High School

Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Football: Eskomos, Lumberjacks, Spartans, Tigers, Raptors Victorious on Friday Night

It was a busy night of football in the first full week for Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Sam Ali,

ESKO, Minn. – In a section battle filled with turnovers, Esko held on to defeat Proctor 13-7 Friday night at Egerdahl Field. In other action, Cloquet used a late fourth quarter surge to knock off Two Harbors 30-15. Here are some other scores from across the Northland: Merrill 0 Superior 36 Hayward 0 Northwestern 49 South Ridge 6 Carlton-Wrenshall 7…
High School, Sports

Nelson Picks Up First Head Coaching Win as Hilltoppers Defeat Lumberjacks

The Duluth Marshall volleyball team picked up their first win of the season against Cloquet.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In a match that went the distance, the Duluth Marshall volleyball team defeated Cloquet 3-2 Thursday night at Marshall High School. The Hilltoppers led 2-0 early on, but the Lumberjacks battled to force the deciding fifth set where Marshall would win it as Libby Nelson picks up her first head coaching win. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Prep Soccer: Hawks Sweep Doubleheader Against Rails

The Hermantown boys and girls soccer teams came away with wins against Proctor.
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – In boys soccer action, Hermantown doubled up Proctor 4-2 Thursday afternoon at Corey Veech Memorial Field. Hunter Tanski, David Rutka, Evan Bjorlin and Matthew Joki all scored for the Hawks, while Nolan Mehle scored both goals for the Rails. And in girls action, Hermantown would blank Proctor 3-0. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Prep Football: Hunters, Greyhounds Fall in Home Openers

Duluth Denfeld and Duluth East both lost their home openers to start the season.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In Erik Lofald’s head coaching debut, Duluth Denfeld was dominated from start to finish as they fall to Aitkin 56-0 Thursday night at Egerdahl Field. And on the other side of town, Duluth East fell to Cambridge-Isanti 42-28 at Ordean Stadium. Quarterback Caden Edwards scored on all four touchdowns for the Greyhounds. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Hilltoppers Boys Soccer Team Win Wild Match Against Hunters

Duluth Marshall would score four goals in the first half to get the win over Duluth Denfeld.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In a match that featured lots of excitement in the first half, the Duluth Marshall boys soccer team defeated Duluth Denfeld 5-2 Wednesday night at Marshall High School. The Hilltoppers would score four goals in the first half, including two from senior captain Peyton Marshak who also had two assists. Griff Pichetti and Brenden Pfahl also scored…
High School, Sports

Cherry Football Returning to Varsity After Four-Year Hiatus

The Tigers have been without a varsity squad since 2015, but have been recruiting over the years to get enough players to again field a team.
Claudia Chakamian,

CHERRY, Minn. – As the Cherry High School football team prepares for week one of the Minnesota High School football season, this week of practices means a little more for the team. “The kids are excited, there’s a little nervous but everyone’s fired up. This has been four years in the making and for our seniors who had their eighth…
High School, Sports

#GOTW Preview: Proctor, Esko Looking for Winning Start to 2019

Kick-off for Friday's game is set for 7 p.m. at Egerdahl Field in Proctor.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Week One will feature a match–up with a lot of intrigue as Proctor hosts Esko in a battle of contrasting styles. “It’s going to be the same thing you’ve seen from Proctor-Esko over the last seven or eight years. It’s going to be our idea of running hard and keeping the ball on the ground, and they’re…
High School, Sports

Prep Volleyball: Bulldogs, Greyhounds, Eskomos, Raiders Open Season with Wins

The opening week of high school volleyball was filled with action.
Sam Ali,

CARLTON, Minn. – Taylor Nelson finished with 16 kills as the Carlton volleyball team opened their season with a win at home against Deer River 3-0 Tuesday night. In other volleyball action, Duluth East got the road sweep over Cloquet 3-0, Esko knocked off Hermantown at home 3-1 and Greenway rolled past Duluth Denfeld 3-0. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Spartans Boys Soccer Get Shutout Win in Season Opener

Superior scored three goals in the second half to get the win over Menominie.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In a game with thunder delays, small bouts of hail and strong wind gusts, the Superior boys soccer team opened their season with a win at home 4-0 over Menominie Tuesday afternoon at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex. Jacob Kidd scored twice for the Spartans while Alex Hanson and Noah Benson also found the back of the…
High School, Sports

