• Slug: Sports-Summer 5-Star Recruits, 2,000 words.
• Photos available.

By Dylan Ackermann
Cronkite News

CHANDLER – Grand Canyon men’s basketball coach Bryce Drew knows a thing or two about the role summer plays for a top recruit.

Named Indiana’s Mr. Basketball and the 1994 Gatorade Indiana Player of the Year during his senior season at Valparaiso High School, Drew credits productive summers as the key to having success during the high school season and in future careers.

However, the 16th overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft doesn’t recall his high school summers being this intense. Continue reading “Summer grind: AZ Compass Prep stars Miikka Muurinen, Kaden House enjoy hectic year-round schedules”

• Slug: Sports-WNBA Expansion, 1,600 words.
• Photos available.

By Kendall Flynn
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – With harassment and racism suddenly serving as the soundtrack to the increasingly popular WNBA, the league hopes its recent news of expansion will shift the narrative.

The WNBA announced its return to Portland recently, giving the Phoenix Mercury a new opponent on the West Coast starting in 2026. The Rip City will be the WNBA’s 15th franchise, and it will join the Golden State Valkyries and Toronto in the league’s planned expansion from 12 teams.

“As we’ve seen throughout our 2024 record-breaking season, the demand for the W brand of basketball is unprecedented,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said while announcing the Portland expansion on Sept. 18. “We’re selling out games at historic pace, setting ratings records, introducing our veterans and new stars to new fans and the world.” Continue reading “Harassment, racism claims overshadow growth of WNBA, including Portland expansion”

• Slug: Sports-Arizona Diamondbacks Reflection, 800 words.
• Photos available.

By Sean Brennan
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – A day after they were eliminated from the postseason, the mood in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ clubhouse mirrored the vacant Chase Field seats above.

Aside from designated hitter Joc Pederson quietly clearing out his stall, the clubhouse was empty with only the palpable sense of frustration and disappointment hanging in the air.

The empty feeling was both warranted and predictable given how things ended. Continue reading “‘We should be in Milwaukee’: Mike Hazen, Torey Lovullo lament end of Diamondbacks season”

• Slug: Sports-Suns Media Day, 700 words.
• 4 photos available.

By Connor Moreno
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The only way that Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia will feel vindicated is by winning a championship. And he expressed that desire Monday at Suns media day.

Ishbia’s goal this offseason after the Suns were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves was to cultivate a more collective winning culture. He believes that goal starts with him and putting his team in a position to succeed.

“I’m not trying to be the best player or the best coach or the best GM,” Ishbia said. “My job is to be the best owner in sports which means give (the Suns) the best resources.

“I learned that it’s a team game … you have to have great players, a great coach, a great GM, great CEO, great owner, great marketing people, great concession people. We’re a team. That’s why we’re able to compete for a championship at all levels.” Continue reading “‘Let’s go for it’: Phoenix Suns seek greatness at all levels ahead of 2024-25 NBA season”

• Slug: Sports-Jayden Daniels Return. 880 words. By Ethan Desjardine.
• Photo available (thumbnail, caption below).

By Ethan Desjardine
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – As he stood outside the stadium that housed the early years of his college career, Jayden Daniels spoke fondly of competing for Arizona State.

“It started all this, laid the foundation.” the Washington Commanders quarterback said Wednesday. “Obviously, the people that recruited me here, I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done for me and my football career, and the relationships that I’ve made off the field here. I still cherish them to this day.”

Continue reading “Commanders’ Jayden Daniels reflects on how ASU laid foundation for his success”

• Slug: Sports-Rich Alday Tournament, 670 words.
• 2 photos available.

By Tom Forbes
Cronkite News

TUCSON – Anyone who knew Rich Alday had nothing but kind remarks about the former Pima Community College baseball coach. People described his amiable nature, fair and measured approach with his players and the family atmosphere he created on the diamond in the midst of fierce competition.

Those values translated into three NJCAA World Series appearances from 1974 to 1989 for the Aztecs before Alday became the head coach at the University of New Mexico from 1990 to 2007. He carried the same traits to Albuquerque, where he left his mark as the winningest coach in program history with 515 victories. He returned to Pima for one last season in 2017 before retiring.

While the Pima County Hall of Famer died in 2021 at age 71, his unmatched legacy still lives today through his numerous accolades and the Rich Alday Memorial Golf Tournament, which held its fourth annual event last Saturday at El Rio Golf Course to fundraise for the upcoming baseball season. Continue reading “Local baseball community honors late Rich Alday in golf tournament to support Pima baseball”

• Slug: Sports-St. Mary’s Brophy, 625 words.
• Photo available.

