Sports

Scholastica’s Jake Schelonka Named MIAC Player of the Week

Schelonka batted .474 with 4 home runs and 10 RBI's this past week in Florida.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica fifth year outfielder and pitcher Jake Schelonka has been named MIAC Player of the Week for the first time this season. Schelonka led the Saints to a 5-0 record in Florida this past week. He also batted .474 with 4 home runs and 10 RBI’s. Schelonka and the Saints, who have won their last nine, are…

Duluth FC Releases Schedule for Upcoming Season

Duluth FC will host Joy AC on May 15th in their home opener.

DULUTH, Minn.- Soon it will be soccer season and just recently Duluth FC released their schedule for their upcoming campaign. Some of the notables include their season opener on Tuesday, when they face Forward Madison FC in U.S. Open Cup play. Their next action after that will come on May 15th when they host Joy AC in their home opener….

After Season-Ending Loss, UMD Women’s Hockey Looks Ahead

Defeated by Ohio State 9-0 Saturday night

DULUTH, Minn.- As was the case in the WCHA Tournament, the UMD women’s hockey team’s time in the NCAA Tournament ended with a shutout loss to Ohio State. On Saturday, the Buckeyes defeated the Bulldogs 9-0 in what was Ohio State’s seventh-straight win over UMD. Following the loss, Head Coach Maura Crowell reflected on the season-ending loss, along with what…

UMD Men’s Basketball Eliminated by No. 4 NW Missouri State

Bulldogs' season ends at 26-7 overall

MANKATO, Minn.- The No. 10 UMD men’s basketball team had their season come to an end Sunday night as No. 4 Northwest Missouri State defeated the Bulldogs 71-62 in the NCAA Central Region Semifinals. In his final collegiate game, Drew Blair led UMD with 21 points. Austin Andrews was the only other Bulldog to score in double digits, recording 14…

Mountain Iron-Buhl Falls in Class A State Championship

Final high school game for Zubich, Savela

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Mountain-Iron Buhl girls basketball team’s road to their second-straight state title fell one win short, losing to Goodhue 70-65 in the Class A State Championship. The Rangers got off to a rocky start as they trailed 9-0 with 15:18 remaining in the first half. What’s more is Jordan Zubich was called for a pair of quick fouls,…

UMD Relishing Rematch Against Ohio State

Buckeyes have defeated Bulldogs in last six matchups

DULUTH, Minn.- After a thrilling double overtime victory on Thursday, the UMD women’s hockey team is quickly turning its attention to the top-seeded team in the NCAA Tournament, Ohio State. After finding out their place in the bracket during Sunday’s selection show, UMD Head Coach Maura Crowell and her players had their eyes on a potential rematch against Ohio State….

Esko’s State Tourney Run Falls Short in Section Title Game

14-0 start propels Pequot Lakes to third-straight state appearance

DULUTH, Minn.- For the third straight season, Esko’s boys basketball team fell short of the State Tournament, losing to Pequot Lakes in the Section 7AA Championship Game. The Patriots had all the momentum from the opening tipoff, going on a 14-0 run before Esko could even score. To their credit, Esko was able to do a lot of catching up…

Coaches Corner: Todd Bouchie

Bouchie has been with the Saints since the 2005 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we were joined by St. Scholastica head men’s & women’s track and field coach, Todd Bouchie. The Saints just closed out the indoor portion of their schedule which included some achieving all-american status. Bouchie has been with the Saints since the 2005 season. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Cherry Boys Basketball Punches Ticket to State for 3rd Straight Year

The Tigers will learn who their first round opponent at state will be over the weekend.

HIBBING, Minn.- The Cherry boys basketball team is once again making their way to Minneapolis for the state tournament. On Friday, the Tigers would defeat Mountain Iron-Buhl 99 to 55 in the Section 7A title game. This is the 3rd straight year that Cherry has won the section. The Tigers will learn who their first round opponent at state will…

Vikings Acquire Extra 1st-Round Pick at No. 23 from Texans in Trade for Pair of 2nd-Rounders

The Vikings now have the 11th and 23rd overall selections.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings acquired Houston’s first-round pick in a pre- draft trade Friday, giving them the 11th and 23rd overall selections as potential capital toward their next franchise quarterback. The Vikings sent their second-round pick and one of their sixth-round picks for this year and their second-round pick in 2025 to the Texans in exchange for…