UMD Sophomore Libby Nelson Leading Hilltoppers Volleyball Team

Nelson recently graduated from Duluth East and is currently attending UMD.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – More than likely, you probably had a job when you were in college. Working at the bookstore or delivering sandwiches for Jimmy Johns. How about coaching the local high school volleyball team? That’s the case for UMD sophomore Libby Nelson who was just recently named the new head coach of the Duluth Marshall volleyball team. In the…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Esko’s Dea DeLeon Commits to UMD Softball Team

The senior outfielder was a big part of the Eskomos extending their Section 7AA winning streak to four this past spring.
Sam Ali,

ESKO, Minn. – Eskomos softball standout Dea DeLeon announced Monday morning on Twitter that she has committed to joining the UMD softball team. The senior outfielder was a big part of the Eskomos extending their Section 7AA winning streak to four this past spring. DeLeon batted well over .500 as a junior with eight doubles, four triples and 13 steals….
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Markus Pokornowski

For this week's segment, we feature a running back on the Cloquet football team who's using his injury as motivation for his senior season.
Claudia Chakamian,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Last season, the Cloquet football team lost in the section 7AAAA final for the first time in three years. “It’s a team game and our team just didn’t do what we were supposed to do,” senior running back Markus Pokornowski said of that loss. But the Lumberjacks were missing a big piece in that game, as Pokornowski…
High School, Sports

Prep Soccer: Cloquet Boys Win Home Opener, Denfeld Girls Fall

The Lumberjacks boys soccer team needed one goal to top Columbia Heights.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Henry Slater’s rebound goal in the first half was the difference as Cloquet hangs on for the home win over Columbia Heights 1-0 Friday afternoon at Bromberg Field. And in girls action, Duluth Denfeld fell in their home opener to Visitation 6-0. Categories: High School, Sports
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Tom Nelson

For this week's segment, we chat with Two Harbors head coach Tom Nelson.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we were joined by Two Harbors head coach Tom Nelson to preview the upcoming season. The Agates are coming off a historic season which saw them advance to the state tournament for the first time in over 40 years. They’ll open their season next week at Cloquet. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Numbers An Issue for Cardinals Football Team

Cromwell-Wright is struggling with numbers once again this season.
Sam Ali,

CROMWELL, Minn. – Last season, the Cromwell-Wright football team made it all the way to the state title game last season. And that was with their smallest roster in school history. This season will be more of the same as the Cardinals have 13 players after two weeks of practice. The team hopes that they can stay healthy to finish…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Redemption on the Mind of Panthers Football Team

South Ridge is looking for revenge after their loss in the section finals.
Sam Ali,

CULVER, Minn. – South Ridge is looking to avenge their loss in last year’s section final game to Cromwell-Wright, which was their only loss on the season. Big shoes to fill for the Panthers seniors, but they think they’ve got what it takes to finally send their school to the state tourney. Panthers will be on the road next week…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Football: Tigers, Spartans Win Season Openers

Both Northwestern and Superior were on the road to the start the season.
Sam Ali,

SPOONER, Wisc. – Turnovers worked in favor of the Northwestern football team as they opened their season with a road win over Spooner 28-14 on Friday night. Brennan Werner scored in the first quarter for the Tigers, giving them a lead they would not relinquish. Northwestern will hold their home opener next week against Hayward. And at Somerset, Superior opened…
High School, Sports

Hawks Volleyball Sweep Hilltoppers in Season Opener

Haley Wambach led all players with 14 kills on the night as Hermantown swept Duluth Marshall.
Claudia Chakamian,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Haley Wambach led the way with 14 kills as the Hermantown volleyball team swept Duluth Marshall, 25-9, 25-22, 25-11, to open the 2019 season. Zoe Johnson led the way with eight kills for the Hilltoppers. Hermantown will play its first road game of the season as the Hawks travel to Esko on Tuesday, while Duluth Marshall will…
High School, Sports

Kneepkens Scores Twice as Hilltoppers Girls Soccer Win Season Opener

The Duluth Marshall girls soccer team defeated Two Harbors at home.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Gianna Kneepkens scored two goals as the Duluth Marshall girls soccer team blanked Two Harbors 4-0 Thursday afternoon at Marshall High School. Baamlak Haugen and Maren Friday also scored for the Hilltoppers, who opened their season with a win. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Season-Opening Change for Tigers Football Team

Instead of opening the season against Ashland like they have for years, they'll start off playing at Spooner.
Sam Ali,

