Brandon Jones
Sports Reporter, PhoenixBrandon Jones, a Detroit native who grew up in Seattle, expects to graduate in May 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism and a certificate in sales and marketing essentials.
Latest from Brandon Jones
73 years after Robinson broke color barrier, baseball struggles to lure Black players
PHOENIX – According to SABR, there has been a decline of African American players in MLB nearly every year since 1981, and by 2016 that number plummeted to 6.7%, the lowest percentage since 1957.
Tolleson, Chandler communities saddened by COVID-related deaths of two beloved coaches
PHOENIX - Tolleson assistant baseball coach Ash Friederich and Chandler swim and dive coach Kerry Croswhite lost their lives after contracting COVID-19.
Surging COVID-19 numbers prompt Tucson public schools to halt remainder of football season
Gabriel Trujillo, superintendent of the Tucson Unified School District, made the difficult decision to suspend the remainder of the football season for the Tucson schools, which were set to compete with Tolleson and Phoenix schools in their own postseason tournament, separate from AIA competition.
Football game cancellations rampant among Arizona high schools as COVID-19 cases rise
SCOTTSDALE – After shuffling their schedule four times, the 4-1 Saguaro Sabercats can say they have a grind to be eligible for the 2020 AIA playoffs.
AIA recommends postponing start of winter sports seasons
Monday afternoon, the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) recommended to its executive board that the board postpone the start of the high school winter sports season.
Loose spectator protocols for high school football fans during COVID-19 era stirs debate
GILBERT - As the AIA football season progresses and many teams continue to experience COVID outbreaks that force teams to shuffle schedules, some people are turning to Twitter to expose schools that aren’t enforcing safety protocols.
COVID-19 challenges add intrigue to first AIA high school football rankings
PHOENIX – COVID-19 challenges add intrigue to first AIA high school football rankings released by AZ Preps 365. As usual, surprises are part of the mix
Brophy enters boys state golf tournament with confidence after Hamilton victory
TUSCON - The Brophy Prep Broncos look like the team to beat at the state tournament after gutting out a five-stroke victory at the Duke Open over reigning state champion Hamilton Huskies.
Neither youth nor pandemic can stop Xavier girls golf from winning 37th state title
TUCSON – The Xavier Prep Gators held off the Pinnacle Pioneers by three strokes to take home the Division I girls golf state title.
Even against backdrop of pandemic, Pinnacle girls take aim at state golf title
Fresh off of a victory at Tuesday’s State Preview at Aguila Golf Course in Phoenix, the Pinnacle Pioneers girls golf team appears poised to bring home a second straight Division I state title.
Ready for some football? Finally, so is Chaparral High after COVID outbreak
SCOTTSDALE - Chaparral Firebirds football is set to take on the Brophy Broncos on Friday in their season opener.
Xavier, Pinnacle girls golf teams set to battle for State Preview title
Xavier and Pinnacle will be among the top girls golf programs competing in the State Preview invitational tournament, a week ahead of the state championships.
As COVID-19 wreaks havoc on schedules, blowouts prevail in high school football
PHOENIX - The AIA’s 6A conference has seen 25 of 34 matchups won by 17 or more points. Blowouts prevail during pandemic.
Arizona’s top high school golf programs square off in the Duke Open
PHOENIX – A quality field at the Duke Open could provide a sneak preview of the upcoming high school boys golf state championship.
‘We’re living in a global pandemic’: High schools adapt to fluid football schedules
SCOTTSDALE – A global pandemic has caused chaos with Arizona high school football competition. Teams like Saguaro are just trying to go with the flow.
As COVID-19 upends volleyball season, Tolleson, Phoenix Union districts improvise
PHOENIX - The AIA girls volleyball season will be played without districts that decided to postpone or cancel fall sports, including the Tolleson Union and Phoenix Union school districts.
Queen Creek School District’s Eastmark High School unveils football program
MESA - Varsity sports are finally underway at Eastmark High School in the AIA 3A Queen Creek School District.
Snap decision: High school football back this week after AIA OKs return
PHOENIX - Amidst COVID-19, high school football gets underway this week. Here is a look at some of the top teams in Arizona.
Will Arizona’s return to high school football turn into recruiting advantage?
PHOENIX – Arizona high school players and coaches start competition this week. Is this giving state schools a recruiting advantage?
So you want to transfer? How changing high schools for sports works during COVID-19 era
PHOENIX- The COVID-19 era has prompted some Arizona high school athletes to want to transfer. Here is what the AIA allows.
Are you ready for some football? AIA gives OK to start fall sports
PHOENIX – After a meeting by the executive committee, the Arizona Interscholastic Association gave the OK Wednesday for fall sports to compete.
