DWAYNAE Knowles in action for Team Bahamas yesterday against Mexico in the FIBA Under-15 Centrobasket Championships in Gurabo, Puerto Rico.

As of Wednesday, June 29, 2022

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D’Andra Seats

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#Despite losing their third straight game of the FIBA Under-15 Centrobasket Championships by 100 points, head coach Varel Davis said there is still hope of Team Bahamas turning things around for the playoffs.

#Davis, who was assisted by Shakira Farrington and Anton Francis, said it was disheartening for the team after its lopsided 119-19 rout to Mexico yesterday at the Coliseo Fernando ‘Rube’ Hernandez in Gurabo, Puerto Rico.

#“It was a tough loss. We knew that Mexico is the second best team in our region, but I told my girls to just go out there and score baskets,” Davis said. “I told them win, lose or draw, just score baskets. Do the things that we learned in practice. “That was my hope. I never thought that they would have gotten beat this bad. But the fight is still in them because they are still young. We have players as young as 11 years old and the oldest is 14. Plus, we are the smallest team in the tournament, so we have to play much harder than everybody else.”

Savannah Turnquest

#Davis said this is definitely a learning experience for the team and while it’s hard to digest the loss, they have to go back to the drawing board and get ready for the playoffs. With just four teams in the tournament, the Bahamas will play the top ranked team today and then whether they win or lose, they will play on Thursday for their final position.

#“We just have to go back to the drawing board and do the simple things,” Davis said. “I think our biggest problem in the tournament is turnovers. We had a high percentage of turnovers. We can’t take care of the ball. “But the girls are still in high spirits despite the loss,” Davis said. “As the tournament progresses, we hope that we would get better. This was a setback, but we hope that we can rebound from this loss and get back into it. We just have to capitalise on our mistakes and take care of the ball.”

Takeithra Hanna

#With all but one of their players scoring, Mexico got a game high 30 points from Sandra Acuna to lead two other players in double figures. Team Bahamas got six points apiece from Terrell McCoy and Andica Curtis, both added nine and six rebounds respectively. Takeithra Hanna contributed three points and Savannah Turnquest and Dwaynae Knowles came through two points each for the team’s final margin.

#Three players didn’t score for the Bahamas and three more didn’t get to play.

Terrell McCoy

#The telling story was the fact that the Bahamas trailed 31-6 at the end of the first quarter and only scored one in the second half as Mexico added 41 to extend their margin to 72-7 at the half. The second half was a little different as Mexico used a 22-6 spurt in the third and 25-6 in the fourth to seal the deal.

#Team Bahamas committed a total of 55 turnovers, compared to just 27 by Mexico. The Bahamas also got out-rebounded 51-32. Mexico went 55-for-88 from the field, while Team Bahamas went 7-for-48.

#The Bahamas also couldn’t score from behind the three-point arc, shooting 0-for-6. Mexico was 4-for-12.

#The tournament for girls started on Sunday with Team Bahamas losing 101-20 to Puerto Rico in their opener. They came back in the second game on Monday and suffered a 79-45 decision to the Dominican Republic.

#“We still have a chance to win a medal,” Davis said. “After our game tomorrow, we will know whether we will play for the gold or silver if we win or if we play for the bronze if we lose,” Davis said. “So we just have to regroup and get ready for the playoffs.”

#The girls tournament followed the boys championship a week ago when Team Bahamas, coached by Quinton Hall, went undefeated.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/jun/29/bahamas-girls-lose-100-points-mexico/?news

Kai Jones of the Charlotte Hornets seated with the campers. Photos by Marcellus Hall.

As of Wednesday, June 29, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#KAI Jones, the latest Bahamian to play in the National Basketball Association, took time out during a short break at home to participate in the 9th annual Denykco Bowles Elite Skills Basketball Camp.

#Coming off his rookie season with the Charlotte Hornets after he played with the Texas Longhorns, the 6-foot, 10-inch centre said he was happy to share his experience with the youngsters at the camp yesterday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

Kai Jones is flanked by coaches Ricardo Pierre and Denykco Bowles. Photos courtesy of Marcellus Hall

#“This is coach Bowles’ IBA Skills Camp and he asked me to come and help out, talk with the kids, get some drills with them and help them further their basketball career to get better,” Jones said.

#On what he’s seen at the camp, Jones said Bowles and his team have it well organised. “It’s really beautiful, really organised. I really like how they have the kids working out, working on their fundamentals, things that I work on every day, lay-ups, mid-range jumpers,” he stated.

#“It’s beautiful to see. The kids are enjoying the game. It’s awesome. I’m glad to see it.”

#Other than attending the camp, while here over the past few days, Jones said he spent a lot of time with his family and went to church, but also took the time to get in some workout sessions, getting into the salt water and lifting weights.

#Before he leaves for Charlotte today, Jones said he just wanted to advise the campers that “I’m living proof that you can do it too. With God on your side, he’s really proud of you and he wants you to do your best.”

#Bowles thanked God for allowing them to put on the camp, especially as they got a chance to share the day with Jones on his short visit home.

#“The kids are very excited to see him in person. He’s somebody just like them, so as long as we could, people such as Kai, such as Buddy (Hield) and (Deandre) Ayton, our homegrown athletes, these kids aspire to be just like these individuals.

#“So at the end of the day, we want to bring in as much of people as we can to inspire and motivate these kids, I think it will definitely motivate them at the end of the day.”

#With the camp now into day two, Bowles said he’s been pleased with what he has seen so far and he tipped his hat off to his coaching staff, including Ricardo Pierre, who has really been a big help.

#“It’s pretty nice to have Kai come in and give back to the kids,” said Pierre, one of the country’s most prolific shooters. “It gives them a positive vibe where it’s not too late and the sky is the limit.

