• Slug: Sports-Stewart-Eubanks punch, 960 words
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By Asher Hyre
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – NBA games in mid-February are typically uneventful with players eager to finally rest their bodies during the imminent All-Star break. However a matchup on Valentine’s Day between the Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns didn’t consist of much love.

The game Wednesday night ended peacefully with the Suns winning 116-100, but started fiery and emotional after Pistons’ forward Isaiah Stewart punched Suns’ center Drew Eubanks in the face pregame, resulting in a “minor injury,” according to local police. Eubanks went on to play in the game, finishing with six points and six rebounds in 18 minutes.

Stewart was “arrested for assault and issued a citation and released. The investigation remains active,” Phoenix police said in a statement. Continue reading “Isaiah Stewart arrested for punching Drew Eubanks ahead of Phoenix Suns’ win”

• Slug: Sports-Perry Basketball, 810 words
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By Noah Maltzman
Cronkite News

GILBERT – Fueled by exceptional team chemistry and the desire to build a legacy, the Perry High School boys basketball team has its sights set on winning a third consecutive state championship.

The Pumas are off to a good start in that pursuit after defeating Willow Canyon, 75-43, in a first-round game Wednesday night. The state’s top-ranked team will face Deer Valley on Friday.

Perry, which has not had a losing season since 2016-17, took a 19-6 record into the state tournament, to go along with a 6-2 split through eight games in the 6A Premier region. Despite playing in the toughest region in the state, Perry had a point differential of +403 and defeated opponents by an average of 16 points per game. Continue reading “3-Peat? Koa, Perry boys basketball seek third straight title riding chemistry, family history”

• Slug: Sports-Brandon Aiyuk, 652 words
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By James Morel
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — Days after the San Francisco 49ers season was in the rearview mirror, former Arizona State receiver Brandon Aiyuk took to social media fresh off the biggest stage of his playing career to post cryptic posts about his future with the team.

With the confetti long gone inside Allegiant Stadium after the Kansas City Chiefs won a second straight Super Bowl, Aiyuk had an important message to send out after only posting three catches for 49 yards in defeat: “Don’t forget what got you there,” he tweeted.

His girlfriend and brother followed Aiyuk’s lead with vague social posts of their own. When asked about free agency and the “right move” later in the week, Aiyuk said, “Being a champion.” Continue reading “Former ASU receiver Brandon Aiyuk blazes trail to Super Bowl”

• Slug: Sports-Phoenix Open wrap, 700 words
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By Josh Jones
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – Golden hour was nearing its end at TPC Scottsdale’s 18th hole Sunday evening. Weather, headlining much of the weekend, was not the primary focus on this picture-perfect day.

A spirited North American rivalry was.

“U-S-A!” was quickly contested by “CAN-A-DA!” in a Ryder Cup-like atmosphere among the playoff patrons. Continue reading “Nick Taylor’s playoff victory caps controversial WM Phoenix Open on high note”

• Slug: Sports-Phoenix Open Underdogs, 1,500 words
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By Aaron Schmidt
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – While fans were still busy searching for a drink, slipping around in the mud or trying to simply navigate the massive crowd that packed TPC Scottsdale at the WM Phoenix Open over the weekend, a tournament longshot and a fan favorite were turning heads with their surprising performances.

Andrew Novak, who is 228th in the most recent Official World Golf Ranking, and Sahith Theegala, who endeared himself to the huge galleries when he challenged for a victory here in 2022, were putting on the early show as some of the field completed their third round and started the fourth Sunday because of weather delays earlier in the tournament.

Heading into Thursday’s opening round, all eyes were on Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1 ranked golfer in the world for the past 39 weeks and a two-time defending champion at TPC Scottsdale. Continue reading “An underdog story: In tournament lacking big names, some longshots were making theirs at WM Phoenix Open”

• Slug: Sports-Dodgers Fans Expectations, 630 words
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By James Lotts
Cronkite News

GLENDALE – As the Los Angeles Dodgers begin spring training with a revamped roster thanks to a record-breaking offseason spending spree, fans of the team are more excited than ever – but not without raising their expectations of winning the ultimate prize this season.

The heightened anticipation was on display Friday at Camelback Ranch as fans waited for pitchers and catchers to begin their first official workout.

Dodgers fan Danny Thompson, who runs an Instagram fan account with more than 185,000 followers, made his championship expectations very clear. Continue reading “Title talk: Dodgers fans expect to be back in the World Series in 2024”

• Slug: Sports-WM Phoenix Open Nick Taylor, 900 words
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By Sammy Nute
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – Canadian Nick Taylor is already a hero in his home country. The 35-year-old secured his legend up north last year when he sunk a 72-foot walk-off putt to become the first Canadian to win the RBC Canadian Open on home soil in nearly 70 years. On Friday, his legend grew even larger.

