High School

Superior Boys Basketball Begin Practices with New Head Coach Kory Deadrick

The Spartans will open their season next Tuesday at home against Chippewa Falls.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The first week of practices is underway for the Superior boys basketball team. The Spartans have a new head coach as former Esko star Kory Deadrick takes over the program. The move is exciting for the players, who will be coached by a former player that has won a state title. “That’s definitely a big thing because…

Duluth Marshall Girls Hockey Tops Duluth Northern Stars at Heritage Center

Ilsa Lindaman, Meredith Boettcher and Kendra Royer each scored twice.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ilsa Lindaman, Meredith Boettcher and Kendra Royer each scored twice as the Duluth Marshall girls hockey team defeated the Duluth Northern Stars 11-3 Tuesday night at Heritage Center. The Hilltoppers improve to 2-0 while the Northern Stars fall to 1-2. Categories: High School, Sports

Steve Pitoscia Era Begins for Duluth East Hockey Team

The Greyhounds will open their season November 26th at White Bear Lake.

DULUTH, Minn. – Practices are underway for the Duluth East boys hockey team. And the Greyhounds are going through some big changes on their bench as Steve Pitoscia takes over for longtime coach Mike Randolph. But his familiarity with the program makes the transition a seamless one. “A lot of our kids have had him before, including me. We’re all…

North Woods’ TJ Chiabotti Named Finalist for Mr. Football Award

Chiabotti became just the 19th player in state history to rush for over 5,000 career yards.

COOK, Minn. – North Woods running back TJ Chiabotti has been named one of ten finalists for the Minnesota Football Coaches Association’s Mr. Football Award. This past season, Chiabotti rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 30 total touchdowns. He also became just the 19th player in state history to rush for over 5,000 career yards. The winner will be…

First Day of Practice Underway for Hermantown Boys Hockey

The Hawks are set to open the 2021 season on the road next Friday night against section foes Greenway. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Monday was the first official day of high school boys hockey practices across the state, and Hermantown opened things up with tryouts. The Hawks had a larger than usual group show up as they look to replace seven seniors they graduated last season. But with a mix of experienced varsity players and a young group looking to…

Esko Football Defeats New London-Spicer to Advance to Class AAA Semifinals

A touchdown pass from Ty Christensen to Carter Zezulka with 16 seconds left sent the undefeated Eskomos to the state semifinals.

BRAINERD, Minn. – A touchdown pass from Ty Christensen to Carter Zezulka with 16 seconds left gave the Esko football team the 28-21 win over New London-Spicer in the Class AAA quarterfinals. The Eskomos forced five interceptions, including a pick six from Zezulka. Esko improves to 11-0 on the season and will face Dassel-Cokato in the Class AAA semifinal on…

Prep Girls Hockey: Duluth Wins Big in Season Opener, Rock Ridge Drops First Ever Game

The Northern Stars opened their season in a big way while the Wolverines dropped their season opener.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Northern Stars girls hockey team lit up the scoreboard, including scoring five goals in the first four minutes and seven total in the first period as they got the 14-1 win over Princeton to open the 2021 season. The Northern Stars will be back home on Saturday hosting Roseville. Puck drop is set for 2:00…

Season Ends in Class A Quarterfinals for Deer River Football Team

Joseph Herfindahl would scored a 99-yard touchdown late in the first half.

BRAINERD, Minn. – Joseph Herfindahl would scored a 99-yard touchdown late in the first half, but it would be the only points for the Deer River football team as they fall to New York Mills 20-6 in the Class A quarterfinals. The Warriors end their season at 10-1. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Grand Rapids Volleyball Falls to Top-Seeded Marshall in State Semi-Finals

The Thunderhawks will face New Prague in the third-place game Saturday afternoon.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Marshall volleyball team showed why they are the #1 overall seed in the Class AAA state tournament as they swept Grand Rapids 3-0 Friday afternoon at the Xcel Energy Center. The Thunderhawks will face New Prague in the third-place game Saturday afternoon. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

CEC Girls Hockey Get Set to Open Regular Season This Weekend

After graduating a huge senior class two years ago, the Lumberjacks return 17 players with loads of experience, led by goaltender Araya Kiminski.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton girls hockey team is getting set to open their season this weekend. After graduating a huge senior class two years ago, the Lumberjacks return 17 players with loads of experience, led by goaltender Araya Kiminski. “We feel really comfortable with her in net and know we’re able to take a little more chances and be…

Grand Rapids’ Bill Kinnunen to be Inducted into MSHSBCA Hall of Fame

Kinnunen is the second Grand Rapids alum to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, Along with his old head coach Bob Streetar, who was part of the inaugural class in 2004.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Friday afternoon, Grand Rapids baseball coach Bill Kinnunen will be inducted into the Hall of Fame of Minnesota State High School Baseball Coaches Association. He’s led the program since 2001 and is coming off a season that saw the Thunderhawks finish in second place at the state tournament. Kinnunen said he was surprised to be inducted…

Late Touchdown Knocks Out Grand Rapids Football in State Quarterfinals

Owen Glenn scored twice and Jack Cleveland scored the other touchdown for the Thunderhawks.

