High School

Superior’s Ava Rue Suits Up for Freshman Football Team

Rue plays slotback and cornerback for the Spartans, who will host La Crosse Logan on Saturday at noon in the final home game of the spring season.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Choosing to play football was an easy decision for freshman Ava Rue, so much so that she decided to try out for the Superior ninth grade team instead of playing softball. “In 7th grade my friends were talking about it and it sounded like fun so I decided to join so I did in eighth grade. I’d…

Duluth Marshall Baseball Tops Two Harbors for Garramone’s First Coaching Victory

The Duluth Marshall baseball team built an early lead and held on to it until the end.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Marshall baseball team built an early lead and held on to it until the end as they got their first win of the season over Two Harbors 15-5 in five innings Friday night at Wade Stadium. It was also the first career head coaching victory for head coach Nick Garramone. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High…

Prep Softball: Cloquet, Hermantown Pick Up Bounce-Back Wins

It was a great day on the diamond for the Lumberjacks and the Hawks.

DULUTH, Minn. – In prep softball action, Cloquet would hold off a late rally from Duluth East as the Lumberjacks hold on for the win 16-10 Friday afternoon at Ordean Field. Brenna McClarey, Dana Jones, Brynn Martin, Roena Diver and Justice Paro had multiple hits for the Lumberjacks. In other action, it was Hermantown squeaking by Cambridge-Isanti 9-7. Categories: Friday…

GNK’s Geno Uhrbom Commits to University of North Dakota

Ehrbom wrapped up his prep career winning the Section 7A championship for the fourth straight year.

NASHWAUK, Minn. – Greenway-Nashwauk/Keewatin’s Geno Uhrbom has signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his running career at the University of North Dakota. He will compete in cross country and track for the Fighting Hawks. Uhrbom is a two-time cross country state champion and is also the defending state champ in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs. Ehrbom wrapped…

Hindermann, Duluth Denfeld Baseball Walk Off at Home Against Grand Rapids

It is the second straight game the Hunters win in walk-off fashion as they start their season 2-0.

DULUTH, Minn. – Owen Hindermann would hit an RBI single in the bottom of the eighth, scoring Andy Larson as the Duluth Denfeld baseball team knocked off Grand Rapids 4-3 Thursday afternoon at Wade Stadium. It is the second straight game the Hunters win in walk-off fashion as they start their season 2-0. Categories: High School, Sports

Hibbing Baseball Outlasts Duluth Marshall in 12-Inning Thriller

The Bluejackets rallied from a four-run deficit in the seventh inning to push the game to extras, where they would eventually pick up the road win.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Hibbing baseball team got two inside-the-park home runs in the top of the 12th inning as they top Duluth Marshall in extras 12-10 Wednesday night at Wade Stadium. The Bluejackets rallied from a four-run deficit in the seventh inning to push the game to extras, where they would eventually pick up the road win. Categories: High…

Duluth Marshall’s Declan Hutchinson Commits to St. Michael’s Nordic Ski Team

Hutchinson says he will major in bio-chemistry.

DULUTH, Minn. – The state of Vermont is home to two things: Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and Bernie Sanders. It also has some great ski slopes, which was a great selling point for a local high school Nordic skier. Wednesday, Duluth Marshall’s Declan Hutchinson signed his National Letter of Intent to join the St. Michael’s Nordic ski team. It…

Proctor/Hermantown’s Alyssa Watkins Commits to Bemidji State Women’s Hockey

Watkins will join teammate Ella Anick, who committed to Bemidji State back in the fall.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Before the start of the Class A girls hockey tournament, Proctor/Hermantown’s Alyssa Watkins had no offers to play Division I hockey, despite being 15th in the entire state in total points scored. Then after scoring seven goals in the playoffs, including the overtime game-winner that gave the Mirage their first-ever state title, Watkins is now set to…

Duluth Marshall’s Gianna Kneepkens Named Top-5 Finalist for Ms. Basketball Award

The winner will be announced at the Minnesota High School All-Star Game on April 24th.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Marshall’s Gianna Kneepkens has been named a finalist for the Ms. Basketball Award, which is given to the best senior basketball player in the state of Minnesota. The Utah commit wrapped up her career with the Hilltoppers scoring a state-record 67 points in her final career game, which allowed her to finish fifth on the all-time…

Prep Softball: Proctor, Duluth East Win Home Openers

The Rails also got the 10-0 win over Two Harbors earlier in the day to improve to 3-0 on the season, while the Greyhounds used a 15-run first inning to win their season opener.

