High School

Proctor Girls Basketball Tops Esko to Earn 12th Win of The Year

The Rails defeats Esko 46-28 to pick up their twelfth win.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor girls basketball team hosted Esko on Monday night in hopes of continuing their winning ways. The Rails defeat Esko 46-28 to pick up their twelfth win of the season. Proctor is back in action on Friday, January 10th, against Cass Lake-Bena. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. For Esko, their next game is on Thursday, January 9th,…

Superior Defensive Back Evan Blomfelt Commits to UW-Stevens Point

Blomfelt is the 3rd Spartan this off-season to announce their college commitment.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Another Superior football standout is going on to play college football. The latest is defensive back Evan Blomfelt, who committed to UW-Stevens Point. Blomfelt had 13 tackles in a shortened 2024 season that caused him to miss week two through six. The year prior he rallied up 34 tackles for the Spartans. He’s the 3rd Spartan this off-season…

Prep Boys Hockey: Proctor Protects Home Ice with 5-3 Win Over International Falls

The Rails defend home ice as they defeat the Broncos 5-3 improving to 8-6 on the year. 

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor Rails welcomed in the International Falls Broncos on Saturday. The Rails defend home ice as they defeat the Broncos 5-3, improving to 8-6 on the year. Proctor is back in action on Tuesday, January 7th, where they face Hermantown. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. For the Broncos, their next game is on Tuesday, January 7th…

Boys Hockey: Carlson’s OT Goal Lifts Rock Ridge Past Hermantown

Caz Carlson scored the game-winning goal for the Wolverines.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- It was a defensive battle between the Hermantown and Rock Ridge boys hockey teams on Thursday night. Ultimately, it took overtime to decide a winner. That’s where Caz Carlson netted the game-winning goal to give Rock Ridge the 1-0 victory. The Wolverines (9-3-1) will next host Duluth Denfeld on Saturday. As for Hermantown (6-4-2), they’ll try to bounce…

Northern Star: Gracyn Schipper

Schipper returns after missing her junior season due to injury.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Northern Stars start their 2024-25 campaign, starting the year 7-4-2. A reason for this, the Northern Stars have their senior captain back out on the ice. Senior Forward Gracyn Schipper missed her junior year due to a broken collarbone she suffered early in the season. “Losing Gracyn was really difficult as a coach and just as…

Prep Girls Hockey: Duluth Northern Stars Look to Bounce Back Against St. Paul/Two Rivers

The Duluth Northern Stars have won six of their last nine games to reach 6-4-2 at the holiday break.

DULUTH, Minn.- After starting the season 0-3, the Duluth Northern Stars have won six of their last nine games to reach 6-4-2 at the holiday break. In the Northern Stars last match, they fell to Grand Rapids/Greenway 6-5. In their first 12 games the Northern Stars average 3 goals per game and have totaled 41 goals on the year. The…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Hockey Wins Heritage Holiday Classic Title Game

The Hunters end the three-day tournament with a 4-2 win over the Wolfpack to claim the Heritage Holiday Classic Title. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld Hunters hosted Park of Cottage Grove in the Heritage Holiday Classic Championship on Saturday. The Hunters end the three-day tournament with a 4-2 win over the Wolfpack to claim the Heritage Holiday Classic Title. Denfeld is back in action on Saturday, January 4th, against Rock Ridge. Puck drop is at 2 p.m. Categories: High School,…

Prep Boys Basketball: Cherry Goes 2-0 in Superior Candy Cane Crossover

The Superior Spartans faced off against the Cherry Tigers in their second game of the tournament. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Day two of the Superior Candy Cane Crossover tipped off on Saturday. The Superior Spartans faced off against the Cherry Tigers in their second game of the tournament. The Spartans and Tigers went back and forth all game, but in the end, the Tigers defeated the Spartans 78-68. Cherry is back in action on Saturday, January 4th…

Boys Hockey: Duluth Denfeld to Play in Heritage Holiday Classic Championship, Superior Edged By Park

The Wolfpack and the Hunters will drop the puck at 3:30 PM on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The host team in the Heritage Holiday Classic will get to play for the championship on Saturday. The Duluth Denfeld boys hockey team defeated Irondale on Friday in the semifinals, 9 to 2. Nolan Harju had a team-leading three goals in the contest. Denfeld will meet Park, who topped Superior 5 to 1 in the other semifinal. The…

Prep Basketball: Esko Boys Win Coaches Classic Title, Cherry Remains Perfect, Duluth East Girls Fall

Esko defeated the Hilltoppers 74-53 to claim the Coachers Classic championship.  

