Sports

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…

UMD Men’s Hockey Rallies to Take Down #17 St. Cloud State in OT

Both teams will run it back on Saturday with puck drop set for 6:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team opened up their final regular season series on Friday against St. Cloud State. Game one would go down to the wire as the two teams were tied at five heading into overtime. Then in the extra period, Ben Steeves would light the lamp for the 2nd time on the night to give UMD…

State Hockey: Hermantown Earns Redemption Against Mahtomedi in Instant Classic

Hermantown now advances to the Class A state title game against St. Cloud Cathedral on Saturday. Puck drop is at 12 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team would get revenge on Friday, knocking off Mahtomedi in the Class A Semifinals, 7 to 6 in overtime. The Hawks would put up four goals in the first period, those coming from River Freeman, Jack Slattengren, A.J. Francisco, and Weston Bohlman. That lead would dwindle down to just one in the 3rd…

#1 Ohio State Shuts Out #8 UMD Women’s Hockey in WCHA Semifinals

The Bulldogs will now wait till Sunday to hear their name called for the NCAA Tournament.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team hopes for a WCHA title came to an end on Friday, as they were shut out by Ohio State five to nothing. The Buckeyes would have five different goal-scorers in the contest. The Bulldogs will now wait till Sunday to hear their name called for the NCAA Tournament. Categories: College, Sports, University of…

Rock Ridge Topples Cloquet, Advances to State Tournament

First section title in program's two-year history

DULUTH, Minn.- In only their second season as a program, the Rock Ridge girls basketball team has claimed the Section 7AAA Championship, defeating Cloquet 58-41. After leading 27-26 at halftime, the Wolverines outscored the Lumberjacks 31-15 in an electric second half for Rock Ridge. After the game, Rock Ridge Head Coach Byron Negen explained what has made his team special…

State Hockey: Garski’s Late Goal Lifts Grand Rapids Past White Bear Lake in AA Quarterfinal Thriller

The Thunderhawks will next play Edina on Friday at 8 PM in the semifinals.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys hockey team opened up state tournament play on Thursday, taking on White Bear Lake in the AA quarterfinals. Will Shermoen would put the Thunderhawks in front first slinging a wrister through traffic a little over four minutes into the game. It would stay that way until 1:34 to go in the 3rd, some…

Solon Springs Boys Basketball Edges EC Immanuel Lutheran in D5 Section Semifinals

The Eagles will next face Owen-Withee on Saturday in the section finals. That game will take place at Ashland High School at 7 PM.

CHETEK, Wis.- The Solon Springs boys basketball team is just one game away from state after defeating Eau Claire Immanuel Lutheran in the D5 section semifinals, 67 to 49 on Thursday. The Eagles will next face Owen-Withee on Saturday in the section finals. That game will take place at Ashland High School at 7 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

Wildcat Sanctuary Roaring After 25 Years

Lions, tigers and other wild cats live at Sandstone facility all grown up after its "mom and pop" beginning.

The idea was to rescue some wild animals–maybe a bobcat or two. Twenty-five years later, it covers acres and acres and has big cats from around the world. Lions, tigers and more now live near Sandstone, Minnesota. Although they do roam within fences, the goal of all the space and open air at the Wildcat Sanctuary is to provide the…

Gabbie Hughes Invited to U.S. National Team Evaluation Camp

Hughes is currently tied for 2nd in points for Ottawa with eight. She's also tied for the team lead in goals with six.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog Gabbie Hughes has been named to the U.S. National Team Evaluation Camp. Hughes, who currently plays for PWHL Ottawa, is one of 39 players invited to the camp. This won’t be her first time donning the red, white, and blue though. Hughes won a 2023 World Championship medal and has also skated in 13 games with…

