Thomas Academy 5-0 in the AAA semifinals. Kyle Henke led the Thunderhawks offensively with two runs batted in. Next up for Grand Rapids, they’ll play Mahtomedi in the semifinals at noon on Wednesday. The game will be played at the Mini Met…

South Ridge Baseball Clinches No. 1 Seed in State Tournament for First Time in Program History

South Ridge is set to square off with unseeded Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa tomorrow at Joe Faber Field. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- In last week’s Section 7A Championship game the South Ridge Panthers were one win away from another trip to the State Tournament. Tied with Cherry in extra innings, senior Carter Anderson got the game winning knock that punch the ticket for the Panthers for the fifth straight season. South Ridge heads into this week’s State Tournament as the…

Esko Community Sends Off Eskomo Baseball to First State Tournament Since 2000

Monday afternoon, the community gathered at the Esko Sports Complex to give the team well wishes before they departed for St. Cloud.

ESKO, Minn.- It’s been a long wait for the Esko baseball team since they last made it to the state tournament. 23 years to be exact. But that wait comes to an end Tuesday when they open up tournament play. Monday afternoon, the community gathered at the Esko Sports Complex to give the team well wishes before they departed for…

Grand Rapids Baseball Off to Third Straight State Tournament Appearance after Electric Section Championship Win

Grand Rapids draws two seeded St. Thomas Academy in the first round. That game is set for 10 am on Tuesday at Mini Met Ballpark.

GRAND RAPIDS, Min.- On Wednesday the Grand Rapids baseball team suited up and took the field at a shot for a Section 7AAA title, but it wouldn’t be easy. The Thunderhawks would have to knock off the top seeded Hermantown Hawks in not one game, but two. Rapids picked up the 8-6 win in Game One to force a Game…

Superior Softball Closes Historic Season as State Runner-Up

The Spartans finish their season 27-1, State Runner-Up, the second ranked team in the state and the first team in program history to compete for a State Title. 

MADISON, Wis.- The Superior softball team fell 4-0 in the Division I State Championship Saturday evening to Kaukauna. The Galloping Ghosts got on the board with a sac fly in the bottom of the first. Then in the bottom of the third a double into the gap plated another for Kaukauna. In the bottom of the fifth, an RBI single…

Superior Softball Clinches Spot in WIAA D1 State Championship Game

Superior will next play either Kaukauna/Oak Creek in the championship game on Saturday at 6:30 PM.

MADISON, Wis.- The magical season for the Superior softball team continues as on Friday they defeated Sun Prairie East 6-3 in the semfinals. With the win, the Spartans are now 27-0 on the season. Superior will next play either Kaukauna or Oak Creek in the championship game on Saturday at 6:30 PM. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Esko Baseball is Section 7AA Champions for the First Time in over Two Decades

The win marks the Eskomos first Section 7AA Title in 23 years. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Esko baseball team punched their ticket to the State Tournament with 16-6 victory in five innings over Mora, Thursday evening. The win marks the Eskomos first Section 7AA Title in 23 years. “We’ve been really close you know. I think about all the other assistant coaches I’ve had and all the great players and all the great…

7A Baseball: South Ridge Tops Cherry Twice for 5th Straight Section Crown

This is the 5th consecutive season that the Panthers have went to the state tournament.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The South Ridge baseball team is once again heading to state after defeating Cherry twice on Thursday. In game one, the Panthers would go on to take the contest 12 to 6. Then the following game, it once again went South Ridge’s way as they topped Cherry 8 to 7 in eight innings. This is the 5th consecutive…

State Softball: Moose Lake/Willow River Falls In Semifinals, Proctor to Play for Consolation Title

The Rebels will play for 3rd on Friday. Meanwhile, Proctor will play for 5th.

MANKATO, Minn.- The Moose Lake/Willow River softball team is one step closer to competing for a state title. On Thursday, the Rebels would defeat New Ulm Cathedral 7 to 2 in the Class A quarterfinals. Moose Lake/Willow River would next play Badger/Greenbush-Middle River and that’s where their title hopes would end as they fall 2 to 1. The Rebels will…

Superior Softball Holds Off Menomonee Falls 6-5 to Advance to State Semifinals

Superior will next play Sun Prairie East in the semifinals Friday at 7 pm.

