Shawn Martin was expecting something else.

Centennial's offense flows through senior forward Zach Tobey, relying on his post moves or on open shots when opponents double- or triple-team Tobey.

Corona del Sol guard Calaen Robinson has verbally committed to Arizona State.

It's always interesting to see a movie that delves into a subculture, whether its fanboys, hippies, surfers, or heavy metal fans. "The Big Year" examines the people that makeup the subculture of Birding, a phenomenon I was virtually unfamiliar with. These are the people that observe birds as a hobby and, in some cases, turn it into a competitive sport. For the longest time I referred to these individuals as bird watchers. According to "The Big Year," they prefer the term "birder," just as Star Trek fanatics favor being called "Trekkers" as apposed to "Trekkies."

It's always interesting to see a movie that delves into a subculture, whether its fanboys, hippies, surfers, or heavy metal fans. "The Big Year" examines the people that makeup the subculture of Birding, a phenomenon I was virtually unfamiliar with. These are the people that observe birds as a hobby and, in some cases, turn it into a competitive sport. For the longest time I referred to these individuals as bird watchers. According to "The Big Year," they prefer the term "birder," just as Star Trek fanatics favor being called "Trekkers" as apposed to "Trekkies."

Paradise Valley nearly upset No. 2-seed Glendale Raymond Kellis in the Division II boys basketball state tournament quarterfinals on Wednesday night, but fell, 52-51, in overtime when the Trojans' final possession was thrown out of bounds in the final seconds.

August 15, 2004

A $5.5 million Gilbert park expansion project featuring new Little League fields, a gymnasium and a lake is beginning to wind down.

You'd have to really love birding as much as the guys here do to enjoy the strained buddy comedy "The Big Year" to its fullest potential.

Nick Bryant-Melvin skates at Gilbert’s Freestone Skate Park almost daily. The 13-year-old and his friend, Julian Avila, 15, said they rarely see any fights or problems at the Gilbert park popular with skateboarders and inline skaters.

The advisory board in charge of Gilbert’s parks is considering whether to privatize the town’s only skate park or hold events there to pay for more security due to an increase in criminal complaints.

As more young families move to the East Valley, new homes aren’t the only hot properties. Playing fields and lighting have become critical to growing communities where youth sports are a priority.

Matt Rich and Josh Betley want to stop breaking the law.

Aaron Baddeley, the 2007 FBR Open champion, is among the latest golfers to commit to this year's field.

No last rites have been administered to the Diamondbacks. But the priest has been put on standby. And the funeral director has been notified he may soon need to make the necessary arrangements for the club’s 2006 season.

No last rites have been administered to the Diamondbacks. But the priest has been put on standby. And the funeral director has been notified he may soon need to make the necessary arrangements for the club’s 2006 season.

The Mesa Arts Center’s second season of performing arts events, announced Thursday, comes dripping with déjà vu. The 2006-2007 season of touring acts — what the MAC calls its Performing Live series — boasts a host of arts notables who’ve already made names in the Valley playing at venues elsewhere, now slated to play the MAC’s 1,600-seat Ikeda Theater:

The Mesa Arts Center’s second season of performing arts events, announced Thursday, comes dripping with déjà vu. The 2006-2007 season of touring acts — what the MAC calls its Performing Live series — boasts a host of arts notables who’ve already made names in the Valley playing at venues elsewhere, now slated to play the MAC’s 1,600-seat Ikeda Theater:

The Mesa Arts Center’s second season of performing arts events, announced Thursday, comes dripping with déjà vu. The 2006-2007 season of touring acts — what the MAC calls its Performing Live series — boasts a host of arts notables who’ve already made names in the Valley playing at venues elsewhere, now slated to play the MAC’s 1,600-seat Ikeda Theater:

Throughout its Northwest Holiday Tournament semifinal against Kellis, Northwest Christian's inside game was severely compromised by the presence of Kenny Martin.

Willie Ethington and Tyler Traasdahl combined to throw a two-hitter as visiting Mountain View beat Mesa, 4-0, in a Division I Section III game on Thursday.

LOS ANGELES - Rookie Andre Ethier kept up his torrid offensive pace with four RBIs, including a two-run triple, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second consecutive game, 11-3 on Tuesday night.

Chandler and Gilbert support exploring plans for a regional BMX bike park to serve enthusiasts lobbying for a place to ride.

Chandler City Council and mayoral candidates are scrambling for endorsements by organizations and prominent individuals to help bolster their campaigns for the March 9 primary election.