High School

Top Plays 4/28/23

This week's Top Play goes to Grand Rapids Baseball's Caleb Gunderson

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s Top Plays go to: #3- Grand Rapids Baseball’s Kyler Miller #2- Cloquet Softball’s Roena Diver, hit for the cycle with 6 RBIs. #1- Grand Rapids Baseball’s Caleb Gunderson Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Plays of the Week, Sports

Superior and Cloquet Softball Stay Perfect on the Season

Emma Raye went 2-2 on the day with two doubles, an RBI and 3 runs scored. Roena Diver hit for the cycle, with 6 RBIs and 5 runs scored. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior softball team extended their undefeated season to 7-0 after defeating Menomonie, Friday afternoon at home 11-1. Emma Raye went 2-2 on the day with two doubles, an RBI and 3 runs scored. Next up, the Spartans will host Grantsburg on Monday at NBC Sports Complex. First pitch is set for 4 PM. Meanwhile, Cloquet also remains…

Prep Baseball: Grand Rapids Earns First Win of the Season

Next up, Duluth East will look to bounce back on the road against Lakeville South. Grand Rapids is set to host Princeton. Both games are scheduled for Friday at 4:30 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Grand Rapids baseball team earned their first win of the season on Thursday morning with 2-1 victory over Duluth East, at Wade Stadium. Thunderhawks’ Easton Sjostrand and Kyle Henke are responsible for the RBIs in the win. Next up, Duluth East will look to bounce back on the road against Lakeville South. Grand Rapids is set to…

Prep Baseball: Superior and Hermantown Pick Up Lake Superior Conference Wins

The Spartans move to 4-2 on the season. While, Hermantown extends their undefeated run to 4-0.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Baseball has finally made its way to the Northland with a jam-packed day of prep action. Duluth Marshall traveled across the bridge to face off with Superior, Thursday afternoon. The Spartans held the lead throughout the game but the Hilltoppers find a spark late to tie the game. Superior would pull out the 5-4 win on a bases…

Duluth Wolfpack Boys Secure Home-Opening Win against Grand Rapids

The Wolfpack (2-1) will next be in action on Friday when they host St. Paul Central. Gametime is scheduled for 7 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Wolfpack boys lacrosse team picked up their 2nd win of the season on Tuesday, defeating Grand Rapids 15 to 4. The Wolfpack (2-1) will next be in action on Friday when they host St. Paul Central. Gametime is scheduled for 7 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

Hermantown and Superior Baseball Pick Up Conference Wins

Hermantown moves to 2-0, Superior breaks .500 and Grand Rapids falls to 0-3.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- NBC Sports Complex hosted a pair of Lake Superior Conference baseball match-ups Monday afternoon. In the early slot, Hermantown moved to 2-0 on the season after defeating Grand Rapids 8-3. Hermantown will hope to keep rolling, Wednesday on the road against Proctor. First pitch is scheduled for 5 PM. While later that evening, Superior picked up win number…

Northern Star: Dayne Painovich

Painovich is a three-sport athlete at Cloquet. In the fall, it's football. Come winter, it's hockey and spring is all about baseball.

CLOQUET, Minn.- One of the most difficult decisions for any high school athlete, is where they’ll take the next step in both their academic and athletic careers, but for Dayne Painovich the question wasn’t where, but which sport he would continue playing and which he would leave behind. In the fall, it’s football. Come winter, it’s hockey and spring is…

Esko’s Koi Perich to Play College Football at University of Minnesota

The 2nd ranked player in the state of Minnesota wrapped up his junior season with 75 tackles, three interceptions and four fumble recoveries.

