ONE SHINING MOMENT
THE 2017 FINAL FOUR
Localizing national storylines while following the key moments of the 2017 Final Four held in Glendale, AZ. This SPJ nominated work showcases the joy of victory, sting of defeat and unheralded moments in college basketball’s grandest stage.
On assignment for Arizona PBS.
Final Four Most Outstanding Player Joel Berry II realizes that his team has just won the NCAA National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale.
The joy of victory. Gonzaga’s bench celebrates after topping South Carolina 77-73 to continue its historic March Madness run at at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale.
A portion of the original tree that began the creation of the Final Four court on March 24, 2016 in Glendale, AZ
The hometown kid, Casey Benson, chats about his journey from Corona Del Sol High School, to Oregon, and now to the Final Four during media availability at University of Phoenix Stadium on March 30, 2017 in Glendale.
The block that sealed the deal. North Carolina senior Kennedy Meeks (3) makes the game-clinching block on Gonzaga redshirt junior Nigel Williams-Goss in the closing seconds of the NCAA Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale.
Oregon’s Keith Smith (left) teases teammate Kavel Bigby-Williams (right) after taking the lead in NBA 2k17 and cleverly avoiding media questions during availability at University of Phoenix Stadium on March 30, 2017 in Glendale.
Opening tip as the Gonzaga Bulldogs continue their March Madness run at at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale, AZ.
West Coast Conference Player of the Year Nigel Williams-Goss celebrates hitting a contested jumper, giving the ‘Zags a 13-point lead midway through the second half of their 77-73 Final Four win over South Carolina at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale.
Grand Canyon University senior DeWayne Russel smiles while playing on the Final Four court during the Reese's College All-Star game at Gila River Arena on April 2, 2017 in Glendale, AZ.
Gonzaga freshman Zach Collins (32) clogs the lane and hinders South Carolina freshman Rakym Felder’s shot attempt in the closing minuts of the ‘Zags 77-73 Final Four win at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale.
Local workers carry a piece of the Final Four court on March 24, 2016 in Glendale, AZ.
Gonzaga senior Jordan Matthews (4) comes away with a steal off the Tar Heels’ Isaiah Hicks in the opening minutes of the second half of the NCAA Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale.
Gonzaga’s Przemek Karnowski (24) throws it down over South Carolina’s Chris Silva (30) and Sindarius Thornwell (right) in the second half of Gonzaga’s 77-73 Final Four win at the University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale. Senior Karnowski is the NCAA's all-time wins leader.
Gonzaga redshirt junior Nigel Williams-Goss limps around the court after tweaking his right ankle in the closing minutes of the NCAA Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale.
Gonzaga students yell and get pumped while waiting in line for seats to the NCAA Championship game between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and North Carolina Tar Heels at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale.
University of North Carolina head coach Roy Williams shows up to his Thursday afternoon press conference with a bruised limp sustained in practice when he kicked a ball that rebounded and hit him in the face. Photo taken at the University of Phoenix Stadium on March 30, 2017 in Glendale.
Postgame festivities with the 2017 NCAA Championship trophy in Glendale, AZ.