Month: December 2020

Seven Athletes Qualify For Carifta

SHOWN (l-r) are Calea Jackson, Tarajh Hudson, Keyshawn Strachan and Kamera Strachan.

SHOWN (l-r) are Calea Jackson, Tarajh Hudson, Keyshawn Strachan and Kamera Strachan.

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#SEVEN athletes attained the qualifying standards for the CARIFTA Games at the Blue Chip Athletics Throwers Meet on Saturday as competitive track and field returned at the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

#It was the first meet held since sports came to a halt in March during day one of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s National Track and Field Championships at the adjacent TAR National Stadium.

#The throwers meet preceded the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ Odd Distance Track Meet, dubbed “Track is Back,” at the TAR National Stadium on Saturday as well.

#In the discus, Calea Jackson, who is in boarding school in the United States, threw 37.34 metres or 122-feet, 6-inches to surpass the under-17 girls’ standard of 36.88 (121-0). She was joined by Tarajh Hudson in the under-20 boys’ division as his winning toss of 53.66m (176-0) went above the standard of 52.13m (171-0).

#The other five qualifying performances came in the javelin. Collegian Rhema Otabor, home from her first semester as a freshman at Florida International, won the under-20 girls event with a heave of 47.15m (154-8), well over the standard of 38.39m (125- 11). Camitra Mackey also did the standard in the under-20 girls division with her second place mark of 38.53m (126-5).

#Kamera Strachan threw 34.47m (113-1) to go over the Under-17 girls’ standard of 34.39m (112-10), but she is too young to be eligible to compete at the games.

#Kaden Cartwright did 51.38m (168-7) for the under-17 boys’ standard of 50.65m (166-2) and Keyshawn Strachan, competing in the under-20 boys division, won with 64.45m (211-5) to surpass the standard of 60.94m (199-11).

#Blue Chip coach and meet director Corrington Maycock said there was a lot of excitement and a very impressive performance with seven qualifiers from the throwers in one meet.

#He called it highly successful.

#“We still had them practicing, although we had to obey the COVID-19 rules and laws,” Maycock said. “We were able to do so much with the kids. We worked a lot on their techniques and it paid off.”

#As of today, Maycock said his athletes will begin their weightlifting training in the gym so that they can get stronger as they prepare for 2021.

#“I expect better performances as we look forward to next year,” Maycock said. “For those athletes who haven’t qualified as yet, we hope that by February or March, they will have done the standards.”

#Maycock, however, said there is a possibility because of COVID-19 that the CARIFTA Games could be pushed back from the Easter holiday weekend in Bermuda to probably July. If it does, Maycock said the throwers will have more time to qualify, but the problem will be ensuring that they get into the various meets in order to achieve their goal.

#As for Saturday’s meet, Maycock said they did the necessary temperature checks and ensured that the throwers did their hand sanitising and social distance.

#“It worked out pretty well,” he said.

#“Everybody wore their masks, including the throwers. They only took it off when they threw. Once they finished, they put them on. “I think the BAAA did a good job adhering to the safety measures (put in place by the Ministry of Health and the Competent Authority).

#“It went pretty well and pretty smooth. We didn’t have any hiccups.”

Jonique’S Stride For Hope

f Tuesday, December 22, 2020

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COACH Terrance ‘Red Eye’ McSweeney on Saturday ended the five-weekend training camp in memory of his former Diamond Basketball development programme player Jonique ‘Mini’ Webb. Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AFTER almost a year since she passed away, coach Terrance ‘Red Eye’ McSweeney finally completed a memorial for his former Diamond Basketball development programme player Jonique ‘Mini’ Webb.

#On Saturday, McSweeney ended the five-weekend training camp in honour of Webb, who died on January 19 at the age of 30 after she lost her battle with lupus.

#Webb, 30, was a part of the organisation from 1998 to 2006 after graduating from Jordan Prince Williams High School where she was a multiple sporting star of their Falcons ladies’ teams.

#“Today was more than what I anticipated. We had more than a handful of the girls who were coming out in the past,” McSweeney said.

#“We had six Saturdays honouring Jonique and we had her sorority, AKA, out and they came out and shared a lot of knowledge with the young girls here.”