UMD’s Clara Van Wieren Wins WCHA Outstanding Student Athlete of the Year Award

It's the 2nd straight season a Bulldog has taken home the title after goaltender Emma Soderberg won the award last year.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD senior forward Clara Van Wieren is being recognized for her efforts off the ice. On Thursday, Van Wieren was named the WCHA Outstanding Student Athlete of the Year. The award is presented annually to the league’s top student-athlete who excels on the ice and in the classroom. It’s the 2nd straight season a Bulldog has taken home…

Soo Locks Announce Start of Shipping Season

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — The Soo Locks have announced when they will be opening up for traffic, marking the beginning of the 2024 Great Lakes Shipping Season. The Locks will open March 22 at 6pm which coincides with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. During the 10-week closure which started on January 16, critical repairs and maintenance have…

Northern Star: Isaiah Kastern

Solon Springs senior to play for Bemidji State in 2024-25

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- The Solon Springs boys basketball team is fueled by a senior class that have run up the ranks sharing the rock. “We’ve been playing together since like fifth grade, so chemistry probably for sure would be our strong suit,” says Dylan Taggart, who recently scored his 1,000th career point. “Since they’ve been little kids, they’ve been on…

Cromwell-Wright & Mountain Iron-Buhl Girls Basketball to Meet in 7A Title Game for 3rd Straight Year

The section title game takes place on Friday at Romano Gymnasium at 6 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- History repeated itself on Wednesday as both the Cromwell-Wright and Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball teams secured spots in the Section 7A title game. In the first semifinal matchup, Cromwell-Wright would rally in the 2nd half to take down Ely 57 to 51. Following that contest, Mountain Iron-Buhl would handle South Ridge 81 to 36 to take the other…

Proctor & Duluth Marshall Girls Hoops See Seasons End in 7AA Semifinals

Proctor finishes the year at 22-7 and Duluth Marshall closes their campaign at 20-9.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Section 7AA girls basketball tournament continued in Cloquet on Wednesday. Unfortunately, both the Duluth Marshall and Proctor girls teams would see their seasons come to a close. The Rails would fall in the first semifinal of the night to top seeded Pequot Lakes, 49 to 44. Then in the nightcap, Crosby-Ironton would handle Duluth Marshall 96 to…

State Hockey: Hermantown Blanks Alexandria 6-0 for Spot in Class A Semifinals

Hermantown advances to the semifinals on Friday to play either Orono or Mahtomedi. Puck drop is at 1 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team opened state tournament play on Wednesday with a statement, shutting out Alexandria 6-0 in the Class A quarterfinals. The Hawks were led by Henry Peterson, who had two goals offensively. In net, Dane Callaway would become the all-time leader in Hermantown history with shutouts breaking Garron Opsahl’s record of 14. Hermantown advances…

#8 UMD Women’s Hockey Set to Clash With #1 Ohio State in WCHA Semifinals

UMD's last win against the Buckeyes came on December 3rd of 2022.

DULUTH, Minn.- And then there were four in the WCHA tournament. The 8th ranked UMD women’s hockey team being one of those teams left. The three others are top five teams in the nation. That includes the top ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, who the Bulldogs will match up with on Friday. In the team’s previous four meetings in the regular…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Close Out Regular Season Against #17 St. Cloud State

UMD would drop two contests to St. Cloud State in November with each game coming down to a goal.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will look to end the regular season on a high note as they welcome in 17th ranked St. Cloud State into AMSOIL Arena on Friday. SCSU and UMD have met plenty of times over the past four years and they could see each other again next weekend. The Huskies are currently 3rd in…

Grand Rapids Boys Hockey Eyes Revenge Against White Bear Lake in AA Quarterfinals

White Bear Lake was able to get the best of Grand Rapids, 2 to nothing back in January.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The fourth time was the charm for the Grand Rapids boys hockey team as they were finally able to get past Andover in the Section 7AA tournament, winning a 3 to 2 double overtime thriller last Thursday. The Thunderhawks are now state bound for the first time since 2017. An impressive feat given it’s the first year…