PROCTOR, Minn. -The Proctor softball team returned home in a big way on Saturday, getting the 6-2 win over Grand Rapids. The Rails also got the 10-0 win over Two Harbors earlier in the day to improve to 3-0 on the season. In other prep softball action, Duluth East scored 15 runs in the first inning to get the 17-1…

Former Denfeld Standout Keegan Chastey to Play Under Dad Barry on St. Scholstica Men’s Soccer Team

Barry Chastey has been coaching his son Keegan for the past decade and now gets one more chance at it this semester, as the Denfeld standout will suit up for the Saints this spring.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Denfeld soccer alum Keegan Chastey has been cheering on the Saints since he first started playing soccer. “I’ve been up here watching the games, especially the playoffs, ever since I was maybe four years old. To be a part of the team instead of just a fan, it’s a good feeling,” Keegan said. After guiding the…

Duluth East’s Aili Hietala Signs NLI to Join University of Montana Tennis Team

She played six years as the #1 singles for the Greyhounds and will look to carry over her success to the college level.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East’s Aili Hietala dominated the competition in her high school tennis career, finishing with a 145-18 overall record. And now she’s taking her talents to the Big Sky Country. Monday, Hietala signed her National Letter of Intent to play Division I tennis at the University of Montana. She played six years as the #1 singles for…

Six Hermantown Hockey Players to Take Part in Frozen Four

Koepke, Jacques, Sandelin and Aamodt were all teammates at Hermantown when the Hawks won their first of back to back state titles in 2016.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Thursday’s Frozen Four will feature a lot of representation from the state of Minnesota. Nearly 40% of the players are from the state of hockey, more than the other 49 states combined. And the largest local group comes from Hermantown. Six former Hawks are taking part in the Frozen Four: UMD’s Cole Koepke, Jesse Jacques, Blake Biondi…

Longtime Assistant Coach Tyler Korby to Lead Cloquet Softball Team

The Lumberjacks will open the season next Monday at Esko.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The defending Section 7AAA champs Cloquet are back on the field, but with a new leader in the dugout. Longtime assistant coach Tyler Korby is now the head coach for the Lumberjacks. He is also the club director for the Minnesota Blast travel softball team. And that means he’s already very familiar with many of his players….

Grand Rapids’ Hayden DeMars Leads Team Yellow Over Team White in Boys Hockey All-Star Game

Grand Rapids forward Hayden DeMars would finish with four goals and take home MVP honors.

DULUTH, Minn. – Grand Rapids forward Hayden DeMars would finish with four goals and take home MVP honors as Team Yellow defeated Team White 7-5 in the 34th annual Essentia All Star Boys Hockey Game. Joey Pierce, Logan Dushkin and Tom Nemanich also scored for Team Yellow, who also got five assists from Braeden Holcomb. Team White were led by…

Hermantown’s Joey Pierce Back on the Ice for Minnesota Wilderness

Pierce's teammates Aaron Pionk and Zam Plante will also skate for the Wilderness for the rest of the NAHL season.

CLOQUET, Minn. – After a heart-breaking end to his high school career, Hermantown hockey captain Joey Pierce has laced up the skates again and is now playing junior hockey with the Minnesota Wilderness. The UMD commit joined the team last week and plans to finish out the season with them. Pierce has played for the Wilderness before and is excited…

Proctor, Hermantown Cities Proclaim Thursday “Proctor/Hermantown Mirage State Champions Day”

The two communities will honor the team after their thrilling state title win this past weekend, which was their first in program history.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The cities of Proctor and Hermantown announced this week that this Thursday, April 8th will be proclaimed “Proctor/Hermantown Mirage State Champions Day”. The two communities will honor the team after its thrilling state title win this past weekend, which was the first in program history. As of now, there is not an event of some kind planned…

MIB Girls Basketball Lose Nail-Biter in Class A State Semi-Finals

Freshman Jordan Zubich finished with 14 points while Ava Butler chipped in with 12 for the Rangers

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Abby Hennen would knock down a free throw with 2.1 seconds left in the game that gave Minneota the 54-53 win over Mountain Iron-Buhl in the Class A girls basketball semi-finals Tuesday afternoon at the Target Center. Freshman Jordan Zubich finished with 14 points while Ava Butler chipped in with 12 for the Rangers, who finish their…

Northland Boys Hockey Season to Culminate in All-Star Game

Puck drop from the Heritage Center is set for 7:15 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday night, the Northland boys hockey season will come to an end with the annual Essentia All-Star hockey game. 34 players will take part in the event, with Eveleth-Gilbert’s Jeff Torrel and Hermantown’s Patrick Andrews serving as head coaches. And for the seniors, it will be the final game of their high school careers. “Last game of…

Game Week Finally Arrives for Esko Softball Team

The Eskomos will be in their first action since they won the section title back in May of 2019.