MAPLE, Wisc. – Wisconsin high school football gets started this Friday night as Northwestern will look to continue their success from last season. The Tigers are switching things up though. Instead of opening the season against Ashland like they have for years, they’ll start off with a Heart O’ North conference opponent, playing at Spooner. Head coach Jovin Kroll says…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Cromwell-Wright’s Shaily Hakamaki Commits to UMD

Shaily's cousin Taya, also a guard on Cromwell-Wright, committed to UMD back in April.
Sam Ali,

CROMWELL, Minn. – Cromwell-Wright senior guard Shaily Hakamaki announced on Twitter Wednesday that she has verbally commited to the UMD women’s basketball team. Shaily’s cousin Taya, also a guard on Cromwell-Wright, committed to UMD back in April. Shaily averaged more than 20 points a game as she and Taya helped lead the Cardinals to a runner-up finish in Section 7A…
High School, Sports

Eskomos Football Looking for Improvements in 2019 Season

Esko will open the regular season on August 30th at Proctor.
Claudia Chakamian,

ESKO, Minn. – The Esko football team is coming off of a down season, finishing with a 3–7 record and struggling against conference teams. While the season was disappointing for many players, they saw some positives and are ready to make this is a better season. “We didn’t have the season that we wanted so for sure that taste is…
College, High School, Sports

Rails’ Pogatchnik Verbally Commits to Bemidji State University Women’s Basketball

Pogatchnik was one of Proctor's leading scorers last season as she led the team to state for the first time since 2002.
Claudia Chakamian,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor girls basketball guard Sam Pogatchnik announced on twitter Monday that she has committed to Bemidji State University. Pogatchnik was one of the standouts on Proctor last season, scoring 21 points in the section final that helped lead the Rails to the state tournament for the first time since 2002. Pogatchnik is the second Rail to commit…
College, High School, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Reagan Ruffi and Brody Payton

For this week's segment, we feature two Northwestern alums and rookies on the UMD football team who are excited to go through this experience together.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD football team is officially one week into the 2019 season. “I am pumped to be here. I’ve been wishing away my summer to be here and I’m pretty excited,” freshman running back Reagan Ruffi said. Fall practice allows the whole team to come together and is crucial for the freshmen and newcomers to learn the…
College, High School, Sports

Rails’ Marunich Commits to Southwest Minnesota State Women’s Basketball

Katelyn Marunich helped lead Proctor to the state tournament last season for the first time since 2002.
Claudia Chakamian,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor girls basketball center Katelyn Marunich announced on Twitter over the weekend that she has verbally committed to Southwest Minnesota State. On a team that did not feature a senior on the roster, Marunich started most games for the Rails last season, and was one of the top scorers during the regular season. The rising senior also…
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Erik Lofald

For this week's segment, we're chatting with the new head coach of the Duluth Denfeld football team.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Erik Lofald who is the new head coach of the Duluth Denfeld football team. Lofald takes over for longtime Hunters head coach Frank Huie, who retired after nearly four decades with the program. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Lots of Talent to Replace for Lumberjacks Football Team

The Lumberjacks will open their season August 30th at home against Two Harbors.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – We are already through one week of fall practices which means we are that much closer to the regular season. And we continue with our high school football previews with a team who came inches away from a trip to the state tourney: Cloquet. The Lumberjacks finished their regular season with just one loss, but fell to…
High School, Sports

Greyhounds’ Anderson, Jeanette Leaving School for USHL

Charlie Erickson will be the only forward on the team with any varsity experience.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland has always been a hockey factory, always churning out great high school players. But sometimes, the best of the best have to decide between staying in school or playing junior hockey. And Duluth East got a double wammy announcement on Thursday. Greyhounds standouts Logan Anderson and Jacob Jeanette have decided to leave school for the…
High School, Sports

Greyhounds Football Team Eyeing Deep Playoff Run

The Greyhounds are wrapping up their first week of fall camp and Thursday was just their second day in pads.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Early on in fall camps for high school football teams, coaches can get a good idea of who spent their summer in the gym and who spent it on the couch. The same can be said about the Duluth East football team. The Greyhounds are wrapping up their first week of fall camp and Thursday was just…
High School, Sports

Lester Park Golf Course Hosts MN Junior Golf’s “Warrior Cup”

