High School

Prep Basketball: Duluth Marshall, Proctor Girls, Hibbing Boys Build Momentum Towards Sectionals

The Hilltoppers and Rails girls, as well as the Bluejacket boys got themselves in the win column on Tuesday night.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Senior Gianna Kneepkens finished with 44 points as the Duluth Marshall girls basketball team picked up a road win Tuesday night over Hermanton 81-65. In other prep basketball action, the Proctor girls knocked off Cloquet 53-44 and the Hibbing boys led wire-to-wire as they defeated Duluth Denfeld 79-30. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Boys Hockey: Grand Rapids, Hermantown, Duluth Denfeld, CEC, Greenway Earn Tuesday Night Wins

Big night of prep boys hockey as the Thunderhawks, Hawks, Hunters, Lumberjacks and Raiders emerged victorious.

DULUTH, Minn. – Garret Drotts, Jack Peart and Easton Young scored for the Grand Rapids boys hockey team as they defeated section foe Duluth East 3-1 Tuesday night at the Heritage Center. Other prep boys hockey scores include Hermantown blanking Duluth Marshall 6-0, Duluth Denfeld getting the home shutout over Virginia/MIB 5-0, Cloquet-Esko-Carlton tops Hibbing/Chisholm 3-0 and Greenway gets a…

Superior Volleyball Team Begin Alternate Spring Season

Superior is scheduled to open their season Thursday at home against Sparta.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Back in the fall, the WIAA gave schools the option to play fall sports on schedule or move to the alternate spring season. And after over a year of not playing at all, the Superior volleyball team is finally back at practice. The Spartans were one of only a few teams who opted out of playing in…

Sarah Hurst Named New Head Coach of Duluth Girls Lacrosse Team

Hurst went to Connecticut College, where she was inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday, Sarah Hurst was named the new head coach of the Duluth Wolfpack girls lacrosse team. She’ll take over for Marissa Guillou, who is an assistant coach for the UWS women’s soccer team. Hurst is originally from Skaker Heights, OH and went to Connecticut College, where she was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. She…

Prep Girls Basketball: Crosby-Ironton Squeaks By Esko, Duluth East Takes Down Two Harbors

The Rangers won by the slimmest of margins, while the Greyhounds earned a big home win over the Agates

ESKO, Minn. – In a battle of two of the top teams in Section 7A, the Crosby-Ironton girls won a nail-biter over Esko 56-55 Monday night. In other prep girls basketball action, Ashlynne Guenther led the way with 34 points as Duluth East topped Two Harbors 78-45. Categories: High School, Sports

Proctor/Hermantown Girls Hockey Top Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, Sweep Season Series

Sophomore forward Nya Sieger scored twice as the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team defeated Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 5-1

PROCTOR, Minn. – Sophomore forward Nya Sieger scored twice as the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team defeated Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 5-1 Monday night at the St. Luke’s Sports and Event. Alyssa Watkins, Reese Heitzman and Michaela Phinney all scored for the Mirage, who stayed undefeated on the season. Dana Jones scored the lone goal for the Lumberjacks. Categories: High School, Sports

South Ridge Girls Basketball Off To Best Start in Program History

The South Ridge girls basketball team is currently sitting at 10-2 on the season with an 8-1 section record. 

CULVER, Minn. – The South Ridge girls basketball team is off to one of their best starts in program history, sitting at 10-2 on the season and an 8-1 section record. The Panthers opened the season with a loss to section foe Cromwell but have turned things around since and are now clicking on both sides of the ball. “After…

Northwestern Boys Basketball Falls in Sectional Final

The Tigers finish the season with a 15-10 record.

