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High School, Sports

Prep Baseball: Hunters, Hilltoppers, Panthers Advance to Section Quarterfinals

The high school baseball playoffs began on Tuesday in section 7A, 7AA and 7AAA.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In section 7A baseball action, South Ridge would blank Cherry 9-0 Tuesday afternoon at Wade Stadium. The Panthers move on to the quarterfinals as they will face Cherry Thursday afternoon. In section 7AA, the top seed in the tourney Duluth Marshall went on a scoring spree as they topped Moose Lake-Willow River 19-1 at Egerdahl Field. At…
High School, Sports

Prep Baseball: Hawks, Bulldogs Win Section Playoff Openers

The section playoffs began Tuesday afternoon for 7A and 7AAA baseball.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – In the first round of the section 7AAA baseball tournament, Hermantown would score six runs in the third inning as they defeated Cloquet 11-4 Tuesday afternoon at Egerdahl Field. In section 7A, Carlton would hang on for a tight win over Cook County 4-3 at the NBC Sports Complex. Categories: High School, Sports
College, High School, Sports

North Woods’ Cade Goggleye Commits to University of Jamestown

The sharpshooter held the Grizzlies finish runner-up in three straight Class A state tournaments.
Sam Ali,

COOK, Minn. – Former North woods sharpshooter Cade Goggleye announced this past weekend that he has committed to playing college basketball at the University of Jamestown in North Dakota. Goggleye scored over 2,100 points in four seasons with the Grizzlies, helping North Woods take runner-up in the last three Class A state tournaments. The University of Jamestown is part of…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Ben Pedersen

For this week's segment, we feature the ace on the Duluth Marshall baseball team.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – When you think of athletes in northern Minnesota, you think of all of the great hockey players and the kids who learned how to skate before they can walk. But baseball is growing in the Northland, and part of the reason for that is Hilltoppers senior pitcher Ben Pedersen. “I grew up wanting to play hockey. I…
High School, Sports

Prep Softball: Lumberjacks Advance in Winners Bracket, Hawks and Thunderhawks Advance in Losers

Section 7AAA softball quarterfinal action wrapped up today at Braun Park in Cloquet.
Katharine Huntley,

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Lumberjacks managed a five run fifth inning to handily beat the defending state champs North Branch 11-2. Also at Braun Park, the Hermantown Hawks lost in walk off fashion to the Chisago Lakes Wildcats 3-2. Hermantown would end up beating Denfeld later in the day to advance to the semifinals in Chisago Lakes, as did…
High School, Sports

Prep Soccer: Superior Girls Win and Make History

The soccer team won their first time hosting a playoff game.
Katharine Huntley,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior girls soccer hosted their first ever playoff game against Chippewa Falls on Saturday. The Spartans ended up earning their programs first ever playoff win by beating the Cardinals 4-1. They play number one seed Kimberly on Tuesday. Categories: High School, Sports
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Duluth Wolfpack Lacrosse

For this week's segment, we hear from the Duluth boys lacrosse team.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talk with the Duluth boys lacrosse team, including head coach Scott Wishart, senior Will Smyth and junior Jayden Erie. The Wolfpack are wrapping up their regular season this week as they look to make it back to the section final. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports
College, High School, Sports

Hilltoppers’ Grace Kirk Commits to Brown University

The Duluth Marshall standout will be taking her talents to the East Coast when she starts college.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the NCAA, the percentage of girls basketball players who go from high school to college is 3.9%. The average acceptance rate to an Ivy League school sits in the single digits as well. If you can do one of those things, it’s pretty impressive. But to pull off both, it takes a special kind of…
High School, Sports

Lumberjacks, Hawks, Rails, and Eskomos Advance in Section Playoff Action

Cloquet's Braun Park was home to the Section 7AA and Section 7AAA.
Katharine Huntley,

CLOQUET, Minn. – In Section 7AAA, Cloquet got a walk-off win against Hibbing 3-2 and Hermantown defeated Grand Rapids 6-2. The Lumberjacks will face North Branch in the quarterfinals while the Hawks will face Chisago Lakes. Both games will be Saturday morning in Cloquet. In Section 7AA, Proctor came back late to beat Eveleth-Gilbert 3-1 and Esko defeated Mora 7-2….
College, High School, Sports