Rock Ridge’s First State Tournament Ends in AAA Consolation Title Game Loss

Rock Ridge finishes the season with a 27-5 overall record.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Rock Ridge girls basketball team would see their season end on Friday, falling to St. Peter 61 to 34 in the AAA consolation title game. The Wolverines were making their first-ever state tournament appearance. Rock Ridge finishes the season with a 27-5 overall record. Categories: High School, Sports

State Basketball: MIB Girls Heading to Class A Title Game for 2nd Straight Year

Mountain Iron-Buhl will next face top seeded Goodhue in the title game on Saturday. Tip-off is at 12 PM.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team will get a chance to defend their Class A state title on Saturday. On Friday, the Rangers would handle Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart in the semifinals, 69 to 50. MIB was led by Jordan Zubich, who had 31 points in the victory. Mountain Iron-Buhl will next face top seeded Goodhue in the title game…

Solon Springs Boys Basketball Sees Season End in D5 State Semifinals

Solon Springs finishes the season with a 27-3 overall record.

MADISON, Wis.- Making their first ever state tournament appearance on Friday, the Solon Springs boys basketball team would battle Columbus Catholic in the Division 5 state semifinals. The Eagles would start off strong, holding a 36 to 32 lead going into halftime. Sadly in the 2nd half it was a different story as the Dons outscored Solon Springs 46 to…

McMahon’s Double OT Goal Lifts UMD Past UCONN to Regional Final

UMD will next meet Ohio State in the regional final on Saturday. Puck drop is at 3 PM.

COLUMBUS, Ohio.- It would take double overtime to decide a winner between UCONN and the UMD women’s hockey team on Thursday in the NCAA first round. With under 3 minutes to go, Mannon McMahon would net the first and only goal to lift UMD past the Huskies 1-0. Eve Gascon would have a shutout in net, stopping all 33 shots…

Hawks’ Title Defense Falls Short in Section Championship

Chisago Lakes advances to State Tournament

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hermantown boys’ basketball team was unable to defend their Section 7AAA title Thursday night as Chisago Lakes defeated the Hawks 95-82 in the Section Championship. Hermantown defeated Chisago Lakes 104-101 on February 26, but Patrick Rowe and the Wildcats came out the gates hot, leading by 7 at halftime and keeping their lead throughout the second half….

Armed with Experience, UMD Men’s Basketball Set for 3rd Go at NCAA Tournament

The madness begins on Saturday for the Bulldogs as they'll match up with Fort Hayes State, based out of the MIAA conference, in the first round.

DULUTH, Minn.- This isn’t the UMD men’s basketball team’s first rodeo at the NCAA tournament. As a matter of fact, it’s their 3rd straight appearance in the big dance. The madness begins on Saturday for the Bulldogs as they’ll match up with Fort Hayes State, based out of the MIAA conference, in the first round. Both teams had similiar endings…

State Basketball: Rock Ridge Picks Up 1st Win at State, Advance to Consolation Title Game

The Wolverines now are in the consolation title game and will next play St. Peter on Friday at 4 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Rock Ridge girls basketball team extended their season on Thursday, defeating Totino-Grace 55 to 39 in the Class AAA consolation semifinals. The Wolverines now are in the consolation title game and will next play St. Peter on Friday at 4 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

State Basketball: MIB Girls Roll Past Walker-Hackensack-Akeley for Class A Semifinal Berth

MIB now advances to the semifinals on Friday. They'll play Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart at 2 PM.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Moutain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team opened up state tournament play on Thursday, topping Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 71 to 36 in the Class A quarterfinals. The Rangers were led by Jordan Zubich, who had 20 points in the win. Right behind her was teammate Anna Neyens, who had 18. MIB now advances to the semifinals on Friday. They’ll play Buffalo…

Northern Star: Drew Blair

Holds UMD's all-time scoring record

DULUTH, Minn.- 5 seasons, 141 games, and 4,719 minutes. Entering the NCAA Division II Tournament, that’s how long Drew Blair has played in a UMD uniform. “Hopefully, I still have a little bit more left in the tank here as we go on the stretch and can keep playing better,” says Blair, who recently turned 24 years old. After proving…

Boys Basketball: Esko Handles Moose Lake-Willow River to Advance to Section 7AA Finals

Esko will next face Pequot Lakes in the section championship on Friday at 6 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Esko boys basketball team is one step closer to making the state tournament. On Wednesday, Esko would top Moose Lake-Willow River 89 to 65 in the section 7AA semifinals. They’ll next face Pequot Lakes in the section championship on Friday at 6 PM. In other boys action, Cherry would defeat Fon Du Lac Ojibwe 114 to 55…