HAMMOND, Wis. – The No. 1 St. Croix Central boys basketball team was too much for Northwestern to overcome, as they got the 80-57 win in the sectional final to advance to state. The Tigers’ season comes to an end in the sectional final as they finish the year with a 15-10 record. Categories: High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Rhett McDonald

For this week's segment, we hear from the head coach of the Duluth East boys basketball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with Duluth East boys basketball coach Rhett McDonald about the latest success for the Greyhounds. McDonald spoke about what his team learned from their early season match-up against top-ranked Minnehaha Academy, as well as the stellar play of seniors Noah Paulson and Mattie Thompson. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy,…

Prep Girls Basketball: Hermantown Tops Proctor, Duluth East Earns First Win of the Season

Thursday night was a good night for the Hawks and the Greyhounds.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Sophomore Liv Birkeland led all scorers with 26 points as the Hermantown girls basketball team earned a road win over Proctor 73-63 Thursday night. Maiah Christianson and Megan Menzel finished with 20 and 10 points, respectively, for the Hawks. The Rails were led by Payton Rodberg and Hailie Evans, who each scored 20 points. In other prep…

Northwestern Boys Basketball Blow Past Aquinas, Advance to Section Finals

Northwestern will take on top-seeded St. Croix Central Saturday in the section championship game.

LA CROSSE, Wis. – In the Division 3 section semi-finals, the Northwestern boys basketball team scored early and often as they ran past Aquinas 80-52 Thursday night. Cole Lahti led the Tigers with 15 points, while Monte Mayberry and John Grohn also finished in double digits. Northwestern will take on top-seeded St. Croix Central Saturday in the section championship game….

Prep Boys Hockey: Hermantown, Duluth Marshall Victorious On The Road

The Hawks and Hilltoppers came in as visitors and left as winners on Thursday night.

DULUTH, Minn. – Cole Antcliff and Aydyn Dowd both finished with hat tricks as the Hermantown boys hockey team picked up the road win over Duluth Denfeld 9-3 Thursday night at the Heritage Center. In other prep boys hockey action, Duluth Marshall would score four times in the third period to get the road win over Proctor 7-3 at the…

Duluth East’s Giovani Saldivar Commits to CSS Men’s Basketball

He will join former teammates Isiah Hendrickson and Noah Winesett, who are also on the Saints roster.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, Duluth East’s Giovani Saldivar announced on Twitter that he has committed to joining the St. Scholastica men’s basketball team. The sharpshooter has been a big part of the Greyhounds success this year. He will join former teammates Isiah Hendrickson and Noah Winesett, who are also on the Saints roster. Categories: College, High School, Sports

UMD Alum Nicole Jensen Named New Softball Coach at Duluth Denfeld

She replaces longtime Denfeld softball coach Dick Swanson, who passed away last summer.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday, Duluth Denfeld hired Nicole Jensen to be their new head softball coach. Jensen played her college ball at UMD and was recently on the coaching staff at Duluth East. Jensen is also a social studies teacher at Lincoln Park Middle School. She replaces longtime Denfeld softball coach Dick Swanson, who passed away last summer. Categories: High…

South Ridge’s Deekon Anvid Signs NLI for Southwest Minnesota State Track & Field

he will compete in all of the throwing events, including shot put, weight throw and discus.

CULVER, Minn. – South Ridge’s Deekon Anvid has signed his National Letter of Intent to join the track & field team at Southwest Minnesota State where he will compete in all of the throwing events, including shot put, weight throw and discus. The big man made his mark for the Panthers football team, leading the team in tackles and being…

A Golden Reunion: 1945 Boys Hockey State Tournament Medal Returns Home to Eveleth

After sending out a tweet honoring his grandfather's 1945 state title win, Phill Drobnick got a special surprise from the MSHSL.

EVELETH, Minn. – Eveleth native Phill Drobnick is a big fan of gold. He was the head coach of the U.S. men’s curling team, aka Team Shuster, who won gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics. And last week, he received another gold medal that has a story not even Hollywood could come up with. Back in 1945, the MSHSL hosted…

Prep Hockey: Denfeld Boys, Proctor/Hermantown Girls Pick Up Home Wins, Grand Rapids/Greenway Girls Earn Road Comeback Victory

The Hunters and Mirage cruised at home, while the Lightning rallied late to get the win on the road.