By Fletcher Anderson
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – For decades, the Catholic high school battle in the Valley revolved around Brophy and St. Mary’s. With their roots and history tied together, at one point the schools merged during the Great Depression. Once Brophy reopened in 1952, a rivalry was born. The two battled back and forth for generations, with campuses just miles apart. Fans and athletes bickered about mascots, school colors and even engaged in territorial spats over which side commanded certain watering holes along Central Avenue.

But over the years, as Brophy grew bigger and bigger, the rivalry began to diminish. After 2012, the schools mostly stopped playing each other in football. However, a new rivalry has emerged, with Notre Dame Prep in Scottsdale filling the hole left by St. Mary’s, which gradually fell off the sports scene as the seasons changed.

On Friday, what is now called the Holy Bowl is set to be played for the fifth time in as many years, between Notre Dame Prep and Brophy. This Catholic school series started in 2020, and has developed into not just a rivalry, but a coming together between the two. Continue reading “Notre Dame and Brophy football rivalry carries more respect than animosity”

• Slug: Sports–ASU Volleyball Streak, 900 words.
• Photo available.

By Jalen Weathers
Cronkite News

TEMPE – The Arizona State women’s volleyball team is off to a strong 11-1 start this season. Ranked No. 14, the team’s only loss was to Nebraska, which jumped from No. 5 to No. 2 in the national rankings this week.

Other than that blip, the Sun Devils have been dominating, sweeping eight of their 12 opponents.

A vital part of ASU’s success is libero Mary Shroll. Continue reading “Defensive anchor Mary Shroll keys ASU women’s volleyball hot start entering inaugural Big 12 campaign”

• Slug: Sports-Basha High Football, 630 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Ethan Desjardine
Cronkite News

CHANDLER – At Basha High School, nothing draws a larger crowd than when the Bears play under the Friday night lights at Jim Wall Stadium. The stands are packed with a few thousand fans, and as the Bears enter the field, the crowd’s roar is deafening.

The fans expect success, and the Basha Bears under coach Chris McDonald have been one of the best success stories in all of Arizona high school football over the past few years.

Not surprisingly, the Bears are off to a hot start in 2024 and have talent on both sides of the ball. Continue reading “Championship fever? Basha Bears charging toward football state title under coach Chris McDonald”

• Slug: Sports-NASCAR Phoenix Raceway Charity, 700 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Cooper Burns
Cronkite News

AVONDALE – As the host of two NASCAR stops, including the Cup Series Championship, Phoenix Raceway has emerged as one of the premier tracks on the circuit. Now it hopes to flex its charitable muscle as a key figure in the community, too.

A recent luncheon at the track featured several drivers, including Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney, to recognize the 20th anniversary of the Drive for Diversity program. Additionally, the luncheon benefited the Fighter Country Foundation, a charity that helps those who have served at Luke Air Force Base.

In November, Blaney finished second in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway, giving the driver of the No. 12 Ford the title in NASCAR‘s premier series. As the Cup Series champion, he travels the nation representing the sport at a variety of events. Continue reading “NASCAR Cup champion Ryan Blaney returns to Phoenix Raceway as track embraces community engagement”

• Slug: Sports-Arizona Football Tech, 630 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Tucker L. Sennett
Cronkite News

TEMPE – From conference realignment to a new 12-team playoff format to coaching changes at some of the nation’s powerhouse programs, the college football landscape has experienced a series of tectonic shifts over the last year.

And in 2024, programs are adjusting to new technology-based rules for the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, including coach-to-player wireless communication and access to computer tablets on the sidelines.

While optional for all FBS schools, many – including Arizona State – have implemented the next-level communication technology that has been in use in the NFL to allow coaches to talk to quarterbacks since 1994 and communicate with a player on both sides of the ball since 2008. Continue reading “Signs of the times: Arizona State football implements coach-to-player communication system”

• Slug: Sports–ASU 3-0 Start, 560 words.
• Photo available.

By Tucker L. Sennett
Cronkite News

TEMPE – Kenny Dillingham was quieter than usual in his Monday afternoon press conference. While his team reaped the rewards of a long weekend after Thursday’s 31-28 win over Texas State, the coach stayed hard at work.

“Friday … I was in San Marcos, then went (from) San Marcos to San Antonio, saw five schools in San Antonio, then left San Antonio and went to El Paso,” he said about his recruiting journey. “Saturday we had a day off, so I got to hang out with the little guy.”

Such is the schedule of the modern college football coach. Between his team posting a 3-0 start for the first time since 2019 and being a dad, Dillingham doesn’t have time to slow down. His team doesn’t either. Continue reading “Old friends, tortillas and more: ASU prepares for Texas Tech in first conference clash in Big 12”

• Slug-Sports-Emmanuel Taban Valley Suns, 725 words.
• 2 photos available.

By Alex Sanchez
Cronkite News

TEMPE – For Emmanuel Taban, basketball is more than just a game – it’s an escape, a lifeline that has been guided by mentors like his grandmother and his seventh-grade art teacher Wilie Muñoz, whose belief in Taban recently pushed him to take the next step in his journey.