ESKO, Minn.- He had interest from half of the Big Ten conference, so it was likely Esko junior safety Koi Perich was going to pick a team that is a part of the power five. Wednesday, he did just that. Perich announced he will be staying in his home state and will play for the Minnesota Golden Gophers starting in…

Prep Softball: Proctor & Grand Rapids Open Seasons with Victories

Proctor will next play at Superior on Friday. Meanwhile, Grand Rapids will play at Rock Ridge on Wednesday.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor softball team opened their season on Tuesday with two wins. They would defeat Bemidji 5 to 2 earlier in the day. Then follow that up with a 16 to 1 victory over South Ridge. Proctor (2-0) will next play at Superior on Friday. In other softball action, Grand Rapids would get the best of Duluth Denfeld…

Prep Baseball: Hibbing & Cloquet Grab Wins on the Diamond

Wade Stadium was the place to be on Friday as it hosted multiple prep baseball games.

DULUTH, Minn.- The prep baseball season is officially underway in the Northland. Wade Stadium was the place to be on Friday as it hosted multiple prep baseball games. Early in the day, Hibbing would defeat South Ridge 9 to 7. The Bluejackets (1-0) will next play at Hermantown on Tuesday. As for the Panthers (0-1) they will look to bounce…

Superior Softball Picks Up Shut Out Victory on Home Opener

Indigo Fish would lead the way for the Spartans with two doubles and 3 RBIs. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior softball team picked up their third win of the season on Friday, with a 5-0 victory over New Richmond. Indigo Fish would lead the way for the Spartans with two doubles and 3 RBIs. Next up, Superior hosts a double-header with Hermantown and Chippewa Falls on Saturday. Categories: High School, Sports

Duluth Wolfpack Girls Open Season with 14 to 9 Victory Over Big Lake

The Wolfpack (1-0) will next be in action on April 21st when they play at Southwest Christian.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Wolfpack girls lacrosse team opened the year with a win on Friday, defeating Big Lake 14 to 9 at home. The Wolfpack (1-0) will next be in action on April 21st when they play at Southwest Christian. Game time is at 5:15 pm. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Duluth Marshall Baseball Opens Season with Electric Shutout Win

Sophomore pitcher Owen Marsolek with 1 hit, no runs and 14 ks through 5 innings.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Marshall got baseball season underway in the Northland with a 10-0 mercy rule victory over Aitkin. The starter for the Hilltoppers, Owen Marsolek with a stellar performance to open the season, giving up 1 hit, no runs with 14 ks in 5 innings of work. Marshall is scheduled to clash with Duluth Denfeld, Wednesday April 19 at…

Northern Star: Anna Hron

Anna is a member of the Swing Elite baseball team, an all girls team made up of players from across the country that go head to head against the boys.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Marshall baseball team has welcomed a new Hilltopper to the squad, one that hopes to change the narrative for what it means to play like a girl. Anna Hron, who’s passion for the game of baseball was planted at a young age. The Marshall sophomore felt softball was the only route for her. That is until she…

Duluth Marshall’s Anna Hron Pursues Dreams of Playing Baseball

Catch the full story Wednesday night for this week's Northern Star. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Baseball season is finally coming around in the Northland and one local high school team has welcome a new player to their roster, one that says she’s proud to play like a girl. Anna Hron, a sophomore at Duluth Marshall, has always had a passion for baseball but felt softball was the only route for her. Now, Anna…

Duluth East Guard Jobe Juenemann to Play College Hoops at Bemidji State

The senior would average 16.3 points per game while shooting 41 percent from beyond the three point arc.

DULUTH, Minn.- After helping lead the Duluth East boys basketball team to a 20-8 record this past season and finishing in the section 7AAAA semifinals, forward Jobe Juenemann announced his college commitment late Wednesday night. Juenemann will make the two hour and 45 minute drive to Bemidji to play for the Beavers of Bemidji State next season. The senior would…

Superior’s Kloe Zentkowski Commits to Play Basketball at Michigan Tech

She would average nearly 12 points and eight rebounds per game for the Spartans this past season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior junior guard Kloe Zentkowski knows who her next team will be. Zentkowski announced her commitment to Michigan Tech late last week. She would average nearly 12 points and eight rebounds per game for the Spartans this past season. Her efforts on the court made her an honorable mention on the All Lake Superior conference team. The 6’1…

