Cronkite News

Josh Martinez | Cronkite News

High Arizona temperatures give Phoenix Rising edge at home

When it comes to playing in the heat, few teams in the United Soccer League experience what Phoenix Rising FC does on a regular basis.
6 years ago
Former Arizona guard Rawle Alkins averaged nine points for the Toronto Raptors during NBA Summer Le...
Jordan Kaye | Cronkite News

Alkins, Trier working toward NBA career after going undrafted

Former Arizona basketball standouts Allonzo Trier and Rawle Alkins both went undrafted but are trying to carve out a spot on an NBA roster.
6 years ago
Arizona State's Mickey Mitchell, left, covers a drive from Colorado's George King during the second...
Jack Harris | Cronkite News

Suns second-round pick George King plotting rare lengthy NBA career

George King is trying to become one of the few late second-round picks to carve out a lengthy NBA career. The Colorado product has the tools to break in the league.
6 years ago
Oliver Ekman-Larsson plays floor hockey at the Boys & Girls Club in Scottsdale. Ekman-Larsson r...
Max Kelley | Cronkite News

Coyotes’ Ekman-Larsson embraces ‘face of the franchise’ role

Oliver Ekman-Larsson signed an eight-year, $66 million extension, a long-term deal solidifying himself as the staple of Arizona Coyotes franchise.
6 years ago
New legislation that would legalize sports betting has raised concerns about increased gambling add...
Nate Fain

Cashing out: Legalized sports gambling raises addiction concerns

Forty states allow some form of legalized casinos. And as approval for gambling increase in Arizona, millions of Americans suffer from addiction.
6 years ago
Carl Woszczynski has been with Phoenix Rising for several years as the team’s goalkeeper. He is r...
Josh Martinez | Cronkite News

Field general: How Phoenix Rising’s Woszczynski plays goalkeeper

SCOTTSDALE — When defending his team’s goal, a lot runs through Phoenix Rising goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski’s mind. For example, when an opposing player breaks away during a match and races toward him with the ball, Woszczynski is yelling at his defenders to get back on defense. Then his minds starts running through a variety of […]
6 years ago
Representatives from the Phoenix organizing committee were in Boston Wednesday making a pitch for a...
Jordan Kaye | Cronkite News

Phoenix organizing committee in Boston, makes official Final Four bid

The Valley has been a standout when it comes to hosting sports mega events. A committee was in Boston Wednesday to make a pitch or a future Final Four.
6 years ago
Suns second year guard Davon Reed took a fall after being fouled on a dunk attempt vs the Kings on ...
Nathanael Gabler | Cronkite News

‘Veterans’ play a role in summer league competition, too

In a league built around rookies and undrafted players, experienced summer leaguers can make a big impact on young teams.
6 years ago
The Cardinals are receiving criticism for promoting the support president Michael Bidwill (left) ha...
Ben Leibowitz | Cronkite News

‘Deeply problematic’: Cardinals criticized for SCOTUS nominee support

After Cardinals team president Michael Bidwill crafted a letter of support for SCOTUS nominee Brett Kavanaugh, posts on team-affiliated sites drew backlash.
6 years ago
Saguaro has become a football powerhouse where it is tradition to win championships and develop fut...
Joel Viss | Cronkite News

Loaded Saguaro secondary may be key to another title

In high school football, it is a special occurence to have a player receive an offer from a Power 5 school. Two players at the same position? Highly unlikely. All four defensive backs fielding Power 5 school offers?
6 years ago
Arizona State Sun Devils guard Jamelle McMillan (10) drives to the basket on Oregon State Beavers g...
Ben Leibowitz | Cronkite News

Jamelle McMillan brings youthful experience to Suns’ coaching staff

Jamelle McMillan is one of the youngest NBA coaches. He’ll aim to bring youthful experience to a young Phoenix Suns team looking to rise in the standings.
6 years ago
The top two picks in the 2018 NBA Draft — Marvi Bagley III (left) and Deandre Ayton — faced off...
Jordan Kaye | Cronkite News

‘I meant it’: Bagley acknowledges grudge against Suns is still alive

Marvin Bagley acknowledged a grudge against the Suns is still alive after his Kings lost to Phoenix in the Las Vegas Summer League.
6 years ago
Former Arizona State guard Shannon Evans II is hoping to find a spot on the Houston Rockets roster....
Jordan Kaye/Cronkite News

ASU’s Bobby Hurley visits Vegas to support Shannon Evans’ ‘new journey’

Bobby Hurley came to Las Vegas to watch former ASU player Shannon Evans. Evans is trying to catch the attention of the Houston Rockets.
6 years ago
FILE - In this April 21, 2018, file photo, Houston Rockets' Trevor Ariza plays against the Minnesot...
Jack Harris | Cronkite News

Ready to win again, Suns hope Ariza quickens development of young team

Suns sign 14-year NBA veteran Trevor Ariza, hoping he can help their young roster develop into a winner. His experience on successful teams could pay off
6 years ago
Suns forward Dragan Bender, who's on his third Suns summer league roster, is the only Top 10 pick f...
Jordan Kaye | Cronkite News

Suns coach Kokoskov hoping to ‘challenge’ Bender in Summer League

Getting ready to play in his third Summer League, Dragan Bender has a coach in Igor Kokoskov working to get him out of his comfort zone.
6 years ago
New Suns coach Igor Kokoskov is coaching the team in the Summer League less than three months after...
JACK HARRIS | Cronkite News

