Sports

College Basketball: UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Both Fall in Overtime to Winona State

Both teams will hit the road on Saturday for a doubleheader at Concordia-St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams held their final home games of 2024 on Wednesday. To open the night, the Bulldog women battled Winona State to overtime, ultimately falling 67 to 65 at the buzzer. Johanna Miller had a team-leading 20 points in the contest. Following that game, the UMD men and Winona State also ended…

UMD Tight End Sam Pitz Earns AFCA D2 First Team All-American Honors

Just this past season, Pitz had two receiving touchdowns and 360 receiving yards.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD graduate tight end Sam Pitz picked up another accolade as he earned AFCA Division II First Team All-American honors. Just this past season, Pitz had two receiving touchdowns and 360 receiving yards. He was also named to the D2CCA Super Region 4 First Team Offense and became a four time NSIC first-team all-conference selection. Pitz and the…

Falcons Name Rookie Michael Penix Jr. as Starting QB, Benching Veteran Kirk Cousins

Atlanta signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason with $100 million guaranteed before selecting Penix No. 8 overall in the NFL draft.

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are turning to rookie Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback and benching veteran Kirk Cousins as they fight for their first playoff berth since 2017. Coach Raheem Morris announced the decision in a statement Tuesday night. “After review we have made the decision Michael Penix Jr. will be the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback…

Giannis, Bucks Use 3-Point Barrage to Beat Thunder 97-81 for NBA Cup Title

The Bucks connected on 17 3-pointers on the way to beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 in the NBA Cup title game Tuesday night.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Everyone has a lucky number in Las Vegas. For the Milwaukee Bucks, it was 3. And the NBA Cup was their prize. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 26 points to go along with 19 rebounds and 10 assists, Damian Lillard added 23 points and the Bucks connected on 17 3-pointers on the way to beating the Oklahoma City…

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…

Vikings Win 7th Straight to Forge Tie for NFC North Lead with 30-12 Blowout of Reeling Bears

The Vikings forged a tie for first place in the NFC North on Monday night by beating the Chicago Bears 30-12 for their seventh consecutive victory.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Their spot in the playoffs secure, the Minnesota Vikings delivered a prime-time performance seeped in those ingredients that frequently fuel postseason success. Aaron Jones and Cam Akers had touchdown runs in the second half to complement an unrelenting defense, and the Vikings forged a tie for first place in the NFC North on Monday night by beating…

UMD Women’s Hockey Remains at #4 in USCHO Poll

UMD's next contest is January 2nd against Syracuse University.

DULUTH, Minn.- The latest USCHO poll was released on Monday morning. And like previous weeks, the UMD women’s hockey team sees no movement as they remain the 4th ranked team in the country. The Bulldogs are currently on their holiday break and will return to action on January 2nd in a rescheduled series from earlier in the season against Syracuse…

Vikings Clinch NFC Playoff Spot After Packers Beat Seahawks

The Minnesota Vikings host the Chicago Bears for Monday Night Football at U.S. Bank Stadium already knowing they’re heading to the NFC Playoffs.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Vikings host the Chicago Bears for Monday Night Football at U.S. Bank Stadium already knowing they’re heading to the NFC Playoffs. The Vikings clinched a playoff spot after the Green Bay Packers beat the Seattle Seahawks 30-13 on Sunday Night Football. At worst, they’ll be a Wild Card team. That said, there’s a lot to play…

Jordan Love Throws for 2 TDs and Packers Beat Seahawks 30-13 as Seattle QB Geno Smith Injures Knee

Jordan Love threw two touchdown passes to Romeo Doubs and the Green Bay Packers ended Seattle's four-game winning streak.

SEATTLE (AP) — Jordan Love threw two touchdown passes to Romeo Doubs and the Green Bay Packers ended Seattle’s four-game winning streak with a 30-13 victory Sunday night over the Seahawks, who lost quarterback Geno Smith to a knee injury. Josh Jacobs ran for 94 yards and a touchdown for the Packers (10-4), who have won eight of 10. Jacobs…

Giannis, Bucks Top Hawks 110-102, Earn Spot in NBA Cup Championship Game vs. Thunder

The Bucks will meet Oklahoma City, which beat Houston in the other semifinal, for the title on Tuesday night.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 32 points and was an assist away from a triple-double, Damian Lillard added 25 and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Atlanta Hawks 110-102 on Saturday to earn a spot in the NBA Cup championship game. The Bucks will meet Oklahoma City, which beat Houston in the other semifinal, for the title on Tuesday…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Snap Respective Three-Game Skids

UMD will once again have a men's and women's doubleheader on Saturday against Wayne State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams returned to the win column on Friday night. The women’s team started off the night by defeating Augustana 61 to 48. UMD was led by Myra Moorjani and Johanna Miller, who each had 16 points in the win. Following the women’s contest, the UMD men took down the Vikings by a…

