James Franks
Sports Visual Journalist, PhoenixJames Franks expects to graduate in December 2021 with a master’s degree in sports journalism. He earned a bachelor’s degree in sports communication from Bradley University.
Latest from James Franks
Top prospects from the state put the Arizona in Arizona Fall League
The Arizona Fall League, which features top prospects from around baseball, returned to the Valley after a one-year absence because of the pandemic and it brought some familiar faces home.
‘Yer out!’ Arizona Fall League comes to close with Mesa Solar Sox victory in championship
PHOENIX - After taking a season off because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Arizona Fall League came to an end with the Mesa Solar Sox capturing the title. The Solar Sox were led by their pitching in the championship game as Caleb Kilian threw six perfect innings.
After years of addiction, heartbreak, former Arizona star Vance Johnson helps others
TUCSON - Vance Johnson’s past includes struggles with alcohol and prescription pill addiction after he witnessed domestic abuse growing up. Now, the former University of Arizona and NFL star is committed to sobriety and wants to help others facing substance abuse issues.
MLB to provide housing for minor league players, but are more changes needed?
PHOENIX – MLB owners approved a plan to provide housing to eligible minor leaguers starting in 2022. But that’s not the only issue MLB needs to address.
Last Chance Yuma: Thriving Arizona Western soccer program bonds a community
YUMA – With 26 players from around the globe, an unlikely success story has emerged in Yuma. The men’s soccer team at Arizona Western College has found great success and is playing in the NJCAA Division 1 National Championship.
With fans back, ASU wrestling hopes All-American talent leads to first NCAA title since 1988
TEMPE – The ASU wrestling program kicked off its final year at Desert Financial Arena with its annual Maroon & Gold scrimmage. With fans back in the stands, the Sun Devils hope to lean on their seven All-Americans to claim their first NCAA title since 1988.
World class: ASU women’s soccer is a global family
TEMPE – With 13 international players on a 31-player roster, Arizona State’s women’s soccer program has mastered international recruiting like no other program in the Pac-12 Conference. Coach Graham Winkworth’s team represents 10 countries on five continents.
From Ethier to Westphal to Meyers Drysdale, Arizona Sports Hall Of Fame class honored
PHOENIX - Ann Meyers Drysdale, Andre Ethier and the late Paul Westphal were among the inductees in the latest Arizona Sports Hall Of Fame class.
Serving some discipline: Ironwood’s guide to building elite badminton program
PEORIA – When given the task of building the girls badminton program, Ironwood High School coach Brett Stafford had to do so from the ground up. His commitment to his program has shown through in its success and growth over the past decade.
Home away from home: ASU soccer captain forms second family outside of Mexico
ASU soccer captain Alexia Delgado moved away from her parents at 13 to pursue her dream of becoming a soccer player. Now in Tempe, the Mexican international has found a place she can call home.
Rattlers players offer guidance to college athletes amid new era under NIL legislation
PHOENIX - Arizona Rattlers players offer insight for college football players and athletes on how to navigate name, image and likeness legislation and share what they would have done if they could have pursued deals in college.
ASU expects a physical, passionate matchup when PAC-12 South undefeated teams battle Saturday
TEMPE - The Sun Devils are going into hostile territory when they travel to Utah Saturday night. The Utes have been historically great at home and they look to extend their home win streak.
Is the end near for the GOAT? Taurasi continues to prove otherwise
PHOENIX - Diana Taurasi has the ultimate chance to walk off into the sunset. Her fifth Olympic gold medal, being named the WNBA’s GOAT, welcoming her second child, and now two wins away from a fourth WNBA title, the stage is set for a Hollywood ending. But is this really the end, or just another chapter?
Team culture, international flavor fuel fast start for ASU women’s soccer
PHOENIX – With help from players all over the planet, such as Lucy Johnson and Nicole Douglas, the ASU women’s soccer program is developing an other-worldly culture.
No Maluma, no Disney princesses: Mercury return to home court after much-debated scheduling issues
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury played its first two playoff games at arenas belonging to college teams. A look at why as the team prepares to play the Las Vegas Aces at Footprint Center with a chance to punch a ticket to the WNBA Finals.
Curling in Arizona: Tempe club’s accomplishments include Olympic Trials series
TEMPE - Three member of the Coyotes Curling Club in Tempe decide to chase their Winter Games dreams and wound up in an Olympic Trials series competition.
Losing streak, venue change don’t rattle Mercury as they enter single-elimination playoff game
PHOENIX - Heading into tonight’s single-elimination playoff game on a three-game losing streak can sometimes be a red flag. But for the Phoenix Mercury, this streak is nothing short of a red herring.
With new players, proposed new Tempe arena, ‘hungry’ Coyotes ready to compete
GLENDALE – The Arizona Coyotes enter the 2021-22 season with a lot of noise outside the locker room. However, the team is excited and optimistic they can surprise those doubting the team around the league.
3 Arizona men built popular ‘Fantasy Footballers’ podcast from lunchroom to sellouts
PHOENIX – Arizona residents Mike Wright, Andy Holloway and Jason Moore created “The Fantasy Footballers,” a podcast that has been streamed more than 36 million times and has over 263,000 YouTube channel subscribers.
Chandler vs. Cherry Creek: High school football teams leaving state to find opponents
PHOENIX - In keeping with tradition, Chandler High played an out-of-state football power and the five-time defending state champions prevailed, beating Colorado’s Cherry Creek High 17-7 in a game both high school titans used as a measuring stick.
From Lil Wayne to Lauryn Hill, playlist helps Mercury find their vibe
PHOENIX - Music is the driving force behind Mercury's motivation. A peek behind the scenes shows how music has helped shape the identity of the WNBA team.
‘I take full responsibility, man’: Rattlers’ Drew Powell remorseful after United Bowl loss
PHOENIX - After winning league MVP, Drew Powell’s season ended on a sour note with a loss in the United Bowl. Powell acknowledged that despite a great year, he wasn’t able to get the job done when it mattered most.
Following tragedies, Central High School finds comfort in its football community
PHOENIX - Coping with the losses of a player’s younger brother and the team’s former captain in the past four months, the Central High football team now uses the field as its sanctuary.
Pick’em: Sport gambling in Arizona underway and options are plentiful
PHOENIX - With sports gambling officially legal in Arizona, professional teams celebrate partnerships with Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel and Barstool Sportsbook.
Snakes alive: Passionate fan base has Rattlers close to another championship
PHOENIX – Since 1992, the Arizona Rattlers have maintained a strong and loyal fan base through league changes and a pandemic. The “Snake Pit” gives the Rattlers a unique edge and excellent home-field advantage through playoffs.
Have app, will gamble: Arizona online sports betting sites open registration Saturday
PHOENIX – Online Sports betting sites open Saturday, moving one step closer to the launch date for sports betting in Arizona on Sept. 9.
