Winning back-to-back championships is hard enough, but Willow Canyon softball on pace for 3-peat
SURPRISE – Since the return of sports after the COVID-19 outbreak, only one team has won the 5A softball state championship and they look to do it for the third straight year in a row. Willow Canyon is a powerhouse in the West Valley, sporting a 23-0-1 record and currently ranked 15th in the country by MaxPreps.
Arizona’s ‘super season’ gives state financial shot of adrenaline
PHOENIX – A May report from Arizona's Common Sense Institute showed that 6.4% of the state’s total economy comes from the sports and tourism sector. With the Super Bowl and many other major sporting events in town in 2023, Arizona saw plenty of positive economic benefits.
Stanford’s Rose Zhang continuing dominance at Pac-12 Women’s Championship as World’s No. 1 amateur
PHOENIX – Through her first two years at Stanford, Rose Zhang has done everything imaginable in amateur golf except winning a conference championship. Now she is in contention of winning the Pac-12 individual championship title.
Cactus High’s Bradey Henige fills tall order as two-sport 7-footer
GLENDALE – Cactus High School’s Bradey Henige just finished up his junior basketball season, where he emerged as one of the top players in the nation in rebounding. He also plays volleyball to help his skills on the basketball court as schools start gaining interest.
Arizona tribal gaming contributions up 20% over last year, nearing $2 billion mark since 2004
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Gaming announced its contributions to the Arizona community, which are up 20% from last year. Close to $2 billion has been contributed to educational, emergency and other Arizona funds.
U.S. set for 75th meeting against archrival Mexico in friendly at State Farm Stadium
PHOENIX – The U.S. is set to meet Mexico on the pitch for the 75th time as they kick-off in the inaugural Allstate Continental Clásico at State Farm Stadium. The USMNT is undefeated in its previous four games against Mexico.
Patience pays off for ASU softball first baseman Jordyn VanHook
TEMPE – After three seasons of not seeing much playing time and a short period spent in the transfer portal following the departure of Trisha Ford, Jordyn VanHook has returned and proven herself as one of the top softball players in the PAC-12, doing so with a position change as well.
As questions surround Tempe entertainment district, studies predict impact ahead of May vote
TEMPE – As the registration deadline closed for voters on Monday, questions still loom over the Tempe Entertainment District’s potential benefits and drawbacks but two studies could provide some answers.
ASU spring game gives fans first glimpse at Kenny Dillingham, new-look roster
TEMPE – Arizona State played its annual spring game and gave fans a sneak peak at what Sun Devil football will look like under new coach Kenny Dillingham. The game demonstrated his pledge to activate the Sun Devil fan base to bring back the winning ways of Arizona State football.
Houston’s Final Four success foreshadows potential economic boost for Arizona in 2024
HOUSTON – On the heels of the 2023 Final Four in Houston, the next stop for the tournament is in Arizona. The Valley of the Sun previously held the Final Four in 2017 and brought in near-record numbers.
Pat’s Run returns to Tempe for 19th annual race honoring Pat Tillman’s legacy
TEMPE – The 19th annual Pat’s Run, a 4.2-mile race that honors former Arizona State and Cardinals star Pat Tillman took place Saturday, with runners of all ages coming together to raise money for the Pat Tillman foundation.
Optimism surrounds Arizona football as Wildcats aim to take next step in coach Jedd Fisch’s third season
TUCSON – Coach Jedd Fisch took the Wildcats from a 1-11 to 5-7 season in his first two seasons. Now, with key contributors from last season returning, the Wildcats believe they can keep the upward trend going and qualify for a bowl game – or more.