58 golfers ages 16 to 19 competed in the final major youth golf tourney in Duluth.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lester Park Golf Course hosted the Minnesota Junior PGA Championship, better known as the “Warrior Cup” Wednesday afternoon. It’s high level competition that features the winners of various events from this season’s junior tour. “I’m probably most proud of just seeing all the kids go on to play at D1, D2 and D3 schools with the…
High School, Sports

Proctor Football Team’s New Mantra: “I Control Effort”

The Rails won just two games last season one year after making it to the state tournament.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – We continue with our high school football previews and catch up with a team that’s looking to wash out the bad taste of 2018 and do much better this upcoming season. The Rails won just two games last season one year after making it to the state tournament. So for the seniors, they’ve got one thing on…
High School, Sports

Hermantown Football Aims to Repeat 2018 Success

The Hawks won the Section 7AAAA title last season for the first time since 2015.
Claudia Chakamian,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The defending Section 7AAAA champs are back on the football field, kicking off the first official week of the 2019 season. “We’re very excited to get back at it this year. There’s nothing like high school football in the fall,” Hermantown head coach Mike Zagelmeyer said. The Hawks are coming off their first section title since 2015,…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Hermantown’s Peter Soumis Commits to UMD Men’s Basketball Team

The Hawks point guard averaged just over 19 points per game during his junior year last season
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown’s Peter Soumis announced on his Twitter account Monday that he has committed to playing college basketball at UMD. The Hawks point guard averaged just over 19 points per game during his junior year last season, helping Hermantown finish with a 16–10 record, including 7–3 within Section 7AAA. Two years ago as a sophomore, Soumis scored 15…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

State Tournament Awaits Northwestern Bass Fishing Team

In their first year as a club team, the Tigers are sending six people to the Minnesota State Junior Bass Nation Tournament of Champions.
Sam Ali,

SOLON SPRINGS, Wisc. – It’s been a year of firsts for the Northwestern bass fishing team. This past summer was their first year as a club program. “Since I had two boys of my own who were in high school, I knew I had the two people that I needed. So I started the process and paperwork and we ended…
High School, Sports

Big Shoes to Fill for Tigers Football Team

The Tigers will open their season August 23rd at Spooner.
Sam Ali,

MAPLE, Wisc. – The Northwestern football team is wrapping up their first week of practices. And although the team will be loaded with seniors once again, they’ll have big shoes to fill from last year’s squad who finished 11–1, including an undefeated record in the Heart O’ North Conference. “We just learned how our offense and defense needs to be…
College, High School, Sports

Saints Men’s Soccer Team Get Youth Ready for High School Season

This camp is more intense than others as the Saints are preparing the campers for their upcoming high school seasons.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Football season is upon us, but don’t forget that soccer action is right around the corner as well. And some of the best local high school players spent this week with some of the best in the college game. The St. Scholastica men’s soccer team held a special high school prep camp this week up at Saints…
High School, Sports

Spartans Football Team Hold First Practice of 2019

Although it was just the first practice, the team is excited to be back together and ready to get to work.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – High school football is officially back in the state of Wisconsin. Practices kicked off this week across the state including for the boys across the bridge. The Superior football team held their first official practice Tuesday afternoon and will have the next few weeks to get ready before the season starts. Although it was just the first…
High School, Sports

UWS Hosts Third Mini-Track Meet of the Summer

The final meet of the series will be next Tuesday at the UWS track.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior Mini-Track Meet began its third week of action Tuesday afternoon. The meet is open to all ages and abilities and includes events like the 100-, 400- and 800-meter dashes, as well as a 5K cross country course. Organizers say it’s a great way to get people outside as the summer season starts to…
High School, Sports

Starks Academy Welcomes Timberwolves, Lynx to the Northland

Starks Academy was joined by the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, who were very impressed with the turnout for this camp.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, basketballers from across the Northland laced up their shoes and headed to the Ward Wells Fieldhouse at UMD for the annual Starks Academy Basketball Camp. Kids of all ages were put through several drills and scrimmages to continue to build on their fundamental skills of basketball. And of the many things that sets this camp…
High School, Sports

All Eyes on State Tournament for Lakeview Legion Baseball Team

The Tropics are going back to state for the first time since 2017.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The legion baseball season has come and gone and Lakeview survived their Sub-State 10 tournament. Now they have their eyes on the state tournament. The Tropics are heading back to state for the first time in two years. But these players aren’t strangers to big games as most of them played on the Duluth East team that…
High School, Sports

