It’s rookie against rookie, skinny against skinny, speed against speed.

Late June’s heat might not scream “sprinter showcase” but these kids are already different from most everyone else.

Tough defense in the closing minutes helped Queen Creek prevail over visiting Scottsdale Coronado 48-47 in a 4A East Sky Region boys basketball game Wednesday night.

The Cardinals won the NFC West Sunday and earned the franchise’s first home playoff game since moving to Arizona two decades ago. 

All-Tribune Girls First Team

A torn anterior cruciate ligament sidelined standout Jasmine Todd midway through Chandler’s track season.

ARIZONA (2-6) At PHILADELPHIA (3-5)

2013 Track and Field state Championships

The Cardinals already have clinched the NFC West title, and there’s little chance of them grabbing a higher playoff seed. So the two goals today against the hapless Rams are simple: Stay sharp and stay healthy.

Eagles at Cardinals

The St. Louis Rams are 1-8, but the team is playing hard for first-year coach Steve Spagnuolo. St. Louis gave New Orleans a tussle last week before losing, and it probably won’t make life easy for Arizona on Sunday. Still, this is a game the Cardinals should win handily if they’re focused and they play well.

A week after winning their division and clinching a playoff spot, the Arizona Cardinals reverted to looking like a work in progress Sunday.

NEW YORK  — Author Dominick Dunne, who told stories of shocking crimes among the rich and famous through his magazine articles and best-selling novels such as "The Two Mrs. Grenvilles," died Wednesday in his home at age 83.

The Cardinals can clinch the NFC West if they beat Detroit and San Francisco loses to Philadelphia. Arizona was embarrassed by its performance against the 49ers on Monday Night Football, and they usually bounce back when they’re feeling disrespected, so look for them to quickly and unmercifully take out the Lions.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who has filled a void in the Cardinals' pass coverage this season, has been named the NFL's defensive rookie of the month.

FLAGSTAFF - Rookie cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was carted off the field during Tuesday afternoon’s practice after injuring his right ankle.

Division I outlook

Fan voting for the WNBA All-Star game ended Thursday, and while final results won’t be announced until July 1, it appears Phoenix Mercury point guard Diana Taurasi is a lock to be a starter.