#“I remember him as one lanky kid, but he’s a specimen to prove to the young kids that hard work and determination can get them to where they want to actually go.”

#Pierre said a lot of the campers came in lacking the fundamental skills, but by the end of the camp on July 20, he’s confident that they will see an improvement in the games of both the boys and girls participating.

#Two of the male campers expressed their delight in being a part of this year’s event.

#Caleb Rolle, a 12-year-old student of Believers Faith Christian Academy, said he decided to join the camp this year because he wanted to improve his basketball skills.

#“I think that this is a good place for me to get better,” he said.

#Rolle said he’s been able to watch Jones play because he’s a teammate of his favourite player, point guard LaMelo Ball.

#“I was really surprised that I could see an NBA player practicing with us,” he said of Jones. “I think it’s a great experience to have him here.”

#And Jefferson Lightbourn II, a 16-year-old student of St Anne’s High School, said he started participating in the camp since 2019 and he decided to return because of his involvement in Bowleg’s IBA programme.

#“We’re all just like family,” he said.

#But he was more intrigued to be around Jones.

#“It’s pretty cool to have an NBA player here,” he quipped. “He’s someone who made it doing the passion that we all came here to do and love.

#“So I think it’s pretty cool that he came here to mentoring us and showing us some of the things that we need to do to become better basketball players.”

#When he returns for his second season in the NBA, Jones said his goal is to help to make the Hornets the best team in the NBA.

#“I believe in our group, I believe in our coaching staff and our organisation,” he stated.

#“We have a special team, so I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish. I believe in them and I believe in myself.”

#As for his improvement, Jones said although he spent some time in the D-League during the season, he felt he has grown tremendously and is eager to prove it when the season starts in October.

#“It’s been amazing. I believe I got so much better than when I first got into the league,” he pointed out. “I feel like I’ve completely transformed. It’s amazing.”

#When he made his debut in the league, Jones said he has to admit that it was a mental adjustment that he had to make at first.

#But he said it’s awesome to be the latest of the three Bahamians to be playing in the NBA, joining Chavanno ”Buddy” Hield, now with the Indiana Pacers, and Deandre Ayton with the Pheonix Suns. “It’s awesome. I feel like we’re going to have more Bahamians entering the NBA draft in the years to come as well,” said Jones. “Our country has great athletes and once the guys continue to believe in themselves, the possibilities are right there.”

#In going to the NBA Summer League, Jones said he just wants to prove that he belongs in the NBA and hopes to make an impact on the scouts in attendance.

#Jones, who played for Texas from 2019-2021, was selected with the 19th pick overall in the first round of the 2021 NBA draft by the New York Knicks. He was immediately traded to Charlotte and on August 3, officially signed with the Hornets, playing in 21 games, although his time on the court was very limited.

#The Denykco Bowles Elite Skills Basketball Camp will concentrate on the campers’ basketball IQ, footwork, advanced ball handling, offence/defence critiquing and training and strength resistance training.

#Interested persons can contact Bowles at 466-0049 for more details or register at info.ibabahamas@gmailcom. The cost is $99 per week.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/jun/29/hornets-kai-jones-takes-part-elite-skills-camp/?news

As of Wednesday, June 29, 2022

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#FOURTEEN-year-old Ellianne Higgs and 16-year-old Joshua Weech emerged as the nation’s top ranked boy and girl in the Laser (Radial) sailboat class

#They have both qualified to represent The Bahamas at the prestigious Youth Sailing World Championships which kicks off early next month in The Hague, Netherlands.

#Weech, who sails with The Bahamas National Sailing School/Nassau Yacht Club, has been sailing for seven years.

#Prolific in the Optimist class until last year, he won four national championships and also boasts additional national titles in the International 420, Sunfish, Snipe and, most recently, Laser classes.

#Weech has, in fact, only been sailing Laser competitively since February of this year since aging-out of the Optimist in 2021.

#But he has placed first or second in every event.

#Higgs follows a family tradition of sailing. Coming from a long line of world-class sailors, her grandfather and great grandfather were both Olympians and her father also raced at World Championship level multiple times in the Star class.

#She has been sailing for four years with The Royal Nassau Sailing Club, beginning in the Optimist in 2018, progressing into the Sunfish and finally into Laser Radial in 2019.

#She has finished as the top girl in most of the events that she has participated in locally and also competed in the Laser Mid Winters in Tampa earlier this year, finishing just outside the top 10 in the silver fleet.

#Over 450 of the world’s very best youth sailors up to the age of 19 from 69 countries have confirmed their participation in this year’s Allianz Youth World Sailing Championships.

#Competition takes place in windsurfing, kiteboarding, multihull, skiff and one and two person dinghies in male, female and mixed gender fleets.

#This is a very prestigious event, seen as a stepping stone to the (adult) Sailing World Championship and a major indicator of future success in the sport.

#Almost all current Olympic champions have competed in this event.

#“We are looking forward to the event in The Hague,” said David Graham, CEO of World Sailing.

#“The combination of a natural beach and the North Sea winds will make for an exciting competition and a true test of sailing skills for the world’s brightest prospects.

#“This is much more than just a sailing competition. With a daily entertainment and social schedule, the event aims to create lifelong friendships across borders and opportunities to learn from each other”.

#Weech and Higgs qualified for this event through ‘The Emerging Nations Programme,” which aims to narrow the performance gap and promote worldwide competition for countries who otherwise lack the infrastructure to be able to compete with developed nations on a global level.

#A two-day training session ahead of the event is provided, along with financial assistance with registration fees and equipment rental. Joshua Higgins from Harbour Island also competed at this event last year in Oman. He had a terrific experience and learned a lot.