ESKO, Minn. – Practices continue this week for prep softball teams. And for many teams like Esko, it’s also game week. The Eskomos will be in their first action since they won the section title back in May of 2019. And because of spring break last week, Monday was the first time the entire team practiced together. “It’s really exciting….

Grand Rapids Defenseman Jack Peart Wins 2021 Mr. Hockey Award

Peart scored 11 goals and recorded 24 assists in his senior campaign, helping Grand Rapids make it to the section title game.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Grand Rapids defenseman Jack Peart has won the Mr. Hockey award, given to the best senior hockey player in the state of Minnesota. He is the first defenseman to win the award in 12 years and the first Thunderhawk winner since 2014 when Avery Peterson took home the honor. Peart scored 11 goals and recorded 24…

Alyssa Watkins Scores OT Game-Winner to Give Proctor/Hermantown First-Ever State Title

Senior forward Alyssa Watkins scored the game-winning goal in double overtime

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Senior forward Alyssa Watkins scored the game-winning goal in double overtime as the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team defeated Gentry Academy 3-2 in the Class A state championship game. Aurora Opsahl and Izy Fairchild also scored for the Mirage, who captured their first state title in program history. Attached video includes postgame comments from head coach Emma…

MIB Girls Basketball Prepares for Return to State Semifinals

The class A state semifinal between Minneota and Mountain Iron-Buhl is Tuesday, April 6 at the Target Center. Tipoff is set for noon. 

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – The Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team stuck with it the entire way and only led for the final 17 seconds of their state quarterfinal game, but it was enough to get the job done as they’re now heading back to familiar territory: the class A state semifinals. “It will feel like home,” junior forward Jacie Kvas…

Duluth Denfeld Softball Team Dedicating Season to Late Coach Dick Swanson

For the first time in decades, Denfeld will take the field without their longtime head coach Dick Swanson, who passed away back in August.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, practices got underway for prep softball teams, including Duluth Denfeld. But this year, the Hunters will begin the season without a very special member of their program. For the first time in decades, Denfeld will take the field without their longtime head coach Dick Swanson, who passed away back in August. Nikki Jensen will take…

Proctor/Hermantown Girls Hockey Take Down Warroad, Advance to State Championship Game

The Mirage advance to the state championship game for the first time in program history.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Freshman Hannah Graves finished with two goals as the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team defeated Warroad 3-1 in the Class A state semi-finals at the Xcel Energy Center. Senior Alyssa Watkins also scored her sixth goal of the tournament, while junior Abby Pajari finished with 31 saves. The Mirage advance to the state championship game for the…

Duluth Marshall’s Gianna Kneepkens Scores State-Record 67 Points in Final High School Game

Kneepkens wraps up her high school career with 3,702 points, which will sit in the #5 spot on the all-time scoring list.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday, the Duluth Marshall girls basketball team suffered a heart-breaking loss in the state quarterfinals. It was the final game in the high school career for Gianna Kneepkens and she went out with a bang. Kneepkens finished with a career-high 67 points, which is also a new prep girls state record for most points scored in a…

Hermantown JV Hockey Team Receives Outpouring of Support After State Quarterfinals

The support included an exchange of mutual respect on Twitter between Zam Plante and Dodge County's Brody Lamb.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – After their loss in the state quarterfinals Tuesday night, the Hermantown JV hockey team has received an outpouring of support all over social media, including from former Hawk and current UMD Bulldog Blake Biondi, as well as an exchange of mutual respect on Twitter between Zam Plante and Dodge County’s Brody Lamb. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Boys Baskeball: Duluth East, Hibbing, MLWR, Deer River Fall in State Quarterfinals

The season came to an end for the Greyhounds, Bluejackets, Rebels and Warriors.

OSSEO, Minn. – In the Class AAAA state quarterfinals, the Duluth East boys basketball team struggled in the second half as they fell to Wayzata 78-69. In other quarterfinals action, DeLaSalle defeated Hibbing 92-72 in Class AAA, Minneapolis North knocked off Moose Lake-Willow River 71-40 in Class AA, and in Class A it was Badger/Greenbush-Middle River over Deer River 58-52….

State Semi-Final Meeting with Warroad Awaits Proctor/Hermantown Girls Hockey Team

Puck drop for tomorrow's game against Warroad at the Xcel Energy Center is set for 11 a.m.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Wednesday morning, the best breakfast for Northland hockey fans won’t be a bagel or eggs benedict. It will be the start of the state semi-finals for girls hockey. And Proctor/Hermantown have earned a spot at the table. The Mirage will go up against Warroad, the #1 ranked team in Class A. The Warriors are led by Ms….

