UCLA’s Dylan Andrews credits time at AZ Compass Prep for success at collegiate level

PHOENIX – UCLA guard Dylan Andrews is helping the Bruins make a championship run. He believes his time spent at AZ Compass Prep helped prepare him for his college career.

Dylan Andrews, who attended AZ Compass Prep in Chandler his senior year in high school, reacts after making a 3-point basket against the Northwestern Wildcats in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

ASU quarterback competition heats up as Sun Devils enter second week of spring practice

TEMPE – After a busy offseason in Tempe for coach Kenny Dillingham, spring football will provide an opportunity to see his quarterbacks for the first time. While there may be plenty of skill at the position, only one will be labeled the starter.

Kenny Dillingham has preached competition at all levels of the ASU football program in his first season – and a QB battle is brewing at spring practice. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

En garde: Phoenix Fencing Academy fosters tradition, teaches excellence

TEMPE – The Phoenix Fencing Academy is one of the only places to participate in the sport and many of the former students have gone on to be successful Division I fencers along with national champions and others who have represented their countries internationally. The founder and head coach, Will Becker, grew up fencing and the family name is one of the biggest in the sport.

Gillian Harrill, who established her fencing roots at the Phoenix Fencing Academy, became a national champion at Cornell University. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Fencing Academy)

Inside the Chicago Cubs’ offseason free agent spending spree

MESA – The Chicago Cubs made the most MLB signings during 2023 free agency and are looking to get back to the playoffs after missing the last two postseasons.

The Chicago Cubs signed Dansby Swanson to a seven-year, $177 million deal in hopes his championship pedigree will help the club return to the postseason. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Fore Family: LIV Golf Tucson 2023 attracts friends, families

MARANA – LIV Golf is establishing itself in the golf world, creating a variety of events at the tournaments to attract fans.

LIV Golf Tucson offered spectators entertainment beyond the golf course last weekend at The Gallery Golf Club. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

ASU men’s swimming & diving seeks NCAA title with star-studded squad

TEMPE – Bob Bowman took over the scraps of what was left of ASU’s swim program in 2015. Since then, he’s converted the program into a powerhouse, building the strongest swim team in the country. Now, they’re poised to capture the national championship.

ASU men's swimming & diving became the first non-California school to win the Pac-12 championship. Now, the Sun Devils' sights are set on the NCAA title. (Photo by Chuck Arelei/Pac-12 Conference)

Diamondbacks share excitement for Merrill Kelly’s start in WBC championship

SCOTTSDALE – Merrill Kelly is the starting pitcher for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic championship. His team share excitement for the biggest start of Kelly’s life.

Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly earned the start for the United States against Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic championship. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Lone Rangers: First spring training throws young prospects a learning curve

SURPRISE – Kumar Rocker, Evan Carter and March Church are learning what it takes to make it to the major league in their first training camp. Veterans, coaches and players share the importance of being around proven professionals and building a routine for young guys looking to break into the majors.

Texas Rangers pitcher Kumar Rocker has grown more comfortable and confident with the team during his first spring training experience. (Photo by Mackenzie Woods/Cronkite News)

Like father, like son: ASU’s Josh Doan signs with Arizona Coyotes

TEMPE – Following in his father Shane’s footsteps, Arizona State’s Josh Doan signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday. “It's definitely something special,” the 21-year-old forward said.

Josh Doan in gear for Arizona State University on the ice during a hockey game.

Colorado counts on rebuilt bullpen to prove doubters wrong, turn around franchise

SCOTTSDALE – The Colorado Rockies were active in the pitching market this past offseason with the notable signings of Brent Suter, Pierce Johnson, and Brad Hand. These veterans look to help turn the team around after the club has recorded a losing record in 8 of its last 10 seasons.

The Colorado Rockies' Pierce Johnson pitches a baseball.

How should fans ask for autographs at spring training? MLB players say politeness is a good start

GLENDALE – Major league players often find themselves in a mosh pit of autograph seekers during spring training and not everybody is coming out of the pack with a signature on their ball, cap or photo. However, players from the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, along with some experienced autograph seekers, say there are ways to improve the odds. Being polite is a good place to start.

Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels writes signatures for a crowd of fans in baseball stands.

Payday: Danny Lee earns more than $4 million by winning LIV Golf Tucson

MARANA – LIV Golf made its way to Tucson for the first time this past weekend. Over three days, many notable moments happened at the Gallery Golf Club but none bigger than Danny Lee's victory that netted him $4 million.

Danny Lee holds the LIV Tucson trophy above his head while standing on the LIV Golf champion podium at a golf course.