DULUTH, Minn. – Four different goal-scorers for the Duluth Denfeld boys hockey team as they picked up a home section win over Hibbing/Chisholm 4-2 Tuesday night at the Heritage Center. Simon Davidson, Nate Burke, Cooper McClure and Kade Shea scored for the Hunters, while Kasey Kemp and Keeghan Fink scored for the Bluejackets. In prep girls hockey action, Proctor/Hermantown stayed…

Prep Basketball: Esko Girls Top Hermantown, Grand Rapids Boys Defeat Duluth Denfeld

The Eskomos girls were victorious at home, while the Thunderhawk boys made the road trip worth it.

ESKO, Minn. – After taking their first loss of the season last Friday night in overtime at Pequot Lakes, the Esko girls basketball team bounced back in a big win, earning a home win over Hermantown 59-23. In prep boys basketball action, Grand Rapids got the road win over Duluth Denfeld 59-36. Categories: High School, Sports

Grand Rapids’ John Bonner Commits to St. Scholastica Football

He joins teammate Caden Hofstad who committed to CSS last month.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Tuesday afternoon, Grand Rapids standout John Bonner announced on Twitter that he has committed to joining the St. Scholastica football team. Bonner finished his career with the Thunderhawks recording eight rushing touchdowns and four receiving TDs. He helped Grand Rapids finish the regular season undefeated. He joins teammate Caden Hofstad who committed to CSS last month….

Section Tournament Awaits Northwestern Boys Basketball Team

Northwestern will face Aquinas in the section semi-finals. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday night.

MAPLE, Wis. – The Northwestern boys basketball team is still alive after a regional title win last week over Cumberland. Despite dropping two games in the regular season to the Beavers, the Tigers were able to battle back to win their second championship in three years. And now, their confidence is sky-high heading into the section playoffs. “It’s super exciting….

Prep Boys Basketball: Moose Lake-Willow River, South Ridge Successfully Defend Home Court

The Rebels and Panthers earned section wins at home on Monday night.

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – 12 different players get on the score sheet for the Moose Lake-Willow River boys basketball team as they got the home win over Proctor 105-52 Monday night. In other prep boys basketball action, South Ridge knocked off Lakeview Christian 76-53, thanks to a game-high 25 points from senior Noah Sertich. Sophomore Austin Josephson also chipped in…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Hockey to Host “Hockey Fights Cancer” Night

The Hunters will host Hibbing/Chisholm and a donation box will be available to help raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday night, the Duluth Denfeld boys hockey team will team up with Minnesota Hockey and the Minnesota Wild to host “Hockey Fights Cancer” night. The Hunters will host Hibbing/Chisholm and a donation box will be available to help raise funds for the American Cancer Society. The team also put out a special video in support of those…

Proctor/Hermantown’s Alyssa Watkins Scores 100th Career Point

Watkins also scored her 50th career goal alongside her teammate Michaela Phinney, who also hit that same milestone.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – If you’ve been to a Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey game in the past few years, you’ve probably heard the name Alyssa Watkins said multiple times. And those points add up as the senior forward recently hit a major milestone. This past Friday Watkins scored her 100th career point for the Mirage in a win over Northern Lakes. She…

Wilderness Get Shootout Win Over Kenai River

Jacob Badal scored twice, including the game-winner in the shootout.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Minnesota Wilderness would rally in the second to force overtime, then Jacob Badal scored the lone goal in the shootout to give the Wilderness the 3-2 home win over Kenai River. Badal also scored in regulation while Mikol Sartor scored the other goal for the Wilderness. The Wilderness will play at Kenai River on Tuesday. Categories:…

Duluth Marshall Girls Hockey Finding Success in Boulier’s First Season

The Hilltoppers are 8-2 so far in Boulier's first year as head coach, but have a tough stretch to end the regular season including games against 7A rivals Proctor/Hermantown and CEC.