MADISON, Wis.- The unbeaten Superior Spartans faced Menomonee Falls to open up D1 tournament play on Thursday. Emma Raye would club a solo homer in the 4th and Gabbi Saari would pitch in two runs batted in, as the Spartans hold off the Phoenix 6 to 5. Superior will next play Sun Prairie East in the semifinals Friday at 7…

7AAA Baseball: Grand Rapids Battles Back Against Hermantown for Three-Peat

Grand Rapids has now tied the record for most state appearances with 21.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The Grand Rapids baseball team would need to win two against Hermantown on Wednesday in the Section 7AAA championship. And that they would do as the Thunderhawks repeated as Section 7AAA champions for the third straight year. Kyle Henke would club a grand slam walk-off home run in game two to give the Thunderhawks the 7 to…

After Making State Title Games in 2022, Both Proctor & MLWR Hope for Different Results in 2023

St. Agnes and Proctor will start at 11:30. Following that game, New Ulm Cathedral and Moose Lake/Willow River will play at 1:30.

PROCTOR, Minn.- It was nearly a year ago, the Proctor Rails softball team found themselves in the Class AA state title game. Fast forward to now, and the team is ramping up again for a shot at the title. Proctor, who drew the number three seed will open up state tournament play Thursday morning against unseeded St. Agnes. Both teams…

7AA Baseball: Esko Handles Rock Ridge 7-1 for Spot in Section Title Game

Esko will next play Mora in the section title game on Thursday. First pitch is set for 5 PM at Wade Stadium.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Esko baseball team inched closer to their first state tournament berth since 2000 on Tuesday, defeating Rock Ridge 7-1 in the 7AA semifinals. Cale Haugen would club his 10th home run of the season in the contest, setting a new program record. Esko will next play Mora in the section title game on Thursday. First pitch is…

Superior Softball Prepares for 2nd Straight Trip to State

First pitch between the Phoenix and Spartans is set for 8 AM Thursday in Madison.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior softball team continued their memorable season last Thursday when they took down SPASH 1 to nothing in the D1 sectional final. Now it’s onto state as the Spartans are getting ready for their 2nd consecutive state tournament appearance. Last year, Superior saw their season come to a close in the semifinals. But this year, with a…

Wolfpack’s Mason Smith Commits to St. Thomas Lacrosse

Smith has started 13 games this season with the Wolfpack with 25 goals, averaging 2.62 per game.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Friday, the Duluth Wolfpack boys lacrosse team announced senior Mason Smith is moving on to the next chapter of his lacrosse career, committing to the University of St. Thomas. Smith has started 13 games this season with the Wolfpack with 25 goals, averaging 2.62 per game. The Tommies play DII in the Men’s College Lacrosse Association (MCLA)….

Hermantown Baseball Soars to Section Title Game

With the win, the Hawks advance to the Section Championship game, with a chance to punch their ticket to States for the first time since 2013.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown baseball team shutout Grand Rapids 6-0, Saturday in the Section 7AAA semifinal. With the win, the Hawks advance to the Section Championship game, with a chance to punch their ticket to States for the first time since 2013. Next up, Hermantown will await their opponent with the title up for grabs. The Championship game will be…

Cloquet Boys & Rock Ridge Girls Golf Heading to State Tournament

The Class AA state tournament begins June 13th at Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan.

BIWABIK, Minn.- Two local golf teams are heading to state after securing the Section 7AA titles Thursday at Giants Ridge. The Rock Ridge girls would claim the top honor with a team score of 779. On the boys side, Cloquet took first with a 607. As for individual standouts, Cloquet’s Karson Young would win the boys title with a score…

Esko Senior Cale Haugen Named MN Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year

Haugen is the first player from Esko to win the award.

ESKO, Minn.- Gatorade announced on Friday that Esko’s Cale Haugen is the 2022-2023 Gatorade Minnesota Baseball Player of the Year. He’s the first player from Esko to win the award. Before the section tournament, Haugen posted a 5-0 record with a 0.22 ERA through 20 games. He can also hit too, as Haugen had a .571 batting average with six…

Proctor Softball Win in Extra Inning Walk Off Fashion to Claim 7AA Championship

The Rails had the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth. Junior Emma Shelton was the hero with a two-out, walk-off single lifting her team to victory. 