Duluth Marshall and St. Scholastica Baseball Team Up to Clear Snow from Wade Stadium

The Saints hope to host their home opener next Wednesday, while the Hilltoppers could be in action as early as Thursday. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall and St. Scholastica baseball teams came together over the weekend and decided to do something about the tons of snow that’s gone untouched all winter long. The Hilltoppers and Saints teamed up in an effort to make some progress in clearing off the field at Wade Stadium. For these teams, it was more than making…

For 2nd Straight Year, Minnesota Sweeps Wisconsin at DAYBA Border Battle All-Star Basketball Games

Pine City's Sophie Lahti and Duluth East's Jobe Juenemann would earn MVP honors in the games.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd straight year, Minnesota reigned supreme over Wisconsin at the DAYBA Border Battle All-Star Games. In the first game, the Minnesota girls would defeat Wisconsin by a final of 95 to 78. Pine City’s Sophie Lahti would earn MVP honors in the contest. Following that game, the Minnesota boys would handle Wisconsin 115 to 86. Duluth…

Duluth Marshall Baseball Leans on Team Culture to Bring Success

The Hilltoppers hope to get their season rolling April 6 from Wade Stadium, opening their season against Esko. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall baseball team has made their way to the State Tournament in four of the last five seasons. While the Hilltoppers are stacked with some of the best young talent around, that level of success doesn’t just come from playing ability. Head coach Nick Garramone sats the culture they’ve built at Duluth Marshall is the secret…

Juenemann & Zubich Selected to MBCA All-Star Series Rosters

The games are put on to represent the forty best senior basketball players in the state.

COON RAPIDS, Minn.- A pair of area senior basketball standouts will get a chance to play one last game at the high school level. Duluth East guard Jobe Juenemann and Mountain Iron-Buhl guard Asher Zubich are set to play in the MBCA All-Star basketball series on Saturday at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Juenemann will play for Team Green while Zubich is…

Boys Basketball: Cherry’s Late Rally Falls Short as R-T-R Eliminates Tigers Title Hopes

The Tigers will next play in the 3rd place game against Spring Grove.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Cherry boys basketball team once again saw their title hopes end in the Class A semifinals on Friday, falling to Russell-Tyler-Ruthton 61 to 57. Isaac Asuma would lead Cherry with 21 points in the contest. Noah Asuma would also chip in 13 points. The Tigers will next play in the 3rd place game against Spring Grove. Tip-off…

Kris Hamling Steps Down as Grand Rapids Girls Basketball Coach

Of the 10 years leading Rapids, she helped guide the Thunderhawks to the state tournament six times.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- A longtime girls basketball coach at Grand Rapids is stepping down. After 10 seasons with the Thunderhawks, Kris Hamling is moving on. Of the 10 years leading Rapids, she helped guide the Thunderhawks to the state tournament six times. Their most recent state tournament berth was this past season where they would finish with a 26 and…

Falling Short of State Tournament, Esko Baseball More Determined as Practices Begin

The Eskomos will head down to Orlando, Florida this weekend to compete in some scrimmages, as well as get a chance to practice outdoors.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko baseball team is already two weeks into their spring season. After finishing with a 20-5 record last year, the Eskomos are more determined to make their way to the big game. The team knows that reaching that goal though, starts day one of practice. “This is a very good section this year but we were a…

Boys Basketball: Cherry Advances to Class A Semifinals for 2nd Straight Year

Next up for the Tigers, they'll play top seeded Russell-Tyler-Ruthton in the semifinals. Tip-off is set for noon on Friday at the Target Center.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Cherry boys basketball team is moving onto the semifinal round of the Class A state boys basketball tournament. The Tigers defeated Border West 68 to 55 on Wednesday in the quarterfinals. Cherry was led by Noah Sundquist, who had 30 points in the game. Next up for the Tigers, they’ll play top seeded Russell-Tyler-Ruthton in the semifinals….

