Next-man-up mentality fuels Hamilton High School baseball following two straight 6A state championships

CHANDLER – Coming off of two consecutive state championships and nine in coach Mike Woods’ 27-year tenure, Hamilton High School baseball leans on new players stepping up in wake of stars departing for Division I and Minor League baseball.

Hamilton shortstop Boston Kellner, a Louisville commit, brings his glove, senior leadership and power at the plate to the defending state champions. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton High School)

Former ASU swimmer Kyle Sockwell, the self-proclaimed CEO of swimming social media, upends the sport’s coverage

PHOENIX — The 2024 Paris Olympics will be underway in just over four months. Swimming coverage on social media is led by former Arizona State swimmer Kyle Sockwell. He began his career posting on Vine, and is now the self-proclaimed President & CEO of Swimming Twitter.


Hometown kid: Carter Jensen’s baseball journey continues at first MLB camp with Kansas City Royals

SURPRISE – Kansas City Royals prospect Carter Jensen grew up cheering for the team and now he finds himself as a member. In his first major league camp, Jensen was able to soak it all in and learn from one of his idols in the process.

Kansas City royals catcher Carter Jensen said, “It was just a surreal feeling knowing I was going to be a part of the team I grew up watching.” (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

Storylines, sleepers to watch: 68 teams look to write their chapter during March Madness

PHOENIX – The 2024 NCAA Tournament starts Thursday and there is no shortage of storylines. Can Arizona go to the Final Four for the first time since 2001? Can the James Madison Dukes become the darling of the tournament? Anything can happen. It’s March.

James Madison is a popular upset pick in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, while Arizona has some people skeptical because of their recent struggles in the postseason. (Graphic by Bobby Hurley/Cronkite News)

‘Two genuine friends’: Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd, Long Beach State’s Dan Monson share near 30-year bond

SALT LAKE CITY – Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd and Long Beach State’s Dan Monson share a bond that stems deeper than basketball. With the two squads taking different paths to the tournament, both Lloyd and Monson are rejoicing in the opportunity to coach against each other.

Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball coach Tommy Lloyd discusses his relationship with Long Beach State coach Dan Monson ahead of their game Thursday at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Hayden Cilley/Cronkite News)

Coming home: Chicago native Nicky Lopez brings leadership, culture change to White Sox

GLENDALE - After learning he was being traded to the White Sox the day before his wedding, Nicky Lopez is excited to return home and help change the culture in Chicago.

With a focus on bringing optimism to the Chicago White Sox, Nicky Lopez embraces his role as a leader and aims to contribute to the team's resurgence. (Photo by Joe Eigo/Cronkite News)

Casitas, private clubs highlight upgrades Arizona Cardinals plan for State Farm Stadium

PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals announce several high-end seating upgrades for State Farm Stadium as it stays in the hunt to remain relevant.

The Arizona Cardinals announce $15 million upgrades to State Farm Stadium, including new field-level suites and club areas, aiming to enhance the fan experience. (Renderings courtesy of Arizona Cardinals)

Welcome reunion: Suns sign Isaiah Thomas to 10-day contract as playoffs draw closer

PHOENIX – Isaiah Thomas played for the Phoenix Suns in 2014. Now a decade later, Thomas is back in Phoenix on a 10-day NBA contract and is looking to help the Suns push for the top six in the stacked Western Conference standings.

Isaiah Thomas officially joins the Phoenix Suns on a 10-day contract, marking his return to the NBA after nearly two seasons. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Downtown madness: Final Four countdown kicks off with Coca-Cola bracket reveal outside Phoenix Convention Center

PHOENIX – The Final Four is 18 days away, and the city of Phoenix joined the Madness Tuesday underway as the Coca-Cola bracket was unveiled downtown outside of the convention center.

The Coca-Cola NCAA Men's Tournament bracket stands in front of the Phoenix Convention Center, mar. (Photo by Ethan Briggs/Cronkite News)

‘A perfect situation’: Arizona ‘excited’ for First Four matchup against Auburn in NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament

PHOENIX – For the fourth consecutive year, the Arizona Wildcats are back in the big dance. This year, the Wildcats travel to Connecticut for their First Four matchup against Auburn.

Despite facing challenges throughout the season, Arizona Wildcats coach Adia Barnes leads her squad into the tournament for the fourth consecutive year, ready to make their mark. (Photo by Simon Asher/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

A’s new plate approach is paying dividends thus far in spring training

MESA – The Oakland A's are using the Cactus League to take a team-first approach at the plate, which is prevalent in the early innings of spring training.


Colorado’s Cal Quantrill, Dakota Hudson bring leadership, experience to Rockies pitching staff

SCOTTSDALE – After a season of injuries in 2023, the Colorado Rockies bolstered their depleted pitching staff by bringing in right-handers Cal Quantrill and Dakota Hudson. The Rockies hope the additions will give them a chance to compete in a loaded NL West this season.