OSSEO, Minn. – Owen Glenn would score twice for the Grand Rapids football team, but a late touchdown would give Orono the 22-19 win in the Class AAAA state quarterfinals. Jack Cleveland scored the other touchdown for the Thunderhawks as their season ends at 8-3. Categories: High School, Sports

Top-Seed Mayer Lutheran Too Much for South Ridge in State Volleyball Quarterfinals

The Panthers will face Badger/Greenbush-Middle River Friday in the consolation bracket semi-finals.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The South Ridge volleyball team had a tough time getting anything going as they fall to Mayer Lutheran 3-0 in the Class A quarterfinals at the Xcel Energy Center. The Panthers will face Badger/Greenbush-Middle River Friday in the consolation bracket semi-finals. Categories: High School, Sports

Cloquet’s Sam Baker Commits to Florida Gulf Coast Men’s Golf Team

Baker is coming off a junior year that saw him lead the Lumberjacks to their first state title in program history, including a top medalist finish in Class AA.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Thursday, Cloquet’s Sam Baker signed his National Letter of Intent to join the men’s golf team at Florida Gulf Coast University. Baker is coming off a junior year that saw him lead the Lumberjacks to their first state title in program history, including a top medalist finish in Class AA. Baker credits his family and friends for…

Greenway Volleyball Drops State Quarterfinal Match to Sauk Centre

The Raiders will face Cannon Falls in the consolation bracket Friday morning at 11 a.m.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – In the Class AA volleyball state quarterfinals, the Greenway volleyball team were defeated by Sauk Centre 3-1 Thursday afternoon at the Xcel Energy Center. The Raiders will face Cannon Falls in the consolation bracket Friday morning at 11 a.m. Categories: High School, Sports

Moose Lake-Willow River’s Natalie Mikrot Officially Commits to Minnesota Crookston Women’s Basketball

Last season, Mikrot became the Rebels' all-time leading scorer in program history.

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – This week, Moose Lake-Willow River’s Natalie Mikrot officially committed to playing basketball at Minnesota Crookston. Mikrot led the Rebels in scoring as a junior, posting over 23 points per game to go along with three assists and three steals, as well as knocking down 52 three pointers. Last season, she also became the program’s all-time leading…

Virginia’s Rian Aune Signs NLI for Southwest Minnesota State Women’s Basketball

The Blue Devils point guard averaged 13 points, four rebounds and four assists last season as a junior.

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Wednesday, Virginia’s Rian Aune signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Southwest Minnesota State women’s basketball team. The Blue Devils point guard averaged 13 points, four rebounds and four assists last season as a junior. Aune is also closing in on her 1,000th career point at Virginia. Categories: College, High School, Sports

Duluth East’s Smith, Benson, Carlson Make NLI Signings Official

A trio of Gryehounds signed their National Letters of Intent Wednesday afternoon.

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday afternoon, Duluth East had three signings on National Signing Day. Tyler Smith will be joining the Rockhurst men’s lacrosse team in Kansas City, while Elaina Benson won’t be going too far as she committed to the UMD women’s soccer team. “It just felt like home. I went to a lot of colleges for the recruiting process…

Trio of Duluth Denfeld Athletes Commit to Local Schools

Hannah Hovland is heading to UMD, while Logan Nylund and Kamryn Hill are going across the bridge to UWS.

DULUTH, Minn. – On the first day of National Signing Day, a trio of Duluth Denfeld put pen to paper on their college committments. Hannah Hovland and Logan Nylund will be joining first-year head coaches as Hovland has signed with UMD softball and Nylund will head across the bridge to join the UWS baseball team. “He was filling me in…

Superior’s Jakob Kidd, Jeffrey Olson Sign with Different UMAC Soccer Teams

Jakob Kidd signed his National Letter of Intent to join the UWS men's soccer team and Jeffrey Olson is taking his talents to Ashland as he'll suit up for Northland College.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A pair of Superior boys soccer teammates will be playing on opposite sides of the pitch in the UMAC. Jakob Kidd signed his National Letter of Intent to join the UWS men’s soccer team and Jeffrey Olson is taking his talents to Ashland as he’ll suit up for Northland College. Kidd finished his senior year second in…