#McSweeney said it was just a testament to Webb’s involvement as a person and her contribution to sports with the BSC also being involved in the activities.

#“Jonique was a lot of fun wherever she went and she always lit up a room with her enthusiasm,” McSweeney said. “Through God, we had a wonderful, sunny day with her parents, grandmother, sister and brother.

#“It was more of a family affair and that is why you always have to rely on God in whatever you do. Today marked 11 months since Jonique went on to be with the Lord. So to God be the glory for what he has done.”

#Ida Poitier and a host of her members from the 112-year-old Alpha Kappa Sorority Inc., an organisation that Jonique Webb was involved in, showed up and provided some tips to the participants of the camp.

#“I love what Terrance McSweeney is doing with the programme,” Poitier said. “Because of COVID- 19, we were unable to do what we really wanted to do. “But as soon as it’s over, we will jump in and assist him with this programme because we believed in Jonique Webb and the success and contribution that she had in sports.”

#AKA presented a plaque on behalf of Webb to Jasmine Roker for her outstanding performance as a participant and team leader in the camp.

#Many people were of the view that Roker resembled Webb in all aspects, although the St John’s College 12th grader admitted that she never met her, but heard about her accomplishment.

#“It was a surprise, but I feel honoured and I want to thank the people who selected me for this award,” Roker said. “I am going to use this as an encouragement to keep moving forward. I just hope this will inspire me to improve my game.”

#Roker, who is preparing to head to St Leo University next year on a basketball scholarship, said while she didn’t know or meet Webb, she’s pleased that the camp was held in her memory because of her story. “I understood that she was a dedicated and helpful person, so to be a part of this is awesome. It’s a good experience,” said the 16-year-old Roker, who plays on St John’s senior girls’ basketball team.

#Also on hand was the Baptist Sports Council, an organisation that Webb served as a secretary and a player with the Golden Gates Native Baptist Church.

#Chairman Brent Stubbs, along with vice chairman Joanne ‘Mother’ Webb and treasurer Olympian Evans, made some comments, reflecting on the life of Webb.

#The BSC also presented Maquel Hall, a 9th grader at St John’s College, with the Sportsmanship Award.

#The talented point guard on the junior girls’ team said she was really stunned when her name was called.

#“I was surprised when my name was called. I expected it to be either Jasmine or Raven or someone else,” she said. “I didn’t know Jonique, but I heard about her story. “She was a great person, so I am very glad that I got the award in her honour. I came here to better my skills in basketball and I’ve been able to develop my skills.”

#McSweeney said Ida Poitier, the president of the local chapter of the sorority, now celebrating its 112th anniversary, will be in attendance along with other sisters as they honour the life and memory of Webb on the basketball court.

#Shane Sweeting, a former physical education teacher and coach of the St Anne’s Blue Waves teams that played against Jordan Prince Williams teams, coached by McSweeney and featuring Webb, said she couldn’t miss this opportunity to participate in the event as well. “I didn’t just know about Red Eye. In the 1980s, we went to Bethune Cookman College, now university, and he lived with my little brother, so we were considered brothers,” Sweeting said. “So I saw the type of qualities that Red Eye had when he came home and he got into coaching, especially coaching girls. “Girls are very emotionally, very soft and you have to deal with them with a kit glove.”

#Deaconess Webb, who also serves as Jonique’s grandmother, said their family appreciates all that was done by McSweeney and Diamond Basketball, Poitier and the AKA and Stubbs and the BSC. “We know that it’s all for the betterment of other female basketball players or athletes, who want to follow in the fashion of Jonique,” said Webb, a former versatile athlete herself.

#“In being humble, you are lifted up, so we give God thanks for all of the things that have transpired and things that will come as we look toward the betterment of this country and sports in particular.”

#McSweeney said he will continue to keep the memory of Webb alive by hosting an event every year.

#Both AKA and the BSC have both pledged their support to assist the Diamond Basketball development programme in the future.

Strachan Declares For The Nfl Draft

Mike Strachan

Mike Strachan

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#Mike Strachan has officially declared for the 2021 National Football League draft.