ESKO, Minn.- Esko and Duluth Marshall faced-off in the 44th annual Coaches Classic championship game on Friday. The host team ended up taking home the top prize as Esko defeated the Hilltoppers 74-53. Esko’s next game is on Friday, January 3rd against Blake. Tip-off is at 7:15 p.m. For the Hilltoppers, their next game is on Saturday, January 4th against…

Top Play of the Week: 12/27

At number one, Duluth Denfeld short-handed but no problem for them as John Scott slides the puck over to Nolan Harju for the goal.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays comes from on the ice. At number one, Duluth Denfeld short-handed but no problem for them as John Scott slides the puck over to Nolan Harju for the goal. Hunters advance to Saturday’s Heritage Holiday Classic Championship/ Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Boys Hockey: Hermantown Bounces Back, Superior & Denfeld Earn Holiday Tourney Wins, North Shore Falls

Both the Heritage Holiday Classic and Bill McGann Classic wrap up on Saturday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- For the second time this season, the Hermantown boys hockey team bounced back after a loss. The Hawks protected their home ice, defeating Delano 3-0 on Thursday. Hermantown outshot Delano 39 to 27. The Hawks will next play at White Bear Lake on Saturday. In other boys hockey action, it was day one of the Heritage Holiday Classic….

Prep Basketball: Duluth Marshall & Esko Claim Spots in Coaches Classic Championship

The Hilltoppers and Esko will face-off in the championship game on Friday, December 27th. 

ESKO, Minn.- The 44th annual Coaches Classic tipped off on Thursday night in Esko. In the first game of the tournament, Duluth Marshall faced Hinckley-Finlayson in the semifinals. The Hilltoppers advance to the championship game with an 87-56 win over the Jaguars. On the other side of the bracket, Esko faced East Central in another semifinal contest. Esko defeated the…

Northern Star: Bobby Thornton

Thornton forms quite the impressive first line with teammates Grady Knutson and Niko Gentilini.

CLOQUET, Minn.- C-E-C senior forward Bobby Thornton has had his fair share of goals the past couple of seasons. But this year, he’s sharing the wealth with his linemates Grady Knutson and Niko Gentilini. “We’ve been together since sophomore year. We’ve been friends since a super long time. We just work really well together, passing the puck, moving the puck…

Prep Hockey: Denfeld Boys Top Duluth East & Superior Girls Earn Third Consecutive Win

The Hunters take down their rivals 2-1 in overtime to earn their third win of the season. 

DULUTH, Minn.- In prep boys hockey, the Duluth Denfeld Hunters and the Duluth East Greyhounds squared off on Saturday. The Hunters took down their rivals 2-1 in overtime to earn their third win of the season. Denfeld is back in action on Thursday, December 26h against Anoka. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. For the Greyhounds, their next game is…

Prep Basketball: Cloquet Boys, Proctor & Hermantown Girls All Earn Wins

Both the Cloquet boys and Hermantown girls extended their respective win streaks.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet boys basketball team continued their winning ways on Friday, defeating Hibbing 100 to 68. The Lumberjacks are back in action on Friday, December 27th against Cromwell-Wright. Tip-off is at 4:30 p.m. For the Bluejackets, their next game is on Friday, December 27th against Watertown-Mayer. Game time is at 4:30 p.m. Over on the girls side, the…

Top Plays of the Week: 12/20

At number one, some nice puck handling by C-E-C's Grady Knutson leads to a goal in front of the net.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the hardwood and on the ice. At number two, Denfeld’s Lee Brooks saves the ball from going out of bounds. That leads to Nathan LaPlante putting the ball up for two. At number one, some nice puck handling by C-E-C’s Grady Knutson leads to a goal in front of the…

Prep Boys Hockey: C-E-C Blanks Defending Class A State Champs, Denfeld Spoils Randolph’s Return

Lumberjacks improve to 7-0 on the year.

CLOQUET, Minn.-The Cloquet/Esko/Carlton boys hockey team hosted the defending section A state champions St. Cloud Cathedral on Thursday. The Lumberjacks take down the defending state champs 5-0, improving to 7-0 on the year. C-E-C is back in action on Saturday, December 21st hosting St. Michael-Albertville. Puck is at 3 p.m. Over at the Heritage Center, the Duluth Denfeld Hunters hosted…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Basketball Rolls Past Hermantown to Get Back to .500 Mark

The Hunters are now 3-3 and will next play Cambridge-Isanti on December 27th in Superior.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team picked up their 3rd win of the season on Thursday, defeating Hermantown 94 to 58. The Hunters are now 3-3 and will next play Cambridge-Isanti on December 27th in Superior. As for Hermantown (0-5), they’ll host Chisago Lakes on Saturday. Categories: High School, Sports