Armed with Depth, Cherry Boys Basketball Eyes More in 2nd Go-Around at State

The Tigers come into the matchup as the 4th seed with a 26-4 record. Meanwhile, Border West is the five seed as they posted a 26-2 record so far.

IRON JUNCTION, Minn.-The Cherry Tigers will begin their quest for the Class A title on Wednesday when they take on Border West in the Class A Quarterfinals. The Tigers come into the matchup as the 4th seed with a 26-4 record. Meanwhile, Border West is the five seed as they posted a 26-2 record so far. Head Coach Jordan Christianson…

Boys Basketball: 2nd Half Rally Falls Short as Orono Holds Off Hermantown in AAA Quarterfinals

Hermantown will play Stewartville in consolation play on Wednesday.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Hermantown boys basketball team would play Orono tough on Tuesday at the Class AAA state tournament, but they ultimately would fall 84 to 82 to the Spartans. Abraham Soumis would lead the Hawks with 34 points in the game. Hermantown will either play Stewartville or DeLaSalle in consolation play on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 PM…

Hermantown Boys Hoops Hopes for Longer Stay at Class AAA State Tournament

Hermantown, who is unseeded will take on the two seed Orono. The Spartans would get the best of the Hawks back on February 9th as they went on to win 76 to 60.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys basketball team are set to make their 2nd straight appearance at state. Over the weekend, the Hawks learned who their opponent will be and it’s someone they’ve already seen this year. Hermantown, who is unseeded will take on the two seed Orono. The Spartans would get the best of the Hawks back on February 9th…

Mountain Iron-Buhl Girls Basketball Brings Home First Class A State Title

This victory marks the first time in program history the Rangers girls basketball team became Class A State Champions, making them the second State Champion team to come out of MIB this year after the football team won the 9-man State Championship in December.

  MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- For years the Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team has been chasing a state title and on Saturday, from Williams Arena the Rangers made program history, defeating Bold by a score of 52-21. After 13 trips to the State Tournament, MIB wanted to make sure to set the tone of the game early, coming out strong with an…

Esko Falls in Section 7AA Title Game

Esko finishes their season 25-4. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A Section 7AA title rematch took place in Hermantown, Friday night, between the reigning section champs Pequot Lakes and Esko. The Eskomos pulled ahead by 14 in the first half, but just before halftime the Patriots were able to come back and knot things up at 36 a piece. In the final half, Pequot Lakes would go on…

Boys Basketball: Cherry Holds Onto Section 7A Crown with Win Over Deer River

Noah Sundquist would lead the Tigers with 24 points. Just behind him was Isaac Asuma with 22 on the night.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Cherry boys basketball team repeated as Section 7A champions on Friday, defeating Deer River 85 to 61 in the title game. Noah Sundquist would lead the Tigers with 24 points. Just behind him was Isaac Asuma with 22 on the night. “These guys just work. They’re so relentless with everything they do. Every practice these guys come…

Girls Basketball: Mountain Iron-Buhl Advances to First State Title Game Since 2017

Mountain Iron-Buhl will next play BOLD in the title game on Saturday. Tip-off is at noon.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team is now just one game away from their first-ever state championship in program history. The Rangers would defeat Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa 61 to 57 on Friday in the Class A semifinals. MIB was led by Sage Ganyo, who had 23 points in the contest. Mountain Iron-Buhl will next play BOLD in the title game…

Boys Basketball: Hermantown Repeats as Section 7AAA Champions

Hermantown will look for their first-ever state tournament win next week.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd straight year, the Hermantown boys basketball team is heading to the state tournament. The Hawks made that possible on Thursday, when they defeated Duluth Denfeld 70 to 59 in the Section 7AAA title game. “We had goals right after last year. Losing one guy, Michael Lau last year. We lost his leadership, we lost his…