#The Grand Bahama native and University of Charleston Cougars wide receiver will forego his final year of eligibility and work toward becoming a selection in the 86th edition of the draft, April 29 to May 1, 2021.

#Strachan made the official announcement via Twitter yesterday.

#“First and foremost I would like to start by thanking my coaches and support staff at the University of Charleston who have supported me from day one. I appreciate each and every one of you who have made this experience feel like home during the last few years.

#“Words cannot describe the great honour while playing for the University of Charleston. You all played a part in shaping me over the course of my career here. I poured my heart and soul into playing Charleston football every time I set foot onto that field. I am forever grateful and honoured to be a Golden Eagle,” he said.

#“I would like to thank all of my teammates. You have made all my last few years beyond memorable and I will never forget the hard work we have all put in together. Though I was a long way from Freeport, Bahamas, you all were there when I needed you the most.”

#Strachan signed with DEC Management in November.

#DEC Management currently represents 32 players currently active on NFL rosters highlighted by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence and Cleveland Browns defensive end Olivier Vernon. They also represent 12 current free agents.

#“To the Golden Eagles fans, you all made my gameday special everytime we set foot out there to play. The support is something I will take with me the rest of my life,” Strachan said.

#“Lastly, the journey is not over. I am now chasing my dreams to play at the next level. I may not wear the same colours, but I will be working hard everyday to represent my family, my Eagles brothers and my country, The Bahamas. This for now, is just the next chapter, so stay tuned.”

#The 6’5”, 225-pound two sport star (athletics), was recently listed among Yahoo! Sports’ top “small school” prospects for the 2021 NFL draft and a preseason All-American.

#In his junior season, Strachan rewrote the record books and boosted his stock for pro scouts. He was named an NCAA Division II Second Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association and to the 2019 Don Hansen NCAA Division II All- America team.

#He finished with 78 receptions for 1,319 yards and 19 touchdowns in his final season with the Golden Eagles. He finished his career with a share of the all-time Charleston touchdown record of 27.

#He set new school records, led the Mountain East Conference in each category and was second in all of DII in both receiving yards and touchdowns. He currently holds school records in receiving yards, breaking his own previous record of 1,007 set in 2018. His 19 receiving touchdowns broke the 70-year record of 13 held by Charlie Hubbard in 1950. His 78 receptions broke the record of 60 set by Terrance Spencer in 2006.

#His breakout season achieved Division II Top-10 marks for the 2019 season in receiving touchdowns (second), receiving yards (sixth), receptions (ninth), and receiving yards per game (fifth).

#Strachan caught touchdown passes in 10 of 11 games last season, including six multi-touchdown games.

#In addition to single-season records, Strachan broke the single-game records of: Receptions (13) – Set against Urbana on September 12 and also holds the second place spot of 12 receptions set a month later against Notre Dame College and receiving yards (207) also set on October 12 against Notre Dame College, breaking the previous record of 186 set in 2010 by Andre Higgins.

#He was a redshirt in his true freshman season and saw the first playing time of his collegiate career the following season when he finished with just one reception.

#As a sophomore, he had a breakout season when he finished as the only player in the MEC to eclipse the 1,000 yard receiving mark.

#On the season, he totalled 48 receptions for 1,007 yards and eight touchdowns. He led the conference in receiving yards, was third in both average yards per catch at 21 and average yards per game at 91.5. His touchdown total finished fourth.

#With the NCAA Division II 2020 Fall Championships cancelled, the MEC Presidents’ Council looked to Spring 2021 to host their football seasons.

#Strachan elected to forego his senior season on the field this spring.

Walker, Clarke And Evans Most Outstanding Athletes Of The Year

FROM LEFT: Cadin Walker shares a moment with Ed Armbrister; Serai Clarke receives her award from
Julian Robinson, one of the coaches; Sponsor Julian Robinson and Ed Armbrister present Khadin Evans with his award.

FROM LEFT: Cadin Walker shares a moment with Ed Armbrister; Serai Clarke receives her award from Julian Robinson, one of the coaches; Sponsor Julian Robinson and Ed Armbrister present Khadin Evans with his award.