After finishing runner-up to Scottie Scheffler at last year’s WM Phoenix Open, Taylor opened up this year’s tournament by shooting an 11-under bogey-free 60 for a five-shot lead, a PGA Tour record for the largest 18-hole lead in a stroke event. After Day Two play, he fell into a tie for the lead with Andrew Novak following a 1-under round.

“I made a shift a couple of years ago just seeing the lines a little better on these greens,” Taylor said. “I’ve always felt comfortable tee-to-green here, but the last couple years, I’ve been able to see the lines a little bit better. That’s been the biggest difference.” Continue reading “O Canada! Nick Taylor impresses fans to north by shooting 60 at WM Phoenix Open”

• Slug: Sports-Phoenix Open Environment, 800 words
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By Justin de Haas
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – The WM Phoenix Open is also called “The People’s Open” for the raucous energy it provides, but precipitation rained on the parade of the opening round Thursday.

Hole 16 is known as “the loudest hole in golf” for its unique coliseum atmosphere on the PGA Tour, but a three-and-a-half hour rain delay chased away many spectators, leaving sections of empty seats in the aftermath. The fans that persevered through the suspension of play still made their presence felt, but Shane Lowry could sense the difference of camaraderie at TPC Scottsdale.

“If anything, it’s more disappointing to me because the atmosphere is not as good as it normally is, with everyone being so cold and wrapped up,” Lowry said. “I’m sure there’s less drinks being taken out there as well, because it’s not exactly nice weather to have a cold beer in your hands. Yeah, it’s one of those where you just have to deal with whatever comes. I think the weather’s going to be nice tomorrow, not great Saturday, and nice again on Sunday. So it will still be cold all week. We’ll see what happens.” Continue reading “‘Embrace the craziness’: Despite rain delay, players endure at WM Phoenix Open”

• Slug: Sports-WM Phoenix Open Preview, 850 words
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By Anthony Remedios
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – Of all the events on the PGA Tour, the WM Phoenix Open stands out for several reasons. For many fans, it’s the party atmosphere, which typically hits a crescendo on the iconic 16th hole.

But for those competing on the links, especially this year, this tournament means more than numbers on the scorecard.

After an extended medical absence due to complications resulting from a 2018 car accident, PGA Tour golfer Bud Cauley makes his return to the tour Thursday in the WM Phoenix Open’s first round. Continue reading “More than a scorecard: For Bud Cauley, Kevin Yu, 2024 WM Phoenix Open has special meaning”

• Slug: Sports-WM Phoenix Open Celebrities, 600 words
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By Jayla French
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – Top Gun actor Glen Powell danced on the driving range. Retired Alabama football coach Nick Saban evaded the media. It was just another day of the unexpected at the WM Phoenix Open Annexus Pro-Am.

Wednesday’s event was canceled early in the afternoon when heavy rain, which later turned to hail, soaked the course at TPC Scottsdale. But the wet conditions didn’t keep fans from filling the stands at the 16th hole or standing in line to snag autographs from a celebrity lineup that included retired baseball stars (Alex Rodriguez and Adrián Beltré), current Arizona Diamondbacks players (Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly and manager Torey Lovullo) and musicians (country star Jake Owens).

“This is my first Waste Management Open. I’m unbelievably excited,” Powell said. “I’m not a good enough golfer to take this thing seriously so I’m just planning on having a good time today.” Continue reading “Stars come out, hail comes down: Wild WM Phoenix Open pro-am features appearances by Saban, Phelps”

• Slug: Sports-Phoenix Open Day Two, 970 words
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By Addison Kalmbach
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – Despite the uncharacteristically gloomy, gray weather, the WM Phoenix Open kicked off Tuesday with charity events and a practice round for the PGA Tour pros.

As part of Ford Free Days, an Arizona Ford Dealers promotion, fans could access TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course free of charge to watch their favorite golfers strike practice shots ahead of Thursday’s opening round of the four-day tournament.

But talk of the inclement weather that may put a damper on the rest of the week dominated conversation. Rain showers are expected every day this week in the Valley, but PGA Tour officials are prepared. Every Tour event has an on-site meteorologist, and this week Kyle Koval is at the TPC Scottsdale to help predict the weather. Continue reading “It’s not ‘doom and gloom’: WM Phoenix Open officials remain optimistic despite weather concerns”

• Slug: Sports-Big 12 Football Schedule, 500 words.
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By Mason Byers
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Different conference, same goals.

The Big 12 Conference unveiled its 2024 schedule Tuesday, giving Arizona State and Arizona their first look at the road ahead in their first season in the conference.

And it’s a long road on a couple of weekends. Continue reading “Arizona’s Big 12 blitz: Conference unveils 2024 football schedule for Sun Devils, Wildcats”

• Slug: Sports-Auto Racing Radford, 1,100 words.
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By Hayden Cilley
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – During a week where supercars like the Acid Green Porsche 918 Spyder and Donald J. Trump’s 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster were auctioned for millions of dollars, the Radford Racing School sought to tap into the crowds of car enthusiasts who attend the annual Barrett-Jackson car auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

The auction has taken place in the Valley since 1971, and the company carries a rich history of bringing one-of-a-kind collector cars to the auction while also giving back to the community.

