Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Jonquel Jones attempts to pass the ball as South Korea’s Kang Leeseul, left, and Yoon Yebin, right, block during their game at the women’s Basketball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

As of Monday, September 26, 2022

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#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#Jonquel Jones and her Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) side remain winless thus far at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.

#Despite the team’s struggles, Jones has been a leader across several offensive categories as competition continues among the top 12 women’s national teams in the world at the tournament in Sydney, Australia.

#Jones has averaged 15.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game – all team leads – through four contests. She opened the tournament with 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists in an 82-58 loss to Puerto Rico.

#In game two, Jones posted 17 points, nine rebounds and two assists in a 98-51 loss to China.

#In a 99-66 loss to Korea, she finished just shy of a double double once again with 21 points, nine rebounds and two assists. She had a tournament low eight points and seven rebounds in last night’s 85-55 loss to Belgium.

#BIH will conclude play in Group A against the USA on Tuesday.

#At the end of the Group Phase, the top four teams of each group will advance to the Final Phase. A draw will determine the pairings of the Quarter-Finals. The two best-ranked teams of each group (group A and group B) will be drawn against the two teams ranked third and fourth of the other group.

#After Jones led the BIH programme’s historic first ever appearance at the event, FIBA’s analysis of the first matches of the group stage lists the team’s as one of the tournament’s surprises thus far.

#“Perhaps you can file Bosnia and Herzegovina as the biggest disappointment by far. What was a fairytale first-ever appearance at the event was supposed to be followed by at least two wins – against Puerto Rico and then Korea. But that fairytale morphed into an intense nightmare with not just two losses to their group rivals, but really poor losses,” the analysis said. “What we learned is that you can have one of the female game’s best ballers in your team like Jonquel Jones, but it means nothing if you don’t play defence and miss wide open layups constantly when opponents are double-teaming her.”

#Jones delivered a series of spectacular performances en route to leading BIH to World Cup 2022 qualification.

#She led BIH to a 1-1 record and was named TISSOT MVP and a member of the All-Tournament team at the World Cup Qualifying Tournament last February in Osaka, Japan.

#She averaged 25.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 52 percent from the field and 44 percent from three.

#Jones also led BIH to an historic fifth-place finish at Women’s EuroBasket 2021 and continued that dominance at the Eurobasket 2023 Qualifiers.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/sep/26/jones-and-bih-look-get-win-column/?news

CHARLOTTE Hornets centre Kai Jones, of The Bahamas, at the NBA basketball team’s media day in Charlotte, N.C., yesterday. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

As of Tuesday, September 27, 2022

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#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#THE Charlotte Hornets have a stacked depth chart in the frontcourt headed into the 2022-23 campaign but Kai Jones looks to use his versatility to take advantage of every opportunity in year two.

#Jones called his rookie season “a beautiful experience” at Hornets media day but looks forward to making a bigger impact this season.

#“With my athleticism, I can have a two-way impact,” he said. “Lob threat, blocking shots, just being versatile.”

#New Hornets head coach Steve Clifford called Jones “an exceptional athlete” and “phenomenal worker” when asked about his possible role in the frontcourt.

#“Kai [Jones] to me, right now, is more of a centre. He can play some four. Even for our league he’s an exceptional athlete and physical. How quickly he puts himself in a place where he can legitimately play night in and night out in NBA games is just purpose of play,” Clifford said.

#“For all young players, especially inside guys, that’s the hardest thing. Playing to your strengths, helping your teammates play to their strengths, so we’ll see.”

#The Hornets return veteran centre Mason Plumlee, third year player Nick Richards and rookie Mark Williams all at the five spot.

#Jones came into training camp sporting the blue hair he had this summer when he made his debut with The Bahamas’ senior men’s national team.

#He said his hairstyle is inspired by several things, including his favourite anime.

#“The blue hair is for a lot of reasons, in The Bahamas our water is blue like this, the Charlotte Hornets’ colour is blue and I love anime so Super Saiyan god Goku has blue hair, all of my anime fans out there know what I’m talking about so all of those reasons.”

#Jones finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds against Venezuela and followed with 16 points and six rebounds against Argentina in the latest window of FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers.

#At the NBA level with the Hornets, Jones appeared in 21 NBA games this past season but played sparingly in few moments off the bench.

#He excelled at the G-League level on assignment with the Greensboro Swarm averaging 16.5 points on 61.4 percent shooting from the field – 32 percent from 3-point range – 9.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.1 blocks in 32 total G League games. He also posted 15 total double-doubles. The no.19 pick in the 2021 draft, Jones and the other members of the Hornets rookie class played sparingly as the Hornets chased a spot in the NBA playoffs. Jones highlighted his G-League campaign with a career high 30 points with nine rebounds in a 139-119 win over the Long Island Nets at the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina on March 27.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/sep/27/jones-my-athleticism-i-can-have-two-way-impact/?news

As of Tuesday, September 27, 2022

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PACERS’ Buddy Hield. (AP)

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#CHAVANO “Buddy” Hield was the focus of trade rumours for months, but after his first offseason as a member of the Indiana Pacers, the veteran guard is optimistic about the potential of his team’s young core for the 2022-23 campaign.