#The Bahamian sailing duo head off to Europe in a couple of weeks time, with chaperone/ coach Andrew Higgs, Ellianne’s father. The Bahamas National Sailing School/Nassau Yacht Club wish them all safe travels, smooth sailing, fun times and the very best of Bahamian luck.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/jun/29/higgs-weech-represent-bahamas-youth-sailing-world-/?news

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As of Wednesday, June 29, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#ALTHOUGH they got off to a slow start after the first day of competition at the 34th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships, manager Gina Gonzalez-Rolle is confident that Team Bahamas will get into the swing of things in Humacao, Puerto Rico.

#After yesterday’s opening round of competition, the Bahamas sits in fourth place out of a field of eight countries with 37.00 points. Puerto Rico tops the table with 52.00, followed by the Dominican Republic with 42.00 and Jamaica with 35.00.

#Aiden Gorospe produced the Bahamas’ best performance as he finished in a two-way tie for the lead in the boys 13-and-under division with Evan Pena of Puerto Rico, both at two-over-par 73. Kennington Rolle sits in fourth place with 78.

#In the boys’ 15-and-under, Jackson Mactaggart is fifth overall with 79, followed by Camdyn Forbes in 13th with 90 and Rhan Miller in 17th with 101.

#Dominican Republic’s Rodrigo Hueta and Cayman Island’s Danny Lyne topped the division evened at 75.

#And in the boys 18-and-under, Bahamas Golf Federation’s national men’s champion Heathcliff Kane is sitting in third place with 74. National runner-up Alexander Dupuch is 14th with 84. Puerto Rico’s Gustavo Rangel shot a two-under-par 69 to take the early lead.

#Kane, the team captain, said the course is in pretty decent condition, but the greens are a little bumpy but, other than that, everything is okay.

#“The first day results were alright,” he said. “I know I’m struggling with my swing, but I managed to keep it together and shot a benchmark round, but I hope to improve on that over the next two days.”

#As a team, sitting just five points behind the second place team, Kane said they are encouraged as they prepare for the final two days of competition and should be able to make up some ground to get into the hunt for the overall team title.

#On the girls’ side, Haley Hall also got off to a fantastic start and is currently in third place in the 13-and-under division with 86, two stokes behind Dominican Republic’s Maria Fernandez, who shot 84. Puerto Rico’s Ava Saavedra is out front with 79.

#In the 15-and-under division, Chemari Pratt had a rough day, shooting 101 to sit in the ninth and final spot. Jamaica’s Samantha Azan has surged out front with 74. Tynesha Tynes is occupying the 10th and final spot in the under-18 division with 94. Cayman Island’s Holly Mclean and Barbados’ Emily Odwin are tied for the lead with 73.

#“We had some slow starts today and a lot of that could be attributed to the fact that we had a lot of heavy rain today,” Gonzalez- Rolle said. “There was a lot of breeze on the back nine.

#“We had one of our boys, Aiden is in the lead and we had about three others in the top five. So we’re looking forward to a brighter day tomorrow (today). We’re still looking forward to pulling off second or third place.”

#Based on what she saw, Gonzalez-Rolle said the competition is stiff, but the Bahamian players have worked extremely hard to get prepared for the tournament.

#“All of the countries here came out pretty strong and once our players do what they are capable of doing, we should secure some good spots,” Gonzalez-Rolle projected.

#She noted that the camaraderie is very good and all of the players are really excited about competing in the tournament.

#“One of our players Camdyn Forbes was a bit nervous this morning competing in his first international competition, but I’m sure he will do even better tomorrow (today),” Gonzalez-Rolle said. “Our coaches have been working with the players, getting them the tips and motivation they need, so I’m still confident that we will end up in the top three in the tournament.”

#The Bahamas, coached by Lemon Gorospe, Georgette Rolle-Harris and Frederick Taylor, returns home on Friday.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/jun/29/junior-golfers-mix-caribbean-amateur-championships/?news

As of Wednesday, June 29, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#ALTHOUGH they got off to a slow start after the first day of competition at the 34th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships, manager Gina Gonzalez-Rolle is confident that Team Bahamas will get into the swing of things in Humacao, Puerto Rico.

#After yesterday’s opening round of competition, the Bahamas sits in fourth place out of a field of eight countries with 37.00 points. Puerto Rico tops the table with 52.00, followed by the Dominican Republic with 42.00 and Jamaica with 35.00.

#Aiden Gorospe produced the Bahamas’ best performance as he finished in a two-way tie for the lead in the boys 13-and-under division with Evan Pena of Puerto Rico, both at two-over-par 73. Kennington Rolle sits in fourth place with 78.

#In the boys’ 15-and-under, Jackson Mactaggart is fifth overall with 79, followed by Camdyn Forbes in 13th with 90 and Rhan Miller in 17th with 101.

#Dominican Republic’s Rodrigo Hueta and Cayman Island’s Danny Lyne topped the division evened at 75.

#And in the boys 18-and-under, Bahamas Golf Federation’s national men’s champion Heathcliff Kane is sitting in third place with 74. National runner-up Alexander Dupuch is 14th with 84. Puerto Rico’s Gustavo Rangel shot a two-under-par 69 to take the early lead.

#Kane, the team captain, said the course is in pretty decent condition, but the greens are a little bumpy but, other than that, everything is okay.

#“The first day results were alright,” he said. “I know I’m struggling with my swing, but I managed to keep it together and shot a benchmark round, but I hope to improve on that over the next two days.”

#As a team, sitting just five points behind the second place team, Kane said they are encouraged as they prepare for the final two days of competition and should be able to make up some ground to get into the hunt for the overall team title.

#On the girls’ side, Haley Hall also got off to a fantastic start and is currently in third place in the 13-and-under division with 86, two stokes behind Dominican Republic’s Maria Fernandez, who shot 84. Puerto Rico’s Ava Saavedra is out front with 79.