Duluth’s Cassie McClure Commits to UWS Women’s Hockey

The Northern Stars standout scored 20 goals in her final year at Duluth.
Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth standout Cassie McClure has signed her national letter of intent to play for the UWS women’s hockey team next season. The forward wrapped up her senior campaign with the Northern Stars scoring 20 goals to go along with three assists. Seven of those goals came on the power play for Duluth. The Yellowjackets also got a…
High School, Sports

Prep Lacrosse: Wolfpack Boys, Stealth Girls Earn Home Wins

The Duluth boys lacrosse team picked up their ninth win of the season.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In their final home game of the regular season, the Duluth boys lacrosse team shutout Hermantown/Proctor in the second half as they won 10-7 Wednesday night at Ordean Stadium. The Wolfpack will close their season Friday at Champlin Park. And in girls lacrosse action, Hermantown/Proctor needed overtime to get the home win over Duluth 10-11 at Egerdahl…
High School, Sports

Prep Softball: Rails, Hilltoppers, Bulldogs Open Playoffs With Wins

The high school softball playoffs began Tuesday afternoon across the Northland.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – In the opening round of the Section 7AA playoffs, Proctor would score eight runs in the opening inning as they knocked off Mesabi East 13-0 in five innings Tuesday afternoon at Rails Field. Elsewhere in the section, Greenway would score four runs in the fifth to pull within one run. But Duluth Marshall would clamp down in…
High School, Sports

Lumberjacks Baseball Close Season With Win Against Eskomos

Cloquet gets the win at home over rivals Esko.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet baseball team used a big sixth inning to take the lead, then held on late to get the 7-5 win over rival Esko. Esko led 2-0 into the fifth, before Cloquet scored two to tie things up. Esko retook the lead in the next half inning, but the Lumberjacks responded in the bottom half of…
High School, Sports

Quick Start is Enough for Stealth Boys Lacrosse

Hermantown/Proctor jumped out to an early lead to win its second straight.
Sam Ali,

ESKO, Minn. – The Hermantown/Proctor lacrosse team jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, and while Grand Rapids rallied back, the Stealth were able to hang on for the 10-9 win. The win gives the Stealth their second straight and will wrap up the regular season on Wednesday at Duluth. Grand Rapids will end the regular season on Thursday at…
High School, Sports

Rails Baseball Win Nine-Inning Thriller Against Hawks

The Proctor baseball team got the win at home against Hermantown.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – In a game that needed nine innings, the Proctor baseball team hung on for the win over Hermantown 9-8 Monday night at Egerdahl Field. The win earned the Rails a split with the Hawks as Hermantown won the first game 7-4. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Professional Sports, Sports

Duluth Native CJ Ham Announces Summer Youth Camp

The camp will be the first for Ham and will take place at Lincoln Park Middle School.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – CJ Ham has had quite the road to the NFL. After starring at Denfeld High School, Ham took his talents to Augustana and signed with the Vikings in 2016 as an undrafted free agent. And now he’s coming home to help local kids achieve their dreams as well. Ham announced on his Twitter account that he will…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Gabby Blomdahl

For this week's segment, we feature a Hermantown softball player who uses her coaches and hometown as inspiration for her future.
Claudia Chakamian,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Anyone from Hermantown can tell you how much the town means to them. “Hermantown, oh boy, it means a lot. It’s where you’ve grown up, it’s the tight community, it’s welcoming, it’s where you have all your friends. It’s definitely going to be hard to leave the small town feel of knowing everybody and having everyone know…
High School, Sports

Stealth Pick Up Home Win Against Bobcats

Hermantown/Proctor defeated St. Paul on Saturday 13-8.
Claudia Chakamian,

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Hermantown/Proctor boys lacrosse team improved to .500 on Saturday with a 13-8 win over St. Paul. The Stealth will host Grand Rapids for its final home game of the season on Monday, then close out the regular season at Duluth on Wednesday. Categories: High School, Sports
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Esko Softball

For this week's segment, we catch up with the Eskomos.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talk with the Esko softball team, including head coach Jeff Emanuel, sophomore pitcher Miranda Kelley and junior outfielder Dea DeLeone. The Eskomos have wrapped up their regular season and are looking to capture their fourth section title in a row. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Hunters Baseball Roll at Home Against Agates

