Sports

Prep Girls Basketball: Patriots, Hilltoppers Advance to Section 7AA Title Game

Pequot Lakes topped Virginia, while Duluth Marshall held off Esko in the section semi-finals.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the Section 7AA semi-finals at Romano Gym, Pequot Lakes would take down Virginia 63-49, while Duluth Marshall held off Esko 50-46 Wednesday night. The Patriots and Hilltoppers will face off in the section championship game Friday night. Tip-off at Romano Gym is set for 7 p.m. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Boys Basketball: Hawks, Greyhounds Win Playoff Openers

Both Hermantown and Duluth East won their first round playoff match-ups Wednesday night.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Hermantown and Duluth East boys basketball teams each opened their playoff runs with home wins as the Hawks topped North Branch 87-72 and the Greyhounds blasted Anoka 80-60. Here are the rest of the scores from the section playoffs: SECTION 7AAAA: Blaine 56, Forest Lake 60 Coon Rapids 56, Andover 63 Anoka 60, Duluth East 80…

Biondi’s Hat Trick Pushes Hermantown Boys Past Monticello in Class A Quarterfinals

The Hawks had four different goal-scorers in the blowout win.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Senior forward Blake Biondi would score a hat trick in the first two periods as the Hermantown boys hockey team knocked off Monticello 7-1 Wednesday afternoon in the Class A quarterfinals at the Xcel Energy Center. Zach Kilen would score twice in the third period while Aydyn Dowd and Aaron Pionk also scored to help out…

Hermantown Girls Set to Battle Defending Section Champs Hibbing

Tip-off for Thursday's section title game is set for 7 p.m. at Denfeld High School.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Hermantown girls basketball team have justified their top-seed ranking in the Section 7AAA playoffs and are now sitting in the section title game. The Hawks have overcome a lot of adversity since last season, losing several key players to injury either at the start of the season or right before the playoffs. But now, they are…

UMD Women’s Basketball Fall to St. Cloud State in NSIC Finals

The Bulldogs' bid to win back-to-back conference titles was denied by the Huskies.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Sophomore forward Brooke Olson led the way with 23 points, but it wouldn’t be enough as the UMD women’s basketball team fell to St. Cloud State 71-62 in the NSIC tournament championship game Tuesday night at the Sanford Pentagon. Ann Simonet chipped in with 18 points as her and Olson were both named to the all-tournament…

Tigers Boys Basketball Cruise Past Chieftains in WIAA Region Quarterfinals

Northwestern will play Somerset in the regional semifinal on Friday.

MAPLE, Wis. – The Northwestern boys basketball team opened on a 10-0 run and never let up, cruising past Osceola 81-34 in the WIAA region quarterfinals. Jake Brill led the way with 19 points while Andrew Klobucher finished with 13 points. Jagar Stillson, Dayne Evanson and Monte Mayberry all finished with 12 points each. With the win, the Tigers will…

Prep Girls Basketball: Cardinals, Rangers to Meet in Section 7A Title Game

This will be the second year in a row where the two teams meet in the championship game.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the Section 7A semi-finals at Romano Gym, the Cromwell-Wright girls basketball team defeated Chisholm 81-23 and Mountain Iron-Buhl used a strong second half to take down Cherry 60-46. The Cardinals and Rangers move on to the finals in a rematch of last year’s section title game. Tip-off for the game is set for 7:30 p.m. on…

UMD Women’s Basketball Team Advance to NSIC Tournament Finals

The Bulldogs return to the NSIC championship game for the second straight year.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Sophomore forward Brooke Olson led all scorers with 29 points as the UMD women’s basketball team knocked off Minnesota State-Mankato 80-77 Monday night in the NSIC tournament semi-final at the Sanford Pentagon. Ann Simonet chipped in with 16 points, while Sarah Grow and Payton Kahl each scored 10. The Bulldogs move on to face St. Cloud…

Hawks Boys Hockey Set for Return to State Tournament

Hermantown will play Monticello on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. in the class A quarterfinals.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – For the past year, the Hermantown boys hockey team has been on a united pursuit to return to the state tournament. But after defeating Duluth Denfeld to win the section 7A title last week to officially punch their ticket back to the Xcel Energy Center, this journey is just getting started. “This is the best time of…

UMD Men’s Basketball Fall to Mankato in NSIC Semi-Finals

The Bulldogs struggled to get a run going in the second half of the game.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Senior forward Brandon Myer finished with 30 points and 11 rebounds, but it wouldn’t be enough as the UMD men’s basketball team fall to Minnesota State-Mankato 79-73 Monday afternoon at the Sanford Pentagon. Alex Illikainen chipped in with 29 points, with 21 coming in the first half. But the Bulldogs didn’t have any other players score…

Local Sled Dog Injured at U.P. Race

The dog belongs to Stoney Creek Kennels in Tofte, MN.