#In the 15-and-under division, Chemari Pratt had a rough day, shooting 101 to sit in the ninth and final spot. Jamaica’s Samantha Azan has surged out front with 74. Tynesha Tynes is occupying the 10th and final spot in the under-18 division with 94. Cayman Island’s Holly Mclean and Barbados’ Emily Odwin are tied for the lead with 73.

#“We had some slow starts today and a lot of that could be attributed to the fact that we had a lot of heavy rain today,” Gonzalez- Rolle said. “There was a lot of breeze on the back nine.

#“We had one of our boys, Aiden is in the lead and we had about three others in the top five. So we’re looking forward to a brighter day tomorrow (today). We’re still looking forward to pulling off second or third place.”

#Based on what she saw, Gonzalez-Rolle said the competition is stiff, but the Bahamian players have worked extremely hard to get prepared for the tournament.

#“All of the countries here came out pretty strong and once our players do what they are capable of doing, we should secure some good spots,” Gonzalez-Rolle projected.

#She noted that the camaraderie is very good and all of the players are really excited about competing in the tournament.

#“One of our players Camdyn Forbes was a bit nervous this morning competing in his first international competition, but I’m sure he will do even better tomorrow (today),” Gonzalez-Rolle said. “Our coaches have been working with the players, getting them the tips and motivation they need, so I’m still confident that we will end up in the top three in the tournament.”

#The Bahamas, coached by Lemon Gorospe, Georgette Rolle-Harris and Frederick Taylor, returns home on Friday.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/jun/29/junior-golfers-mix-caribbean-amateur-championships/?news

FIBA Centrobasket Under-15 Girls Championship

The Bahamas under-15 girls basketball team at the FIBA Centrobasket Under-15 Girls Championship at the Coliseo Fernando ‘Rube’ Hernandez in Gurabo, Puerto Rico.

As of Wednesday, June 29, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#Head coach Varel Davis said the Bahamas junior girls national team is a very young team, but they are performing as best as they can at the FIBA Centrobasket Under-15 Girls Championship.

#The week-long championships, which follows the boys under-15 tournament played last week, is also being played at the Coliseo Fernando ‘Rube’ Hernandez in Gurabo, Puerto Rico.

#On Sunday, the Bahamas opened up play with a huge 101-20 loss to Puerto Rico, but bounced back on Monday and played much better despite suffering a 79-45 defeat at the hands of the Dominican Republic.

#Davis, who was assisted by Shakira Farrington and Anton Francis, said the team, comprising of players as young as 11 years and as old as 14, got a “good experience” and an “eye opener” in the two games played so far. “It’s not easy because the other countries didn’t experience what we did with COVID-19,” Davis said. “Sports is just opening up for us in the country and the little time that we had, we used to get the girls ready for this tournament.

#“They are in good spirits. They know that we have to work every game to get into the medal round. There are only four teams in the tournament, so our job is to play Mexico tomorrow (today) and hopefully we can get back into the medal round.”

#Dominican Republic 79, Bahamas 45: For the 2nd straight game, the Bahamas found themselves in a hole they couldn’t dig out of as they ended up losing again.

#The Dominican Republic, using its height advantage, took control of the game by outscoring the Bahamas 30-9. In that period, Geontae Simpson scored on a lay-up for a 2-2 tie for the Bahamas, but the Dominican Republic used a 10-0 run to fuel a 12-2 lead.

#Terrell McCoy scored on a lay-up and Dior-Rae Scott added another for a 13-6 deficit. For the rest of the period, the Dominican Republic clamped down on the defensive end, forced a few turnovers that they converted into baskets on the offensive end.

#After falling behind 37-9 to start the second quarter, Savannah Turnquest stepped back and canned the Bahamas’ first three-pointer and Scott followed with a lay-up to cut the deficit to 37-14.

#The Bahamas got another 5-0 run when Turnquest popped a three-pointer and McCoy got inside for a lay-up for a 47-21 deficit, but the Dominican Republic went on to snatch a comfortable 51-22 advantage at the half.

#Coming out of the locker room, Team Bahamas played with a lot more urgency and was only out-scored 17-15 in the period. But in the fourth quarter, the Dominican Republic managed to put the game out of reach with an 11-8 spurt to seal the deal.

#Karina Capellan led a balanced scoring attack for the Dominican Republic, who had four players in double figures. Capellan finished with a game high 22 points, eight rebounds and five steals.

#For Team Bahamas, Savannah Turnquest paced the way with 11 points. Dawynae Knowles was the only other player in double digits with 10 points to go along with six rebounds. Geontae Simpson contributed eight points with four rebounds and Terrell McCoy chipped in with seven points, seven rebounds, four steals and a blocked shot.

#Puerto Rico 101, Bahamas 20: Puerto Rico scored one less point in the first quarter than Team Bahamas did in the entire game as the week-long tournament got underway on Sunday.

#In the first half, Puerto Rico opened an impressive 19-3 rout and extended their margin to 49-9 at the half. Puerto Rico continued the onslaught, using an 18-6 spurt in the third for a 67-12 advantage at the end of the third and they closed out the door on the massacre with a 34-5 tear in the fourth.

#While Puerto Rico had five players in double figures, led by Desirek Pereira with a game high 23 points, Terrell McCoy was the only player for Team Bahamas in double digits with 12 points and 13 rebounds.

#Reyanah Green and Dwaynae Knowles were the only two other players to score a field goal.

#Savannah Turnquest, Tajhanique Morley, Dior-Rae Scott and Tichea James all added a free throw to their ledger.

#Team Bahamas was just 7-for-42 from the field and 6-for-16 from the charity stripe, but committed a total of 57 turnovers, compared to 13 by Puerto Rico.