State Basketball: Rock Ridge Girls Fall to Alexandria in State Tournament Debut

The Wolverines were led by Anna Westby, who had 20 points in the contest.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Rock Ridge girls basketball team’s title hopes came to an end on Wednesday, as the Wolverines would fall to Alexandria 67 to 50 in the AAA quarterfinals. Rock Ridge would only trail 27-24 at the break. Then, the Cardinals would outscore them 40 to 26 in the 2nd half. The Wolverines were led by Anna Westby, who…

#8 UMD Women’s Hockey Gearing Up for Clash with #9 UCONN in NCAA Tournament

All-time Crowell and company are 5-4 in the NCAA tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the fourth straight season, the UMD women’s hockey team has found themselves in the national tournament. They’ll look to keep a perfect record in the regional round on Thursday when they head to Columbus to battle 9th ranked UCONN. The Huskies are the Hockey East regular season and tournament champions. Head Coach Maura Crowell has taken an…

UMD Men’s Hockey Looks to Extend Season Against #3 Denver

UMD will likely need to win out in order to make the national tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nearly a month ago, the UMD men’s hockey team and Denver would meet for a two game series at AMSOIL. The Bulldogs would play the Pioneers tough but ultimately drop both games 4 to 5 and 2 to 5. Now, both teams are gearing up to square off again but this time it’s in the NCHC quarterfinals. UMD…

Iron Range Boys & Duluth Girls Take Bragging Rights at Essentia Health All-Star Games

The 25th annual Essentia Health High School All-Star Games would take place on Tuesday at the Heritage Center.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 25th annual Essentia Health High School All-Star Games would take place on Tuesday at the Heritage Center. The Duluth girls would improve their all-time record to 2-0 against the Iron Range with the 9 to 4 victory to start the night. Duluth Marshall’s Ilsa Lindaman would be named MVP of the contest. Following that game, it was…

Texans Agree on $49 Million Deal with Former Vikings Star Pass Rusher Danielle Hunter, AP Source Says

Hunter had a career-best 16 1/2 sacks last season for Minnesota. He’s reached double digits in sacks five times in eight years.

HOUSTON, Texas.- The Houston Texans have agreed with four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Danielle Hunter on a $49 million, two-year contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract can’t become official until the new league year begins Wednesday, said Hunter is getting $48 million guaranteed….

Mountain Iron-Buhl Girls Basketball Ready to Defend Class A State Title

In their lone regular season matchup against the Wolves, it was all Rangers as they came away with the 76 to 39 victory.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- In just two days, the Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team will tip things off against Walker-Hackensack-Akeley in the Class A quarterfinals. In their lone regular season matchup against the Wolves, it was all Rangers as they came away with the 76 to 39 victory. Head Coach Jeff Buffetta though knows that their opponent has improved and so…

Rock Ridge Girls Hoops Set to Make State Tournament Debut on Wednesday

The Wolverines have yet to see the Cardinals in their two years of existence.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The Rock Ridge girls basketball team is less than 24 hours away from making their state debut against Alexandria in the AAA quarterfinals. The Wolverines have yet to see the Cardinals in their two years of existence. No matter what happens going forward for the team, head coach Byron Negen says making the tourney is special and he…

Vikings Agree to Deals with Ex-Rival RB Jones and QB Darnold as Sub for Cousins, AP Sources Say

The Vikings also released defensive lineman Dean Lowry, who started four games and finished the season on injured reserve.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings stayed aggressive in free agency Tuesday by adding former Green Bay running back Aaron Jones and 2018 third overall draft pick Sam Darnold as a temporary replacement at quarterback for Kirk Cousins. Jones, who was released Monday by the Packers after they landed 2022 All-Pro Josh Jacobs, gets a one-year, $7 million contract with…

After Successful Weekend, Steeves & Pionk Secure Last NCHC Weekly Awards

The duo would each have four point weekends.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NCHC had their final weekly awards for the season on Monday. After completing the sweep of 17th ranked St. Cloud, UMD had two players getting honors. Sophomore Ben Steeves was named Forward of the Week and freshman Aaron Pionk was named Defenseman of the Week. The duo would each have four point weekends. Now, it’s on to…

CSS Freshman Dane Patten Earns 2nd MIAC Tennis Player of the Week Honor

Patten is currently on a nine game singles match winning streak.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholatica freshman Dane Patten has picked up another MIAC Tennis Athlete of the Week award. Patten had some solid outings down in Florida, earning a number three singles win against Concordia-Wisconsin and a number one singles victory versus Edgewood. Patten is currently on a nine game singles match winning streak. CSS continues their Florida trip on Tuesday…

