Jesse Brawders(he/him)
Sports Reporter, PhoenixJesse Brawders expects to graduate in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism and a minor in educational studies. Brawders is a freelance esports commentator.
Latest from Jesse Brawders
Purdue Boilermakers chase redemption in first Final Four appearance since 1980
PHOENIX – The Purdue Boilermakers arrived in Phoenix Tuesday night, as they begin their preparation for the men’s Final Four this weekend at State Farm Stadium. Coach Matt Painter and a few players described the emotions entering the weekend.
GCU men punch ticket into NCAA Tournament after winning WAC Championship bout over UT Arlington
PHOENIX – Grand Canyon University grinded out a victory in the WAC Championship game over UT Arlington, while earning a bid into the NCAA Tournament. This is the second-consecutive title and third in four years under coach Bryce Drew.
Survive and advance: GCU outlasts Seattle, books WAC Championship spot against UT Arlington
LAS VEGAS – GCU outlasted Seattle University 80-72 in its WAC semifinal in Las Vegas through Grant-Foster’s heroics. UT Arlington awaits in the WAC Championship for a bid into the NCAA Tournament.
GCU women’s basketball upset in the WAC semifinals after Stephen F. Austin comeback in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS – Grand Canyon University made an early exit from the WAC women’s tournament during its historic season, as the Lopes fell to Stephen F. Austin 66-63 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
Making the madness: An inside look at the NCAA’s tournament bracket-building
PHOENIX – On Feb. 21, members of Cronkite News participated in a mock NCAA men’s basketball tournament selection committee ahead of the Final Four in Phoenix. Members of the mock committee learned what it takes to make the bracket every March.
Oumar Ballo, Arizona Wildcats cruise past USC to Pac-12 Tournament Semifinals
LAS VEGAS – No. 1 Arizona avenged its previous loss to No. 9 USC in a 70-49 victory in the Pac-12 Men’s Tournament Quarterfinals in Las Vegas. Coach Tommy Lloyd praised his bench and center Oumar Ballo, but emphasized the Wildcats aren’t looking too far ahead yet.
GCU men, women enter WAC Tournament on cusp of March Madness bids amid record-breaking seasons
LAS VEGAS – The GCU men’s and women’s basketball teams finished the regular seasons on historic highs. In preparation for their WAC tournament runs, more than just a March Madness berth is on the line.
Bonded by baseball: 3 young Brewers fan battling illnesses forge friendship on spring training trip
PHOENIX – The Brewers welcomed three young Aurora Health Care patients who were nominated as the Aurora MVPs. The families visited spring training, bonding through their shared traumas and love.
Ford Championship 2024 marks milestone moment for LPGA Tour in Gilbert
GILBERT - On Feb. 10, LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux joined local pros Mina Harigae and Alena Sharp to announce the Ford Championship at the Seville Golf & Country Club. During the event, they discussed the future of the LPGA Tour and women’s golf.
NCAA sets forth plan to extend protection for athletes with new Post-Eligibility Insurance Program
PHOENIX – At the NCAA Convention in Phoenix, officials previewed their new Post Eligibility Insurance Program. The policy goes live in August and aims to be an extra layer of protection for NCAA athletes.
79 days and counting: NCAA officials, local leaders preview festivities in lead-up to men’s basketball Final Four
PHOENIX – NCAA officials, Gov. Katie Hobbs and local leaders met Wednesday to showcase some of the upcoming festivities for the Final Four. In the panels, they previewed what local and visiting fans can expect throughout the weekend.
NCAA president: Social media harassment of college athletes a growing problem because of sports gambling
PHOENIX – The NCAA Convention welcomed representatives from all over the country this week at the Phoenix Convention Center. In a featured session, sports gambling and its consequences were one of the main stories and offered a preview of the NCAA’s new campaign in March.
Sweet glory: Washington cruises into College Football Playoff without controversy, earns rematch with Texas in Sugar Bowl
PHOENIX – In the CFP selection committee’s final rankings, Washington finished at No. 2, its highest ranking in program history. The Huskies join Michigan, Texas and Alabama, with Florida State controversially left out.
Vegas, baby: Washington, Oregon aim for Pac-12 and CFP glory
PHOENIX – In the penultimate rankings of the season and the current format, Washington and Oregon are both in prime positioning to clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff with a win in the Pac-12 Championship.
Four real: Washington leaps past Florida State at No. 4 in College Football Playoff rankings
PHOENIX – Washington is among the Top 4 teams in the College Football Playoff rankings for the first time since 2016, drawing one step closer to competing for the national title.
Oregon State eyes chaotic conclusion to upend Pac-12 in College Football Playoff race
PHOENIX – Oregon State moved to No. 11 in the most recent CFP poll, and now has the chance to create a dramatic finish in the Pac-12's last hope for a playoff spot.
Arizona Wildcats enter CFP ranks; Washington, Oregon keep Pac-12’s CFP hopes alive
PHOENIX – In the second College Football Playoff rankings, Arizona jumped into the top 25 for the first time since 2017 after the Wildcats’ win over UCLA. They join four other Pac-12 schools in the rankings, with Washington and Oregon in prime position to jump into a playoff spot.
Desert Ridge High School leads way in building bridge to connect students with world of competitive robotics
MESA – Desert Ridge robotics has slowly built one of the best programs in the state, eyeing a return to the VEX World Championship after a top 16 finish last school year with the Nano Jagwires.
Chaos contained: Arizona Diamondbacks silenced by Texas Rangers in World Series loss
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2023 season was a roller coaster, featuring the highs of securing a postseason berth and sweeping rivals, and the lows of losing in the World Series.
Washington, Oregon give Pac-12 conference life in first College Football Playoff rankings
PHOENIX – The first College Football Playoff rankings were released Tuesday, with the Pac-12 boasting six teams in the top 25. Can No. 5 Washington and No. 6 Oregon sneak in in the conference’s final season?
Zac Gallen’s postseason homecoming spoiled as Phillies claim NLCS Game 1
PHOENIX – Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen grew up just 10 miles away from Citizens Bank Park, and took the mound against the Philadelphia Phillies. The postseason homecoming did not go to plan for Gallen, as Philadelphia racked up three HRs and took Game 1 of the NLCS, 5-3
Bring on the Dodgers: Resilient Diamondbacks claw back on the road, set up L.A. showdown
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks clinched their ticket to the NLDS after a 5-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night, sweeping the NL Wild Card Series 2-0. The Diamondbacks now face a familiar foe in the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.
Brophy Prep Overwatch seeks third consecutive national championship under new leadership and roster
PHOENIX – With a new director and young roster, Brophy Prep’s Overwatch team begins its run for another PlayVs national championship.
As popularity of Premier League soccer teams grows in U.S., supporters flock to Phoenix pubs
PHOENIX – Premier League fans around Phoenix have created support groups for their favorite teams over the last decade, but for some, finding a bar to call their own has been a struggle.