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#CADIN Walker, Serai Clarke and Khadin Evans shared the spotlight as the recipients of the most outstanding baseball and tennis Athletes of the Year at the Ed Armbrister Baseball and Southwest Tennis Clubs awards ceremony.

#The annual awards presentation took place on Saturday at the Fla-mingo Gardens Park to highlight the joint venture between Major Leaguer Ed Armbrister and ver-satile Mike Butler, who have been working hand-in-hand in shar-ing their expertise with aspiring young baseball and tennis players in the Carmichael Road area.

#The joint sporting bodies were limited in the sessions they were able to conduct this year, due to the restrictions imposed by the Competent Authority as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

#But Butler said despite the shutdown orders of all parks, he and his assistant Henry Manson, along with other team members, were able to organise some virtual training sessions to engage their participants.

#Saturday, however, they were able to stage the awards presen-tation with social distance with about 14 of their participants present.

#Ministry of Sports’ Athlete of the Year Sydney Clarke, a former member of the club now attending the University of Alabama at Bir-mingham, served as the Mistress of Ceremony for the affair. Also in attendance was former national squash champion Lester Cox, now a popular radio talk show host.

#According to Butler, the athletes were selected for the honours based on their deport-ment, academic performance and tournament results.

#“We evaluated those three cat-egories,” he said. “Those were our requirements in making our selection.”

#Walker, the top baseball prospect in the programme, was named the Ed Armbrister Baseball Player of the Year. He performed exceptionally at the Baseball Association’s National Championships in Grand Bahama last year and during the training camp over the first three months this year because COVID-19 halted sports.

#Academically, Butler said Walker improved tremendously and is an honour roll student at Anatol Rodgers where he is cur-rently in grade eight.

#Serai Clarke, the younger sister of Sydney, was awarded the Southwest Tennis Clubs Female Player of the Year, having won the doubles title in February in Grand Bahama.

#The 11-year-old was one of the runners-up as the Primary School Student of the Year year. Having graduated from TG Glover Primary School, she is now at Aquinas College where she has a 3.4 grade point average.

#Evans, 11, was named the Club’s Male Player of the year.

#He shines as a two-sport ath-lete, having started playing tennis, but just recently started playing baseball. He is an honour roll student at Gerald Cash Primary School.

#“He attends all of the sessions and participates in all of our tour-naments,” Butler said.

#“He won a title in the 12-and-under tennis tournament held earlier this year.”

#What is significant about all of the athletes is their ability to improve both athletically and academically.

#“Most of these kids come into our programme where they are below average or average,” Butler said. “All of them have blossomed into borderline or some of them have become perennial honour roll students.

#“So we know the programme is working because we see the results. All of these students are excelling, so that is our greatest accomplishment.”

#From the athletic standpoint, Butler said all of the participants started in their general tennis pro-gramme and they have expended their skills, so they move them into the national development programme.

#Butler thanked McDonalds, A+ Pest Control, Caribbean Bot-tling Company, Bahamas Waste Management, BreAnn Closet Foundation, the Rotary Club of Nassau, immediate past Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association presi-dent Darnette Weir and baseball/softball player Dwayne Dean for their sponsorship.

#While the Ed Armbrister Base-ball Club has been in existence for the past 10 years, the Southwest Tennis Club has been in operation for the past five years.

#Butler noted that they have already commenced registration for the 2021 calendar year for both baseball and tennis and he’s encouraging persons to call 544-8576 or 426-9966 for more information.

‘We Are Our Brother’S Keeper’

SYDNEY CLARKE, flanked by her friends, display some of the items that she collected for distribution to the Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel.

SYDNEY CLARKE, flanked by her friends, display some of the items that she collected for distribution to the Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel.

As of Wednesday, December 23, 2020

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SYDNEY Clarke receives some items from Ebony Bahamas.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#With the support of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association, her family and friends, young tennis sen-sation Sydney Clarke was able to surpass her goal of items received on behalf of the Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel.

#The Ministry of Sports’ 2020 Athlete of the Year held a food and toys drive yesterday at the National Tennis Centre. She’s expected to make the pres-entation to the home for underprivileged children on Thursday.

