Braden gives back to community that shaped him

Oakland A's lefty Dallas Braden got his blue-collar attitude from his hometown and his hardworking mother. Now he's giving back to the community that shaped him, writes Anna Katherine Clemmons.

Kinsler relishes 'under the radar' role

Ian Kinsler wasn't a totally unknown prospect coming out of high school -- he was a late-round draft pick -- but he wasn't on the radar of any Division I programs. That underdog mentality pushed him all the way to the big leagues.

ESPNHS Monday: Best blogs 4/20

ESPNRISE.com scours the Fan Profiles to feature the best blogs and video from high school students across the country.

Iannetta makes career out of making the most of opportunities

Chris Iannetta wasn't from a competitive baseball state. He wasn't drafted in high school. He wasn't sure he'd make it out of the minors. But every strike against him only pushed him further, writes Anna Katherine Clemmons.

Frankford defies expectations in Namnun's first season

Before Frankford's victory in the first round of the 2008 Pennsylvania state tournament, Public League schools had won exactly twice since 2005. But one successful season is just the beginning of the Pioneers' grand plans.

Teams use spring break to focus on season

For teams across the country, spring break is a time to focus on the upcoming season and have some fun, writes Corey Long.

Disney Spring Training Baseball

Chicago White Sox's Matt Thornton throws during a spring training baseball game Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, in Mesa, Ariz

ESPNHS: Best of blogs 2/25-2/26

ESPNRISE.com scours the Fan Profiles to feature the best blogs, pics and video from high school students across the country.

In this Feb. 28, 2008, file photo, San Diego Padres pitcher Heath Bell delivers during a spring training baseball game against the Seattle Mariners in Peoria, Ariz. Bell, who will replace Trevor Hoffman as...

ESPNHS Weekend: Best of blogs 2/5-2/8

ESPNRISE.com scours the Fan Profiles to feature the best blogs, pics and video from high school students across the country.

Best high school football stadiums

Here are our top choices -- some famous, some quirky -- for the nation's best places to watch high school football.

Stephenson spends summer getting better

Lance Stephenson has the proper pedigree and work ethic to be the next New York basketball star, writes Christopher Lawlor.

Nebraska Baseball POY

RISE selects Grand Island Senior High School standout as Gatorade Nebraska Baseball Player of the Year

ESPN RISE Athletes of the Week

Ohio soccer goalie Ryan Grimme and Colorado volleyball player Morgan Broekhuis are this week's ESPN RISE National Athletes of the Week