CSS Men’s Distance Medley Relay Team Achieves All-American Status

Lars Dewall, Noah Kubicek, Tucker Wallin, and Calvin Boone would take 6th out of 12 teams.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a successful weekend for the St. Scholastica men’s distance medley relay team. Competing at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, Lars Dewall, Noah Kubicek, Tucker Wallin, and Calvin Boone would take 6th out of 12 teams. With their time of 9:52:01, they would all earn all-american honors. The four also were the first relay team…

UMD Softball’s Lauren Dixon Named NSIC Pitcher of the Week

Dixon currently leads the NSIC in strikeouts with 140 and wins with 10 on the year so far.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD ace Lauren Dixon has earned her first NSIC Pitcher of the Week honor this season. Dixon would go 4-0 in five appearances at the Spring Games in Florida. She would record 27 strikeouts in 32 innings of work. Dixon also had an impressive 0.66 ERA allowing just three runs on 15 hits. Dixon currently leads the NSIC…

“Fore!” Or, At Least Some Are Getting Ready

Driving range opened Monday at Duluth's Enger Park Golf Course as pros and duffers can't wait.

DULUTH, Minn. — With Monday’s incredibly warm weather, some people gave up on ever pulling out the ice fishing rods again–so why not pull out a five-iron instead? Those with the itch had a chance to hit the driving range at Enger Park golf course. No grass of course, but players could get the kinks out by hitting off the…

Vikings Shore Up Post-Cousins Defense by Striking Deals with Greenard, Van Ginkel, Cashman

Greenard and Cashman left the Houston Texans. Van Ginkel departed the Miami Dolphins.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings said goodbye to quarterback Kirk Cousins and quickly began building up their depleted defense as the free agent negotiation window opened Monday in the NFL, agreeing to contracts with edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel and inside linebacker Blake Cashman. Greenard will get a four-year, $76 million deal with $42 million guaranteed,…

UMD Men’s Basketball Bound for 3rd Straight National Tournament

UMD drew the 3rd seed in the central region and will match up with the 6th seed, Fort Hays State in the quarterfinals.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team is dancing for the 3rd straight year. Late Sunday night, the Bulldogs heard their name called for the Division II NCAA tournament. UMD drew the 3rd seed in the central region and will match up with the 6th seed, Fort Hays State in the quarterfinals. The Tigers come from the MIAA conference and…

Solon Springs Draws 4th Seed in First-Ever State Tournament Appearance

The Eagles will now shift their focus to top seeded Columbus Catholic in the semifinals.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- The Solon Spring boys basketball team is heading to state for the first time in program history after taking down Owen-Withee in the division five sectional title game on Saturday. The Eagles, who earned the four seed, will now shift their focus to top seeded Columbus Catholic in the semifinals. It’ll be an early one for Eagles…

Packers Agree to Free Agent Deals with Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney, AP Sources Say

The team also released running back Aaron Jones and offensive tackle David Bakhtiari.

GREEN BAY, Wis.- (AP) The Green Bay Packers got off to a busy start in free agency, agreeing to deals with running back Josh Jacobs and safety Xavier McKinney, and releasing longtime running back Aaron Jones. Two people familiar with the deals said Monday that the Packers will sign Jacobs and McKinney at the start of the new league year…

Cousins Agrees to 4-Year Contract with Falcons, Leaving Vikings to Look for New QB

Cousins had a 103.8 passer rating in eight games for the Vikings last season that was still the third best in the league despite the lost time.

EAGAN, Minn.- (AP) Kirk Cousins is leaving Minnesota for Atlanta, landing another big contract with a well-timed foray into free agency. Cousins agreed Monday to a four-year deal with the Falcons, his agent Mike McCartney announced on social media. Atlanta had a glaring need at quarterback after cycling through Tyler Heinicke and Desmond Ridder last season, and Cousins’ wife, Julie,…

UMD Women’s Hockey to Face UConn in NCAA Tournament

First Round matchup set for Thursday at Columbus

DULUTH, Minn.- Only two days removed from their WCHA semifinal loss to Ohio State, the UMD women’s hockey team is now focused on their first-round matchup in the NCAA Tournament. On Sunday, the Bulldogs learned they’ll be facing the University of Connecticut on Thursday at Columbus, Ohio. While it’s UMD’s fourth-straight NCAA Tournament, it’s UConn’s first-ever appearance. “They had a…

UMD’s Brown Brings Energy, Defense to Bulldogs Lineup

Averaging 9.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG in 2023-24 Season

DULUTH, Minn.- As the UMD men’s basketball team prepare for the NCAA Tournament, they’ll likely depend on senior Josh Brown to play a significant role on both sides of the ball. This season, Brown has averaged 9.5 points per game to go with 4.8 rebounds per game. What doesn’t show up on the stat sheet is his tenacity high-speed motor….

