High School

High School, Sports

Prep Boys Hockey: Epic Comeback for Greyhounds; Rails Earn First Win of the Season

The Duluth East and Proctor boys hockey teams got their first wins of the season on Friday night.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In prep boys hockey action, Charlie Erickson and Ricky Lyle each scored two goals as the Duluth East hockey team erased an early three-goal deficit to beat White Bear Lake 6-3 Friday night at the Essentia Health Duluth Heritage Center. Out in Proctor, Reece Ward, Ben Harnell and Connor Bushbaum each lit the lamp as Proctor got…
High School, Sports

Prep Girls Basketball: Eskomos, Rails Win Home Openers; Greyhounds Get First Win

The Esko, Proctor and Duluth East girls basketball teams all won at home on Thursday night.
Sam Ali,

ESKO, Minn. – In prep girls basketball action, Kristy DeMuth scored 15 points as Esko got the win in their home opener 49-43. In Proctor, it was the Rails over Crosby-Ironton 62-40, thanks to 16 points from Sam Pogotchnik. And at Duluth East, the Greyhounds get their first win of the season over Two Harbors 62-34. Eighth grader Ashlynne Guenther…
High School, Sports

Prep Boys Basketball: Hunters Help Devney Get First Win, Hawks Spoil Eskomos’ Home Opener

Mike Devney gets his first coaching win as a Hunter in his first game.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In prep boys basketball action, Mike Devney gets his first coaching win as a Hunter as Duluth Denfeld opened their season with a win over North Branch 58-42. And as for Devney’s former team, Esko would lose a high-scoring affair to Hermantown 96-78. Connor Bich led the Hawks with 31 points. Trevor Spindler led all scorers with…
High School, Sports

Back to Work for Greyhounds Hockey as Home Opener Looms

The Duluth East boys hockey team will open their season at home Friday night against White Bear Lake.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – One team that is extra excited to get their season started is the Duluth East boys hockey team, who are looking to right some wrongs from last season. The Greyhounds made it to the Class AA state championship before falling to Minnetonka. And although they lost one of the most talented senior classes in recent memory, the…
High School, Sports

Hilltoppers Girls Basketball Dominates Mariners in Season Opener

Duluth Marshall jumped out to an early lead and never looked back.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – In the season opener, the Duluth Marshall girls basketball team dominated Silver Bay 112-12 to get the win. The Hilltoppers jumped out early, scoring the first three baskets, and would never look back. The Hilltoppers will now hit the road and play at Deer River on Thursday Nov. 29. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Mirage Girls Hockey Takes Down Hilltoppers in Overtime

Proctor/Hermantown scored twice in the third period to force overtime.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – It would take until the second period for offense to get going, but Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey would go on to defeat Duluth Marshall, 4-3 in overtime. The game was scoreless after one and the Hilltoppers would lead 2-1 after two, but the Mirage heated up in the third to force overtime. Ashlee Siegle, Maren Friday and Emily…
High School, Sports

Hunters Hockey Blank Storm, Continue Undefeated Season

Jacob Eskola and Zach DeCaro each scored twice in the win.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – After a big weekend on the road, the Duluth Denfeld boys hockey team held its home opener Tuesday night and the momentum carried over, as the Hunters took down North Shore 4-0. Both Jacob Eskola and Zach DeCaro scored two goals in the win while Shawn Easty recorded his first shutout of the season. Duluth Denfeld starts…
High School, Sports

Hilltoppers Hockey Use Flaherty’s Cancer Battle as Motivation

The team said coach Flaherty has been at some of the practices while he finished cancer treatments.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Sometimes, teams have a motivating factor for their season, and that hits home for the Duluth Marshall boys hockey team. The Hilltoppers suffered a tough loss to Mounds View on Saturday to open their season, but there was an even bigger win for the team. Earlier in the week, the Hilltoppers found out that long–time hockey coach…
High School, Sports

Hunters Hockey Red Hot to Start the Season

The Denfeld boys hockey team have started the season 2-0 going into their home opener.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth boys hockey team were out of town to open their season and what a weekend it was. The fun started on Friday as they erased a four-goal deficit in the first period to knock off Minnehaha 6–5 in overtime. Then on Saturday, they beat Red Wing 8–2 to complete the weekend sweep and start the…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Makayla Suominen

The senior swimmer signed her National Letter of Intent on Monday for the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Claudia Chakamian,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Makayla Suominen has been a standout on the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton high school swim team for six years, swimming in five state meets, earning eight medals, countless top–five finishes, and even a state title her sophomore year. “Coming in, I knew it was my senior year and taking all of the other years into account and I was pretty…
High School, Sports