TOFTE, Minn. – A local sled dog needs your help. Stoney Creek Kennels, owned by Rita and Bill Wehseler, competed in the Copper Dog 150 race this past weekend in the U.P. One of their dogs, Porky, broke his leg and now Rita, who came in second place tn the Beargrease Half-Marathon, is reaching out for some help. If you…

Northern Star: Payton Wefel

For this week's segment, meet one of the seniors on the Esko basketball team who's hoping to lead his team back to the state tournament.

ESKO, Minn. – After star senior guard Trevor Spindler suffered a season-ending injury just a few games in to the 2019 season, the Esko boys basketball team turned to fellow senior guard Payton Wefel to step up. “He was a huge part of our team, being the guy we go to when we need a point and just that leader…

UMD Women’s Hockey Takes Down Bemidji State to Advance to WCHA Final Face-Off

Anna Klein, Sydney Brodt, Mannon McMahon and Kylie Hanley all scored for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn. – Unlike the first two games, no overtime was needed on Sunday afternoon as the No. 9 Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team scored three goals in the first seven minutes of the second period to get the 4-1 win over Bemidji State to win the series and advance to the WCHA Final Face-Off. Anna Klein gave the Bulldogs…

Bulldogs Women’s Basketball Tops Wolves to Advance to NSIC Tournament Semifinals

Ann Simonet finished with a career-high 28 points as the UMD women held off Northern State in the NSIC quarterfinals.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Junior guard Ann Simonet finished with a career-high 28 points as the No. 1 seed Minnesota Duluth women’s basketball team held off Northern State 79-71 on Sunday afternoon in the NSIC Tournament quarterfinals. Simonet also chipped in with eight rebounds while Brooke Olson finished with 16 points and Payton Kahl finished with nine points. The Bulldogs…

Prep Girls Basketball: Hilltoppers, Blue Devils Advance in Section 7AA; Hawks, Bluejackets to Meet in Section 7AAA Final

Duluth Marshall, Virginia, Hermantown and Hibbing are all advancing in their respective section playoffs.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown was home to the section 7AA girls basketball quarterfinals on Saturday which saw Virginia pull off a huge upset, hanging on in the final seconds to take down the defending section champions Proctor 59-57. In a quarterfinal game between two of the top teams in class AA, Grace Kirk scored 30 points as Duluth Marshall got…

Rice Lake Boys Hockey Defeats Hayward for WIAA D2 Section Title

Cole Asp and Blake Loder scored the two goals for the Hurricanes. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Hayward boys hockey team battled back in the first period, scoring two goals in the final 70 seconds to make it a one-goal game, but Rice Lake would prove to be too much, getting the 7-2 win. Cole Asp and Blake Loder scored the two goals for the Hurricanes. Rice Lake scored the first two goals,…

UMD Women’s Hockey Falls in Four Overtimes to Bemidji State in WCHA Quarterfinals Game Two

The game was the longest ever in UMD program history and longest in WCHA postseason history.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the second night in a row, the WCHA quarterfinal game between No. 9 Minnesota Duluth and Bemidji State needed overtime, but this one would need four overtimes as the Beavers get the 2-1 win to take the second game of the series. The game marks the longest game ever in UMD program history and longest in…

UMD Men’s Hockey Uses Big Second Period to Sweep Colorado College

Justin Richards, Nick Swaney, Luke Loheit, Noah Cates, Quinn Olson and Jade Miller all scored for the Bulldogs while Hunter Shepard finished with 27 saves. 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The No. 5 Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team scored four goals in the second period to get the 6-1 win over Colorado College and sweep its final road series of the regular season. Justin Richards, Nick Swaney, Luke Loheit, Noah Cates, Quinn Olson and Jade Miller all scored for the Bulldogs while Hunter Shepard finished with…

Yellowjackets Women’s Basketball Falls to Vikings in UMAC Title Game

The Wisconsin-Superior women's basketball team's season ends at the hands of Bethany Lutheran for the second year in a row.

MANKATO, Minn. – For the second year in a row, the Wisconsin-Superior women’s basketball team was unable to contain Bethany Lutheran in the UMAC title game, as the Vikings held on late for the 64-58 win to end the Yellowjackets’ season. Mackenzie Kmecik led the Yellowjackets with 14 points while Emily Carpenter finished with 11 points. Eva Reinertsen, in her…

Saints Men’s Basketball Season Ends in UMAC Title Game

St. Scholastica ends the season 15-13 (10-6 UMAC). 