#They held a 56-47 rebounding edge.

#The other members of Team Bahamas are D’Andra Sears, Andica Curtis and Takeithra Hanna.

#Today, Team Bahamas will take on Mexico at 5:15pm in their final round robin game before the playoffs get underway on Wednesday, concluding on Thursday.

http://sportsinthebahamas.com/wp-admin/post-new.php

Simba FrenchSend an emailJune 30, 2022 168 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) National Youth, Junior and Senior Track and Field Championships wrapped up on Saturday and several elite athletes were in action this year including one who set a new senior national record. BAAA President Drumeco Archer said he was happy with the performances of the athletes on all levels.

Archer noted that they are still working on crowd participation at the nationals level as there were a number of empty seats in the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium over the course of the nationals despite the top notch quality of the competition.

“This is perhaps one of the best nationals that we have ever produced in my lifetime,” Archer said. “Obviously, we are still working on crowd participation coming out of a COVID environment, but the quality of the competition is at the highest level. We attracted the best athletes in the world at every age group – something that we never did before. We were especially surprised to see the great performances coming from our youth program. It is a program that we have been paying particular attention to because it is the future of track and field.”

Devynne Charlton lowered her own national record in the women’s 100 meters (m) hurdles on Friday when she crossed the finish line in 12.60 seconds. Her previous national record time was 12.61 seconds. Shaunae Miller-Uibo won the double by coming away with the national titles in the women’s 200 and 400m events. In the 400m, Miller-Uibo cruised her way to a time of 52.62 seconds and in the 200m she clocked 22.32 seconds to hold off Anthonique Strachan. Steven Gardiner ran 45.22 seconds to win the men’s 400m national title.

At the youth level, Roliny Labranche doubled in the under-15 boys 100 and 200m races. In the 100m, he clocked 11.36 seconds and 23.12 seconds in the 200m. On the junior side, upcoming sprinters Paige Archer and Shatalya Dorsett made statements. Dorsett, 16, won the under-20 girls 100m in 11.71 seconds while Archer won the under-20 girls 200m title with a time of 24 seconds flat. Dorsett and Archer have both already qualified for the World Athletics (WA) Junior Championships.

BAAA President Archer said that the athletes who have qualified are ready to go to their respective international meets – the world juniors and the World Athletics Outdoor Championships.

“The athletes selected their own team. What I mean by that is, think about the qualifying standards and we have had a good number of athletes in both the senior and junior teams. We are going to be celebrating the fourth edition of the NACAC (North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association) Open Championships in Freeport, Grand Bahama, from August 19-21. The region will be coming to The Bahamas, so it will be another proud moment in the delivery of a high-level presentation of athletics,” Archer said.

“Also, when you look at the Commonwealth Games, that event had an entry deadline and it does not always coincide with our entry deadline. As a result, it is an event that they control, so when the entry closes, we have to have names in. Unfortunately, it did not work in our favor since the naming of the team came before the hosting of our nationals. We had no choice but to select names that we thought would have been best suited for the games,” Archer added.

The two-day meet this past weekend also featured athletes from Haiti, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Bermuda as they looked to qualify for the world championships.

https://thenassauguardian.com/archer-lauds-athletes-for-performances-at-nationals/

 Home|Sports|Rough second round for Team Bahamas at CAJGCSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailJune 30, 2022 169 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

After a strong first-round performance from Team Bahamas on Tuesday, Bahamian junior golfers at the 34th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships (CAJGC) struggled in the second round yesterday. Action continues today at the Palm Course at the Palmas Athletic Club in Humacao, Puerto Rico.

There were no team scores at the end of the second round up to press time. However, individual scores were available. The Bahamas was fourth coming into the second round with 37 points. Puerto Rico led the competition with 52 points. The Dominican Republic was second with 42 points and Jamaica sat in third with 39 points.

Heathcliffe Kane heads into the third round tied for seventh place in the under-18 boys division. He finished the second round with a score of 10-over par 81 to have a total of 14-over par 156. Also playing in that division with Kane was Alexander Dupuch. He improved from the first round as he went 11-over par 82 in round two after going 13-over par 84 in round one. He will head in the third round with a total score of 24-over par 166, sitting in 15th place.

On the girls side, Tyesha Tynes struggled for a second straight day although she improved from her first-round score. She had a score of 19-over par 90 in round two compared to the first round score of 23-over par 94 for a total score of 42-over par 184 to sit in the 10th and final spot in her division.

Jackson Mactaggart is the highest ranked Bahamian in the under-15 boys division. He is sitting in eighth with a total score of 25-over par 167. He finished the second round 17-over par 88 compared to his first-round score which was eight-over par 25.

Camdyn Forbes and Rhan Miller are in Mactaggart’s age division as well. Forbes is in the 15th position with a total score of 42-over par 184. Miller is in 17th, one spot out of last place, with a total score of 62-over par 204.

Chemari Pratt is the lone Bahamian in the under-15 girls division. Pratt is at the bottom of the leaderboard in ninth position with a total score of 42-over par 186. She showed a great improvement from the first round when she went 13-over par 85 in the second round. She finished the first round 29-over par 101.

After finishing tied for first place in round one, Aidan Gorospe sits in second place in the 13-and-under boys division. He has a total score of 10-over par 152. He came into the second round shooting two-over par 73 and was eight-over par 79 in the second round. His teammate Kerrington Rolle is tied for fifth with a total score of 24-over par 166.

The only other Bahamian competitor in the tournament is Haley Hall in the 13-and-under girls division. She is tied for fourth place with a total score of 36-over par 180. Hall scored 22-over par 94 yesterday. She played a better game in the first round, scoring 14-over par 86.