The Radford Racing School, which is at the site of the former Bondurant High-Performance Driving School on the Gila River Indian Community near Chandler, sits only 20 minutes south of the Sky Harbor International Airport. Continue reading “Thrill ride: Radford Racing School drives enthusiasm to new heights at Barrett-Jackson auction”

• Slug: Sports-Turf Paradise Reopens, 625 words.
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By Stephen Buxton
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Almost 70 years of tradition, community and racing have stemmed from a plot of land off Bell Road in north Phoenix. Just months ago, amid a failed ownership change, nobody knew if the racetrack on that land, Turf Paradise, would ever open its doors again.

That all changed Monday as the track hosted its first race of a 57-day meet running through the Kentucky Derby on May 4.

“The last couple of months have been a rollercoaster ride for us,” said Vince Francia, the general manager of Turf Paradise. “(Track owner Jerry Simms) wants to sell it to someone who wants to keep the racing going.” Continue reading “Back to life: Turf Paradise kicks off 57-day meet despite offseason closure talk”

• Slug: Sports-ABOR Meeting Arizona , 800 words.
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By Addison Kalmbach
Cronkite News

TEMPE – Although the University of Arizona’s budget shortfall is closer to $140 million than the $240 million previously reported, the school is prepared to undergo sweeping changes in budget and oversight, including addressing the $35 million shortfall tied to the athletic department.

That was the message delivered Thursday at an Arizona Board of Regents special meeting and executive session.

“We are going to be very, very careful about this and really go through a careful process to really define the scope and nature of the problem that we are facing right now,” said John Arnold, the executive director for the Arizona Board of Regents and interim senior vice president and CFO of the university. Continue reading “ABOR clarifies UA budget shortfall, says athletics responsible for $35 million of $140 million deficit”

• Slug: Sports-Suns Grayson Allen X-Factor, 1060 words.
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By David Bernauer
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Grayson Allen has been called many things: a great shooter, a hothead, a national champion, an irritant.

A bevy of positive and negative connotations have been associated with Allen in the past. Now it’s time to add a new adjective to the list: X-factor.

Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal are the stars for Phoenix, not Allen. But like clockwork, Allen rises to the occasion.

Continue reading “X-factor: Phoenix Suns’ Grayson Allen emerges as ‘absolute stud’ in season of comebacks and thrills”

• Slug: Sports-ASU-USC Photo Essay, 420 words.
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By Bennett Silvyn
Cronkite News

TEMPE – In a spectacular turnout Saturday, Desert Financial Arena witnessed a regular season-high crowd of 13,746 fans and the second-largest student crowd (4,325) in program history.

The nearly packed arena gathered for the noon tipoff to catch a glimpse of USC freshman Bronny James, the son of NBA star Lebron James, as he made his third collegiate start during the Arizona State men’s basketball program’s hot start to conference play.

“Shoutout to our crowd and our students today,” ASU coach Bobby Hurley said. “I’m really excited for the opportunity our players had to play in that environment.”   Continue reading “Photo essay: Arizona State men’s basketball gives rude welcome to Bronny James, USC”

• Slug: Sports-Marquette’s Oso Ighodaro, 1,060 words.
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By Addison Kalmbach
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Playing basketball was always a dream for Chandler native Oso Ighodaro. However, his parents had other ideas for him.

Growing up in a strict school-driven household, academics always came before athletics, no matter what, and because of that, Ighodaro did not start playing organized basketball until he attended Desert Vista High School.

“I always really wanted to play, but my parents wanted me to just focus on school and make sure I was strong in the classroom,” Ighodaro said. “Then in high school, they started to let me play.” Continue reading “Eagle leaves the nest: Oso Ighodaro takes unconventional route from Desert Vista basketball to Marquette”

• Slug: Sports-Winkelman 8-Man Football, 1,720 words.
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By Alfred Smith III
Cronkite News

WINKELMAN – From arsenic in its soil to ravaging floods to a battered economy, this tiny copper mining community located near the confluence of the Gila and San Pedro rivers about 90 miles southeast of Phoenix has endured repeated challenges.

But like the 1,000-foot smokestack that stands tall above Winkelman and the adjoining town of Hayden, its residents have continued to rise above the challenges, and at 1 a.m. on a November morning, they are celebrating.

A symphony from about 50 car horns honking in unison fills the early morning air along Arizona State Route 177 as a convoy of parents, players and staffers from Hayden High School pulls into the G.J. Bar & Grill in nearby Kearny. After a celebratory meal, they continue on toward the Lobos’ football field another 8 miles down the road to ring the victory bell there. Continue reading “Ties that bind: In tiny Winkelman, 8-man football champs reflect copper community’s perseverance”