MANKATO, Minn. – The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team led by six at the half and led early for most of the second half, but Bethany Lutheran battled back and took the lead late to get the 92-82 win to clinch the UMAC championship and end the Saints’ season. Jack Silgen led the Saints with 22 points and 10 rebounds,…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Earns No. 3 Seed in Class A State Tournament

The Hawks will play the Monticello Moose on Wednesday in the quarterfinals, marking the third straight state tournament these two teams will play each other.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With all section finals in the books, the brackets and seedings for class A and AA were released on Saturday morning. After a one year hiatus, Hermantown earned the No. 3 seed after winning the section 7A title on Wednesday. Hermantown will open the state tournament on Wednesday against unseeded Monticello in the quarterfinals. Puck drop at…

UMD Men’s Hockey Take Down Colorado College

The Bulldogs would double up CC with a big road win.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Four different goal-scorers would find the back of the net as the UMD men’s hockey team knocked off Colorado College 4-2 Friday night at the Broadmoor World Arena. Cole Koepke, Tanner Laderoute, Dylan Samberg and Scott Perunovich all scored for the Bulldogs as they go for the series sweep Saturday night. Categories: College, Sports, University of…

Tigers Girls Basketball Advance to Section Semi-Finals

Northwestern will host Bloomer in the section semi-finals on Saturday.

MAPLE, Wis. – The Northwestern girls basketball team continued to dominate on Friday night, getting the 67-39 win over Saint Croix Central in the second round of the playoffs. The Tigers, who won the Heart O’North Conference for the first time in 21 years, will return to action on Saturday hosting Bloomer in the section semi-finals. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy,…

UMD Women’s Hockey Needs Overtime to Dispatch Bemidji State

The Bulldogs opened the playoffs with a thrilling 2-1 overtime win at home.

DULUTH, Minn. – Maggie Flaherty would score her first goal of the season in overtime as the UMD women’s hockey team got the win over Bemidji State 2-1 in the first round of the WCHA playoffs. Gabbie Hughes would score the other goal for the Bulldogs while Maddie Rooney finished with 19 saves on the night. UMD will look for…

Prep Boys Basketball: Eskomos, Greyhounds, Lumberjacks End Regular Season with Wins

Esko and Duluth East would pick up wins at home, while Cloquet got the road win over Proctor.

ESKO, Minn. – In the final night of the regular season for boys basketball, Esko defeated Virginia 84-65. The Eskomos got 33 points from James LaGarde, while the Blue Devils’ Jayden Bernard led all scorers with 36 points. In other action, Duluth East got the rivalry home win over Duluth Denfeld 98-64 and Cloquet got the road win over Proctor…

Coaches Corner: Proctor Girls Basketball

For this week's segment, we hear from the Proctor girls basketball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with the Proctor girls basketball team, including head coach Matt Solberg and seniors Liz Frase and Morgan Nylund. The Rails are getting set to defend their section crown beginning this weekend. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Pillath, Erickson Shine in Day One of UMAC Indoor Track & Field Finals

The first day of the 2020 UMAC Indoor Track and Field Finals took place in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Day One of the 2020 UMAC Indoor Track and Field Finals took place Friday afternoon at the Marcovich Wellness Center in Superior. Among the big winners in field events were St. Scholastica’s Lexi Erickson in the high jump and Wisconsin-Superior’s CJ Pillath in the weight throw, where he set a new conference record at 19.01 meters. For…

Physical Therapy to Help Injury or Illness Restricting Daily Tasks

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Physical Therapy at Viverant

  DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures we head up the hill to Viverant with Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot. After Merlot’s recent back break in August left her unable to walk, she has been in physical therapy for months getting back on her feet. Physical therapists teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they…

CSS Men’s Basketball Use Upset Win to Clinch Spot in UMAC Finals

The Saints move on to face Bethany Lutheran in the UMAC championship game on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn. – In case you missed it Wednesday night, the St. Scholastica men’s basketball team went down to St. Paul and eliminated top seed Northwestern from the UMAC playoffs. Jack Silgen finished with a career-high 27 points and now for the fourth time in the past five seasons, the Saints will be playing in the UMAC title game. “It…

UMD’s Jackson Cates “Out For A While”, Bulldogs Turn to Noah Cates to Fill Void at Center

The Bulldogs will travel to Colorado College this weekend for their final road trip of the regular season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team have two more weeks in the regular season and are looking to close it out strong. But they’ll have to do it without one of their top guys for the foreseeable future. According to head coach Scott Sandelin, Center Jackson Cates will be “out for a while” after suffering an upper body…

Prep Girls Basketball: Cardinals, Panthers Move On to Section 7A Quarterfinals

The Cromwell-Wright and South Ridge girls basketball teams each earned home wins to keep their respective seasons alive.