Eric Gibson picked up the win on the mound for Denfeld.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The runs came early and often for the Denfeld baseball team as they topped Two Harbors 14-3 Friday afternoon at Wade Stadium. Eric Gibson picked up the win for the Hunters as he pitched three innings, allowing three hits and striking out three. Joe Udd led Denfeld with four RBI, while Payton Budisalovich and Logan Jasper combined…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Norsemen Volleyball Ready for First Run at State Tournament

The Hermantown/Proctor boys volleyball team captured their conference title in its inaugural season.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – It was the first season for high school boys volleyball as a club sport in the Northland. And the first team to represent the Northern Minnesota Conference will be Hermantown/Proctor. The Norsemen went undefeated in conference play during their inaugural season and stood out in two different conference tournaments this season. The players say the journey to…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Softball: Hawks, Lumberjacks, Rails Win to Close Out Regular Season

Hermantown and Cloquet got big wins while Proctor swept its doubleheader against Duluth East.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – In the last week of the regular season for high school softball, Hermantown used a seven-run fourth inning to top Esko 11-1 in five innings. Alana Mayry and Kendra Winberg both hit three run homers during the inning to seal the win. Over at Proctor, Erin Hawk homered in the third inning of the second game as…
High School, Sports

Prep Softball: Spartans, Bulldogs Pick Up Home Wins

Superior and Carlton each picked up wins at home Thursday afternoon
Ryan Compeau,

SUPERIOR, Wisc.- A six run fourth inning would be the difference as the Superior softball team topped Duluth East 9-1 Thursday afternoon at the NBC Sports Complex. Olivia Moen, Mady Stariha, Autumn Siers each tallied two RBI’s for the Spartans. Stariha also pitched a complete game four-hitter striking out ten Greyhound batters. In other softball action, Carlton got a home…
High School, Sports

Wicklund Gets 100th Coaching Win as Hilltoppers Baseball Knock Off Warriors

Ben Pedersen struck out nine batters in the win.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Marshall head coach Joe Wicklund picked up his 100th coaching victory as the Hilltoppers hung on for the 1-0 win over Brainerd Thursday night at Wade Stadium. Ben Pedersen finished with nine strikeouts while Carter Sullivan scored the lone RBI to help Duluth Marshall record their 13th straight win. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Lightning Girls Lacrosse Hold Off Late Push from Stealth for Road Win

Grand Rapids/Greenway holds on for the road win over Hermantown/Proctor.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Hailee Orhn would find the back of the net seven times as the Grand Rapids/Greenway girls lacrosse team held off a late push from Hermantown/Proctor to get the win 12-10 Wednesday night at Egerdahl Field. Abby Bauman scored three goals for the Lightning while Caroline Ahcan also chipped in with two goals. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Hunters Softball Hang On to Beat Hawks

The scoring happened early but Duluth Denfeld would hold on for the win.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – It would become a pitcher’s duel for the final four innings as the Duluth Denfeld softball team escaped with a 2-1 win over Hermantown Wednesday night at Ordean Field. The Hunters would score all their runs in the first inning as Bella Larson knocked in Lindsay Johnson and Gianna Torres scored on a wild pitch. Hayley Spradau’s…
High School, Sports

Greyhounds Baseball Top Hunters in 12 Innings

Duluth East would pick up the win over rivals Denfeld at Wade Stadium.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – They needed 12 innings of work but the Duluth East baseball team were able to get the win over rivals Duluth Denfeld 6-5 Wednesday night at Wade Stadium. Nick Allen led the way with three hits and three RBI for the Greyhounds, who won their seventh straight game. Dane Herold knocked in three runs for the Hunters….
High School, Sports

Hilltoppers Baseball Knock Off Rails for 11th Straight Win

The Duluth Marshall baseball team scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth to pull away from Proctor.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Proctor baseball team kept things close early on, but a four-run fifth inning would be the difference as Duluth Marshall doubled up the Rails 6-3 Tuesday night at Wade Stadium. Tyler Johnson finished 2 for 3 at the plate with two RBI. Peter Hansen also chipped in with a run scored and an RBI to help…
High School, Sports

Prep Softball: Hilltoppers, Spartans Win Big; Greyhounds Fall at Home

Mady Stariha threw a perfect game, her third no-hitter of the season, as Superior defeated Duluth Denfeld 10-0.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Mady Stariha threw a perfect game, her second of the year and third no-hitter, while striking out eight as Superior defeated Duluth Denfeld 10-0 in five innings. The Spartans scored four in the second and five in the third to get the win. Ruby Moore went 2-for-2 with two runs scored Autumn Siers, Stariha, McKenzie Lehto and…
High School, Sports