Wolfpack Hosts Second Annual Lax at the Lake

The tournament served as a way to give teams extra practice before the offseason and as a fundraiser for the Duluth lacrosse team.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend was the 2nd annual Lax at the Lake tournament, hosted by the Duluth Wolfpack. This year’s tournament featured five teams from across Minnesota.  Saturday was round robin play, giving each team the chance to play four games. The teams were then seeded and played bracket format on Sunday to determine the winner. The tournament served…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Lumberjacks Boys Hockey Tops Hilltoppers in Summer Classic Opening Round

Dakota Oman scored both goals for Duluth Marshall.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The High School Summer Classic kicked off on Friday afternoon at Mars Lakeview Arena, but the hosts Hilltoppers were unable to start the tournament with a win, as Bemidji got the 4-2 win in the opening round. Dakota Oman scored both goals for the Hilltoppers. Duluth Marshall will play Saturday afternoon in the consolation round, and the…
College, High School, Sports

Hailey Kontny to be Inducted into Superior HS Hall of Fame

The former Spartans basketball star is currently on the girls basketball coaching staff.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Superior High School announced their 2019 Hall of Fame class which includes former basketball standout Hailey Kontny. She is the second-leading scorer in school history and continued her strong play at the Universtiy of Wisconsin-Superior, winning UMAC Player of the Year honors three years in a row. Kontny now serves on the Spartans coaching staff with her…
High School, Sports

Hilltoppers Hockey Team Set to Host High School Summer Classic

Duluth Marshall head coach Mark Vichorek will be making his coaching debut for the Hilltoppers.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the High School Summer Classic returns to Mars Lakeview Arena. Eight teams, including the hosts Duluth Marshall, will take part in the fun and for most teams, it will be their first action since the season ended back in March. “It’s hard to find ice, but we get out here as much as we can…
High School, Sports

Legion Baseball: Lakeview Knocks Off West Duluth in Playoff Showdown

Caden Edwards was stellar on the mound for Lakeview with five strikeouts in five innings of work.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Danny Wapola drove in two runs while Joe Vos and Drew Grindahl each had two hits as Lakeview defeated West Duluth 5-2 in the second round of the Legion baseball playoffs Wednesday night at Wade Stadium. Caden Edwards was stellar on the mound for Lakeview with five strikeouts in five innings of work. The playoffs now shift…
High School, Sports

Stars Academy Talks Partnership with Timberwolves, Lynx

The partnership comes from a long-standing relationship between George Ellis and the late Will Starks.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – We are less than a week away from the annual Starks Academy Basketball Camp and this year, camp director Dyami Starks is bringing two very special guests: the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Lynx. The partnership comes from a long-standing relationship between T’Wolves and Lynx Youth Academy director George Ellis and the late Will Starks, the namesake…
High School, Sports

Minnesota PGA Junior Tour Stops in the Northland

This stop of the tour started on Monday at the Lester Park Golf Course and wrapped up Tuesday at the Enger Park Golf Course.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, young golfers from across Minnesota made stops right here in the Northland as part of this year’s Minnesota PGA Junior Tour. 64 golfers ages 10 to 16 hit the links for the two days of competition and all events are 18-hole stroke play. This stop of the tour started on Monday at the Lester Park…
High School, Sports

Greyhounds Basketball Team Host Twin Ports Summer Jam

14 teams from across the Northland competed at the tournament, including the hosts the Greyhounds boys basketball team.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East High School was the place to be this week for the Twin Ports Summer Jam. 14 teams from across the Northland competed at the tournament, including the hosts the Greyhounds boys basketball team. The event featured teams from all different class groups like Cloquet and Northwestern in Wisconsin. Along with summer camps, Duluth East takes…
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Dyami Starks

For this week's segment, we hear from the owner of Starks Academy.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with former Duluth East basketball standout Dyami Starks who currently owns the popular basketball camp Starks Academy. The camp will be in full swing starting on July 29th and this year, they will partner with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx. To sign up, click here. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Campers Shoot Some Hoops with Bulldogs Women’s Basketball Team

The camp focuses on the basics like dribbling and ball-handling, which are crucial to learn, especially for this age group.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, the sounds of balls dribbling and sneakers squeaking returned to Romano Gym as several campers attended the annual Bulldogs Youth Camp, hosted by the UMD women’s basketball team. The four–day camp is designed for athletes from 3rd to 8th grade. It focuses on the basics like dribbling and ball-handling, which are crucial to learn, especially…