CROMWELL, Minn. – Senior guard Taya Hakamaki led the way with 22 points as the Cromwell-Wright girls basketball team defeated Northeast Range 65-8 Thursday night in the first round of the Section 7A playoffs. The Cardinals move on to face South Ridge, who defeated Floodwood 51-47 behind 16 points from eighth-grader Svea Snickers. That game will take place Saturday at…

UMD Women’s Hockey Set to Meet Bemidji State (Again) in the WCHA Quarterfinals

The Bulldogs will face the Beavers in the WCHA quarterfinals for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team will open their playoff run with a very familiar opponent. The Bulldogs will face Bemidji State in the WCHA quarterfinals for the fourth time in the last five seasons. But the gameplan will be the same as its been for the past few weeks: playing defense at a high level. “Once we…

UMD’s Brooke Olson Named NSIC Offensive POTY, Mandy Pearson Earns Coach of the Year Honors

Katie Stark and Sarah Grow earned All-NSIC Second Team distinction, as well as being named to the All-Defensive Team

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s basketball team took home two of the four major awards from the NSIC as sophomore forward Brooke Olson was named Offensive Player of the Year and Mandy Pearson was named Coach of the Year. In her fifth year leading the team, Pearson helped the Bulldogs win the NSIC regular season title for the first…

UMD’s Brandon Myer Named NSIC Player of the Year

Freshman Drew Blair was named to the NSIC Second Team while senior Alex Illikainen earned an honorable mention.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD senior forward Brandon Myer has been named NSIC Player of the Year, the conference announced Thursday morning. The Superior native is wrapping up a stellar season with the Bulldogs, ranking second in the conference in scoring and third in rebounds. Along the way, Myer became the all-time leading scorer in program history and the only Bulldog…

Duluth FC Introduces Sean Morgan as New Head Coach

The Bluegreens also announced the creation of a new U-23 development team called "Duluth FC Academy"

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday afternoon, Duluth FC officially introduced their new head coach, former Bluegreen Sean Morgan. The CSS alum says he’s been heavily involved in the local soccer scene so the natural progression was to become a head coach. “For myself I’ve always been really passionate about the game. I’ve got a strong will to win and a drive…

UMD Basketball Teams Move On to NSIC Quarterfinals

The women were victorious over Upper Iowa, while the men needed double overtime to beat Concordia-St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sophomore forward Brooke Olson finished with a career-high 33 points as the UMD women’s basketball team used a strong second half to get the win over Upper Iowa 81-54 Wednesday night in the first round of the NSIC tournament. The Bulldogs move on to play Northern State in the NSIC quarterfinals at 2 p.m. in Sioux Falls….

UWS Women Advance to UMAC Basketball Finals

The Yellowjackets move on to the UMAC finals to face Bethany Lutheran in a rematch of last year's UMAC title game.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UWS women’s basketball team would get a career-high 23 points from Superior native Mackenzie Kmecik as they hang on to beat Northwestern 90-83 Wednesday night at the Mertz Mortorelli Gym. Duluth native Eva Reinertsen finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds while Emily Carpenter and Marissa Ruiz combined for 31 points. The Yellowjackets move on to…

Hermantown Boys Win Section Title, Heading Back to State Tournament

A five-goal third period was the difference as the Hawks blanked the Hunters.

DULUTH, Minn. – Zach Kilen and Blake Biondi each scored twice as the Hermantown boys hockey team blanked Duluth Denfeld 6-0 in the Section 7A championship game Wednesday night at Amsoil Arena. Aydyn Dowd and Jackson Lucia also scored for the Hawks who are heading back to the Class A state tournament, which begins next week. Hermantown now awaits the…

UMD’s Maddie Rooney Selected to U.S. National Team

The Andover native will be part of the team that will compete in the 2020 IIHF Women's World Championship.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD netminder Maddie Rooney has been named to the U.S. women’s national team for third time in her career. The Andover native will be part of the team that will compete in the 2020 IIHF Women’s World Championship next month in Nova Scotia. “Any time I get a chance to wear the red, white and blue, it’s…

