Latest from Alina Nelson
The drag show must go on: 4Some Revue adjusts to performing during pandemic
PHOENIX – The COVID-19 pandemic poses challenges for many live performers and that includes a Phoenix drag show. The group 4Some Revue implemented many safety measures, which has allowed the entertainers to perform live again.
‘Tighten the screws’: As Suns near first playoffs since 2010, keys to success emerge
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns are about to make their first appearance in the NBA playoffs since the 2009-10 season. Although they already feel as if they are in that environment, several keys have emerged that could help them find success.
Diamond in the rough: Japanese Americans imprisoned at Arizona camps during WWII found solace in baseball
PHOENIX – Baseball served as a distraction for some Japanese Americans who were imprisoned at Arizona camps during WWII
Making waves: Drag boat racing finds home at Buckeye’s Hidden Lake
BUCKEYE – Tucked south of Buckeye, Hidden Lake is home to Arizona Drag Boat Association races, where competitors from across Arizona and elsewhere the country come to compete at speeds up to 120 mph.
Music to their ears: After yearlong wait, ASU marching band members reunite to play live
After a yearlong wait, the Sun Devil Marching Band had its first and last live performance of the year at a recent soccer game. It was a much-needed gathering.
With legalized sports betting coming to Arizona, concerns about gambling addiction increase
The ability to attend a sporting event, place a bet on a team and possibly return home a winner will soon be a reality in Arizona. So, too, could an uptick in gambling addiction, some worry.
High school hockey in desert flourishing despite lack of sanctioning by AIA
PHOENIX - Hockey is one of the few sports not sanctioned by the AIA, but it has managed to be successful. Much of that has to do with the Arizona High School Hockey Association.
‘Bigger than he is’: Goligoski’s veteran leadership fueling fight through Coyotes’ playoff race
PHOENIX – Arizona Coyotes defenseman Alex Goligoski has turned the corner with an increase in offensive production while mentoring his young teammates during the Honda West Division postseason race.
Picture of success: A look at Suns’ journey to 42 victories from behind the lens
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns are second in the NBA’s Western Conference, generating plenty of buzz about the team’s playoff potential. This is what their success looks like in pictures.
Although it feels like reality show, changes to ASU men’s basketball lineup very real
TEMPE – It has been a hectic offseason for Arizona State men’s basketball. After a complete overhaul of the roster, coach Bobby Hurley still feels encouraged about the state of the program.
Polo with handlebars? Community bonds over upper crust sport that replaces horse with bike
PHOENIX - Every Sunday, Arizona Hardcourt Bike Polo meets at Cielito Park. Bike polo creates a tight knit community that brings the players back every week.
Hey, taxi (squad)! Coyotes’ call-ups making difference during playoff push
PHOENIX – The Arizona Coyotes are in the midst of a tight playoff race in the West Division. Their postseason chances may hang in the balance with the recent success of their taxi squad call-ups.
Governor signs tribal gaming compact, legalizes sports gambling in Arizona
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey and the state of Arizona have signed into law the new tribal gaming compact. Included in this new compact is House Bill 2772 which legalizes daily sports fantasy.
With Jaelen House New Mexico-bound, transfer merry-go-round continues for ASU men’s basketball, others
PHOENIX – With five players in the transfer portal, ASU men’s basketball is facing a huge roster reconfiguration. So far, three transfers are set to join the Sun Devils in their place.
Do not adjust your television: Truth is, many streaming service subscribers can’t watch Suns, Diamondbacks, Coyotes
PHOENIX – For fans in Arizona and across the country, watching local sports teams on their streaming devices has become more and more of a challenge.
Former ASU guard Jaelen House eyes GCU, could join former teammates
PHOENIX - ASU transfer Jaelen House announced that GCU and New Mexico are his top two destinations. What would the former Sun Devils guard bring to the Lopes?
‘Sorry, buddy’: Athletes saying ‘no’ to autograph seekers symbolic of COVID-19 era
PHOENIX – People with time during a pandemic are revisiting their sports memorabilia collections and that business is booming. Getting those collectibles autographed is another story, though.
Limited Cactus League attendance has ripple effect on local businesses
TEMPE – For plenty of Arizona businesses, March is the busiest month of the year thanks to an influx of tourists for spring training. But in 2021, with the pandemic limiting Cactus League attendance, restaurants didn’t see the same sales spike they usually do.
Navigating college recruiting process proved challenging for sand volleyball standout during pandemic
PHOENIX – A lack of spots due to funding, limited campus tours, and being evaluated solely on film are just some of the obstacles that Arcadia High School senior Lauren Sayre encountered while deciding where she would play sand volleyball at the collegiate level.
A player remembered, a community crushed: Friends mourn loss of GCU’s Oscar Frayer
PHOENIX – Just three days after playing in Grand Canyon's first NCAA Tournament, Oscar Frayer died in a car accident in California. Friends mourn the loss of the standout.
Baseball in a border town: Nogales finds its favorite pastime a ‘release’ from pandemic
NOGALES – A city that has had enormous success in baseball has finally come back to life after the pandemic.