The coaches of the team are Lemon Gorospe, Georgette Rolle-Harris and Frederick Taylor. Action continues today with the third and final round of competition.

https://thenassauguardian.com/rough-second-round-for-team-bahamas-at-cajgc/

 Home|Sports|Fidelity honors top athletes from BAISSSports

Young athletes pleased with the seasons they had; optimistic for the future

Sheldon LongleySend an emailJune 30, 2022 267 4 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

In sticking with their innovative stance from the launch of the 2022 Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) Track and Field Championships, event sponsor Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) Ltd. has lived up to its promise by rewarding the top athletes from that meet.

The bank presented trophies to the top high-point finishers in each division yesterday, and also recognized the athletes responsible for the most outstanding performances of the meet.

“We need to put it in focus in terms of youth development,” said Fidelity Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gowon Bowe. “When we take into consideration some of the things that take place with our youth today, there would be a lot of negative sentiments where the criminal element is out there and we know the challenges that we see in the school system.

“When we see positive elements like sports, where there is productive activity for the youth, then it’s important for corporate Bahamas to come forward with help to make sure that continues. It starts in the schools and with the track clubs that are out there. For us, it’s about how do we ensure that we don’t lose another generation and we keep them as productive citizens of society.”

Terrin Beckles from St. Augustine’s College (SAC) was the top athlete in the bantam boys division and Jayla Smith, of SAC, won that award in the bantam girls division. Demian Brice, of SAC, was the top athlete in the junior boys division and the junior girls top prize was shared between Jasmine Thompson of Temple Christian and Darvinique Dean of SAC.

Tumani Skinner, of SAC, was the most outstanding athlete in the intermediate boys division and Katia Archer, of SAC, won that award in the intermediate girls division. Shimar Bain, of SAC, was the top senior boy and Amari Pratt, of SAC, was the top senior girl.

Keyshawn Strachan, representing the St. John’s College Giants, had the most outstanding male performance of the meet, turning in an under-20 world-leading throw in the javelin. The massive throw of 78.63 meters (m) – 257’ 11” – was also a new BAISS record and a Bahamian junior and senior national record.

Since then, Strachan has improved his personal best to 79.89m (262’ 1”), good enough for the gold medal and a new CARIFTA record in the under-20 boys division at the 49th CARIFTA Games in Kingston, Jamaica.

The most outstanding performance by a female at the BAISS Championships was a toss of 38.19m (125’ 3”) in the junior girls javelin throw. That was turned in by Dior-Rae Scott of SAC, and it was a new BAISS record.

Since that performance, Scott turned in a new personal best throw of 44.57m (146’ 2”), which was good enough for the gold medal and a new CARIFTA record in the under-17 girls division at CARIFTA this year.

Bowe said it is their intention to look at how they take a portion of the successes of the youth and give back to worthy causes.

“Sporting events enables you to reach all sort of citizens… it doesn’t get selective,” he said. “The sporting events gives us an opportunity to give back in a greater way to society. Hopefully, we are leading by example and the rest of Corporate Bahamas follows us and you are able to see greater participation by other institutions.”

About his world-leading performance, Strachan said he always goes into competitions with the focus of giving it his best and represent his school, his family and his country well.

“I feel pretty good about what I was able to do this season. It was a good season… it’s a blessing,” he said. “The goal is to throw 85 meters (278’ 10”) at world championships. I’m looking forward to that. I’m training on a regular basis and just getting ready to peak at the right time. I like my chances. I like stiff competition so it really gives me the boost to go out there and have a top notch performance. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Strachan was recently passed on the World Athletics (WA) top list for junior men for 2022. Artur Felfner, of the Ukraine, now has the top performance for 2022 – a mark of 84.32m (276’ 7”). Strachan said that only motivates him to go out there and have a massive performance at the World Athletics Under-20 (U20) Championships which is set for August 2-7 in Cali, Colombia.

Also qualifying for that team is Shimar Bain. He ran personal best times of 48.34 and 52.83 seconds in the 400m and 400m hurdles this season. Bain said he was ecstatic to receive the award for the top senior boys athlete from the BAISS Championships.

“It feels good. I’m very thankful,” he said. “I’d like to thank God for allowing me to showcase my talents and I’m looking for better things to come. It was a long journey for me. I had to come back from a minor injury and trained very hard to get to this point. There were hard practices day in and day out. The practices were all worth it cause now I’m reaping the rewards.”

Bain is in his last year at SAC and said it was a good feeling to go out on a strong note.

At just 14, young Darvinique Dean is just starting her high school career at SAC. The junior girls winner of the top award for the BAISS will be going into grade nine in the fall.

“I feel very good and I’m very confident in my ability,” she said. “I’m looking forward to a strong finish to the season. I just want to thank all of my coaches, my parents and everyone who supported me this season. I want to continue to strive for excellence and continue to do my best.”

Dean is a sprinter and said her best event is the 200m. She’s optimistic and encouraged that with hard training she will ultimately achieve her goal of one day representing The Bahamas on the Olympic stage.

Fidelity CEO Bowe said that all of the young athletes are deserving of the awards and it was their pleasure to honor them for their performances.

https://thenassauguardian.com/fidelity-honors-top-athletes-from-baiss/

 Home|Sports|Babe Ruth Caribbean Championship set for The BahamasSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailJuly 1, 2022 228 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The world is set to come to The Bahamas through the sport of baseball.

Arguably, the biggest baseball tournament to ever be held in The Bahamas is just a few days away, with the 2022 Babe Ruth Baseball Caribbean Region 12-and-Under (12U) Championship and 16-and-Under (16U) Invitational set for next weekend, July 7-11, at the renovated fields at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

The 2022 Caribbean region championship for 12U will feature eight teams – two from The Bahamas. Other nations represented are Aruba, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Jamaica. Teams from the United States and as far away as China are entered in the 16U tournament.

