‘This team will be ready’: Arizona Diamondbacks’ expectations high entering 2024

PHOENIX – After a shocking 2023 season that saw an underdog Arizona Diamondbacks team take center stage in the World Series, the team has no intentions of backing down now. They’re gunning for it all.

Corbin Carroll had a monster season on the base paths in 2023, stealing 54 bases. He will be a key offensive weapon for the Diamondbacks. (Photo by Joe Eigo/Cronkite News)

‘Cactus Basketball Hoops’ honor Indigenous community as Final Four nears

SCOTTSDALE – As the men’s Final Four returns to the Valley, four “Cactus Basketball Hoops” designed by local artist Paul Molina incorporate basketball and Indigenous culture for tourists to see.

Four “Cactus Basketball Hoops” designed by local artist Paul Molina incorporate basketball and Indigenous cultures as the Valley prepares to host the men’s Final Four. (Photo by Justin de Haas/Cronkite News)

Battle of the Bigs: Arizona’s Oumar Ballo faces tall task in Sweet 16 matchup against Clemson’s PJ Hall

LOS ANGELES – The matchup between Arizona center Oumar Ballo and Clemson’s PJ Hall will be intriguing to watch considering their different playing styles as Hall scores from shooting mid-range jumpers and posting up compared to Ballo, who primarily gets his points from the low post.

Arizona’s Oumar Ballo believes “at this point of the season, you just have to find a way to get the job done.” (Photo by Bennett Silvyn/Cronkite News)

Sponsor surprise turns golfer Kim Paez’s LPGA dreams into reality following recent success

GILBERT – After her recent success in the 2023 Southwest PGA Championship, golfer Kim Paez was surprised with a sponsor exemption allowing her to compete in the inaugural Ford Championship as her first ever LPGA tour event.

Kim Paez, second from left, was surprised with a sponsor exemption that allowed her to compete in the inaugural LPGA Ford Championship in Gilbert. (Photo courtesy of LPGA)

Who’s hot, who’s not in the men’s Sweet 16? The ACC, transfer portal and … birds

PHOENIX – Fifty two teams have been eliminated and only 16 remain to fight for the right to call themselves the 2024 men’s NCAA champion. Why is the ACC feeling really good, and is it a bad tournament to be a bird?

The Creighton Bluejays mascot is one of the few bird mascots left in the men’s NCAA Tournament. The Jays are averaging more made 3-point field goals (10.6) than turnovers committed (9.8) per game. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Next big thing: Freddy Peralta begins pathway to Brewers’ ace, will make first career Opening Day start

PHOENIX – After the departure of Corbin Burnes and long-term injuries to Brandon Woodruff and Devin Williams, Freddy Peralta is gearing up to be the next ace for the Brewers’ pitching staff and gets the nod for Opening Day.

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta is gearing up to be the next ace for the Milwaukee Brewers’ pitching staff and has secured the nod for Friday’s Opening Day. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

King of the Jungle: Arizona Wildcats looks to pounce on Clemson Tigers in Sweet 16 meeting

LOS ANGELES – Thursday’s Sweet 16 showdown between the Arizona Wildcats and Clemson Tigers offers a chance for the Wildcats to reach the Elite 8 for the first time in nearly a decade. Clemson displays a slow pace which Arizona has struggled with in the past.

Caleb Love, the senior guard for Arizona, who is shooting 30% from the 3-point line throughout the tournament, begins practice by shooting corner threes. (Photo by Bennett Silvyn/Cronkite News)

Jordan Montgomery addition exemplifies Arizona Diamondbacks’ willingness to compete for another World Series

PHOENIX – After Eduardo Rodriguez went down with a lat sprain late into spring training, the Arizona Diamondbacks filled the hole by signing southpaw Jordan Montgomery to a one-year contract.

The Arizona Diamondbacks surprised the baseball community by signing Jordan Montgomery to a one-year, $25 million deal. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

‘Little bit of a fairytale’: Josh Doan scores twice in unforgettable Arizona Coyotes debut

TEMPE – Josh Doan netted two goals in his NHL debut for the Coyotes on Tuesday night in a blowout win over Columbus. The son of Coyotes legend Shane Doan created lifelong memories for family, friends and fans.

Josh Doan scored two goals in his NHL debut for the Coyotes, who beat the Blue Jackets 6-2. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

Ultimate coup de grace: ASU men’s swim and dive team seeks to end Pac-12 era with first NCAA championship

PHOENIX – Following a dominant Pac-12 championship win, the Arizona State Sun Devils men’s swim and dive team seeks to end the Pac-12 era with the program’s first NCAA championship.

Arizona State swimming and diving coach Bob Bowman is delighted at the thought of his team possibility winning the program’s first national championship. (Cronkite News file photo)

Lights, churro, action! Diamondbacks highlight upgrades to Chase Field despite uncertain future

PHOENIX – From new lights to new food, the Arizona Diamondbacks unveil changes and upgrades to various areas of Chase Field, even as the team’s future in the ballpark hangs in the balance.

Chase Field will sports new lights and a new sound system as well as a variety of unique food items. (Photo by Bennett Silvyn/Cronkite News)

LPGA Tour Game Night brings together fans, pros in a unique golf experience

SCOTTSDALE – With the LPGA Tour landing in Arizona, PXG Scottsdale hosted its first LPGA Tour Game Night that allowed avid golf lovers of all ages to compete with one another in a series of challenges while being able to interact and learn from four professionals.

Outside of the three challenges, guests were able to practice their putting skills at the shop’s putting green to fully fine tune their game. (Photo by Madison Breuer/Riester)