MIB Girls Basketball Talk Thrilling Quarterfinals Win

MIB will face defending state champs Minneota in the state semi-finals on Tuesday.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – The Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team got a big win Tuesday afternoon over Cass Lake-Bena in the Class A quarterfinals. It wasn’t pretty though as the Rangers committed 24 turnovers and only led for the last 17 seconds of the game. But they say a win is a win when it comes to the state tournament….

Marshall, Denfeld Baseball Teams Begin Practices with New Head Coaches

Spring practices are underway for the Duluth Marshall and Duluth Denfeld baseball teams, who both have new head coaches.

DULUTH, Minn. – As winter sports begin to wind down, that means spring sports are starting back up. And it’s been a long wait for many local teams who had their seasons cancelled last year, including Northland baseball teams. And for some teams, like Duluth Denfeld, it means getting re-introduced to their new head coach. Joe Wicklund took over last…

Prep Girls Basketball: MIB Advances to Class A Semi-Finals; Season Ends at Quarterfinals for Duluth Marshall, Grand Rapids

The Rangers stay alive in the state tournament, while the season came to an end for the Hilltoppers and the Thunderhawks.

PEQUOT LAKES, Minn. – In a game where they lead for the final 17 seconds, the Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team earned a comeback win over Cass Lake-Bena 50-49 in the quarterfinals of the Class A state tournament. The Rangers move on to face Minneota in the state semi-finals. That game will be next Tuesday at the Target Center. In…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Fall to Dodge County in Class A Quarterfinals

Cameron Pietrusa, Sam Swenson and Zam Plante all scored for the Hawks, who were playing without most of their varsity players due to COVID exposure.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Hermantown boys junior varsity hockey team fought valiantly in place of their varsity teammates, but it wouldn’t be enough as they fell to Dodge County 7-3 Tuesday night in the Class A state quarterfinals. Cameron Pietrusa, Sam Swenson and Zam Plante all scored for the Hawks, who were playing without most of their varsity players…

Ayden McDonald Continuing Family Tradition, Leading Hibbing to Class AAA State Tournament

McDonald and the Bluejackets will take on DeLaSalle in the class AAA state quarterfinals on Wednesday at St. Cloud Tech. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

HIBBING, Minn. – It’s been a season to remember so far for Hibbing’s Ayden McDonald. On the court, he recorded 900 career assists and also became the program’s all-time leading scorer. “A little bit different from the mold of our family; scoring isn’t really his MO. He’s able to do it but he has tendency to make the right play,…

GRG’s Claire Vekich Named Top-5 Finalist for Ms. Hockey Award

The winner of the Ms. Hockey award will be announced next Tuesday April 6th.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Grand Rapids/Greenway’s Claire Vekich is now a top-five finalist for the Ms. Hockey award, given to the top senior player in the state of Minnesota. Vekich says she hopes the nomination will bring more attention to girls hockey programs in the Northland. “I think it’s a really big eye-opener to have a Northern GRG hockey player…

Five-Goal Game Could Mean More D1 Offers for Proctor/Hermantown’s Alyssa Watkins

Watkins is not currently committed to playing college hockey, but she does want to play at the Division I level.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The prep hockey world is still buzzing after Proctor/Hermantown’s Alyssa Watkins scored five goals in a win over Luverne in the Class A state quarterfinals. Watkins is not currently committed to playing college hockey, but she does want to play at the Division I level. And maybe her performance could help with some much-deserved exposure. “Obviously, this…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Varsity Team in Quarantine, JV Squad to Play in State Quarterfinals

The vast majority of the varsity team will not take part in the game, but members of the junior varsity squad will made eligible to play.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Hermantown boys hockey team will be shorthanded for Tuesday’s Class A state quarterfinals game against Dodge County due to exposure to COVID-19. The vast majority of the varsity team will not take part in the game, but members of the junior varsity squad will made eligible to play. Here’s the official statement from athletic director Beth…

Deer River, Moose Lake/Willow River, Hibbing, Duluth East Boys Basketball Teams Learn State Quarterfinal Opponents

The boys basketball state quarterfinals will take place on March 31.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The state tournament brackets and seedings were released on Saturday and four Northland teams will be competing for a state title. The quarterfinal action gets started on Wednesday. CLASS A N2 Deer River vs. N3 Badger/Greenbush Middle River. Wednesday, March 31 at 6:00 p.m. at Pequot Lakes Semifinals April 7, Championship April 10 at Target Center CLASS…