Commissioner Babe Ruth Baseball Caribbean Region Greg Burrows Sr. is spearheading the event. He’s responsible for bringing the five-day regional classic to The Bahamas.

For the 12U championship, there will be pool play for the first three days of the tournament. The single elimination playoffs are set for Sunday, July 10 and the championship and bronze medal games will be played on the Independence Day Holiday – Monday, July 11.

A grand opening ceremony, encompassing a historic and cultural display, is set for 7 p.m. at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on July 7, and admission will be free of charge to the general public. There are five-day passes for the tournament itself – $65 for adults and $20 for children. Single-day tickets can be obtained for $15 for adults and $5 for children.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said that the Government of The Bahamas is throwing its full support behind the regional tournament.

“It’s a great pleasure for the government to have the opportunity to support this event,” said the minister. “This is a part of the group of events to advance our ‘Sports in Paradise’ brand. We want to recognize Rev and Cable Bahamas for their partnership with us to ensure that this event comes off. The amount of money that is invested in our youth, in terms of the future of our nation, it is really not sufficient for the lives of the young men that are saved through sports and the staging of these events. We have a lot of professional baseball players out there and this is where they get their start so the investment is worth it.

 “Sports events like this puts heads in beds but it is also giving our young people an opportunity to excel in sports, be professional athletes and explore the world. We are pleased to be hosting this event and much more are coming in the pipelines. We will continue to build on the ‘Sports in Paradise’ brand.”

The winner of the 12U Caribbean region championship will advance to the Cal Ripken Major70 World Series at Ballparks of America in Branson, Missouri, from August 4-13, 2022.

As for Team Bahamas, the two squads were chosen from a baseball showcase featuring players from all of the major leagues in the country. Javier Bowe and Lionel Ferguson Jr. are the managers of the two 12U teams and Greg Burrows Jr. is the manager of the 16U team.

Marlon Bostwick and Kristian Thompson will coach the team that will be managed by Ferguson and Alonzo Pratt Jr. and Kenny Mondesir will coach the team that will be managed by Bowe. Albert Cartwright will coach the 16U team that will be managed by Burrows. Bahamian Martin Burrows is the Head Umpire and he will be supervising a team of officials from The Bahamas and abroad.

The teams are being housed at Breezes Bahamas Resort & Spa.

“We believe that we will have high-quality representation for The Bahamas,” said Bowe. “In the pitching department, from one to 14, we have the ability to pitch at this level. We are going to be well-represented on the mound and we have sufficient pitchers to honor pitch count rules and be very effective. We have what it takes to go out there and compete at a high level. It’s just up to us to put it all together and go out there and get the job done.”

Bowe, who is also the head of government innovations at Rev, said it was a no-brainer for them to come on board as a sponsor, providing internet connectivity and coverage.

“At Rev, we’re connecting individuals in the communities in a positive and meaningful way,” said Bowe. “We jumped at the opportunity to be a partner in this event, thereby enhancing community lives.”

Hundreds of international guests are expected to venture to The Bahamas for the staging of the regional classic – a 80-90 member delegation from the United States alone is set to come to these shores.

The public can purchase tickets from the event’s box office at the National Sports Authority’s (NSA) Head Office at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. As mentioned, there are five-day passes at $65 for adults and $20 for children, and single-day tickets can be obtained for $15 for adults and $5 for children.

 Home|Sports|Babe Ruth Caribbean Championship set for The BahamasSports

Babe Ruth Caribbean Championship set for The Bahamas

Simba FrenchSend an emailJuly 1, 2022 228 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The world is set to come to The Bahamas through the sport of baseball.

Arguably, the biggest baseball tournament to ever be held in The Bahamas is just a few days away, with the 2022 Babe Ruth Baseball Caribbean Region 12-and-Under (12U) Championship and 16-and-Under (16U) Invitational set for next weekend, July 7-11, at the renovated fields at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

The 2022 Caribbean region championship for 12U will feature eight teams – two from The Bahamas. Other nations represented are Aruba, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Jamaica. Teams from the United States and as far away as China are entered in the 16U tournament.

Commissioner Babe Ruth Baseball Caribbean Region Greg Burrows Sr. is spearheading the event. He’s responsible for bringing the five-day regional classic to The Bahamas.

For the 12U championship, there will be pool play for the first three days of the tournament. The single elimination playoffs are set for Sunday, July 10 and the championship and bronze medal games will be played on the Independence Day Holiday – Monday, July 11.

A grand opening ceremony, encompassing a historic and cultural display, is set for 7 p.m. at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on July 7, and admission will be free of charge to the general public. There are five-day passes for the tournament itself – $65 for adults and $20 for children. Single-day tickets can be obtained for $15 for adults and $5 for children.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said that the Government of The Bahamas is throwing its full support behind the regional tournament.

“It’s a great pleasure for the government to have the opportunity to support this event,” said the minister. “This is a part of the group of events to advance our ‘Sports in Paradise’ brand. We want to recognize Rev and Cable Bahamas for their partnership with us to ensure that this event comes off. The amount of money that is invested in our youth, in terms of the future of our nation, it is really not sufficient for the lives of the young men that are saved through sports and the staging of these events. We have a lot of professional baseball players out there and this is where they get their start so the investment is worth it.

 “Sports events like this puts heads in beds but it is also giving our young people an opportunity to excel in sports, be professional athletes and explore the world. We are pleased to be hosting this event and much more are coming in the pipelines. We will continue to build on the ‘Sports in Paradise’ brand.”

The winner of the 12U Caribbean region championship will advance to the Cal Ripken Major70 World Series at Ballparks of America in Branson, Missouri, from August 4-13, 2022.