#“The event was a big suc-cess. I got a lot of donations. A lot of people stopped back and gave what they had, so I am really glad to be able to make a differ-ence and to help to restock the pantry, also provide them with clothes and toi-letries and toys,” she said.

#It’s a gesture that Clarke felt is needed in a time when everyone is being affected by the coronavirus pandemic. “I knew people would support me, so I’m very happy and glad that I can show everyone that in this time, we can still make a difference and support each other, even if it’s our last. We are our brother’s keeper, so anything I can do, I will help out.”

#Home for Christmas after completing the first semes-ter of her freshman year at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Clarke said she wanted to concentrate on getting as much food items and she was able to achieve that goal.

#The 18-year-old thanked her family and friends, who all pitched in and helped her with the food drive, for the support she received and she said she’s even more excited about taking the items to the home on Thursday.

#The former CR Walker Secondary High student, who went on to attend Windsor High School where she earned a full scholarship and became a part of the Albany Tennis Academy, before she grad-uated this year, noted that she decided to make it an annual event.

#Her cousin, Marinda Tucker, who is currently off to school as well on a golf scholarship, said it’s a great way to give back to the community and that was why she supported her.

#“Twenty-twenty hasn’t been a good year for a lot of people, so the fact that she chose to do something like this shows her character. That is why I am supporting her,” Tucker said. “She’s a great person.”

#Donte Armbrister, the top junior male tennis player, also joined in sup-porting Clarke.

#“I think what she’s doing is very good, considering the type of year that every-one has had,” Armbrister said. “But I think because of Christmas, this is a good time for her to give to the children to let them know that there are some people who care about them.”

#Armbrister, who is planning to head off to Hampton University next year, said more athletes should be able to give back to the community so it was those people who sup-ported them to get to where they are today.

#Bahamian versatile celebrity Ebony Bahamas said she only recently met Clarke at a Brajaxba Tennis Club event at the Winton Tennis Centre and after being introduced by coach Bradley Bain, she felt she was the perfect person to help mentor her 11-year-old daughter, Aryauna-Skye, in tennis.

#“I really just clicked to her because she has such a wonderful spirit. We con-nected and exchanged numbers and we joined on our Facebook and Insta- gram pages,” she said.

#“So when she reached out to me about having this charity event and if I can come out, it would be great. So my daughter and I are here.”

#Ebony Bahamas said she shared Clarke’s event on her pages and she got some stuff from some of her friends who couldn’t make it to the NTC.

#“We’re happy to lend our support,” she stated. “She’s such a wonderful person.”

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SYDNEY Clarke with her father, Bernard, sister Sarai and mother Shayvon Clarke.

#BLTA president Perry Newton, who also dou-bles as the chairman of the National Tennis Centre, was on hand to make a donation to Clarke as she assisted those in need.

#“We just want to support Sydney in her efforts,” he said. “We also allowed her to use the facilities and we also secured the tent for her to use. We know that Sydney is a stellar ath-lete with a great sense of humour. When she told me about her idea, we got together and made a contribution, It’s been a hard year for us, but we dug deep and were able to assist her course.”

#Her father, Bernard Clarke, said when she came up with the idea and pre-sented it to them, the family rallied behind her. “It was a great response. She got a lot of help from the community and we are really thankful for what they did, especially coming through during these hard times,” he said.

#Even Clarke’s 11-year-old sister Serai was impressed.

#“I’m very proud of her because she’s my mentor and she’s kind of an inspi-ration to me, so she’s showing me how to develop my character,” said the young tennis player, follow-ing in her sister’s footsteps.

#“By her doing this, she’s inspiring me to help others. She’s also paving the way for young girls in the Bahamas.

#“She’s done so many things. She’s done a lot for our country and she makes us all proud.”

Jasmine Secures Athletic Scholarship

Thursday, December 24, 2020

photo

JASMINE Roker at practice.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#WHEN Jasmine Roker joined his Diamond Bas-ketball Development Programme, coach Ter-rance McSweeney said he knew he could turn her speed as a soccer player into a prime time basketball player.

#From 2017 when she transferred from HO Nash to St John’s College, McSweeney has been work-ing with Roker, whom he nicknamed ‘Coffee,’ devel-oping her as a point guard. She also utilised her skills as a track athlete.