#Hield, one of just two players returning to the Pacers roster at least 29-years-old, said the young group is already showing signs of bonding and familiarity.

#“It’s energetic, a lot of the guys are new and are learning how to be a part of the NBA life and how we go about it everyday. It’s a fun group. Everybody is just hands on each and everyday,” he said.

#“The young atmosphere keeps you healthy. Running around with young guys, I love the competitive spirit they bring everyday, it’s a grind, it’s a challenge everyday, but once you’re mentally prepared and locked in and prepare the summer to be around young athletic talent, there’s nothing to worry about.”

#Hield was traded to the Pacers last February and in 26 games with the club, he averaged 18.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. He shot 45 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range in just over 35 minutes per game.

#Prior to the trade, he averaged 14.4 points per game and made 182 three pointers, and was shooting a career-low 37 percent in 28 minutes per game with the Sacramento Kings.He averaged just 8.1 points in his final nine games with the Kings, but scored in double figures in 24 of 26 games with the Pacers.

#The young Pacers core is expected to be led by 22-year old point guard Tyrese Haliburton, 2021 lottery pick Chris Duarte and 2022 lottery pick Benedict Mathurin. “Everybody’s voice is needed. We just have to learn quickly, adapt, and when training camp comes get after it. We brought in a group of guys that are a great fit, have great personalities, when you understand and like each other, it’s easier to have a great vibes,” Hield said. “When guys bring in their egos and go about things in different ways it’s not a good vibe. I think the guys we have in the locker room are a good group of guys.”

#Already traded twice in his NBA career, Hield’s name was floated in trade rumours involving the Los Angeles Lakers. “It’s the business of basketball. No matter what happens I love playing basketball,” Hield said.

#“Once I have a job, and I’m able to play in this league for a long time it doesn’t matter where I go, I’m happy, I’m still here I’m just glad to play basketball at a high level with the best basketball players in the world.”

#In addition to his improved scoring numbers, Hield also reached his career high of nine assists on three separate occasions during his time in Indiana. He credited head coach Rick Carlisle’s free flowing offence.

#Hield’s 4.8 assists per game with the Pacers was an increase from 1.9 per game with the Kings. “Rick does a good job just letting me be myself and just letting me play freely and do random things but in accordance with his offence and control in the system. As a player, you want to be free and be myself but in the structure of his offence,” he said.

#“Rick’s offence allowed me to expand a little bit more. I was able to do more with the ball, be creative and play freely.”

#Over his six seasons in the NBA, Hield has missed only three games due to injury or illness and played in 81 games last season. His only missed game was due to logistical reasons following the trade to Indiana.

#“Thank God, number one, for blessing me to play at a high level. Working on my craft, staying in the weight room and doing everything I do to stay ready,” he said. “I got to put that on being a Bahamian too, there some durability in me coming from The Bahamas. I’m blessed and I thank God everyday for allowing me to play at a high level.”

#Hield said one of his main goals this offseason is to improve his three-point percentage. He ranked fourth this season in both three-point makes (262) and attempted (716).

#As a Pacer, Hield reached another career milestone as one of the NBA’s premier shooters. He moved into 50th place in career three-point field goals made when he surpassed 1,397 through his six-year career.

#Hield surpassed former Three Point contest champion Brent Barry and at the conclusion of the season, has made 1,417 three pointers. He now trails the Hawks’ Danilo Gallinari at no.49 on the all time list with 1,426.

#The Pacers will face the Charlotte Hornets in their preseason opener on October 5.

#Opening night of the regular season for the Pacers is October 19 at home against the Washington Wizards.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/sep/27/hield-optimistic-about-potential-pacers-young-core/?news

As of Tuesday, September 27, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#PITCH In for Youth Baseball, a non-profit organisation created to assist with the collection and distribution of baseball equipment throughout the Caribbean and South and Central America, made its inaugural visit to the Bahamas over the weekend.

#During the trip, arranged through the Bahamas Baseball Association, Pitch In presented its first distribution of equipment to Mario Ford’s Community Baseball Programme at Windsor Park on Saturday.

#The husband and wife team of Dr Amar and Meghana Rajadhyaksha, who formed the organisation to support of their son, Vinay, were in town to make the presentation. They indicated that they intend to come back in the future to continue to assist other local leagues in the Bahamas.

#Shane Albury, the vice president of the BBA, said they welcome the gesture by Pitch In.