Suns coach Igor Kokoskov practicing balance with Summer Suns

The longtime NBA assistant and European coach has hit the ground running since being hired in May, doing his best to live up to General Manager Ryan McDonough’s description as a “pioneer.”
6 years ago
Phoenix Rising midfielder Evan Waldrep blasts past several Las Vegas defenders. Prior to Phoeinix R...
Josh Martinez | Cronkite News

Former GCU soccer player Waldrep makes journey to Phoenix Rising

Evan Waldrep is in his first year with Phoenix Rising and his journey to get there has been a local one. He played at local youth clubs in Peoria and Casa Grande, played at GCU after spending two years at Creighton.
6 years ago
Liam Kirk is the first player to be selected in the NHL Draft that has exclusively trained in Engla...
Jade Hanson | Cronkite News

Coyotes Liam Kirk, Brendan Perlini help progression of English hockey

Liam Kirk becomes first player born and exclusively trained in England to be selected in the NHL Draft, helping progression in English hockey.
6 years ago
Participants in the special needs rodeo were able to take part in riding the bucking machine with h...
Jade Hanson | Cronkite News

Payson rodeo event welcomes special needs participants from across state

The Arizona High School Rodeo Association hosted a special needs rodeo in Payson, giving participants the opportunity to experience the sport.
6 years ago
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Yoshihisa Hirano throws during the seventh inning of a baseball...
Ben Leibowitz | Cronkite News

Yoshihisa Hirano’s scoreless games streak defies odds for a MLB rookie

Yoshihisa Hirano’s streak of consecutive scoreless outings out of the bullpen claimed sole possession of a Diamondbacks franchise record previously held by J.J. Putz and Brandon Lyon.
6 years ago
Quarterback Brock Purdy, left, helped guide Perry High School to the 6A state title game along with...
Joel Viss | Cronkite News

Perry football becoming pipeline to Iowa State

Two players from Perry High School’s football team have committed to Iowa State in the last two years and another player received an offer.
6 years ago
Since Bobby Hurley became coach in 2015, ASU basketball has made tougher scheduling a point of emph...
Jack Harris | Cronkite News

How ASU basketball has built better schedules, raised its national profile

Under coach Bobby Hurley, ASU basketball has scheduled tough. It’s helped the Sun Devils boost their national profile and make the NCAA Tournament.
6 years ago
Former Arizona State pitcher Connor Higgins is happy he landed with the Angels. This was the second...
Jorge Ramos | Cronkite News

Arizona State’s Connor Higgins happy to land with Angels

ASU relief pitcher Connor Higgins was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2018 MLB draft his second time around. He was one of five ASU players to be drafted.
6 years ago
Before being selected by the coyotes with the No. 5 pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, Barrett Hayton scor...
Max Kelley | Cronkite News

First-round pick Barrett Hayton gears up for Coyotes’ development camp

The Coyotes’ are holding development camp this week. No. 5 overall pick Barrett Hayton arrived this week to start his training with the organization.
6 years ago
Coyotes' President of Hockey Operations and GM John Chayka is entering his third season in that rol...
Jordan Kaye | Cronkite News

Coyotes GM John Chayka relies on convictions, not outside opinion during rebuild

The Arizona Coyotes selected center Barrett Hayton with the fifth pick in Friday’s NHL Draft. GM John Chayka believes the organization stayed “disciplined.”
6 years ago
Former Mesa Community College offensive lineman Brandon Pertile (right) signed to Oklahoma State th...
Margaret Naczek | Cronkite News

Former Mesa CC players lament impending end of football program

Former Mesa Community College football players attribute their future professional football success to the local JUCO program. But the removal of the program in 2019 could affect the future of Arizona football.
6 years ago
Abby Meulebroeck, 15 hops into her car. This is only her second race in B-Mod class. (Photo by Nate...
Nate Fain | Cronkite News

At Arizona Speedway, 15-year-old racer gives dad ultimate Father’s Day gift

Abby Meulebroeck races cars at Arizona Speedway against competition twice her age. This Father’s Day, the competition is her dad.
6 years ago
Pinnacle High School quarterback Spencer Rattler throws the football in a seven-on-seven game again...
Nathanael Gabler | Cronkite News

Pinnacle QB Rattler tries to stay grounded as attention picks up steam

Spencer Rattler is a 17-year-old High School senior, but in many ways, the Oklahoma quarterback commit is much more than a standard high schooler.
6 years ago
Xavier College Preparatory Vice Principal for Activities and Athletic Director Sister Lynn Winsor (...
Josh Martinez | Cronkite News

Sister Lynn Winsor: 44 years at Xavier and going strong

Sister Lynn Winsor has been a member of the Xavier community for nearly 45 years, working with student-athletes in many capacities and leaving an impact along the way.
6 years ago
Coach Kevin Guy has led the Arizona Rattlers to nine straight playoff appearances. (Photo by Margar...
Margaret Naczek | Cronkite News

Rattlers’ ‘winning culture’ carries team to playoffs for ninth straight year

The Arizona Rattlers advance to the playoffs for the ninth straight year with the hopes of a second United Bowl appearance.
6 years ago