Northern Stars Drop Fourth Straight at Home

Captain Cassie McClure scored the lone goal for Duluth.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Once again, the Duluth girl’s hockey team struggled to get much offense going as the Blake School dominated from start to finish, getting the 9-1 win. Cassie McClure scored the lone goal for the Northern Stars during the second period. Duluth (0-5) will hit the road and play Hopkins/Park on Friday Nov. 30. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Big Third Period Lifts Mustangs Over Hilltoppers in Season Opener

Duluth Marshall had a 3-2 lead at the end of the second period, but Mound View scored four straight to get the win.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a back-and-forth battle in the first two periods, but a big third period from Mound View gave them the 6-4 win over Duluth Marshall in the boys hockey season opener. The Hilltoppers led 1-0 at the end of the first thanks to a goal by Xavier McNulty. They then led 3-2 at the end of…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Girls Hockey: Lumberjacks Get Home Win; Mirage, Northern Stars Fall Short

The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton girls hockey team got the win at home over Princeton.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – In girls high school hockey action, Cloquet-Esko-Carlton improved to 4-1 on the season as they topped Princeton Friday night at the Northwoods Credit Union Arena. Dana Jones and Kianna Bender each scored for the Lumberjacks. Out in Proctor, the Mirage got an early goal from Megan Madill, but they fall short in a high-scoring affair against Blake…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Spartans’ Maddy Stariha Commits to UMD Softball

The Superior pitcher is taking her talents to UMD next fall.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Back in February, Superior softball standout Maddy Stariha made a verbal commitment to Binghamton University in New York. Fast forward to National Signing Day, and she had a change of heart which her friends and family are happy about. Stariha signed her National Letter of Intent to go across the bridge and play softball at UMD next…
High School, Sports

Marshall Boys Hockey Coach Brendan Flaherty Declared Cancer Free

Brendan Flaherty had to step away from coaching after being diagnosed with throat cancer.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – According to a family post on the website CaringBridge.org, Duluth Marshall boys hockey coach Brendan Flaherty has been declared cancer free. Earlier this year, the man known as “The Wolf” was diagnosed with throat cancer and even had to step away from coaching in his battle against the disease. The post says that Coach Flaherty has been…
High School, Sports

Duluth Vaxjo Soccer Exchange Looking for Players

The program sends local soccer players to Sweden to learn about the sport and the culture.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – A special program in Duluth gives local high school soccer players a chance to learn about the sport, as well as the culture of Duluth’s sister city: Vaxjo, Sweden. The Duluth Vaxjo Soccer Exchange currently has openings for local boys and girls who will travel to Sweden for a special soccer tournament, and the following year will…
High School, Sports

CEC Swimmer Makayla Suominen Commits to Alaska Fairbanks

Suominen wrapped up a stellar career for the Lumberjacks with two top-4 finishes in the Class A state tournament.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet-Esko-Carlton’s Makayla Suominen signed her National Letter of Intent Monday to swim for Alaska Fairbanks. Suominen said the recruiting process was hectic at first as she reached out to several different colleges. But when she came back from her visit with the Nanooks, she instantly knew it was the best fit. “It was very different than all…
High School, Sports

Prep Girls Hockey: Hilltoppers Come Out on Top, Mirage Suffer First Loss of Season

Duluth Marshall gets its first win of the season
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Marshall girls hockey got its first win of the season in a 3-0 shutout over St. Francis/North Branch, while Proctor-Hermantown fell to defending state champion, Breck, on Saturday. Caitlin Breen, Bella Kartch and Olivia Boettcher scored for the Hilltoppers. They’ll be back in action next Friday at St. Cloud. Meanwhile, Proctor/Hermantown suffered its first loss of…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Girls Hockey: Mirage Stay Unbeaten; Lumberjacks, Northern Stars Fall

Proctor/Hermantown improves to 2-0, while CEC and Duluth each take home losses.
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Sydney Skorich and Alyssa Watkins score back-to-back goals in the second period as the Proctor-Hermantown girls hockey team blanked Roseville 2-0 Friday night at the Hermantown Ice Arena. In other action, Benilde-St. Margaret’s had no trouble with the Duluth Northern Stars 8-1. Noelle Stellmaker scored the lone goal for Duluth. And at the Northwoods Credit Union Arena,…
High School, Sports