#“We are trying to promote the various leagues in the country and this is just the start of things to come,” Albury said.

#He said Ford’s camp was selected for the first donation because of the work he’s been doing and the need for him to secure more equipment to assist with his programme, which is conducted every Saturday between the hours of 9:30am to noon at Windsor Park. “Things like this will go a long way in helping to further improve the level of baseball in the country,” Albury said.

#As the initial benefactors of the donation, Ford said he appreciates the support from the BBA and Pitch In and he vowed to make the most of what they have received in assisting the many young boys and girls who pass through their programme that is ran for nine months of the year.

#“When we got the call from Shane Albury and the BBA, we were excited because these are some equipment that we could use for the betterment of the many young people who participate in our programme,” Ford said.

#“We want to continue to keep these youngsters motivated as they move forward and so this donation will go a long way in assisting in that regard.”

#As a programme that caters mainly to youngsters out of the grassroot areas, Ford said most of the participants lack the proper equipment when they come out to participate. But the equipment will further motivate them to compete.

#“We started our final session on September 3 and it will run until October 9 at every Saturday,” Ford said. “The youngsters come out every Saturday and they get a chance to develop their skills in training sessions and they also display those skills in game situations. He noted that the players are all enthused about the programme and he’s seen a vast improvement in a lot of them. “We feel that by them coming out on Saturdays, when they start to play baseball in the high schools, they will be better able to perform,” he said.

#“There are a lot of activities going on, so we try not to overcrowd them, but just provide an avenue for them to train on a weekly basis.”

#Albury said Pitch In intends to come back every few months and provide equipment to other leagues just as they do in other areas, including Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic since 2020. The Bahamas is the first island touched in the Caribbean.

#Pitch In was formed by Rajadhyaksha, an orthopedic spine surgeon in Miami who played baseball all of his life and is a big fan of the Boston Red Sox.

#However, when his 11-year-old son Vinay got involved in the sport, he noticed his keen interest in helping other young players his age. Vinay, who pitches and plays at first base, started collecting new and gently used baseball equipment and also to raise funds for uniforms for leagues in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

#In addition to the Bahamas, he hopes to extend his philanthropy to Cuba, Honduras, Colombia and Venezuela.

Pitch In For Youth Baseball makes inaugural visit to The Bahamas

As of Tuesday, September 27, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#PITCH In for Youth Baseball, a non-profit organisation created to assist with the collection and distribution of baseball equipment throughout the Caribbean and South and Central America, made its inaugural visit to the Bahamas over the weekend.

#During the trip, arranged through the Bahamas Baseball Association, Pitch In presented its first distribution of equipment to Mario Ford’s Community Baseball Programme at Windsor Park on Saturday.

#The husband and wife team of Dr Amar and Meghana Rajadhyaksha, who formed the organisation to support of their son, Vinay, were in town to make the presentation. They indicated that they intend to come back in the future to continue to assist other local leagues in the Bahamas.

#Shane Albury, the vice president of the BBA, said they welcome the gesture by Pitch In.

#“We are trying to promote the various leagues in the country and this is just the start of things to come,” Albury said.

#He said Ford’s camp was selected for the first donation because of the work he’s been doing and the need for him to secure more equipment to assist with his programme, which is conducted every Saturday between the hours of 9:30am to noon at Windsor Park. “Things like this will go a long way in helping to further improve the level of baseball in the country,” Albury said.

#As the initial benefactors of the donation, Ford said he appreciates the support from the BBA and Pitch In and he vowed to make the most of what they have received in assisting the many young boys and girls who pass through their programme that is ran for nine months of the year.

#“When we got the call from Shane Albury and the BBA, we were excited because these are some equipment that we could use for the betterment of the many young people who participate in our programme,” Ford said.

#“We want to continue to keep these youngsters motivated as they move forward and so this donation will go a long way in assisting in that regard.”

#As a programme that caters mainly to youngsters out of the grassroot areas, Ford said most of the participants lack the proper equipment when they come out to participate. But the equipment will further motivate them to compete.

#“We started our final session on September 3 and it will run until October 9 at every Saturday,” Ford said. “The youngsters come out every Saturday and they get a chance to develop their skills in training sessions and they also display those skills in game situations. He noted that the players are all enthused about the programme and he’s seen a vast improvement in a lot of them. “We feel that by them coming out on Saturdays, when they start to play baseball in the high schools, they will be better able to perform,” he said.

#“There are a lot of activities going on, so we try not to overcrowd them, but just provide an avenue for them to train on a weekly basis.”

#Albury said Pitch In intends to come back every few months and provide equipment to other leagues just as they do in other areas, including Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic since 2020. The Bahamas is the first island touched in the Caribbean.