C-E-C Boys Hockey Set to Host Defending Class A State Champions

The Lumberjacks are currently 6-0 on the season.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys hockey team is off to a hot start to their 2024-25 campaign as they still remain perfect through six games. The Lumberjacks are currently 6-0 on the season and average six goals per game and have recorded 37 goals on the year. C-E-C also has shut out two of their six opponents so far. Part…

Prep Hockey: Mirage Edges C-E-C in OT, Two-Goal 3rd Helps Hermantown Get Past Denfeld

Mya Gunderson had the game-winning goal for Proctor/Hermantown.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor/Hermantown Mirage continued their winning ways on Tuesday, defeating Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 2-1 in overtime. Mya Gunderson had the game-winning goal for Proctor/Hermantown. Jane Eckstrom had the other goal in the 2nd period. Proctor/Hermantown (11-3) will next play at Brainerd/Little Falls on Thursday. As for Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (4-8), they’ll be at Pine City Area on Thursday. In boys action, Hermantown…

Prep Girls Basketball: Hermantown Tops Cloquet to Keep Win Streak Alive

Hermantown wins fourth consecutive game.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- In prep girls basketball the Hermantown Hawks hosted the Cloquet Lumberjacks on Tuesday night. The Hawks defeated the Lumberjacks 58-50 to earn their sixth win of the season. Hermantown is back in action on Friday, December 20th against Duluth Denfeld. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. For Cloquet, their next game is on Thursday, December 19th where they face…

Nathan Ahlberg Named 2024 WBCA Coach of the Year

Just this past season, Ahlberg led the Green Eagles to a 19-2 record and their first ever WIAA State Tournament.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- Northwood/Solon Springs’ Nathan Ahlberg has been named the 2024 WBCA Coach of the Year. Just this past season, Ahlberg led the Green Eagles to a 19-2 record and their first ever WIAA State Tournament. His squad has also won the WIAA regional championship all four seasons of the co-op. So far, Ahlberg has an overall record of…

Prep Basketball: Cloquet Wins Thriller Over Denfeld, Grand Rapids Bounces Back Against Proctor

The contest came down to one last shot where the Hunters tried to tie it up, but the Lumberjacks take the home the win 71-68.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet boys basketball team hosted Duluth Denfeld in their first conference matchup on Thursday. The contest came down to one last shot where the Hunters tried to tie it up, but the Lumberjacks take the home the win 71-68. Cloquet is back in action on Tuesday, December 17th where they face Marshall. Tip-off is at 7:15 p.m….

Boys Hockey: Duluth Denfeld & Duluth East Earn First Wins of 2024-2025 Season

Duluth Denfeld is next at Hermantown on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Duluth East will host Andover on Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the Duluth Denfeld and Duluth East boys hockey teams picked up their first wins of the season on Thursday. The Hunters defeated Superior 6 to 2 to go to 1-6 on the year. John Scott had a hat trick to lead the Hunters offensively. Duluth Denfeld is next at Hermantown on Tuesday. As for Superior (2-5), they’ll…

Northern Star: Jane Eckstrom

Eckstrom totaled 35 points in the 2023-2024 season.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- When a season ends, it’s sometimes hard to hit the reset button. But for Proctor/Hermantown senior forward Jane Eckstrom, she’s picked up where she left off last year. “Throughout my high school career, I think it’s been the same where I can just contribute all I have. As a senior, I definitely feel more of a leadership role….

Prep Hockey: Mirage Earn 9th Win, Rock Ridge Boys Top Denfeld, Hermantown Ties with Marshall

Neelah McLeod tallied her 1,000th career save in the victory.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- In prep girls hockey on Tuesday night, the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage hosted Hibbing/Chisholm. The Mirage earn their ninth win of the season taking down the Bluejackets, 9 to 0. Neelah McLeod tallied her 1,000th career save in the victory. Proctor/Hermantown is back in action on Saturday, December 14th, where they face South St. Paul. Puck drop is at noon….

Mirage Taking Each Game as a Learning Opportunity in 2024-2025 Season

Proctor/Hermantown is 8-3 so far this season.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Proctor/Hermantown Mirage already have 11 games under their belts this season. And what a start it has been as the team has picked up eight wins, five of which have come in shutout fashion. The Mirage also had a six-game winning streak that recently ended this past Saturday. Head Coach Emma Stauber says she’s seen growth from…

Scott Arntson Steps Down as Head Coach of Esko Football Team

Arntson has been the head coach since 2016.

