25 years later: Behind Bryce Drew’s 1998 buzzer beater were the unknowns of March Madness, which lend hope to GCU
PHOENIX — Though far removed from the feeling of taking a low-enrollment Lutheran university to its first Sweet 16 appearance and only one since, Bryce Drew is now the coach for a Grand Canyon program that’s approaching its second NCAA Tournament in his third season. And the situation seems even more similar since GCU is No. 14 and as much or more of an underdog against No. 3 Gonzaga than Valpo was on March 13, 1998, when the efforts of Drew and his father, Homer, combined with many others to culminate in an improbable memory made plausible.
William Byron snatches victory amid late-race chaos at Phoenix Raceway
AVONDALE – William Byron’s teammate Kyle Larson led 201 laps of Sunday’s race at Phoenix Raceway. However, a late race caution opened the door just wide enough for Byron to squeeze his way to victory.
Mercy! Team Canada dominates Great Britain, announces presence at World Baseball Classic
PHOENIX – In the first game of two on Sunday in group C, Canada took on Great Britain and mercied them 18-8 in a matchup that only lasted seven innings but almost four hours. It was a breath of fresh air for the Canadians, who didn’t make it past the group stages in 2017 but are looking to make a serious run in 2023.
Giants twins Taylor and Tyler Rogers make historic pairing in bullpen
SCOTTSDALE – With Taylor Rogers signing a three-year contract with the San Francisco Giants, fans will be doing double takes all season long. Identical twins Taylor and Tyler Rogers are looking to provide solid innings out of the Giants bullpen while making MLB history.
Perry High School splits 6A soccer state championships
MESA – Perry High School fielded two teams in the 6A state championships in soccer on Saturday, but Xavier Prep High School stood in the way of a sweep.
Luke Voit, Tyler Naquin travel similar roads to arrive in Brewers camp
PHOENIX – Luke Voit and Tyler Naquin have followed similar paths in their baseball careers, and it led them both to the Milwaukee Brewers. The major league veterans signed minor league contracts on Feb. 21 and were invited to spring training as non-roster additions. They have about a month to carve out a niche that will earn them a roster spot on Opening Day.
‘I will never stop’: Legislative fight against fentanyl continues as drug seizures rise
PRESCOTT — Record amounts of fentanyl passing through the southern border and the death of a beloved daughter spurred a Prescott family to raise awareness and fight for new legislation in Arizona.
Head over wheels: Inside NASCAR’s solution to concussion issues with enhanced Next Gen car
AVONDALE – After three NASCAR drivers suffered concussions this past season, including Arizona’s own Alex Bowman, concerns about the safety of the Gen-7 car were put into question and sparked immediate action from NASCAR.
Arizona advocates win national recognition for work on Proposition 308
WASHINGTON - An Arizona nonprofit was honored here Tuesday for its push to win in-state tuition for undocumented students, a change that organizers said has moved the state from an "epicenter of hate toward immigrants into an epicenter of hope."
Backyard Bowl: Devon Allen, an Olympian, an Eagle and Brophy alum, returns home for Super Bowl 57
PHOENIX – Devon Allen is a two-time Olympian and a wide receiver on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad. As a Brophy College Prep graduate, Allen is looking forward to returning home on one of the biggest stages in the world.
Arizona, other states propose Colorado River cuts; California pushes back
WASHINGTON - Federal officials said they will consider a plan by Arizona and five other Colorado River basin states on how to further cut water consumption, even though the biggest user in the basin - California - has not signed off on it.
Arizona Cardinals fire Kliff Kingsbury as head coach; GM Steve Keim steps away
TEMPE – Cardinals chairman and president Michael Bidwill spoke with reporters about the organization’s decision to move on from the former coach and general manager Monday after a dismal 4-13 regular season.