Grand Rapids Volleyball Advances to Class AAA State Semi-Finals

The Thunderhawks move on to face top seed Marshall in the state semi-finals. That match will take place Friday at 5 p.m.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – In the Class AAA volleyball state quarterfinals, Grand Rapids knocked off Monticello 3-1 at the Xcel Energy Center. The Thunderhawks move on to face top seed Marshall in the state semi-finals. That match will take place Friday at 5 p.m. Categories: High School, Sports

Cloquet’s Dana Jones Signs with Winona State Softball, Katie Turner Joins Northern Michigan Women’s Soccer

Cloquet had a pair of Lumberjacks make their commitments official on National Signing Day.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Wednesday afternoon, Cloquet had a pair of Lumberjacks make their commitments official on National Signing Day. Dana Jones signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Winona State softball team. She described the moment she signed and made things official as exhilarating. “I mean I’m obviously shaking. I’m so excited. Coach Jones down there, kind of…

Hibbing’s Ayden McDonald Commits to Augustana Men’s Basketball

Ayden is the 11th member of the legendary McDonald family to play at the college level, which includes his dad and head coach Joel McDonald.

HIBBING, Minn. – On the first day of the National Signing period, Hibbing’s Ayden McDonald signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Augustana men’s basketball team. Ayden is the 11th member of the legendary McDonald family to play at the college level, which includes his dad and head coach Joel McDonald. “It wouldn’t have been possible without my…

Stiff Competition at State Tournament Awaits MIB Football Team

The Rangers will face fifth-ranked Fertile-Beltrami in the quarterfinals Thursday night in Grand Rapids.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – State football tournaments kick-off this week and Mountain Iron-Buhl is back in the 9-man bracket after a dominant win in the section title game. The Rangers come in with just one loss on the season and are riding a five-game win streak. But now the competition gets tougher as they’ll face fifth-ranked Fertile-Beltrami in the quarterfinals….

Grand Rapids Football Team Motivated by Preseason Injuries to Senior Captains

The Thunderhawks will face Orono in the Class AAAA state quarterfinals. Kick-off Thursday at Osseo High School is set for 7 p.m.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Grand Rapids football team is getting set for its first trip to the state tournament since 2006. And it wasn’t easy as they had to knock off previously unbeaten North Branch in the section title game. And it came during a year when they lost two of their four senior captains before the season even…

Cloquet’s Kruse, Grand Rapids’ Mvogo Earn MVP Honors at All-Star Soccer Game

Kruse and Mvogo helped their respective teams pick up wins in penalty shootouts.

DULUTH, Minn. – At the Essentia Health All-Star Soccer Game, the girls match needed penalty kicks after finishing with a 1-1 tie. Team Grey would go on to defeat Team Blue 3-2 as Cloquet’s Caley Kruse was named MVP. In the boys match, they would also need penalty kicks as their game ended in a 3-3 tie. Team Grey would…

Northern Star: Addy Ranta

For this week's segment, we feature a Superior cheerleader who has the chance to represent the Northland on the national stage as a member of the National Cheerleading Association All-American Team.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Cheerleading wasn’t the first choice for Superior senior cheerleader Addy Ranta. “I didn’t make the volleyball team so it all started because I didn’t make that and I said well I guess I can try cheer,” Ranta said. Ranta, who also has a background in dance, has now been cheering since the winter season her freshman season…

Northland Volleyball Teams Learn State Pairings

Grand Rapids received the No. 5 seed in class AAA while South Ridge and Greenway are unseeded in their receptive brackets.

DULUTH, Minn. –  The volleyball state tournament begins next week at the Xcel Energy Center and three Northland teams are still in the hunt for state titles. Here’s a look at those teams’ quarterfinal matchups: CLASS A: South Ridge vs. No. 1 Mayer Lutheran. Thursday, 11/11 @ 5 p.m. CLASS AA: Greenway vs. No. 3 Sauk Centre. Thursday, 11/11 @…

Football State Quarterfinal Matchups Announced

Mountain Iron-Buhl, Deer River, Moose Lake/Willow River, Esko and Grand Rapids all learned their first round state opponents.