Prep Softball: Rails Walk Off Against Panthers; Hawks Hang on Against Blue Devils

Proctor defeated South Ridge 3-2 in extras while Hermantown hung on for the 3-2 win over Virginia.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – In prep softball action, Proctor and South Ridge were scoreless until the eighth inning. The Panthers scored two in the top of the eighth, but the Rails responded. Erin Hawk hit a game-tying 2 RBI double, then Payton Rodberg scored the game-winner on a wild pitch to give Proctor the 3-2 win. Proctor got a big win…
High School, Sports

Hawks Baseball Hangs On Against Golden Bears

Hermantown jumped out to an early lead and then was able to hang on late for the win.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Hermantown baseball team scored early and often to take a 5-0 lead after three. Eveleth-Gilbert rallied to make things close, but the Hawks would hang on in the end to get the 7-6 win over the Golden Bears. Hermantown will hit the road and play at Princeton on Tuesday while Eveleth-Gilbert will play at Littlefork-Big Falls…
High School, Northern Star, Professional Sports, Sports

Northern Star: Andrew Standfield

For this week's Northern Star, we learn about a local powerlifter who was born with a rare genetic disorder.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Next month, Andrew Standfield will be representing Team USA at the International Powerlifting Federation World Championships in Helsingborg, Sweden. But how we got to this point has put as much strain on his body as the weights he trains with. “They noticed during an ultrasound that his belly was bigger than his head. They were like, “OK…
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Duluth Marshall Baseball

For this week's Coaches Corner, we spoke with the Duluth Marshall baseball team who's having another dominate season.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s segment, we sit down with Duluth Marshall baseball head coach Joe Wicklund, shortstop Peter Hansen and second baseman Maddux Baggs, discussing their strong start to the season, winning for of their last five games in five innings, and their confidence level going into the playoffs. The Hilltoppers will play at Breck on Saturday and…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Hunters Softball Outlasts Greyhounds

Duluth Denfeld hung on to defeat Duluth East in dramatic fashion.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – In their second meeting of the season, it was another offensive onslaught as Duluth Denfeld hung on for the 10-9 win. The Hunters beat the Greyhounds 15-13 earlier in the season. The Greyhounds will host Bemidji on Tuesday while the Hunters will play a doubleheader at Chisago Lakes on Monday, playing St. Francis in the first game…
High School, Sports

Rails Softball Battle Back to Top Hunters

Proctor would get the road win over Duluth Denfeld 8-4.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In a game that went back and forth, Proctor would hang on for the road win over Duluth Denfeld 8-4 Thursday afternoon at Wade Field. The Rails opened the game with a 2-0 lead. The Hunters would score four runs in the fourth to take the lead. But Proctor would battle back to take the lead and…
High School, Sports

Rails Baseball Top Panthers in Snow-Shortened Game

Zach Gunderson kept South Ridge off the board to get the win for Proctor.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Zach Gunderson finished with 12 strikeouts as the Proctor baseball team blanked South Ridge 1-0 in five innings Wednesday afternoon at Egerdahl Field. The game was called due to snow. Gunderson allowed just one hit to the Panthers and also had two of the Rails’ four hits on the day, as well as scoring the deciding run…
High School, Sports

Wolfpack Boys Lacrosse Pick Up Road Win over Stealth

The Duluth boys lacrosse team improve to 7-1 on the season.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Jayden Erie led the way with four goals as the Duluth boys lacrosse team defeated Hermantown/Proctor 11-6 Tuesday night at Egerdahl Field. James Holak and Jackson Hill each chipped in with two goals to help the Wolfpack improve to 7-1 on the season. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Prep Softball: Hawks Hang on Against Rails; Hunters Win Big Against Hilltoppers

Proctor rallied late but Hermantown was able to hang on while Duluth Denfeld defeated Duluth Marshall.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – In a battle of Duluth, Denfeld struck early to get the 12-5 win over Marshall. In other softball action, Hermantown jumped out to an early lead over Proctor and had a 5-0 lead going into the sixth. Proctor would score three runs, then Payton Rodberg hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh to…
High School, Sports