ESKO, Minn.- Soon the Esko football team will look a little bit different on the sidelines. That’s because longtime head coach Scott Arntson has stepped down. Arntson confirmed the decision to Jamey Malcomb of the Duluth News Tribune, citing he wants to spend more time with his grandchildren. Arntson has been the head coach since 2016. He had quite the…

Superior’s Leno & Rivord to Stay as Teammates with UW-Stout Football

Both Tanner Leno and Garet Rivord announced their commitment to the Blue Devils over the weekend.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A Superior football duo will soon call Stout home. Both Tanner Leno and Garet Rivord announced their commitment to the Blue Devils over the weekend. Leno played kicker, punter, and quarterback for the Spartans. He went a perfect 14 for 14 on extra points and also had seven passing touchdowns. As for Rivord, he led the team with…

Prep Boys Hockey: C-E-C Stays Perfect, Marshall Suffers First Loss of the Season

Lumberjacks improve to 4-0 on the year.

CLOQUET, Minn.- On Saturday, the Cloquet/Esko/Carlton boys hockey team hosted East Grand Forks, defending their perfect record. The Lumberjacks defeat the Green Wave 4-3 to remain undefeated. C-E-C is back in action on Tuesday, December 10th, where they face the Proctor Rails. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. In other action, Duluth Marshall hosted Minneapolis on Saturday. The Hilltoppers suffered…

After Scoreless First, Hermantown Boys Hockey Breaks Through for First Win Over East Grand Forks

The Hermantown hosted East Grand Forks on Friday night. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team hosted East Grand Forks on Friday night. The Hawks earn their first win of the season as they take down the Green Wave, 4-0. Hermantown moved the puck around as they had four different Hawks score. The Hawks will be back in action on Saturday, December 7th as they face Mahtomedi. Puck drop…

Boys Basketball: Esko Goes to 2-0, Hibbing Notches 1st Win

Esko (2-0) will be at Grand Rapids on December 10th. Meanwhile, Hibbing will play at I-Falls on the 10th.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hibbing boys basketball team picked up their first win of the season on Friday, defeating Hermantown 86 to 56. The Bluejackets improve to 1-1 and will next play at International Falls on December 10th. Hermantown falls to 0-3 and will try to bounce back against Columbia Heights on December 14th. In other boys action, Esko protected their…

Top Plays of the Week: 12/6

At number one, Esko's Graham Hartlieb and Sam Haugen team up for the off the glass jam as Esko tops Cloquet.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both of this week’s top plays came from on the hardwood. At number two, Duluth Marshall’s Brooks Johnson continues to rattle rims with a slam in their win against Two Harbors. At number one, Esko’s Graham Hartlieb and Sam Haugen team up for the off the glass jam as Esko tops Cloquet. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School,…

Hibbing/Chisholm Boys Hockey Blanks Proctor Earning Fourth Win on the Season

Bluejackets improve to 4-2 on the year.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor boys hockey team hosted Hibbing/Chisholm on Thursday night. The Bluejackets defeated the Rails 5-0 to earn their fourth win of the season. Hibbing/Chisholm moved the puck around as they had five Bluejackets score on the night. Bluejackets are back in action on Saturday, December 7th against Totino-Grace. Puck drop is at 3 p.m. For the Rails,…

MN Basketball: Carlson Tallies 1,000th Point as Proctor Improves to 5-0, Marshall Boys Start Out Year with a W

Chloe Carlson picked up her 1,000th career point in the victory for the Rails.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Proctor girls basketball team remains unbeaten after defeating Hermantown 66 to 32 on Thursday night. Chloe Carlson picked up her 1,000th career point in the victory for the Rails. Proctor (5-0) will next play at Superior on December 10th. Hermantown (2-2) is set to host Irondale on Saturday. In boys action, Duluth Marshall started off the season…

Northern Star: Lily Smith

Smith and Proctor are next in action on Thursday at Hermantown.