As for Team Bahamas, the two squads were chosen from a baseball showcase featuring players from all of the major leagues in the country. Javier Bowe and Lionel Ferguson Jr. are the managers of the two 12U teams and Greg Burrows Jr. is the manager of the 16U team.

Marlon Bostwick and Kristian Thompson will coach the team that will be managed by Ferguson and Alonzo Pratt Jr. and Kenny Mondesir will coach the team that will be managed by Bowe. Albert Cartwright will coach the 16U team that will be managed by Burrows. Bahamian Martin Burrows is the Head Umpire and he will be supervising a team of officials from The Bahamas and abroad.

The teams are being housed at Breezes Bahamas Resort & Spa.

“We believe that we will have high-quality representation for The Bahamas,” said Bowe. “In the pitching department, from one to 14, we have the ability to pitch at this level. We are going to be well-represented on the mound and we have sufficient pitchers to honor pitch count rules and be very effective. We have what it takes to go out there and compete at a high level. It’s just up to us to put it all together and go out there and get the job done.”

Bowe, who is also the head of government innovations at Rev, said it was a no-brainer for them to come on board as a sponsor, providing internet connectivity and coverage.

“At Rev, we’re connecting individuals in the communities in a positive and meaningful way,” said Bowe. “We jumped at the opportunity to be a partner in this event, thereby enhancing community lives.”

Hundreds of international guests are expected to venture to The Bahamas for the staging of the regional classic – a 80-90 member delegation from the United States alone is set to come to these shores.

The public can purchase tickets from the event’s box office at the National Sports Authority’s (NSA) Head Office at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. As mentioned, there are five-day passes at $65 for adults and $20 for children, and single-day tickets can be obtained for $15 for adults and $5 for children.+

 Home|Sports|Babe Ruth Caribbean Championship set for The BahamasSports

Babe Ruth Caribbean Championship set for The Bahamas

Simba FrenchSend an emailJuly 1, 2022 228 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The world is set to come to The Bahamas through the sport of baseball.

Arguably, the biggest baseball tournament to ever be held in The Bahamas is just a few days away, with the 2022 Babe Ruth Baseball Caribbean Region 12-and-Under (12U) Championship and 16-and-Under (16U) Invitational set for next weekend, July 7-11, at the renovated fields at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

The 2022 Caribbean region championship for 12U will feature eight teams – two from The Bahamas. Other nations represented are Aruba, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Jamaica. Teams from the United States and as far away as China are entered in the 16U tournament.

Commissioner Babe Ruth Baseball Caribbean Region Greg Burrows Sr. is spearheading the event. He’s responsible for bringing the five-day regional classic to The Bahamas.

For the 12U championship, there will be pool play for the first three days of the tournament. The single elimination playoffs are set for Sunday, July 10 and the championship and bronze medal games will be played on the Independence Day Holiday – Monday, July 11.

A grand opening ceremony, encompassing a historic and cultural display, is set for 7 p.m. at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on July 7, and admission will be free of charge to the general public. There are five-day passes for the tournament itself – $65 for adults and $20 for children. Single-day tickets can be obtained for $15 for adults and $5 for children.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said that the Government of The Bahamas is throwing its full support behind the regional tournament.

“It’s a great pleasure for the government to have the opportunity to support this event,” said the minister. “This is a part of the group of events to advance our ‘Sports in Paradise’ brand. We want to recognize Rev and Cable Bahamas for their partnership with us to ensure that this event comes off. The amount of money that is invested in our youth, in terms of the future of our nation, it is really not sufficient for the lives of the young men that are saved through sports and the staging of these events. We have a lot of professional baseball players out there and this is where they get their start so the investment is worth it.

 “Sports events like this puts heads in beds but it is also giving our young people an opportunity to excel in sports, be professional athletes and explore the world. We are pleased to be hosting this event and much more are coming in the pipelines. We will continue to build on the ‘Sports in Paradise’ brand.”

The winner of the 12U Caribbean region championship will advance to the Cal Ripken Major70 World Series at Ballparks of America in Branson, Missouri, from August 4-13, 2022.

As for Team Bahamas, the two squads were chosen from a baseball showcase featuring players from all of the major leagues in the country. Javier Bowe and Lionel Ferguson Jr. are the managers of the two 12U teams and Greg Burrows Jr. is the manager of the 16U team.

Marlon Bostwick and Kristian Thompson will coach the team that will be managed by Ferguson and Alonzo Pratt Jr. and Kenny Mondesir will coach the team that will be managed by Bowe. Albert Cartwright will coach the 16U team that will be managed by Burrows. Bahamian Martin Burrows is the Head Umpire and he will be supervising a team of officials from The Bahamas and abroad.

The teams are being housed at Breezes Bahamas Resort & Spa.

“We believe that we will have high-quality representation for The Bahamas,” said Bowe. “In the pitching department, from one to 14, we have the ability to pitch at this level. We are going to be well-represented on the mound and we have sufficient pitchers to honor pitch count rules and be very effective. We have what it takes to go out there and compete at a high level. It’s just up to us to put it all together and go out there and get the job done.”

Bowe, who is also the head of government innovations at Rev, said it was a no-brainer for them to come on board as a sponsor, providing internet connectivity and coverage.

“At Rev, we’re connecting individuals in the communities in a positive and meaningful way,” said Bowe. “We jumped at the opportunity to be a partner in this event, thereby enhancing community lives.”

Hundreds of international guests are expected to venture to The Bahamas for the staging of the regional classic – a 80-90 member delegation from the United States alone is set to come to these shores.

The public can purchase tickets from the event’s box office at the National Sports Authority’s (NSA) Head Office at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. As mentioned, there are five-day passes at $65 for adults and $20 for children, and single-day tickets can be obtained for $15 for adults and $5 for children.