DULUTH, Minn. – Five Northland teams will begin their 2021 state tournaments next week as quarterfinals begin on Thursday. Here’s a look at the first round matchups for the Northland teams still in the hunt for state titles: NINE-MAN: Mountain Iron-Buhl vs. Fertile-Beltrami. Thursday, 11/11 @ 6 p.m. in Grand Rapids CLASS A: Deer River vs. New York Mills. Friday,…

Prep Volleyball: Grand Rapids, Greenway, South Ridge Earn Section Championships

The Thunderhawks are headed back to state for the first time since 2016. This will be the Raiders first trip since 2019, while this will be the first ever trip to the state tournament for the Panthers.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Grand Rapids volleyball team made quick work out of Cloquet, getting the sweep (25-12, 25-19, 25-21) to win the section 7AAA championship. Kamryn Klinefelter led the way with 13 kills as the Thunderhawks earn their first trip to state since 2016. In section 7AA, Proctor won the first set but Greenway battled back to win the…

Coaches Corner: Dave Louzek

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the Moose Lake-Willow River football team.

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Moose Lake-Willow River head football coach Dave Louzek as the Rebels are making their 15th ever trip to the state tournament. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Friday Night Frenzy Highlights and Scores for 11/5/21

Grand Rapids, Mountain Iron-Buhl and Deer River all won section titles on Friday night.

DULUTH, Minn. – Jack Cleveland ran in the game-winning touchdown with less than two minutes left to give Grand Rapids the 14-12 win over North Branch to claim the section 7AAAA championship. Here are other scores from around the Northland. SECTION 5 9-MAN: South Ridge 0, Ogilvie 42 SECTION 7 9-MAN: Cherry 20, Mountain Iron-Buhl 66  SECTION 7A: Barnum 8,…

Esko Football Tops Aitkin to Win Second Straight Section 7AAA Title

A late field goal from Wyatt Stankiewicz pushed the Esko football team past Aitkin 17-14 as they captured their second straight Section 7AAA championship.

DULUTH, Minn. – A late field goal from Wyatt Stankiewicz pushed the Esko football team past Aitkin 17-14 as they captured their second straight Section 7AAA championship. This will be the Eskomos 13th trip to the state tournament as seedings will be announced on Saturday. Categories: High School, Sports

Moose Lake-Willow River Blanks Mesabi East to Win Section 7AA Championship

Logan Orvedahl led the way with five touchdowns as the Rebels will head into the Class AA state tournament with an undefeated record.

ESKO, Minn. – The Moose Lake-Willow River football team scored early and often as they defeated Mesabi East 63-0 in the Section 7AA championship game. Logan Orvedahl led the way with five touchdowns as the Rebels will head into the Class AA state tournament with an undefeated record. Categories: High School, Sports

Proctor/Hermantown’s Emma Stauber Re-Signs with Minnesota Whitecaps

Stauber is best known for leading the Mirage to their first state title in program history last season in the Class A state tournament.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey coach Emma Stauber will be continuing her pro hockey career with the Minnesota Whitecaps. This will be her fifth season with the team, helping the Whitecaps earn a berth in the Isobel Cup Final in each of the past three seasons, including winning it all back in 2019. Stauber is best known for…

Cloquet-Carlton Girls Soccer Drops Class AA State Semi-Final Match to Benilde-St. Margaret’s

The Lumberjacks will face the Academy of Holy Angels Friday in the third place game.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – In the Class AA girls soccer state semi-finals, Benilde-St. Margaret’s defeated Cloquet-Carlton 3-0 Thursday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lumberjacks will face the Academy of Holy Angels Friday in the third place game. That match will take place at 11 a.m. at the West St. Paul Sports Center. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Volleyball: Proctor, Greenway, Cloquet, Grand Rapids Advance to Section Finals

The Rails, Raiders, Lumberjacks and Thunderhawks punched their tickets to the section championship games.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – In the Section 7AA volleyball semi-finals, Proctor defeated Mesabi East 3-1 and Greenway swept Rush City 3-0. The Rails will battle the Raiders Saturday in the section championship game. The match will take place at Hermantown High School at 4 p.m. And in Section 7AAA, it was Cloquet over Hermantown 3-1 and Grand Rapids topped North Branch…

Duluth East Boys Soccer Drop Class AAA State Semi-Final Match to Rosemount

Senior Kai Hoffman would score the lone goal for the Greyhounds, who will face Rochester Mayo in the third place game.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Senior Kai Hoffman would score the lone goal for the Duluth East boys soccer team, but it wouldn’t be enough as they fell to Rosemount 2-1 in the Class AAA state semi-finals Wednesday morning at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Greyhounds will face Rochester Mayo in the third place game. That match will take place Thursday morning at…

Milestones From Schneider, Olesiak Powers South Ridge Volleyball to Section Semi-Finals

Senior setter Bella Schneider recorded her 1000th set assist and junior libero Adella Olesiak posted her 1000th career dig.

