Spencer Barnes expects to graduate in Fall 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism. Barnes contributes to Blaze Radio Sports and the Walter Cronkite Sports Network, where he photographs basketball, football and other Arizona State events. Barnes is also a full-time team photographer for a semi-pro basketball team in Mesa.
PHOENIX – GCU women’s basketball showcased its sharp 3-point shooting and relentless defense to rally past ASU 70-59 in the Hall of Fame Series, with Alyssa Durazo-Frescas leading the way.
PHOENIX – A meeting at Footprint Center between the Arizona State and GCU women’s basketball teams Thursday helped highlight a sport that is setting attendance record at the college and professional level.
PHOENIX – After working together for a year at Auburn in 2019 as head coach and offensive coordinator, UCF head coach Gus Malzahn and ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham share respect ahead of their first head-to-head matchup.
PHOENIX – Youth and teenage gambling have become a major problem not only in Arizona but across the country as legal sports gambling has increased. Psychological factors come into play, especially with at-risk groups.
PHOENIX – When Mike Budenholzer visited Jusuf Nurkić in Croatia, he laid the foundation for this “talk is cheap” mentality. Ahead of the new NBA season, the Suns are adopting that mindset and letting the results speak for themselves.
TEMPE – Arizona State football can thank its linebacker group for time and time again coming up with big plays. The group’s depth and chemistry are a big reason why.
TEMPE – Sam Leavitt was injured in Arizona State’s win over Utah and will be replaced by veteran quarterback Jeff Sims in ASU’s game against Cincinnati Saturday, coach Kenny Dillingham said Wednesday.
PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns guard Tyus Jones is the offensive facilitator the team hopes will help lead it to an NBA title. The Duke product signed a veteran’s minimum contract for a chance at glory.
PHOENIX – The Native American rodeo is one of the Arizona State Fair’s most popular events, bringing together tribal nations from all over the country. Featuring exclusively Indigenous competitors, there are still questions surrounding Indigenous consultation in all aspects of the rodeo.
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks missed the postseason after the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves split their doubleheader Monday. Arizona had plenty of opportunities to create their own destiny, but lost five of the last seven games, including blowing an eight-run lead.
PHOENIX – Mercury stars Brittney Griner and Kahleah Copper made their voices heard on the spark in racial and sexual discrimination in the WNBA following a threatening email sent to Connecticut Sun wing DiJonai Carrington.
PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks find themselves in the thick of an intense race for a National League wild-card spot with only three games remaining. But the team welcomes the pressure and is confident it can extend its season.
PHOENIX – Diana Taurasi’s potential farewell game with the Phoenix Mercury turned into an emotional tribute, as fans and teammates honored her 20-year WNBA legacy.
PHOENIX – Guardian Caps have shown promise in decreasing head injuries but face mixed reactions from players, coaches and experts regarding its effectiveness.
PHOENIX – Following in the footsteps of former teammate Ben Morrison, cornerback Cree Thomas is heading from Brophy College Prep to Notre Dame for football. But his character and faith-based lifestyle speak louder than his play.
TEMPE – In the wake of Connor Stalions’ sign-stealing scandal at Michigan, the NCAA permitted FBS schools to use coach-to-player wireless communication. Arizona State is among the programs using the technology this season.
PHOENIX – As the American Gaming Association projects record-breaking money to be wagered on the NFL this season, the Arizona Department of Gaming and local sportsbooks are prepared for increased wagers in-person and online.
TEMPE – Kenny Dillingham discussed many of the different aspects concerning ASU’s trip to Lubbock, Texas to face Texas Tech in the program’s first Big 12 league matchup.
TEMPE – Three former top basketball prospects – Kyree Walker, Holland Woods II, and Chase Jeter – seek to revive their pro careers and secure spots on the Valley Suns' inaugural G League roster.
TEMPE – Through the first two games of the season, ASU coach Kenny Dillingham’s commitment to empowering his players and making Tempe a football destination has shifted the program’s culture in a positive direction for the first time in years.
TEMPE – A new chapter of Phoenix Suns basketball began Saturday with the G League’s Valley Suns holding open tryouts in Tempe. Coach John Little and general manager Brendan Sabean will prioritize development and teaching a brand of basketball modeled after the parent Phoenix Suns.
TEMPE – Running back Cam Skattebo’s career night paved the way to Arizona State’s first victory against an SEC opponent as ASU beat Mississippi State to improve to 2-0.
SCOTTSDALE – With conference realignment, NIL and a new 12-team CFP format, college football is due for a year unlike any other. Richard Clark, the new CFP executive director, can’t wait to watch the surprises unfold.
PARIS – In the shadow of the Olympics, the streets of Paris were filled with prospective athletes who find a home in the parks and on the street, whether it was skateboarding or playing basketball.
TEMPE – Every school loses players to the transfer portal, but the Arizona State football team is counting on some returnees to bolster its defensive line.
TUCSON — After the Arizona Coyotes were sold and approved to relocate to Salt Lake City, rumors have swirled about the team's AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, potentially moving to Tempe's Mullett Arena.
PHOENIX – Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman suggested Friday that despite losing the Coyotes to Salt Lake City, both are committed to professional hockey returning to Arizona. “Absolutely I can do it again. Now I really know how things work," Meruelo said.
PHOENIX – Colorado Rockies pitcher Ryan Feltner was a sliver of light in the darkness for this young cancer survivor. Then, in a twist of fate, I was there when the right-hander experienced his own health scare.
PHOENIX – Phoenix is hosting the Final Four for the first time since 2017. Downtown is experiencing a makeover to host over 100,000 fans, what is it looking like?
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.
SCOTTSDALE – The 2023 Colorado Rockies lost 103 games, which marked a franchise record. Now they hope to improve against the toughest division in the National League, the NL West.
GILBERT – Pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport, and Gilbert Regional Park is playing host to one of Arizona’s most thriving pickleball communities.