#Those combined skills have enabled Roker to secure an athletic scholar-ship to attend Saint Leo University, a NCAA Divi-sion II school where she will enrol in August, 2021.

#“I am very excited for this opportunity for Jasmine Roker, another participant in the Diamond Basketball Development year-round training programme just for girls,” McSweeney said.

#“I am expecting Jasmine to fit right into the Saint Leo University women’s basketball programme right away because Jasmine is a very quick learner.”

#In making her selection after she couldn’t travel for a site visit because of the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, Roker said she decided to settle on a school that was in close proximity to home and the warm climate.

#“Saint Leo really clicked on all of my checked boxes and although they are a division two programme, coach McSweeney always told us that there’s room for improvement,” Roker said.

#“So I’m not mad about that. I’m honoured by this opportunity.”

#When she does go, Roker hopes to study biology, but she’s eager to prove to the coaching staff why they selected her for the scholarship.

#“They are going to get my best,” Roker said.

#“This programme has helped me tremendously. Coach played a big role in my development as a player.

#“He always talks to us and lets us know that we have the talent and we’re capable of doing whatever we put our mind to. We just have to put in the work. I told myself that all the time.”

#Roker said she has gotten so much encourage-ment from being a part of the Diamond Basketball League programme that she could only go on to be successful.

#McSweeney said he is confident that Roker’s ath-leticism to play soccer and run track will complement and enhance her skills on the basketball court at Saint Leo. “Chances are Jasmine Roker could very well end up running track and or playing soccer for the uni-versity,” McSweeney said.

#“While attending my junior girls’ basketball team practice, I realised that Jas-mine had other potentials and talents to play basket-ball as well as run track and now it’s paying off,” he added.

#Now, only time will tell how well Jasmine succeeds at Saint Leo University in St. Leo, Florida.

Nesbitt, Miller Key Contributors In Late Season Playoff Race

Thursday, December 24, 2020

photo

DAVID NESBITT

photo

TAVARIO MILLER

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#WITH their respective teams in late season playoff races, David Nesbitt and Tavario Miller con-tinue to provide key contributions for their clubs as they conclude the regular season.

#Nesbitt has helped to lead Minas Belo Horizonte to a 10-1 record, second in Brazil’s Novo Basquete Brasil. Nesbitt finished with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists in a 96-92 win over third ranked Sao Paulo (10-2).

#He followed with 14 points (4-8 on three pointers) and eight rebounds in an 84-76 win over Pinheiros. After an opening night loss, Minas has reeled off 10 con-secutive wins to surge near the top of the standings. Just three games remain in the regular season.

#In his first year with the club, Nesbitt is averaging 13.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game. The veteran for-ward is shooting 61 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range.

#Nesbitt came off the bench in the aforementioned season debut, a 102-68 loss to Flamengo, but since his move into the starting lineup the team has thrived. In his first start, he followed with a double double – 16 points and 11 rebounds – in a 76-54 win over Pato Basquete to begin the win-ning streak.

#This season with Minas marks Nesbitt’s third club in as many years in the NBB. He has also won two league championships during his tenure.

#He spent the 2019-20 season with Sport Club Corinthians Pau-lista. In 26 games he averaged 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and one steal per game.

#Over the course of the season, Nesbitt was voted to Latinbasket. com’s Brazilian League All-Imports Team and League Player of the Week on two separate occa-sions. In the 2018-19 season, he played 37 games for Flamengo and averaged 7.4 points and 4.1 rebounds in just over 17 minutes per game.

#Miller and the second-placed Boca Juniors in Argentina’s Liga Nacional de Básquet (9-5) was edged 74-72 on the road by the much lower-ranked Libertad Sun-chales (6-11) in the South group. Miller was the top scorer with 15 points (9-9 from the free throw line) and also grabbed seven rebounds in 21 minutes.

#Just two games remain in the regular season and Boca Jun-iors’ next matchup is with 10-8 Olimpico.

#In 12 games thus far, Miller is averaging 13.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. He is shoot-ing 54 percent from the field, 33 percent from three and 70 percent from the free throw line.