CULVER, Minn. – The South Ridge volleyball team is getting set to take part in the Section 7A semi-finals Wednesday night. Last week in their win over Carlton, a pair of Panthers hit some major milestones. Senior setter Bella Schneider recorded her 1000th set assist and junior libero Adella Olesiak posted her 1000th career dig. “I think that was actually…

Duluth Denfeld’s Hanna Hovland Commits to UMD Softball Team

Last season as a junior, Hovland was an All-Conference First Team selection, while hitting over .500 with six home runs and 20 RBI for the Hunters.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, Duluth Denfeld’s Hanna Hovland announced that she has committed to joining the UMD softball team. Last season as a junior, Hovland was an All-Conference First Team selection, while hitting over .500 with six home runs and 20 RBI for the Hunters. She also plays for the Minnesota Renegades club based out of Minneapolis, and also…

MIB’s Ava Butler Signs NLI to Join Mayville State Women’s Basketball

Last season, Butler averaged just over 12 points per game for the Rangers, helping MIB make it all the way to the Class A state semi-finals.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn – This week, Mountain Iron-Buhl’s Ava Butler signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Mayville State women’s basketball team. Last season, she averaged just over 12 points per game for the Rangers, helping MIB make it all the way to the Class A state semi-finals. Categories: College, High School, Sports

Proctor/Hermantown Girls Hockey Holds First Practice of Season

The defending state champions Mirage will open the 2021-22 season next Friday night at East Grand Forks.

PROCTOR, Minn. – In year one of the Emma Stauber era at Proctor Hermantown, she led the Mirage to the section title game. In year two, a perfect undefeated record and the program’s first ever state championship. So on the first day of practice in year, Stauber and the Mirage are ready to prove they’re back for more. “The mentality…

Hermantown’s Chase Sams Wins Mountain Biking State Championship

This was Sams' fourth time at the state championships in Mankato, but his first time winning it all.

MANKATO, Minn. – Hermantown senior Chase Sam took home the mountain biking state championship this past weekend. Sams started mountain biking as a way to train for hockey during the off-season. The races are about 16 miles long and not only did Sams cross the finish line first, but he also broke the state record by 13 seconds. “If you…

Cloquet’s Dana Jones Commits to Winona State Softball

Jones led the Lumberjacks with a .436 batting average with 10 runs batted in.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet’s Dana Jones has committed to playing softball in the NSIC at Winona State. This past season, Jones led the Lumberjacks with a .436 average and .475 OBP. She recorded 24 hits, including two home runs, with 10 RBI. The outfielder was part of Cloquet’s state tournament team that took home third in 2019. Jones also plays…

Prep Football: Moose Lake/Willow River, Esko, Grand Rapids Advance to Section Finals

The Rebels, Eskomos and Thunderhawks will all be playing for section championships next week.

WILLOW RIVER, Minn. – The Moose Lake/Willow River football team continued their undefeated season on Saturday afternoon, getting the 63-26 win over International Falls in the section 7AA semifinals. The Rebels will now face Mesabi East in the section 7AA championship on Thursday, Nov. 4 in Esko with kickoff set for 6:00 p.m. In section 7AAA, Esko also continued their…

Schlies Sends Northwestern Football to Level Three with Win Over West Salem

Senior Austin Schlies finished with 30 carries, 281 yards and four touchdowns

MAPLE, Wis. – Senior Austin Schlies finished with 30 carries, 281 yards and four touchdowns as the Northwestern football team defeated West Salem 42-20 Friday night at Gordon L. Nelson Field. The Tigers move on to Level 3 as they’ll take on Ellsworth next week. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Volleyball: Proctor, Cloquet, Hermantown Advance to Section Semifinals

The Rails will face Rush City in the section 7AA semifinals while the Lumberjacks will host the Hawks in the section 7AAA semifinals on Wednesday.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The top seed Proctor volleyball team made quick work out of Pine City, getting the 3-0 win in the section quarterfinals. The Rails will now face Rush City, who defeated Esko 3-2 in a five-set thriller, in the section 7AA semifinals on Wednesday. That match is set for 5:15 p.m. in Hermantown. In section 7AAA action, Cloquet…

Carlton/Wrenshall Girls, GNK Boys, Hibbing Girls, Rock Ridge Boys Winners at Cross Country Section Championships

The Cloquet Country Club hosted the section championship for cross country.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The section finals for cross country took place Thursday at the Cloquet Country Club. In 7A, the top overall girls team score went to Carlton/Wrenshall. The first girl to cross the finish line was Addison Burkhardt of South Ridge. On the boys side, Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin got the job done as a team. Cromwell Wright’s Noah Foster is your…