Girls State Basketball: Mountain Iron-Buhl Knocks Off Minneota in Class A Quarterfinals

The Rangers were led by Jordan Zubich, who had 25 points in the victory.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team advanced to the Class A semifinals on Thursday, defeating Minneota 65-50 in the quarterfinals. The Rangers were led by Jordan Zubich, who had 25 points in the victory. MIB now shifts their focus to Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa. They’ll play at noon on Friday. Categories: High School, Sports

Boys Basketball: Cherry & Deer River Secure Spots in Section 7A Title Game

Deer River and Cherry will tip things off on Friday at 6 pm at Romano Gym in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Cherry boys basketball team continues to inch closer to making another state tournament berth. On Wednesday, they defeated Northland 86 to 53 in the 7A semifinals. The Tigers will next face Deer River, who defeated Mountain Iron-Buhl 86 to 73 in the other semifinal game. Deer River and Cherry will tip things off on Friday at 6…

Boys Basketball: Esko Advances to 7AA Title Game, Two Harbors Eliminated in Semis

Esko will meet Pequot Lakes in a rematch of last year's Section 7AA title game.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Esko boys basketball team is once again heading the Section 7AA championship game. On Wednesday, the Eskomos took down the Wolverines of Rock Ridge 73 to 60 to secure their spot. It will be a rematch because they are set to face Pequot Lakes, who defeated Two Harbors 53 to 35. Gametime is set for 6 pm…

Girls Basketball: Grand Rapids Falls to Stewartville in Class AAA Quarterfinals

The Thunderhawks will next play Marshall in consolation play on Thursday. Tip-off is at 2 PM.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Grand Rapids girls basketball team saw their chances at a state championship come to an end on Wednesday, as they fell to Stewartville 71 to 57 in the AAA quarterfinals. Jessika Lofstrom would lead the Thunderhawks with 18 points in the contest. With the loss, that ends a 26 game winning streak for Grand Rapids. The Thunderhawks…

Prep Hockey: Duluth Sweeps Iron Range in Boys & Girls Essentia Health All-Star Games

Proctor/Hermantown's Nya Sieger would be named MVP of the girls contest.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth would take bragging rights over the Iron Range on Tuesday at the Essentia Health All-Star Games. In the first contest, the Duluth girls would handle the Iron Range by a final of 6 to 1. Proctor/Hermantown’s Nya Sieger would be named MVP of that contest. This was the first girls all-star game to happen in the history…

Superior Softball Prepares for Upcoming Season

The Spartans hope to get their season rolling in the first week of April. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Spring sports are starting to blossom, even if the weather is keeping them indoors. That didn’t stop the Superior softball team from holding their first practice of the season. “It definitely feels good. Coming off of basketball season, I always miss softball, that’s my sport, and then coming back, getting the rust shaken off feels really good,” says…

Esko Boy’s Basketball Advances to Section 7AA Semifinals

The two seeded Eskomos will take on No. 3 Rock Ridge, Wednesday at 7 PM from Hermantown High School. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Esko cruises by Aitkin 78-33, Saturday afternoon, advancing to the Section 7AA semifinals. The two seeded Eskomos will take on No. 3 Rock Ridge, Wednesday at 7 PM from Hermantown High School. Categories: High School, Sports

Cherry Boy’s Basketball Blows by North Woods in Section 7A Quarterfinal

The Tigers were led by future Minnesota Golden Gopher Isaac Asuma, who posted a triple-double with 31 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Cherry boys basketball team dominated Northwoods, 105-76 Saturday afternoon in the opening round of the Section 7A tournament. The Tigers were led by future Minnesota Golden Gopher Isaac Asuma, who posted a triple-double with 31 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. Cherry will next take on Northland in the Section Semifinals, Wednesday at 7 PM from UMD….