Season Ends in State Semi-Finals for MIB Football

The Rangers were able to score one touchdown late as the Wolverines won 42-8.
Sam Ali,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – In their first state semi-finals appearance since 1972, the Mountain Iron-Buhl football team battled valiantly, but ultimately fell short, losing to Mountain Lake Area 48-2. Wolverines quarterback Abraham Stoesz finished with 200 total yards and two touchdowns, helping MLA advance to the state finals for the third time in program history. The Rangers got their lone touchdown…
High School, Sports

Cromwell-Wright Falls in Nine-Man State Football Semi-Finals

Spring Grove was too much for the Cardinals as they win it 48-12.
Sam Ali,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – In the nine-man state semi-finals, Spring Grove jumped out to a 28-0 lead and cruised the rest of the way as they knocked Cromwell-Wright 48-12 Thursday morning at U.S. Bank Stadium. Lions quarterback Alex Folz accounted for all seven touchdowns, three rushing and four passing. Cardinals running back Cameroon Cahoon rushed for 130 yards on 19 carries…
High School, Sports

Rangers Football Prepares for State Semi-Finals

Mountain Iron-Buhl will face Mountain Lake Area at U.S. Bank Stadium
Mariah Janos,

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- Mountain Iron-Buhl is taking their first trip to the state semifinals in 46 years. After pulling out a big win over Stephen Argyle Central the Rangers now tailor their practice towards Mountain Lake Area’s style of play. “They play a defense a little bit different than what you normally see coverage wise and we’re just looking to take…
High School, Sports

Hunters’ Schneeweis Signs NLI for U-Mary

The dynamic Denfeld hitter is taking her talents to the Marauders.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Denfeld outside hitter Caitlin Schneeweis signed her National Letter of Intent to play volleyball at the University of Mary. The Marauders play in Bismarck, North Dakota which is about seven and a half hours away. So while some people look to stay close, Schneeweis was just looking for the best fit, regardless of distance. “I’ve always…
High School, Sports

Spartans Celebrate National Signing Day with Three Signings

Caleigh Jensen, Conner Fonger and Erin Walpole will be playing college athletics next fall.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – It was a busy National Signing Day at Superior High School as three student-athletes signed their National Letters of Intent. Caleigh Jensen will be joining the volleyball team at Winona State. Conner Fonger signed his NLI to play baseball at Minnesota State-Crookston. And Erin Walpole won’t be going too far to play college soccer as she signed…
High School, Sports

Cardinals Football Looking for First Championship Appearance in Eight Years

The Cromwell-Wright football team will look to make history in the state semi-finals on Thursday.
Sam Ali,

CROMWELL, Minn. – Thursday morning, the Cromwell-Wright football team will look to punch their ticket to the state championship game for the first time since 2010. And it was also the last time the Cardinals won a state title, so lots of history will be on the line at U.S. Bank Stadium. The only thing standing in their way are…
High School, Sports

Trio of Hilltopper Baseball Players Sign NLIs

Ben Pedersen, Peter Hasen and Maddux Baggs will be playing college baseball across the country.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Marshall baseball team had three players sign their National Letters of Intent Wednesday afternoon. Standout pitcher Ben Pedersen is going Division I to the University of Missouri. Pitcher and shortstop Peter Hansen will also go Division I as he signed with Bradley University in Illinois. And infielder Maddux Baggs will be joining the defending Division…
High School, Sports

Lumberjacks Score Late to Win Season Opener

Three different CEC players scored in the win.
Claudia Chakamian,

CLOQUET, Minn. – It would take until the final few minutes of the second period but the Lumberjacks finally got going as Cloquet-Esko-Carlton got the 3-2 over Brainerd in the season opener. Dea DeLeon, Taylor Nelson and Lauren Cawcutt scored for the Lumberjacks in the season opener, while Elise Lund made a huge save at the buzzer to clinch the…
High School, Sports

Cardinals, Rangers Advance to Class 9-Man Semi-Finals

Cromwell-Wright and Mountain Iron-Buhl are the last two Northland teams in the playoffs.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota High School Football Playoffs are starting to wrap up, and only two Northland teams remain, and they’re both from Class 9-Man. Cromwell-Wright defeated NCEUH in the first round on Friday and are moving on to face Spring Grove on Thursday at 11:30 in the morning. Both the lions and the cardinals are undefeated on the season….
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Duluth East Cheerleading