PROCTOR, Minn.- In a game with plenty of noise, Proctor senior guard Lily Smith let’s her play do the talking. “I have her in class, first hour calculus. She sits front and center, right in front of the board. Doesn’t really ever ask questions, just is there. But, does very well. Quiet assassin is a great way to describe Lily…

Prep Basketball: Three Point Shooting Helps Denfeld Boys & Marshall Girls Clinch Home Wins

Duluth Denfeld hosted Duluth East in home opener.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team hosted Duluth East in their home opener on Tuesday. The Hunters took down their rivals 64-52, to start the season 1-0. Duluth Denfeld will travel to North Branch to take on the Vikings on Friday, December 6th. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. For the Greyhounds, their next game in on Friday, December…

Boys Hockey: Grand Rapids Tops Proctor for 3rd Win of Season

Grand Rapids (3-1) will next host Roseau on Friday.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys hockey team picked up their 3rd win of the season on Tuesday, defeating Proctor 6 to 2. Luka Rohloff and Ander Rajala had two goals each to lead the Thunderhawks. Grand Rapids (3-1) will next host Roseau on Friday. As for Proctor (3-2), they’ll host Hibbing/Chisholm on Thursday. Categories: High School, Sports

Selfless Basketball Propels Proctor Girls to 4-0 Start

The Rails have a number of key returners back including guards Lily Smith and Chloe Carlson and forwards Greta Gustavson and Presley Tapani.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor girls basketball team is off to a strong start this season. A perfect 4-0 record, with all four wins having margins of 23 or more points. The Rails have a number of key returners back including guards Lily Smith and Chloe Carlson and forwards Greta Gustavson and Presley Tapani. Head Coach Matt Solberg says he’s pleased…

Girls Basketball: Esko Pulls Away Late from Superior to Earn First Win

Esko was led by Clara Swanson, who had 25 points in the contest.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Esko girls basketball team picked up their first win of the season on Monday, defeating Superior 60 to 53. Esko was led by Clara Swanson, who had 25 points in the contest. As for Superior, Annabel Manion was the high-scorer with 23 points. Esko (1-2) will next play at Jordan on Friday. Superior (1-4) is at St….

Northwood/Solon Springs QB Jared Schultz to Play College Football at UW-River Falls

Schultz is coming off a breakout senior season in which he led the state in rushing with 2,015 yards and 35 touchdowns.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- Northwood/Solon Springs quarterback Jared Schultz announced the next step in his playing career. On Saturday, Schultz committed to the Falcons of UW-River Falls. He’s coming off a breakout senior season in which he led the state in rushing with 2,015 yards and 35 touchdowns. Schultz also caught a touchdown and returned three kickoffs for scores as well….

MN Girls Prep Basketball: From Wolverine to Golden Eagle, Anna Westby Commits to Minnesota Crookston

Rock Ridge's senior forward Anna Westby has committed to play basketball at Minnesota Crookston in the 2025-26 season. 

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Rock Ridge’s senior forward Anna Westby has committed to play basketball at Minnesota Crookston in the 2025-26 season. Westby earned All-State Honorable Mention honors last season. During the Wolverines run to state, Westby averaged 18.1 points per game. Rock Ridge will be back in action on Friday, December 6th, where they face North Branch. Tip-off is at 5:30…

Prep Boys Hockey: Duluth Marshall Goes to 2-0, Hermantown Ties in Opener

The Hilltoppers defeat the Packers 11-2, improving to 2-0.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys hockey team hosted South St. Paul on Friday. The Hilltoppers took down the Packers 11-2, improving to 2-0. Leading the way for the Hilltoppers was Sam Berry, who scored two goals in the first period. Next up for Duluth Marshall, they will face the Superior Spartans on Tuesday, December 3rd. Puck drop is at…

Top Plays of the Week: 11/29

At number one, Duluth Marshall's Bennett Scissons on the breakaway goes between the goalie's legs and finds the back of the net for the goal. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Both of this week’s top plays come from on the ice. At number two, we have history, UMD’s Clara Van Wieren tallies her 100th career point with the spin and then score. At number one, Duluth Marshall’s Bennett Scissons on the breakaway goes between the goalie’s legs and finds the back of the net for the goal. Categories:…

MN Prep Basketball: Proctor Defends Home-Court in Season Opener

The Proctor Rails hosted Hermantown in their 2024 home opener.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The 2024-25 boys prep basketball season tipped off on Wednesday night. The Proctor Rails hosted Hermantown in their 2024 home opener. Rails defend their home-court as they take down the Hawks 78-66 to start the season 1-0. Proctor will be back in action on Tuesday, December 3rd where they face Greenway. Tip-off is at 7:15 p.m. For the…

Grand Rapids Senior Adrienne Venditto to Play College Volleyball at Minnesota Crookston

Venditto was named to the Lake Superior All-Conference first team as a senior.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Grand Rapids standout Adrienne Venditto has announced her college commitment to Minnesota Crookston. Venditto was named to the Lake Superior All-Conference first team as a senior. She also played in the 2024 Big Dog All-Star team. Venditto had a key role for the Thunderhawks the past two seasons in which they made the state tournament. She was…