The 6-foot-7 forward, a Kenyan refugee whose grandmother raised him, traveled to the U.S. in the spring of 2004 before moving to Phoenix in 2008. Last weekend, he was one of the many hopefuls who showed up for the Valley Suns’ open tryouts at the Sun Devil Fitness Complex. The new G League affiliate of the Phoenix Suns, the Valley Suns open their inaugural season Nov. 8. 

“My seventh-grade art teacher sent me the flyer (for the tryout) and said she would pay the buy-in fee if I wanted to do it,” Taban said of Muñoz. “It’s surreal, I cried when she sent me the message.  Continue reading “From Kenya to Valley Suns hopeful, Emmanuel Taban uses teacher’s motivation to reach his dream”

• Slug: Sports–WNBA Commissioner Under Fire. 400 words.
• File photo available

By Aya Abdeen
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – A Phoenix Mercury forward joined the chorus of WNBA players and fans who criticized commissioner Cathy Engelbert for recent comments about social media attacks on players. 

“I am not a politics person, but that’s B.S., come on,” Natasha Mack said Wednesday. “We’ve got to hold everybody accountable. That’s all I have to say.”

Engelbert faced backlash after her statement Monday on the rivalry between league stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese and the increasing harassment of players. She compared the players to NBA legends Larry Bird and Magic Johnson and their long-enduring rivalry. Continue reading “Mercury player joins chorus of voices criticizing WNBA commissioner for comments on Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese rivalry”

• Slug: Sports-ASU Culture Dillingham, 750 words.
• 32photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Tucker Sennett
Cronkite News

TEMPE – Before the 2023 season kicked off, Arizona State football faced a flurry of challenges: a bowl ban, recruiting violations and a shaky administrative situation loomed.

A year after navigating through those tense times, Kenny Dillingham entered the 2024 season as the second youngest head coach of an FBS program. His love of the game, exuberant demeanor and commitment to his roots have helped him progress one of the sport’s most difficult rebuilds at a rapid pace. The 30-23 win over Mississippi State validated his efforts, marking the second straight game with over 10,000 students in attendance.

“You could feel the energy in the stadium,” he said after the win. “This is a fun place to be when it’s rocking.” Continue reading “Activated: Kenny Dillingham’s Arizona State football rebuild gains steam with statement win”

• Slug: Sports-AZ Compass Prep Recruiting, 1,240 words.
• 3 photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Dylan Ackermann
Cronkite News

CHANDLER – Prep schools are reshaping the college basketball recruiting landscape, making it easier than ever for top college coaches such as Auburn’s Bruce Pearl to identify and pursue the nation’s best high school players.

It’s why Pearl and other top college coaches, including Arkansas coach John Calipari, were at the AZ Compass Prep Pro Day. It is the fourth year that the Chandler-based basketball academy has held the pro day, which gives recruiters a chance to watch top prospects in action.

“This time of year, it’s hard to leave campus because we’re getting started in a couple months,” Pearl said. “But the prep schools have done so much of the weeding out for us.” Continue reading “AZ Compass Prep changing recruiting game with top coaches flocking to scout rising stars”

• Slug: Sports–Valley Suns Tryout. 625 words.
• Photos available.

By Connor Moreno
Cronkite News

TEMPE – Hundreds of players from varying basketball backgrounds gathered Saturday at the Tempe Sun Devil Fitness Complex, hoping to become part of a new era of Phoenix basketball.

The Valley officially adopted a new hoops darling – the G League Valley Suns – in February and open tryouts commenced with Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones among those in attendance.

“Phoenix at its core is a basketball town,” said Brendan Sabean, the new team’s general manager. “So to add another entity, and team in general, to the Valley will bring a cool environment for people to come watch games and watch some good hoops.”

Continue reading “Valley Suns hold first tryouts, marking new horizon for Phoenix basketball”

• Slug: Sports-Phoenix Mercury Resurgence, 830 words.
• 2 photos available (thumbnails, captions below).
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By Patrick Holleron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The NFL has always claimed that it prioritizes the health and safety of its players above everything else. Yet, as the 2024 season begins Thursday night, a topic that has concerned participants for years continues to linger. 

 The field-surface debate seems to grow louder with each passing season, sometimes with each passing down. Gruesome lower-extremity injuries appeared to consistently transpire on synthetic turf surfaces more often than natural grass in 2023, according to data from Sharp Football Analysis.  

Among the group of injured players, none was more notable than New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who tore his Achilles tendon four snaps into his Jets’ debut on Sept. 11. His injury occurred at New Jersey’s MetLife Field, which uses a synthetic turf surface.  Continue reading “Grass is greener? NFL’s field surface dilemma still a concern as 2024 season kicks off”