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s always some questions about how teams will perform and how successful they’ll be when they get a new head coach. But for Amanda Boulier and the Duluth Marshall girls hockey team, they’ve found a good amount of success so far in year one. The Hilltoppers are 8-2 so far in Boulier’s first year as bench boss…

Northwestern Boys Basketball Tops Cameron, Wins Regional Title

The Tigers advance to sectionals for the second time in three years.

CAMERON, Wis. – The Northwestern boys basketball team started off strong then hung on late to upset top seed Cameron with a 78-68 win in the Division 3 regional final. CJ Thompson led the way with 21 points while Monte Mayberry finished with 19 points, Harrison Nelson chipped in with 12 points and Jase Nelson had 10. The Tigers advance…

Superior Boys Hockey Falls Short to St. Mary’s Springs in Division 2 State Championship

Andrew Rude scored the lone goal for the Spartans while Jamin Durfee finished with 36 saves.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. – Top seed and defending state champions St. Mary’s Springs would prove to be too much, getting the 4-1 win over Superior in the Division 2 boys hockey state championship game. Andrew Rude scored the lone goal for the Spartans midway through the third. Jamin Durfee finished with 36 saves. Brady Welsch scored twice, while Dayne Deanovich…

Coaches Corner: Emma Stauber

For this week's segment, we catch up with the head coach of the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage girls hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey head coach Emma Stauber as her team is currently undefeated on the season. She also spoke about the Mirage’s big win over Cloquet-Esko-Carlton and what it means to have the chance to play for a state title. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Northwestern Boys Basketball Top Cumberland, Advance to Regional Finals

The Tigers move on to Saturday's regional finals to face top seed Cameron.

CUMBERLAND, Wis. – Despite getting swept in the regular season by Cumberland, the Northwestern boys basketball team picked up a win when it mattered most as they defeated the Beavers 82-68 Friday night. Cole Lahti led the way with 21 points while John Grohn finished with 19. The Tigers move on to Saturday’s regional finals to face top seed Cameron….

Superior Boys Hockey Gets Set for State Championship Game

The Spartans will face top seed and defending state champions St. Mary's Springs. Puck drop on Saturday is set for 9:30 a.m. in Wisconsin Rapids.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – On Thursday night, the Superior boys hockey team kept the good times rolling, as they beat Lakeland Union 4-1 to advance to the state finals for the first time since 2015. But to be the best you’ve got to beat the best, and the best is waiting for the Spartans on the other side. Superior gets set…

Duluth Marshall’s Gianna Kneepkens Nominated to McDonald’s All-American Roster

This week, Kneepkens became the Northland's all-time leading scorer, surpassing South Shore's Megan Gustafson. 

DULUTH, Minn. – More honors are coming in for Duluth Marshall’s Gianna Kneepkens as she was nominated for the McDonalds All-American roster, which included the best high school players in the entire country. The final roster will be named later this month, however the actual game will not be played due to COVID restrictions. This week, Kneepkens became the Northland’s…

Superior Boys Hockey Top Lakeland Union, Advance to State Title Game

Carter Kalin, Carson Gotelaere, Kell Piggot and Mason Stenberg scored for the Spartans, who advance to the state title game for the first time since 2015.

SPOONER, Wis. – The Cinderella run continued for the Superior boys hockey team as they defeated Lakeland Union 4-1 Thursday night in the Division 2 state semi-finals at the Spooner Civic Center. Carter Kalin, Carson Gotelaere, Kell Piggot and Mason Stenberg scored for the Spartans, who advance to the state title game for the first time since 2015. They will…

Prep Girls Basketball: Proctor, Grand Rapids Extend Win Streaks; Hermantown Falls at Home

The Rails and Thunderhawks continued their winning ways on Tuesday night.