#Miller was an early-season acquisition for Boca Juniors and has had an immediate impact with his new club. He debuted with 14 points and 10 rebounds in a 76-60 win over Ferro just one day after signing with Boca Juniors.

#This season marks Miller’s second in Argentina.

#Last season, he played with Quimsa Santiago del Estero and in 21 games he averaged 10.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He played an integral role in Quimsa winning the league’s pennant and finishing as the run-ners-up in the final.

#Travis Munnings and Shaquille Cleare helped bring an end to a three-game losing streak for UD Oliveirense in Portugal’s Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol (LPB).

#Munnings finished with 14 points and six rebounds, and Cleare, in just his second game with the club, added four points and three rebounds in just 13 minutes.

#UD Oliveirense improved to 7-4 on the season.

#Cleare made his debut last week and finished with eight points in just 16 minutes of a 90-74 loss to Benefica.

#On the season, Munnings has emerged as a team leader, averag-ing 12.4 points, a team leading 8.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.

Young, Fox 0-4 At Plate In Game 1 Loss

As of Friday, September 7, 2018

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#IT was a disappointing start to the postseason for Lucius Fox and Chavez Young as both of their respective clubs suffered game one losses in their first round series.

#Both players went 0-4 at the plate as their teams now face must-win situations in an attempt to stave off elimination.

#Game two in both series took place last night, however results were unavailable up to press time.

#Fox and the Montgomery Biscuits suffered a walk-off 4-3 loss in 10 innings to the Jackson Generals in game one of the Double-A Southern League North Division series.

#Heading into the bottom of the ninth, the Biscuits had a 3-2 lead but surrendered an RBI single and a walk off walk to conclude the road loss at The Ballpark at Jackson in Jackson, Mississippi.

#In the Single A-Advanced Midwest League, Young and his Lansing Lugnuts also trail in the series after a 10-inning loss at Cooley Law School Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.

#The Bowling Green Hot Rods emerged with a 4-3 win in a game that took just over three hours to complete and included a pair of rain delays.

#The Lugnuts had previously rallied from 1-0 and 3-1 deficits, but were unable to rally in the bottom of the 10th inning.

#The series now shifts to Bowling Green Ballpark in Bowling Green, Kentucky, for game two and a possible game three in the best-of-three series.

#The Hot Rods need one more win to move into the Eastern Division Finals against the winner of Great Lakes/West Michigan.

#Jazz Chisholm and his Visalia Rawhide will also begin their playoffs in the Single A-Advanced league this week. They will host the first home playoff game tonight against the Stockton Ports.

Versatile Charisma Taylor To Move From Pac-12 To Southeastern Conference

Thursday, December 24, 2020

photo

Charisma Taylor competing for Washington State University.

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#VERSATILE athletics star Charisma Taylor will make a move from the PAC-12 to the South-eastern Conference for her upcoming junior season.

#Taylor, who spent the last two years with the Wash-ington State Cougars, will transfer to join the Tennes-see Lady Volunteers track and field programme for the upcoming season.

#Taylor will join a Vol-unteers programme that won three SEC individual championships, eight SEC event medals, set four school records, three fresh-man records and 24 top-10 programme marks during the indoor season alone in a pandemic shortened NCAA Indoor season.

#In her shortened soph-omore season with the Cougars, she made her big-gest impact in several jump events and was named an NCAA Division I Track and Field All-American by the United States Track and Field and Cross Coun-try Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

#Her season was high-lighted by winning the women’s triple jump at the MPSF Indoor Track and Field Championships Feb-ruary 28-29 with a leap of 13.29m (43-7 1/4). She was also fourth in the 60m hur-dles in 8.29 seconds.

#She also produced her lifetime best in the triple jump of 13.48m (44-2 3/4) at the Don Kirby Elite Invitational.

#She is currently Wash-ington State indoor record holder in the 60-metre hurdles (8.19), the all-time triple jump leader at 43 feet, 7 1/4 inches (13.29m), and holds two WSU fresh-man records in the 60m hurdles and in the triple jump. She also ranks 10th all-time in WSU history in the long jump.

