Recent content from Jake Epstein

High school lacrosse state tournaments: Predictions and players to watch
Meet 10 boys and 10 girls likely to make a difference this week, and see who the Star Tribune's lacrosse writer predicts will win.

Mounds View's Soren Swenson wins Class 2A boys tennis singles title; St. Paul Academy sweeps in 1A
Soren Swenson wore the same headband his brother Bjorn wore as a state champion. SPA freshman Winston Arvidson won the title that barely eluded him as an eighth-grader.

High school lacrosse: Orono girls, Hill-Murray boys seek to make history in section tournaments
Here are five storylines to monitor with the Minnesota's boys and girls lacrosse postseason underway

Here are the high school juniors Minnesota sports fans should know
These soon-to-be seniors, some of who will sign athletic scholarships in the fall or winter, enter their final seasons with a history of success in sports.

Here are the high school sophomores Minnesota sports fans should know
From Strib Players of the Year in their respective sports to All-Minnesota team selections, this group of athletes will begin the upcoming school year as experienced stars.

Meet the best high school freshman athletes in Minnesota
From basketball to hockey, these ninth-graders have already gained notoriety in their respective sports.

Meet Su Meh of St. Paul Johnson: All-Minnesota Girls Badminton Player of the Year
The senior began the season as the state's top-ranked singles player and ended it as a state champion.

Learn a key difference between boys and girls lacrosse through two high school specialists
The possession game is a major component of lacrosse. Specialists Will Harris and Evan Strain give insight into the craft.

Minnesota United and Austin play to a 1-1 draw at Allianz Field
The Loons' Michael Boxall scored in the 16th minute, Austin responded in the 27th.

Lynx remain perfect in 2025 after rallying past the Sun
On a comeback led by Napheesa Collier, Minnesota ran its record to 4-0 in the new WNBA season.

After 20-year absence, Minnesota has a homegrown player starting in the women's lacrosse Final Four
A year removed from entering the transfer portal, Jaylen Rosga's leap of faith has her on the cusp of lacrosse history with Northwestern University.

Canterbury Park season preview: Racing begins at Shakopee track on Saturday
Canterbury Park will host 51 race days for thoroughbreds and quarter horses through Sept. 20, with most weeks operating on a three-day racing schedule. Here's what you need to know for the upcoming season.

St. Paul Johnson adds to its record for badminton singles champions, and Edina pair repeats in doubles
The Governors' Su Meh won in three tight sets, and the Hornets' undefeated doubles duo of Sanna Coma and Ivy Peterson cruised to a two-set victory.

High school badminton: Top-seeded Edina defeats St. Paul Johnson, completes state championship three-peat
The Hornets knocked off the Governors 4-3 in a rematch of the 2024 title match.

One-handed lacrosse player Hollen Thompson an inspiration on the field
A senior for Park High in Cottage Grove, Thompson anchors one of Minnesota's best teams and will play in college.

Former lacrosse star carves out unexpected NBA career with Golden State
The Warriors are relying more on Pat Spencer in their series against the Timberwolves.

Nearly 100 Minnesotans will play in NCAA men's and women's lacrosse tournaments this week
Among the former high school athletes are Benilde-St. Margaret's Mason Wordelman and Mahtomedi's Colin Hagstrom, who play for two-time defending champion Notre Dame.

Kentucky Derby contender Sandman was reared by a legendary Minnesota breeder
This Kentucky Derby will be a reunion for Bob Lothenbach's family, who will be there cheering on Sandman.

Meet Kevin Graff, the youngest in one of MN's most prominent lacrosse families
The 6-4 Bloomington Jefferson senior is arguably the state's best boys player. He'll play for Dartmouth in the fall.

Boys hockey: Simley coach to take over at Eagan High
Austyn Kryzer spent 10 seasons at the helm of Simley's program. He is also the Minnesota Hockey U16 Prospects director.

Wolves' Reid arrives right on time, hitting crucial fourth-quarter shots in Game 4 victory over Lakers
A 32-19 advantage in the final 12 minutes included a three-pointer by the big man that ignited the Target Center crowd.

Aaron Jones is feeling comfortable with his age, and at Vikings facility
Running back Aaron Jones said Monday that he feels fresher than ever at age 30 and that his decision to re-sign with the Vikings was a "no-brainer."

A small Jesuit university in Missouri has become a landing spot for MN lacrosse talent
By 2026, at least 28 Minnesotans will suit up for Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo.

Gophers men's track and field boasts a 17-year-old standout named Precious Opinion
Precious Opinion, a Gophers newcomer from Nigeria, ranks as the Big Ten's top freshman in the long jump (24.9 feet) and triple jump (50.96).

High school sports: 100 more Minnesota athletes decide college future
As the 2024-25 school year winds down, high school seniors make official their NCAA sport commitments.
Boys lacrosse: Minnesota's top teams test their skills against each other in East vs. West Showdown
The event at White Bear Lake featured defending state champs and top-ranked programs.
Boys and girls high school lacrosse: Here are 10 teams to watch this season
The race for Minnesota's single-classification state titles will be competitive this season.

High school lacrosse: Meet 20 players to watch this spring
From Division I commits to young phenoms, here are 20 of the state's top boys and girls lacrosse players to monitor in 2025
How much could University of Minnesota receive for selling naming rights to Williams Arena?
The Gophers are working with Independent Sports & Entertainment to secure a potential naming rights deal for the venue, affectionately known as "The Barn."