PROCTOR, Minn. – It was a special senior night for the Proctor girls basketball team as they got the home win over Moose Lake-Willow River 60-46 Tuesday night. It was a special night for the Rebels as well, as junior Natalie Mikrot finished with 21 points and became the program’s all-time leading scorer. In other prep girls basketball action, Taryn…

Prep Girls Hockey: Proctor/Hermantown, Duluth Marshall Earn Road Wins

The Mirage exact revenge on the Lumberjacks, while the Hilltoppers could not stop scoring in the second period.

CLOQUET, Minn. – In a rematch of last season’s Section 7A championship game, the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team defeated reigning section champs Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 5-1 Tuesday night at the Northwoods Credit Union Arena. Michaela Phinney scored twice for the Mirage, while Izy Fairchild, Reese Heitzman and Kaydee High also scored for Proctor/Hermantown. Keelee Grashorn scored the lone for the Lumberjacks. In…

Prep Boys Hockey: Hermantown Tops Duluth Denfeld, CEC Knocks Off Proctor

The Hunters put up a good fight against the Hawks, while the the Lumberjacks opened the game with a five-goal first period.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Sophomore phenom Zam Plante finished with two goals on the night as the Hermantown boys hockey team held off a tough fight from Duluth Denfeld 6-3 Tuesday night at the Hermantown Ice Arena. Aydyn Dowd, Beau Janzig, Wyatt Carlson and Jack Olson also scored for the Hawks, while the Hunters got two goals from Simon Davidson. In…

Northwestern Boys Basketball Set to Open Playoffs Later This Week.

The Tigers will battle the Beavers Friday night in Cumberland. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

MAPLE, Wis. – Last week, the Northwestern girls basketball team captured their second straight regional championship. It will be a tough act to follow as the boys team begin playoff action this week. The Tigers had another strong regular season, finishing the year 15-7 despite being a little inexperienced. But they feel they’re playing their best basketball now as they…

Nelson, Berg Hat Tricks Push Duluth East Boys Hockey Past Duluth Marshall

A pair of juniors earned hat tricks for Duluth East that helped them get the road win over rivals Duluth Marshall.

DULUTH, Minn. – Junior forwards Kaden Nelson and Lars Berg finished with three goals each on the night as the Duluth East boys hockey team got the road win over Duluth Marshall Monday night at Mars Lakeview Arena. Zarley Ziemski, Wyatt Peterson and Grant Winkler also scored for the Greyhounds, who snapped a two-game skid. Joseph Stauber scored the lone…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Hockey Looking Strong Heading Into Section Championship Rematch

Puck drop for Tuesday night's game at the Hermantown Ice Arena is set for 7 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Denfeld boys are back in action after a three-week pause early in their season. And the Hunters are not showing any signs of rust, rattling off three straight wins and outscoring their opponents 29 to 5. “We’re attacking through the neutral zone really well so far. That’s where I guess we’re a little bit ahead…

Spartans Boys Hockey Preparing for 38th State Tournament Appearance in Program History

The state semifinal between Lakeland and Superior is set for Thursday at the Spooner Civic Center with puck drop set for 7:00 p.m. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In 2005, the Superior boys hockey team got a dramatic comeback win in overtime to win the state championship. Fast forward 16 years later to Friday night, the Spartans did it again, this time to officially punch their ticket to the state tournament. “Definitely one of the top three , I’ll remember that forever,” senior defenseman Gavin…

Saints Women, Men’s Hockey Tops Vikings

Ashley Healy recorded a hat trick for the women while Sam Fuss scored 14 seconds into overtime for the men.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica women’s hockey team had another offensive showing on Sunday, getting the 9-2 win over Lawrence to sweep the weekend series. The Saints also got the 9-1 win on Saturday night. Ashley Healy recorded a hat trick while Courtney Bloemke and Lisa LaRoche each scored twice. Abby Pohlkamp and Rachel Anderson tallied the other goals…