CSS Men’s Hoops Protects Home Court with Non-Conference Win Against Minnesota Morris

The Saints will next be in action on December 30th at UW-River Falls.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team picked up their 4th win of the season on Friday, defeating Minnesota Morris 87 to 70. CSS was led by Jacquez Overstreet, who had 21 points in the victory. The Saints will next be in action on December 30th at UW-River Falls. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

UWS Women’s Hockey Takes Down Concordia to Get Back in the Win Column

The Yellowjackets take down the Coppers 2-1, to improve to 5-6-2 on the year.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After three weeks on the road, the UW-Superior women’s hockey team returned home to host Concordia on Friday. The Yellowjackets take down the Coppers 2-1, to improve to 5-6-2 on the year. The Jackets moved the puck around on Friday as Stacy Steiner and Kaylin Garner scored in the contest. UWS is back in action on Saturday for…

Top Plays of the Week: 12/13

At number one, St. Scholastica turns defense into offense as Aaron Keykal comes up with the steal and then the slam.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the ice and on the hardwood. At number two, Rock Ridge’s Jackson Bartovich fires a no look pass to Grady Dimberio, who finishes on net. At number one, St. Scholastica turns defense into offense as Aaron Keykal comes up with the steal and then the slam. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy,…

Duluth FC’s Charlie Forsyth Resigns as GM after 10 Seasons at the Helm

During Forsyth's reign, the team won the NPSL North Conference title twice and the Midwest Region title twice.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth FC is in search of a new GM as Charlie Forsyth has resigned after 10 years at the helm. During his reign, the team won the NPSL North Conference title twice and the Midwest Region title twice. In his final season, the BlueGreens finished in the semifinals of the NPSL National Tournament. An immediate search for his…

Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss says he’s being Treated for Cancer in his Bile Duct

Moss said he was hospitalized for six days before being released on Friday. He said he's being treated with radiation and chemotherapy.

Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss said Friday he is being treated for cancer in his bile duct between his pancreas and liver. In an appearance on Instagram Live, Moss, aided by a cane, introduced himself as a cancer survivor and thanked his “prayer warriors” for their support. He had a procedure to put a stent in…

Yankees to Get Closer Devin Williams from Brewers for Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durbin, AP Source Says

Williams was 14 for 15 in save chances with a 1.25 ERA, striking out 38 and walking 11 in 21 2/3 innings.

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees have agreed to acquire All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin, a person familiar with the trade told The Associated Press. The Yankees also will send more than $1 million to the Brewers as part of the trade, the person said on…

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…

After Strong Start Was Cooled Off, UMD Men’s Hoops Looks to Get Back on Track

The Bulldogs are currently on a three-game losing skid, which includes two defeats with margins of four points or less.

DULUTH, Minn.- After starting off the season with a 5-0 record, the UMD men’s basketball team has cooled off a little bit. The Bulldogs are currently on a three-game losing skid, which includes two defeats with margins of four points or less. The good news is UMD will return home this upcoming weekend to a Romano Gym, where they have…

Miller Set to Lead Young UMD Women’s Basketball Squad Against Former Team

Current UMD center Johanna Miller played for four years at Augustana.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team is looking to turn things around this upcoming weekend. UMD is currently 2-6 to start the season and like the men have dropped their last three contests. Head Coach Mandy Pearson says yes they’d like to win but she’s not focused on the numbers right now, it’s all about getting better each and…

Photographers Capture the Deep Freeze

DULUTH, Minn.– The severe cold isn’t stopping photographers to emerge from the thick fog on the lake, just to get that perfect shot. Typically, in the summer, you can find people crowding around the harbor waiting for boats to come in. The boat enthusiasts aren’t letting the cold stop them. Some of the dedicated photographers, coming from out of state, and…

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….

UMD Women’s Hockey Reflects on Strong First Half of Season

UMD is currently second in the WCHA standings and 4th in the pairwise.

DULUTH, Minn.- The first half of the season is officially in the books for the 4th ranked UMD women’s hockey team. Just this past weekend, the Bulldogs closed out their final series of 2024 by tying once and winning the other against 8th ranked St. Cloud State. UMD is currently second in the WCHA standings and 4th in the pairwise….

UMD Men’s Hockey Staying Busy During Holiday Break

The Bulldogs are currently 5-10.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a tough first half for the UMD men’s hockey team as they finished with a 5-10 overall record and a four-game losing streak, which included being swept by Arizona State this past weekend. The season is still young though as UMD is within reach of the top half of the NCHC standings. Head Coach Scott Sandelin…

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….