For this week's segment, we take a look at the Duluth East Cheer team, who is going to nationals for the first time in program history.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East Cheer team has spent most of the year on the sidelines of Friday night lights, cheering on the Greyhounds each week. But over the past month, they’ve been putting in the work for competition season. “We do a lot more performances for our school and then we work on competitions so they only had about…
High School, Sports

Agates Fall in Class AAA Quarterfinals to Yellowjackets

Ricky Brenna and Sam Johnson scored for the Agates.
Claudia Chakamian,

BRAINERD, Minn. – It would be mostly Perham on Saturday as the Yellowjackets defeated Two Harbors 48-17 in the Class AAA quarterfinals. Ricky Brenna and Sam Johnson each scored touchdowns for the Agates but it wasn’t enough after the Yellowjackets jumped out to an early 22-3 lead. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Hawks Fall to Willmar in State Football Quarterfinals

Hermantown had no answers for Willmar as they get shutout 44-0.
Sam Ali,

MONTICELLO, Minn. – In a game that got ugly early on, Willmar knocked off Hermantown 44-0 Friday night in the Class AAAA state quarterfinals from Monticello High School. The Cardinals jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and would roll from there. Hermantown ends their season with a 9-2 record in the first year under head coach…
High School, Sports

Agates Head to Brainerd for State Football Quarterfinals

The Two Harbors football team will face Perham in the Class AAA state quarterfinals.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The high school football state tournament kicks off Friday with quarterfinals action throughout the state. But not everyone is playing as Two Harbors gets an extra day of practice. The Agates will be in action Saturday as they take on Perham High School. It will be the first trip to the state tournament in 41 years. But…
High School, Sports

Carlton Volleyball Falls in State Quarterfinals

The Bulldogs took the second set, but couldn't hold off Ada-Borup.
Sam Ali,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – In the Class A volleyball state quarterfinals, #4 seed Ada-Borup knocked off #5 seed Carlton 3-1 Thursday afternoon at the Xcel Energy Center. The Bulldogs built a 22-15 lead in the first set, but the Cougars battled back to win 27-25. Carlton looked better in the second, winning that one by the same score. But Ada-Borup…
High School, Sports

Hawks Football Ready for Return to State Tournament

The Hermantown football team are back in the state tournament for the first time since 2015.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – This weekend, the Minnesota High School Football Tournament kicks off with quarterfinals action from all over the state. For the Hermantown Hawks, their match-up will send them over two and a half hours away. This is the first time Hermantown has been to the state tournament since 2015. This week, the Hawks are practicing at Egerdahl Field…
High School, Sports

Carlton Volleyball Ready to Make Some Noise at State Tournament

This is the Bulldogs' first trip to the state tournament since 2014.
Sam Ali,

CARLTON, Minn. – This past summer, the Carlton softball team advanced to the state tournament for the first time in school history. Most of the girls on that team also play volleyball, and they’ve been able to carry over that success to another state tournament run. The Bulldogs volleyball team are heading back to state for the first time since…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Brynne Mickle

This week's segment we talk to Carlton volleyball player and her twin sister.
Mariah Janos,

CARLTON, Minn.- After losing in the section finals last season the Carlton Bulldogs have redeemed themselves and are headed to state for the first time since 2014. A big reason for that is setter Brynne Mickle. “After we lost last year it just hung over our heads the whole season and we used it as fuel to motivate ourselves because we…
High School, Sports

Bulldogs and Vikings Volleyball Headed to Xcel Engery Center

Carlton and North Branch make the state tournament.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- The brackets for the high school volleyball state tournament have been released. In Class A play No. 5 Carlton will face No. 4 Ada–Borup High School on Thursday afternoon. In Class AA No. 4 North Branch will play No. 5 Watertown–Mayer on Thursday evening. All matches will be held at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul. Categories: High…
High School, Sports

Football State Tournament Brackets Released

Six Northland teams are making a run for the State title.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- The state tournament football brackets were released Saturday. In nine man play Cromwell Wright will face NCE/U-H on Friday at Bemidji State. Mountain Iron-Buhl will face Stephen Argyle Central on Saturday also at Bemidji State. Moving onto Class A Deer River will go up against undefeated Mahnomen/Waubun Saturday at Brainerd high school. In Class AA Moose Lake Willow River will…
High School, Sports

Bulldogs and Vikings Headed to State Volleyball Tournament

Carlton swept Deer River while North Branch won in 4 sets over Greenway.
Mariah Janos,