Boys Basketball: Hermantown to Meet Duluth Denfeld in Section 7AAA Title Game

On Friday, Hermantown defeated Cloquet 80 to 58 in the Section 7AAA semifinals on their home floor.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys basketball team is one step closer to advancing to the state tournament for the 2nd straight year. On Friday, they defeated Cloquet 80 to 58 in the Section 7AAA semifinals on their home floor. The Hawks will next play Duluth Denfeld in the title game. The Hunters took down North Branch 63 to 59 in…

Late Goal By Mahtomedi’s Drage Ends Hermantown’s Hopes at Repeating in Class A

The Hawks will play Orono on Saturday in the 3rd place game.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team’s game with Mahtomedi in the Class A semifinals would go down to the wire on Friday. In the end though, the Zephyr’s are heading to the Class A state title game. Charlie Drage would score with under 50 seconds to go to give Mahtomedi the 2 to 1 victory. Dallas Vieau had…

Grand Rapids Girls Basketball goes Back to Back to Back in Section 7AAA Championship

The Thunderhawks were led by junior forward Jessika Lofstrom with 27 points in the victory. 

DULUTH, Minn.- For the third straight season, the Grand Rapids girls basketball team is crowned Section 7AAA champions, after defeating Cloquet 59-43, Thursday night. “Everything. How we have six seniors, we’ve worked our whole season and our whole lives for this and to go back to back to back is amazing and I’m so proud of our team. We’re just…

Boys Basketball: Superior Holds Off Appleton North in OT to Advance to D1 Sectional Final

Superior will next play Neenah on Saturday at Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln.

SCHOFIELD, Wis.- The Superior boys basketball team is onto the D1 Sectional Final after defeating Appleton North 45-42 in overtime in the sectional semifinals on Thursday. Superior will next play Neenah on Saturday at Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln. If the Spartans were to win, they would advance to their first state tournament since 1974. Gametime is to be determined. Categories: High…

Greyhounds’ Center Rocco Paulson Commits to UW-Superior

The 6 foot 8 center is averaging nearly ten points a game, seven rebounds a game, and is almost 60 percent from the field.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just a day after Duluth East took down Centennial in the Section 7AAAA quarterfinals, their big man has found his next home and he won’t have to travel far. Greyhounds’ senior Rocco Paulson announced his commitment to the University of Wisconsin-Superior. The 6 foot 8 center is averaging nearly ten points a game, seven rebounds a game, and…

Boys Basketball: Duluth East Advances to Section 7AAAA Semifinals with Win Over Centennial

Duluth East will next play Cambridge-Isanti on Saturday at Princeton High School. Tip-off is at 5 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- In their final home game of the year, the Duluth East boys basketball team took down Centennial 78 to 61 in the Section 7AAAA quarterfinals. The Greyhounds were led by Patrick Smith, who had 21 points in the win. Just behind him was teammate Michael Kastelic with 20. Duluth East will next play Cambridge-Isanti on Saturday at Princeton…

Girls Basketball: Duluth Marshall & Proctor Eliminated in Section 7AA Semifinals

Pequot Lakes and Crosby-Ironton will meet in the title game on Friday in Cloquet.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the Duluth Marshall and Proctor girls basketball teams would see their seasons come to a close on Wednesday. The Hilltoppers would fall to top seeded Pequot Lakes 64 to 49 in the first semifinal game of the night. Regan Juenemann had 20 points in the contest for Duluth Marshall. Following that game, Crosby-Ironton would sneak by Proctor…

Boys Hockey: Hermantown Shuts Out Luverne in Class A Quarterfinals

The Hawks will next play Mahtomedi in the semifinals on Friday. Puck drop is at 11 AM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team inched closer to repeating as Class A state champions on Wednesday, shutting out Luverne 6-0 in the Class A quarterfinals. Aaron Evjen, River Freeman, Evan Gunderson, Wyatt Carlson, Dallas Vieau, and George Peterson would all score in the contest. The Hawks will next play Mahtomedi in the semifinals on Friday. Puck drop…