Bucks Beat Magic 114-109 to Return to the NBA Cup Semifinals in Las Vegas

Milwaukee reached the semifinals of the in-season tournament in Las Vegas last December and will be the only returning team in Year 2.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 37 points, Damian Lillard had nine of his 28 in the final minute and the Milwaukee Bucks returned to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas by beating the Orlando Magic 114-109 on Tuesday night. Milwaukee reached the semifinals of the in-season tournament in Las Vegas last December and will be the only returning…

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…

Plante Joins Kleber on U.S. National Junior Team Preliminary Roster

Plante has two goals and four assists so far this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The week of good news continues for Hermantown native and UMD freshman forward Max Plante. Plante was named to the U.S. National Junior Team Preliminary Roster on Tuesday. He’ll join teammate Adam Kleber in Plymouth, Michigan for training camp on December 16th. If all goes well, he’ll suit up for the 2025 IIHF World Championships, which begin on…

Sax Zim Bog Draws in Diverse Crowd

MEADOWLANDS, Minn.– When the temps drop in northern Minnesota, most of the time, you can expect people to stay inside where it’s nice and warm. But the bog is a different story, as it draws quite the crowd during the winter months. “It’s really fun, and we definitely get a lot of global attention from folks coming in. Last year,…

KYN: Cloquet Writer Embarks on a 6 Month Journey

DULUTH, Minn.– An ambition to travel the world, is something Cloquet writer Jess Waldbillig has felt for years. And just recently, she finally made it happen. “I think like a lot of people who got into the van life thing, I became kind of obsessed with it during college and during quarantine. And so, I like followed a ton of…

Hermantown Native Max Plante Picks Up NCHC Rookie of the Week Honor

Plante tallied two goals against Arizona State this past weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hermantown native Max Plante has been named the NCHC Rookie of the Week after he tallied two goals, including his first collegiate goal in the Bulldogs series at Arizona State. In total, Plante had 10 shots on goal against the Sun Devils. This is the first time in his career that he has been named NCHC Rookie of…

UMD’s Eve Gascon Earns WCHA Goaltender of the Week Honors

Gascon averaged 24 and a half saves in the Bulldogs series at St. Cloud State.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD goaltender Eve Gascon continues to pick up accolade after accolade. The latest being another WCHA Goaltender of the Week honor. Gascon averaged 24 and a half saves in the Bulldogs series at St. Cloud State. In total, she stopped 49 of the 51 shots she saw in the two contests. UMD would tie one game and win…

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…

Gophers to Face Virginia Tech in Duke’s Mayo Bowl Jan. 3 in Charlotte

The game will be played at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN at Bank of America Stadium, the home of the Carolina Panthers.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The University of Minnesota football team is headed to the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, North Carolina on Friday, Jan. 3, and will face Virginia Tech out of the ACC. The game will be played at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN at Bank of America Stadium, the home of the Carolina Panthers. The Gophers learned their bowl destination on…

Darnold Delivers for Vikings with Career-High 347 Yards and 5 TDs to Beat Cousins, Falcons 42-21

Cousins threw two more interceptions without a touchdown in his return to Minnesota.

Sam Darnold threw for 347 yards and five touchdowns, both career highs, and the Minnesota Vikings pulled away from Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons 42-21 on Sunday for their sixth straight victory. Darnold added another highlight to his brilliant first season in Minnesota following the departure of Cousins in free agency to Atlanta with a 22-for-28 performance and no turnover-worthy plays despite heavy first-half pressure….

Former Brewer Willy Adames Agrees to $182 Million, 7-Year Deal with the Giants, AP Source Says

The 29-year-old Adames is coming off his best offensive season in the big leagues after hitting .251 with a career-high 32 homers.

Willy Adames has agreed to a $182 million, seven-year contract with San Francisco, providing the Giants with a power-hitting shortstop in the prime of his career, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Saturday on condition of anonymity because the agreement was pending a physical. ESPN first reported the move. It’s…

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,…

Vikings Rule CB Stephon Gilmore Out Against Falcons with Hamstring Injury

Gilmore was hurt in the second quarter last week against Arizona and didn't return.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore has been ruled out of the upcoming game against Atlanta because of a hamstring injury. Gilmore was hurt in the second quarter last week against Arizona and didn’t return. He was held out of practice all week. Coach Kevin O’Connell said Friday that Gilmore was “right on schedule” with his recovery…

Hall of Famer Randy Moss is Stepping Away from ESPN for an Extended Time to Deal with Health Issue

Moss revealed last week that he’s dealing with a health issue and asked fans to pray for him and his family.

Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss is stepping away from his ESPN analyst role for an extended time to focus on a personal health challenge, the network said in a statement. Moss revealed last week that he’s dealing with a health issue and asked fans to pray for him and his family. The 47-year-old ESPN football analyst made his…