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Proctor softball team is headed back to the Class AA State Tournament for the second consecutive year, after knocking off Rock Ridge 4-3 in nine innings. The Rails had the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth. Junior Emma Shelton was the hero with a two-out, walk-off single lifting her team to victory. Next up, the…

MLWR Softball Crowned Section 7A Champion for Second Straight Season

The Rebels made history last season making it to the State Tournament for the first time in program history, now making their way to Mankato for the second straight season. 

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Moose Lake/Willow River softball team earned the 5-0 shut out win over Silver Bay, Thursday afternoon, claiming the Section 7A Title. The Rebels made history last season making it to the State Tournament for the first time in program history, now making their way to Mankato for the second straight season. MLWR will wait for their opponent…

Prep Baseball: Esko & Hermantown Advance to Respective Section Semifinals

Esko will next meet up with Rock Ridge on Tuesday. As for Hermantown, they'll host Grand Rapids on Saturday.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko baseball team continued Section 7AA tournament play on Thursday with another win as they defeated Pine City 14 to 3. The Eskomos would have four home runs, including one from senior Cale Haugen. Esko will next meet up with Rock Ridge on Tuesday in the winner’s bracket semifinals at Wade Stadium. The Wolverines would walk-off against…

Superior Softball Heading to State for 2nd Consecutive Year

Next up for the Spartans, they'll open up state tournament play next Thursday. Opponent and time is TBD.

MARSHFIELD, Wis.- The Superior softball team is heading to state for the 2nd consecutive season. On Thursday, the Spartans would walk-off against Spash 1-0 to win the D1 WIAA Sectional Final. Gaabi Saari played hero in the bottom of the 7th as she had the game-winning hit. Next up for the Spartans, they’ll open up state tournament play next Thursday….

7AA Baseball: Esko & Duluth Marshall Go 2-0 to Open Up Section Tournament Play

Esko will next host Pine City on Thursday. As for Duluth Marshall, they'll travel to play Rock Ridge.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko baseball team opened up 7AA tournament play with two wins on Tuesday. In their first game of the day, the Eskomos would top Two Harbors by a final of 12 to 1. Following that game, Esko earned another victory against Mora, 10-0. In other 7AA tournament play, Duluth Marshall also earned two victories. The Hilltoppers defeated…

7AA Softball: Proctor Edges Rock Ridge 5-1 to Secure Spot in Title Game, Rematch Set for Thursday

Proctor and Rock Ridge's rematch is set for 4 PM on Thursday at Braun Park in Cloquet.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Proctor softball team earned the first spot of the Section 7AA title game on Tuesday, defeating Rock Ridge 5 to 1. Following that contest, the Wolverines then had to face Esko in a win or go home elimination game. Rock Ridge would get the best of the Eskomos 16 to 3 to earn the 2nd and final…

Superior Softball Stays Hot Advancing to Sectional Finals

Next up, No. 1 Superior will head to Marshfield to take on No. 2 Stevens Point in the Sectional Final, that game is set for 5 PM on Thursday. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior softball team downed D.C. Everest 3-0 on Tuesday at home, in the Sectional Semifinal. Senior Emma Raye blasted two home-runs, combining for all three of the Spartans runs. While, Senior Haley Zembo got the job done in the circle, tossing the one-hit shutout with 14 strikeouts. Next up, No. 1 Superior will head to Marshfield to…

Superior’s Daynen Lull Commits to Play College Hoops at Morton College

Lull was a Lake Superior Conference Honorable Mention after averaging 11 points per game and seven rebounds per game.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior forward Daynen Lull made his college commitment on Monday. Lull announced he will be suiting up for Morton College, a junior college program in Illinois. Lull was a Lake Superior Conference Honorable Mention after averaging 11 points per game and seven rebounds per game. He also played a huge role in helping the Spartans win a region…

7AAA Softball: Chisago Lakes Edges Cloquet, North Branch Blanks Hermantown

Chisago Lakes and North Branch will faceoff in the section semifinal round. Hermantown and Grand Rapids square in the elimination bracket for a chance to keep their season alive.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Chisago Lakes softball team advanced to the Section 7AAA semifinals on Saturday afternoon after a 4-3 win over Cloquet in extra innings. After the Wildcats took a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning, the Lumberjacks responded with a two-run double to tie it up. Cloquet would then tie the game in the top of the seventh, with…