UMD Alpine Ski Team Heading to Nationals

This will be the first time in five years the Bulldogs are heading to USCSA National Championships.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD Alpine Ski Team will be heading to the U.S. Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association National Championships next month in Lake Placid, NY. This will be the first time in five years the Bulldogs are heading to nationals and they hope this achievement can create a bit more buzz for club sports at UMD. “Well even…

UWS Women’s Basketball Get Set for Reinertsen’s Final Playoff Run

The Yellowjackets will host Northwestern in Wednesday's game. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UMAC women’s basketball tournament continues Wednesday with a pair of semi-final games. For Wisconsin-Superior, it will be unfamiliar territory as they come into the playoffs not as the number one seed. But they do come in with an abundance of one thing: experience. “When you have four of your starters are returners that have been playing…

South Ridge Tabs Steve Jezierski as New Softball Head Coach

Jezierski has over 30 years of softball and baseball coaching experience, including stops at Cloquet and Duluth Marshall.

CULVER, Minn. – South Ridge High School has announced that Steve Jezierski has been named the new head coach of the Panthers softball team. He’ll take over for Robert Plachta who resigned after one season due to medical reasons. Jezierski has over 30 years of softball and baseball coaching experience, including stops at Cloquet and Duluth Marshall. South Ridge is…

Hayward Boys Hockey Eliminate Superior in D2 Semi-Finals

It was a high-scoring affair as the Hurricanes end the season for the Spartans.

HAYWARD, Wis. – Ryland Achtor would score the go-ahead goal in the second period as the Hayward boys hockey team knocked off Superior 4-3 in the WIAA Division 2 playoffs Tuesday night. Cade Delisle scored twice for the Hurricanes while Blake Loder also scored. The Spartans got goals from George Hansen, Alex Hanson and Drew Scharte. Categories: High School, Sports

Team Ice Defeats Team Fire in K1 Girls Hockey All-Star Game

The best girls hockey players from across the Northland took part in the game.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Allie Bussey of Hibbing would score the game-winner in overtime as Team Ice defeated Team Fire 7-6 in the 16th annual K1 Stars of the North Girls High School Hockey All Star Game. Among the other goal-scorers were CEC’s Kiana Bender and Proctor/Hermantown’s Aurora Opsahl. Categories: High School, Sports

Top ‘Dogs: UMD Women’s Basketball Set to Open NSIC Tournament at Romano Gym

Tip-off for Wednesday's game is set for 5:30 p.m. at Romano Gym.

DULUTH, Minn. – Home is where the heart is. It’s also where the UMD women’s basketball team will begin in the NSIC tournament Wednesday night. The bulldogs captured their first conference regular season title in 17 years with the help of an undefeated home record, the first time UMD has done that since 2003. But even as the top dogs,…

Hawks, Hunters Prepare for Section 7A Championship Game

Hermantown and Duluth Denfeld prepare to clash for a ticket to the state tournament.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Section 7A Boys Hockey Tournament has been whittled down to just two teams the top seed Hermantown Hawks and number two seed Duluth Denfeld Hunters. Hermantown is coming off an 8-0 win over Eveleth Gilbert to make it to their twelfth straight championship game. “Everything right now is just building for that first period on Wednesday…

Anderson’s Go-Ahead Three Gives CSS Men Win Over Crown in UMAC First Round

The Saints move on to face Northwestern in the UMAC semi-finals on Wednesday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior guard Collin Anderson finished with 18 points, including the go-ahead three with 36 seconds left in the game, as the St. Scholastica men’s basketball team held on for a wild win over Crown 75-71 Monday night in the first round of the UMAC playoffs. Nick Carlson also finished with 18 points as the Saints move on…

UMD’s Brandon Myer Becomes Program’s All-Time Leading Scorer

The Superior native scored 40+ points in each of the last three games of the regular season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week when UMD’s Brandon Myer moved up to second place on the program’s all-time leading scorers list, he was still well over 100 points away from the top spot held by UMD Hall of Famer Jay Guidinger. Fast forward to this past weekend and the Superior native torched his final three opponents, won his fifth NSIC…

Northern Star: Proctor Girls Basketball Seniors

For this week's Northern Star, we hear from six seniors on the Proctor girls basketball team.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The story of this season’s proctor girls basketball team didn’t begin at the start of the season or even last year when they won their first section title in 17 years. You have to go back to elementary school for the six seniors on the team: Sam Pogatchnik, Taylor Bradley, Morgan Nylund, Sam Parendo, Katelyn Marunich and…