Nate Hill, Hermantown Hoops Ready for Section Final

Facing Chisago Lakes Thursday

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- With the Hermantown boys basketball team one win away from the State Tournament, Nate Hill and his fellow seniors are ready to deliver on their final section playoff game of their high school careers. With an increased role this season, Hill has provided athleticism and leadership for the Hawks, according to Head Coach Andy Fenske. ” He’s always…

Chester Bowl Closing Day is ‘Bittersweet’ After Short Ski Season

Skiers and snowboarders took their final runs of the winter at Chester Bowl today

DULUTH, Minn. — It was closing day today at Chester Bowl and plenty of skiers and snowboarders were getting in their last runs of the season. It’s been a short season at Chester Bowl, but making and maintaining snow has been particularly difficult according to Programs and Operations Director Sam Luoma. The hill has two snow machines. In a typical…

Hermantown’s State Title Run Ends in Championship Loss

Hawks held scoreless through first 49 minutes

St. Paul, Minn.- After two victories in the Class A State Tournament, the Hermantown Hawks were unable to win their final game, falling to St. Cloud Cathedral 3-1 in Saturday’s State Championship. In the first period, St. Cloud Cathedral wasted no time in finding the back of the net with Andrew Gwinnell scoring with 13:12 on the clock. Hermantown’s offense…

State Hockey: Grand Rapids’ Title Hopes Dashed By Edina in AA Semifinals

The Thunderhawks will now play for 3rd place on Saturday against Cretin-Derham Hall. Puck drop is at 4 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys hockey team matched up with top-seeded Edina on Friday in the AA semifinals at state. Sadly, the Hornets would show why they earned the top seed, defeating Grand Rapids by a final of 5 to 2. The Thunderhawks will now play for 3rd place on Saturday against Cretin-Derham Hall. Puck drop is at…

Minnesota High School Curling Championship Returns After 50-Year Hiatus

Tournament featured 24 teams and 96 curlers

DULUTH, Minn.- It only took a half of a century, but the Minnesota High School Curling Championship has returned in full force. “We felt it was very important to try to bring this back after 50 years,” says Kerry Hadiaris, the general manager of the Duluth Curling Club. “The group started last spring trying to figure out how we could…

Mountain Iron-Buhl Girls Capture Fourth Straight Section Title

30 points for Zubich in 77-35 victory

DULUTH, Minn.- The Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team will have a chance to defend their state title next week following Friday’s 77-35 Section 7A Championship win over Cromwell-Wright. This marks the Lady Rangers’ fourth-straight section title and their third-consecutive title win over the Cardinals. “It was fun to watch our kids compete today,” said Jeff Buffetta, the head coach of…

Top Plays of the Week: 3/8

At number one, Esko's Koi Perich intercepts the pass and take it all the way back for the one-handed slam.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the ice and on the hardwood. At number two, U-M-D’S Kyle Bettens gets the shot off before he falls to the ground for his 5th goal of the season. And at number one, Esko’s Koi Perich intercepts the pass and take it all the way back for the one-handed slam….

Coaches Corner: Jacob Smith

Superior 7th Grade boys won McDonald's Classic in La Crosse

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we were joined by former Superior High School Boys Basketball Coach Jacob Smith, who’s now coaching Superior’s 7th grade boys. Coach Smith talked about his team winning the McDonald’s Classic, along with the differences between coaching high school boys and 7th grade boys. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Hermantown Boys Hoops Tops Rock Ridge in Shootout for Spot in 7AAA Title Game

Hermantown will next take on Chisago Lakes on March 14th at Duluth Denfeld High School.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- For the 3rd straight season, the Hermantown boys basketball team will be competing for the Section 7AAA championship. On Friday, the Hawks held off Rock Ridge 101 to 99 on their home court in the semifinals. Nathan Hill led Hermantown with 32 points on the night. Right behind him was Abe Soumis with 27. Next up, they’ll play…