ASU basketball watches Jaelen House enter transfer portal, secures key 6-11 recruit
TEMPE - The Sun Devils face a slew of departures this offseason but the unexpected loss of Jaelen House, who entered the transfer portal last week, could turn out to be one of the biggest losses of the offseason.
Deep pool of talent: Arizona State women’s water polo team off to strong start
PHOENIX - After sweeping San Jose State this past weekend, Arizona State women’s water polo has an overall record of 9-4 and a two-game winning streak.
In-person trail racing in high demand as COVID-19 restriction fatigue sets in
PHOENIX - Aravaipa Running offers in-person trail races as a safe alternative to virtual racing.
High school hockey: Notre Dame Prep Saints go marching in … to nationals
TEMPE - The Notre Dame Prep Saints secured a 2-1 victory over the Pinnacle Pioneers during the state championship game on Friday and advance to nationals.
The Dvorak notebook: Bergeron film, the Vrbackhander, hidden quick wit
PHOENIX – Arizona Coyotes forward Christian Dvorak has evolved into the team’s top center in his fifth season. His successful campaign employs unique tools of the trade.
After season of unique challenges, Valley high school basketball teams start playoffs
PHOENIX – Despite several challenges, Valley basketball teams made it through the regular season and are set to start the state playoffs. Traditions like senior night took on a new meaning in a season unlike any that players and coaches have experienced.
ASU men’s basketball team wins opener in Pac-12 Tournament
TEMPE – The Arizona State men's basketball team beat Washington State in the Pac-12 tournament opener as it tries to preserve a season that has been a disappointment to this point.
Confidence is key: As Pac-12 tourney looms, ASU’s Kimani Lawrence steps up
TEMPE – Senior Kimani Lawrence has taken his game to the next level the past few weeks. With some minor adjustments and confidence, Lawrence has turned into one of ASU’s best players late in the season.
Is it ethical for teams to allow fans back into sporting events?
TEMPE – The Phoenix Suns, Arizona Coyotes and many Cactus League teams are allowing limited fans back into the stands. But officials wonder: should they?
‘He stands up to anybody’: Conor Garland is crucial component for Coyotes
GLENDALE – Conor Garland’s return to the Coyotes lineup on Wednesday signaled why he is a critical component in Arizona’s offense.
Masks can come off for high school winter playoffs, spring sports, AIA board votes
PHOENIX - AIA Executive Board votes to remove mask mandates for athletes and officials in the field of play for winter sports playoffs and spring sports
‘Superspreader events’: Experts worry hockey arenas a toxic formula for COVID-19
GLENDALE – The Arizona Coyotes are one of a handful of teams in the National Hockey League to allow fans into their arena to attend games. The Coyotes claim that this can be executed safely for fans for experts say otherwise.
With spring sports season underway, Arizona high schools await decision on COVID-19 protocol
PHOENIX – The spring sports season could mean new COVID-19 protocol for high school athletes.
‘No comparison’: ASU baseball fans frustrated with Pac-12 prohibition on fan attendance
PHOENIX – A handful of SEC teams and all 15 Cactus League teams are allowing a limited number of fans. Will the Pac-12 Conference let Arizona State follow suit?
Surprise college baseball tournament provides sneak preview of spring training protocols
SURPRISE, AZ - The city of Surprise hosted eight college baseball games over the weekend, offering a glimpse of safety protocols that will be seen all around the Valley at stadiums this spring.
Want to buy spring training tickets? Four Cactus League teams already sold out
PHOENIX – Cactus League teams have limited quantities of tickets on sale for single games. Four teams have already sold out because of the restrictions put in place by the pandemic.
Two Diamondbacks players test positive for coronavirus
SCOTTSDALE – The Arizona Diamondbacks opened spring training on Wednesday with news that two players had tested positive for the coronavirus.
Anatomy of a postponement: How a COVID-19 test halted Desert Vista, Mountain Pointe game
PHOENIX – After a player on Desert Vista tested positive for COVID-19, Mountain Pointe’s game with the Thunder was called off. Here’s how both teams handled the disruption, and how the players stayed engaged during their quarantine.
ASU commit Ty Murchison finds ‘home feeling’ in joining budding program
TEMPE – Ty Murchison is the second full-time U.S. NTDP player to commit to Arizona State. Murchison couldn’t resist smiling as he took in the “unreal experience” facing his future teammates last week at Oceanside Ice Arena.
Want to attend spring training? Cactus League teams begin to roll out plans
PHOENIX - As Cactus League teams begin to roll out spring training plans, questions about ticket sales and fan attendance remain.
AIA changes course, allows parents to attend high school away games
PHOENIX – Citing improved COVID-19 metrics, the AIA executive board ruled Thursday that up to two parents or legal guardians can attend their children’s away games.
Cactus League scrambles to resolve ticket sales, attendance with start of season nearing
PHOENIX – Cactus League teams announced that they are preparing for an on-time start to opening weekend of spring training games, currently scheduled for February 27.
Masked men, disinfected gym give high school basketball game in Ahwatukee unique feel
PHOENIX – 6A state title favorite Mountain Pointe and central region rival Corona del Sol matched up under a bizarre set of circumstances thanks to COVID-19.