Greyhounds Walk Off Against Hawks

Duluth East got the 14-13 home win.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Nick Allen hit a walk-off in the bottom of the seventh to get the Duluth East baseball team the 14-13 win over Hermantown Monday afternoon. Drew Grindahl led the Greyhounds with four RBI. Reece Fish knocked in five runs for the Hawks. The Greyhounds (7-2) will play at Forest Lake on Friday while the Hawks (3-4) will…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Mady Stariha

For this week's segment, we feature a Superior softball player who's taking her talents across the bridge for college.
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior softball is off to another strong season and a key reason for that is senior pitcher Mady Stariha. “She’s definitely one of the leaders and they all look up to her,” Superior head coach Mike Sather said. Stariha is 11–1 on the season, has allowed just 10 earned runs and has struck out 109 batters, which…
High School, Sports

Prep Baseball: Hilltoppers Dominate Irish in Class AA State Title Game Rematch

Duluth Marshall got its revenge against Maple Lake in a big way.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – In the Class AA state title game rematch, Duluth Marshall got its revenge against Maple Lake, dominate the Irish to get the 11-1 win in five innings. Ben Pedersen threw a complete game, allowing just one earned run (in the first inning) while striking out nine and also hit a bases clearing triple in the bottom of…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Oredockers Baseball Come Back on Lumberjacks

The Ashland baseball team picked up a road win over Cloquet.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – It took a comeback effort for the Ashland baseball team to get the road win over Cloquet 11-5 Friday night at Mettner Field. The Lumberjacks jumped out to a 4-0 lead early on, but the Oredockers would battle back to pick up the win. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Lacrosse: Wolfpack Boys Improve to 6-1; Wolfpack, Stealth Girls Fall at Home

The Duluth boys lacrosse team continued their hot streak at home.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Jackson Hill led the way with six goals as the Duluth boys lacrosse team blasted Tartan 14-2 Friday night at Public Schools Stadium. And in girls action, the Duluth girls lacrosse team fell at home to Coon Rapids 17-12 and the Hermantown/Proctor girls were defeated by New Prague 13-7. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Prep Softball: Spartans Sweep Mustangs, Bluejackets Hang On For Road Win

Superior softball had no trouble with Menomonie while Hibbing got the road win over Duluth Denfeld.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Senior pitcher Mady Stariha threw her second no-hitter of the season as the Superior softball team swept Menomonie Thursday night at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex. In game one, Stariha held the Mustangs to no hits and struck out 11 batters and even chipped in with a three-run home run in the first inning. Elise DeGaef also…
High School, Sports

Hilltoppers Baseball Run Away From Spartans

It was another short game for the Duluth Marshall baseball team.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Carter Sullivan pitched a complete game while allowing just one run on two hits as the Duluth Marshall baseball team defeated Superior 11-1 in five innings Thursday night at Wade Stadium. Peter Hansen would get the RBI double in the fifth inning that ended the game via mercy rule. Hilltoppers have won five in a row as…
High School, Sports

Hilltoppers Baseball Take Down Lumberjacks in Five Innings

The Duluth Marshall baseball team got a shutout win at home Tuesday night.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In a game where the score was 1-0 going into the fifth inning, the Duluth Marshall baseball team caught fire and scored nine runs against Cloquet to end the game via mercy rule 10-0 Tuesday night at Wade Stadium. Ben Pedersen and Brett Benson combined for the shutout to help the Hilltoppers improve to 6-1 on the…
High School, Sports

Prep Softball: Spartans Dominate Doubleheader Against Huskies; Greyhounds Pick Up First Win

Superior shut out Eau Claire North in the first game while Duluth East picked up its first win of the season against Eveleth-Gilbert.
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior softball team returned home to their winning ways, sweeping a doubleheader against Eau Claire North 10-0 (5 innings) and 11-5 (6 innings). The first game was all Superior, as Mady Stariha pitched five shutout innings while only giving up one hit while striking out five. Chesie McLaughlin went 2-for-2 with a home run in the…
High School, Sports

Wolfpack Girls Hang on For Home Win over Wildcats

The Duluth girls lacrosse team picked up a win over section rival Chisago Lakes.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Jorja Schooler scored six times as the Duluth girls lacrosse team defeated Chisago Lakes 13-8 Monday night at Public Schools Stadium. Sarah Spencer scored four goals and Elle Hughes chipped in with three of her own. Shay Callaway also had two assists for the Wolfpack. Categories: High School, Sports