Mountain Iron-Buhl, Duluth Marshall, Grand Rapids Girls Basketball Teams Learn State Quarterfinal Opponents

The girls basketball quarterfinal action gets started on March 30.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Brackets and seedings have been released for the girls state basketball tournaments and three local teams will competing for state titles. The quarterfinal action gets started on Tuesday. CLASS A N2 Mountain Iron-Buhl vs. N3 Cass Lake-Bena. Tuesday, March 30 at 4:30 p.m. at Pequot Lakes CLASS AA N3 Duluth Marshall vs. N2 Providence Academy. Tuesday, March…

Deer River Boys Basketball Tops Nashwauk-Keewatin For First Ever Section 7A Title

Ty Morrison led the way with 24 points to lead the Warriors to their first state tournament appearance in school history.

NASHWAUK, Minn. – The Deer River boys basketball team used a big second half to get the 60-42 win over Nashwauk-Keewatin on Friday night to claim their first ever section 7A title. Ty Morrison led the way with 24 points while Mikhail Wakonabo chipped in with 21 points for the Warriors. Deer River now prepares for their first state tournament…

Duluth Marshall Girls Basketball Hold Off Esko to Win Second Straight Section Championship

Senior Gianna Kneepkens led all scorers with 31 points.

ESKO, Minn. – Senior Gianna Kneepkens led all scorers with 31 points as the Duluth Marshall girls basketball team held off a late rally from Esko to pick up the win 63-52 in the Section 7AA championship game. Ava Meierotto chipped in with 14 points to help the Hilltoppers punch their ticket to the state tournament for the second straight…

Watkins’ Big Day Powers Proctor/Hermantown Girls Hockey Past Luverne in State Quarterfinals

Watkins tied a state tournament record with four goals in the second period.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Senior forward Alyssa Watkins finished with five goals, including three shorthanded, as the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team rolled past Luverne 8-0 Friday afternoon in the Class A state quarterfinals. Reese Hientzman, Hannah Kaupinnen and Ella Anick also scored for the Mirage, who move on to the state semi-finals where they will face #2 seed Warroad. Puck…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Earns Top Seed in Class A State Tournament

The Hawks will face Dodge County in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. Puck drop is set for 6:00 p.m.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – After defeating Duluth Denfeld 7-1 to claim their second straight section 7A title and 11th trip to the state tournament in the past 12 years, the Hermantown boys hockey team earned the No. 1 overall seed in Class A for the state tournament. The Hawks will face Dodge County in the quarterfinals. The Wildcats finished their…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Take Down Duluth Denfeld to Win Section 7A Championship

Seniors Joey Pierce and Ethan Lund each scored twice as the Hermantown boys hockey team defeated Duluth Denfeld 7-1 to win the Section 7A championship.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Seniors Joey Pierce and Ethan Lund each scored twice as the Hermantown boys hockey team defeated Duluth Denfeld 7-1 to win the Section 7A championship. George Peterson, Aydyn Dowd and Beau Janzig also scored for the Hawks, who are going to the Class A state tournament for the 11th time in the past 12 seasons. Kade Shea…

Duluth East Boys Basketball Win First Section Title Since 2012

It is the Greyhounds first section title since 2012 and the first for head coach Rhett McDonald.

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior guard Giovani Saldivar led the way with 24 points as the Duluth East boys basketball team got the home win over Coon Rapids 74-60 Thursday night. It is the Greyhounds first section title since 2012 and the first for head coach Rhett McDonald. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Boys Basketball: Moose Lake-Willow River, Hibbing Moving On to State Tournament

The Rebels and Bluejackets won their section championships on the road Thursday night.

PEQUOT LAKES, Minn. – In the Section 7AA championship game, Moose Lake-Willow River scored early and often as they knocked off Pequot Lakes 57-51 for their second-ever trip to the Class AA state tournament. And in Section 7AAA, it was Hibbing getting the win over defending section champs Princeton 80-59. Categories: High School, Sports

Grand Rapids Girls Basketball Team Wins Section 7AAA Championship

The Thunderhawks are back in the state tournament after a two-year hiatus.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Kyra Giffen and Braya LaPlant led the way as the Grand Rapids girls basketball team used a strong second half to defeat Chisago Lakes 58-48 to win the Section 7AAA championship. And in Section 7A, Mountain Iron-Buhl stifled Cherry defensively as the Rangers rolled past the Tigers 60-28. Jordan Zubich led MIB with 25 points. Categories:…