Superior Boys Hockey Draws 2 Seed for State Tournament

The Spartans will play No. 3 seed Lakeland at the Spooner Civic Center in the semifinals on Thursday. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After Superior’s dramatic comeback win in the sectional final on Friday, they’re headed back to state for the 38th time in program history. Superior is the No. 2 seed in Division 2 and will play No. 3 seed Lakeland at the Spooner Civic Center in the semifinals. Puck drop on Thursday is set for 7:00 p.m. The…

Eskomos Girls Basketball Playing Well Defensively in Undefeated Start to Season

The Eskomos are currently 7-0 on the season and have gotten wins over 7AAA opponents Hermantown and Grand Rapids, as well as beating 7AA foe Duluth Marshall. 

ESKO, Minn. – The Esko girls basketball team is off to one of their best starts in program history. The Eskomos are currently 7-0 on the season and have gotten wins over 7AAA opponents Hermantown and Grand Rapids, as well as beating 7AA foe Duluth Marshall. “I think it really got us excited like we can really go far and…

Hermantown Proctor Dance Team Ready to Finally Start Season

Hermantown Proctor will compete on their home floor for the first time ever on Monday. They'll host Duluth East and Duluth Denfeld at Hermantown. 

PROCTOR, Minn. – After a late start and some time quarantine, it’s finally time for the Hermantown Proctor dance team to return to the floor. “Honestly I thought maybe we weren’t going to have a season so it’s exciting just being able to be dancing and doing what I love,” senior Tori Novitzki said. “We’ve been making it work and…

Northwestern Girls Basketball Holds Off Barron, Wins Back-to-Back Division 3 Regional Titles

Allison Luoma led the way with 22 points and 10 rebounds while Tieryn Plasch finished with 13 points.

BARRON, Wis. – The Northwestnern girls basketball team started the second half strong then held on late to get the 65-62 road win over Barron to win back-to-back Division 3 regional titles. Allison Luoma led the way with 22 points and 10 rebounds while Tieryn Plasch finished with 13 points on the night. The Tigers will play St. Croix Falls…

Hilltoppers Girls Hockey Tops Spartans

Maren Friday recorded a hat trick.

DULUTH, Minn. – Maren Friday recorded a hat trick as the Duluth Marshall girls hockey team got the 7-3 home win over Superior on Saturday. Emily Etter, Meredith Boettcher, Laramie Prell and Hailey Cummins each scored once for the Hilltoppers while Arika Trentor scored twice and Keely Morehouse scored once for the Spartans. Duluth Marshall also got the 9-1 win…

Thunderhawks Girls Basketball Gets Road Win Over Lumberjacks

Tayrn Hamling led all scorers with 12 points while Jessika Lofstrom had 10.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Grand Rapids girls basketball team bounced back from Monday’s loss in a big way, dominating the second half on Saturday to get the 52-26 road win over Cloquet. Tayrn Hamling led all scorers with 12 points while Jessika Lofstrom had 10. Alexa Snesrud led Cloquet with 10 points. The Thunderhawks also got the 60-44 win over…

Coaches Corner: CJ Osuchukwu

For this week's segment, we catch up with the head coach of the Duluth Marshall girls basketball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Duluth Marshall girls basketball coach CJ Osuchukwu about his team’s stellar start to the season. Osuchukwu also spoke about the competition within Section 7AA, as well as the dominant play of senior Gianna Kneepkens. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Boys Basketball: Hermantown Falls In Section Title Rematch; Duluth East, Superior Earn Friday Night Wins

The Greyhounds and Spartans picked up wins, while the Hawks fell at home.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – In a rematch of last year’s Section 7AAA championship game, the Hermantown boys would fall at home to Princeton 101-88 Friday night. In other prep boys basketball action, Duluth East knocked off Cambridge-Isanti 67-28, thanks to 26 points from senior Mattie Thompson. Also, Superior ends their regular season on a high note as they beat Duluth Denfeld…