CLOQUET, Minn.- In 7AA volleyball play, North Branch defeated Greenway 3-1 in the section championship. The Vikings took the first two sets with ease but the Raiders battled back in the third to extend the match. In section 7A, Carlton remains completely undefeated on the season sweeping Deer River in 3 straight. Both the Vikings and Bulldogs now prepare for…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Rangers, Cardinals Win 9-Man Sections, Headed to State

Both Mountain Iron-Buhl and Cromwell-Wright got the wins in Esko to claim section titles.
Claudia Chakamian,

ESKO, Minn. – In Section 7 9-Man, number 2-seed Mountain Iron-Buhl picked up the 20-12 win over 1-seed Cook County to win the section title and move on to the state finals. The Rangers would take an early 8-0 lead, but the Vikings would respond in the first quarter with a touchdown of their own. The two-point conversion was no…
High School, Sports

Hawks Take Down Lumberjacks to Claim 7AAAA Title

Hermantown defeats defending section champions Cloquet 20-14.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Hermantown is the new section 7AAAA football title holder after defeating defending champions Cloquet 20-14. The Hawks attacked first with a touchdown in the first few minutes of the game. But soon after the Lumberjacks would respond with a 7 yard touchdown from Andre Peters to tie up the game. Heading into halftime Cloquet held the lead 14-12…
High School, Sports

Two Harbors Win First Football Section Title in 41 Years

Two Harbors defeated Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin 26-18 in the section 7AAA championship game.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Karsen Holm scored a 100-yard walk-off pick-six to end the game as Two Harbors knocked off Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin 26-18 in the section 7AAA championship game at Malosky Stadium. The win gives the Agates their first section title since 1977. In other section championships, Deer River defeated Blackduck 26-6 to win the section 7A title, while Moose Lake-Willow River topped…
High School, Sports

Greyhounds Top Skippers to Advance to the State Championship Game

The Duluth East boys soccer team defeated Minnetonka 2-0 in the Class AA state semi-finals.
Sam Ali,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Will Francis notches his second straight two-goal game as the Duluth East boys soccer team defeated Minnetonka 2-0 in the Class AA state semi-finals at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Greyhounds now move on to the state championship game to face Stillwater Friday at 5:30 p.m. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Agates Football Seeking First Section Title in 41 Years

The Two Harbors football team haven't won a section championship since 1977.
Sam Ali,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – In the Section 7 AAA high school football championship game, Two Harbors is looking for their first section title since 1977. The Agates have had their chances, appearing in four section title games in the past decade. But each time, they haven’t been able to get over the hump. “We had a lot of good teams,…
High School, Sports

Greyhounds Soccer Ready for Another Shot at State Semi-Finals

The Duluth East boys soccer team will take on Minnetonka in the Class AA state semi-finals.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Everyone always wants a do–over. One team that really wants one is the Duluth east boys soccer team, after falling in the Class AA semi–finals last season. And they’ll get their chance Wednesday at U.S. Bank Stadium as they take on fourth-seeded Minnetonka. The players admit that last season they were just happy to be there. But…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Markus Pokornowski

The junior running back helped lead the Lumberjacks to the Section 7AAAA Championship.
Claudia Chakamian,

CLOQUET, Minn. – If you’ve attended a Cloquet football game at all this season, you’ve definitely heard the name Markus Pokornowski blare over the stadium speakers. His success on the field goes beyond natural athleticism. “Obviously he’s a good athlete but he’s really coach-able. He’s worked hard to get better at things when he doesn’t have the football. He’s a…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Bulldogs, Cardinals, Hunters Volleyball Move Onto Section Semifinals

Carlton, Cromwell and Duluth Denfeld will play in the section semi finals on October 31st.
Mariah Janos,

SECTION 7A Carlton 3, Floodwood 0 Cromwell-Wright 3, Cook County 1 Deer River 3, Northwoods 2 Ely 3, Cherry 1 SECTION 7AA Duluth Marshall 0, Duluth Denfeld 3 North Branch 3, Esko 0 Proctor 1, Greenway 3 Hermantown 3, Virginia 0   Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Tigers Dominate Blackhawks, Advance to WIAA Quarterfinals

Reagan Ruffi rushed for 267 yards, breaking the single-season rushing record at Northwestern, a record he set himself last year.
Claudia Chakamian,

MAPLE, Wis. – Northwestern continued its undefeated season on Friday night as it dominated Baldwin-Woodville, 42-6. Quarterback Jake Brill scored a touchdown of his own, taking the snap and running it 73 yards into the end zone for the score. Reagan Ruffi rushed for 267 yards and three touchdowns on the night. He also broke the single-season rushing record at…