#As a freshman, Taylor burst onto the WSU track and field scene during her first year with the Cougs, posting multiple all-time records. She ranked sixth overall in the NCAA in the triple jump, and also ranked 25th in the nation in the 60-metre hurdles. She also did her personal best of 6.03m (19-9 1/2) in the long jump at the WSU Indoor Track and Field Meet.

#At the WSU Cougar Indoor last year as well, she did her PR of 7.65 in the 60m; she ran 13.79 for her PR in the 100m hurdles at the Cougar Invite and she posted her PF of 25.34 in the 200m at the Bronco Invite.

#The former Queen’s College Comet went on to compete for Spire Institute in Ohio before making the transition to the collegiate level.

#The 2018 Under-20 World Championship qualifier in the triple jump recently competed at the event last weekend as track and field returned to the Thomas A Robinson Stadium in the BAAAs Odd Distance meet. She won both Open women’s long and triple jumps and placed second in the 150m.

#In the triple jump, Taylor, representing Leap of Faith, cleared 12.81m (42-0 1/2) and captured the long jump with a leap of 5.59m (18-4 1/4). “On the whole, I think I did very well. It’s still early. It’s December, but I feel I’m in a good position for the season. There’s still some things I need to work on, but it was a good meet. I still have some things to work on,” Taylor told The Tribune.

Hield Tips In Winning Basket In Overtime

SACRAMENTO Kings guard Buddy Hield, right, reacts after putting in the winning basket in overtime against the Denver Nuggets last night in Denver. Sacramento guard De’Aaron Fox is at left. 
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

SACRAMENTO Kings guard Buddy Hield, right, reacts after putting in the winning basket in overtime against the Denver Nuggets last night in Denver. Sacramento guard De’Aaron Fox is at left. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

As of Thursday, December 24, 2020

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#Chavano “Buddy” Hield’s late-game heroics helped the Sacramento Kings open the 2020-21 campaign with a thrilling win in the first overtime game of the season.

#Hield scored a team high 22 points and tipped in the game winner as time expired to give the Kings a 124-122 win over the Denver Nuggets last night at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.

#He scored 19 of his 22 in the second half, none bigger than the final field goal in overtime. Harrison Barnes deflected the Nug-gets’ inbound pass and had an opportunity to score the go ahead basket but his dunk attempt was blocked by the Nuggets’ Will Barton. Hield was trailing on the fastbreak and was perfectly positioned for the tip in as time expired.

#Hield shot 7-15 from the field including 5-11 from three-point range. He also added four rebounds and three assists in 41 minutes.

#Hield scored just three in the first half on 1-6 shoot-ing, 1-4 on three pointers and the Kings trailed 60-53. Out of the break, Hield made his second three of the game, was fouled on another attempt and fol-lowed with three free throws as part of a run that saw the Kings take a 72-70 lead.

#He scored nine points in the third quarter as the Kings outscored the Nug-gets by 12 in the period and took an 89-84 lead into the fourth.

#Tied at 112 late in regula-tion, Hield lost the handle on the final possession and the game went into overtime.

#At the conclusion of the preseason, Hield refer-enced the unselfish nature of the Kings’ approach to the game. On 47 made field goals last night, 27 came off assists. “Once you make the right play the ball will always find you in this offence. We just have to go out there, make the ball move and make teams play to our strengths,” Hield said.

#“It’s basketball. Each team needs to play rhythm, especially when we’re talk-ing about schemes, but I feel like we’re all grown men, once we put our minds to making things happen, giving up ourselves for each other, making the right play, understanding the game, which play we can make, which shot is a good shot, which shot is a bad shot, I think we should be fine.”

#Hield was the team’s leading scorer in 2018-19 and its second leading scorer in 2019-20, but started just 44 of 72 games before he was relegated to a reserve role off the bench in favour of Bogdan Bogdanovic.

#With Bogdanovic gone in free agency, Hield was second only to Harrison Barnes (42) on the Kings in minutes played.

#Hield also referenced his conditioning to be able to accept a greater load this season.

#“Once you’re stronger and guys can feel you and you can stay active. It helps with durability on offence and defence,” he said. “I’m a guy that likes to run, I’m conditioned well for this. I’m just trying to keep my guy in front of me and use my strength against them.”