#Pitch In was formed by Rajadhyaksha, an orthopedic spine surgeon in Miami who played baseball all of his life and is a big fan of the Boston Red Sox.

#However, when his 11-year-old son Vinay got involved in the sport, he noticed his keen interest in helping other young players his age. Vinay, who pitches and plays at first base, started collecting new and gently used baseball equipment and also to raise funds for uniforms for leagues in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

#In addition to the Bahamas, he hopes to extend his philanthropy to Cuba, Honduras, Colombia and Venezuela.

As of Tuesday, September 27, 2022

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PHOENIX Suns’ Deandre Ayton, of The Bahamas, poses for a photo during an NBA basketball media day yesterday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#DEANDRE Ayton’s offseason contract situation and his role in his return to the Phoenix Suns were one of several highlights from the team’s media day.

#Following a lengthy restricted free agency process, Ayton officially inked a four-year, $133 million contract in July to return to the Suns.

#“I was happy, It was all done…I guess,” Ayton said. “I’m locked in on getting better and starting training camp.”

#Ayton, a highly coveted restricted free agent target, signed a maximum offer sheet on July 14 with the Indiana Pacers and within moments, the Suns matched the offer to retain the no.1 overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft.

#During the negotiation process, Ayton said that he continued to work on his improvements on the floor while his team handled the business side of professional basketball.

#“I was under a rock just working. I was leaving all that in my agent’s hands and trusting my team. Why look back? I don’t want to take steps back, I just want to move forward,” he said.

From left; Phoenix Suns’ Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker, head coach Monty Williams, Mikal Bridges and Chris Paul pose for a photo with team photographer Barry Gossage during an NBA basketball media day, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

#“No weight, no pressure, just trying to do the best at what my task is and let the rest take place. Just trust my team to do what they had to do to put me in the situation where I’m at now.”

#In his fourth season, the 24-year-old centre averaged 17.2 points on a career high 63 percent from the field and 10.2 rebounds per game in 58 appearances.

#“Relentlessness,” he said when asked what he hopes to bring to the table in the upcoming season.

#“Being that player I always wanted to be since I got drafted. I’m older now, there’s no more taking baby steps, it’s just going out and taking what’s yours…I’ve been working on everything. I’m just trying to be the most dominant person right now and I feel like I can do that.”

#He recorded both his 3,000th career point and his 2,000th career rebound this past season, becoming the second-fastest player to reach these milestones in a Suns uniform behind only Charles Barkley.

#The Suns finished with an NBA best and new franchise record of 64-18. The no.1 overall seed in the Western Conference, they were upset in the second round of the playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks in seven games.

#Despite the setback, Ayton said the focus of the roster remains the same, the chase for the franchise’s first NBA title.

#“Being prepared, making sure I’m in shape, bringing energy and mental focus, I think that will set the tone and everybody should follow,” he said.

#“Just being around the guys, all of us being in the gym playing against each other and just feeling that energy in this environment, it’s still the same, nothing’s changed. We’re a lot older now to where there’s no more baby steps, we know the task at hand so there’s really not much talk.”

#There was much speculation on the relationship between Ayton and the Suns’ head coach Monty Williams.

#Ayton appeared in only 17 minutes of the Suns’ 123-90 elimination loss to the Dallas Mavericks in game seven of the Western Conference semifinals. He finished with just five points, four rebounds and two assists. Williams told reporters postgame that Ayton’s limited playing time was the result of an “internal” decision and did not expand on the matter.

#Headed into this season, Williams said his offence will find more inventive ways to get other playmakers like Ayton involved and take advantage of his skillset. “I wouldn’t say there’s a total remake of what we do I think there are some wrinkles in what we do that will allow for some of his talents to show more,“ Williams said.

#“It’s not just a scoring thing, I think one of the things I did not do a good job of last year was for allow other guys to grow in their ability to initiate offence which takes a lot of pressure off Chris [Paul], which allows for him to be fresher.

#“So yeah I think there are some wrinkles that we are certainly going to explore to try to take advantage of DA’s ability to score in the mid-range, taking threes from the top of the key, corner threes, those are things that I have watched him work on this summer and we certainly have talked about it this summer.”

#Phoenix will open the preseason at home on October 2 when they host the Adelaide 36ers of Australia’s National Basketball League and will follow with their first NBA competition when they travel to California to face the Los Angeles Lakers on October 5.

#Phoenix will open the 2022-23 regular season at home against the Dallas Mavericks on October 19. For the second consecutive season, the Suns will be featured in a franchise record tying 34 nationally televised games.

#A total of 22 games will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN or TNT, with an additional 12 on NBATV.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/sep/27/ayton-im-locked-getting-better-and-starting-traini/?news

SAC senior boys defeated the Kingsway Academy Saints 28-6 yesterday to start their BAISS softball campaign on a high note. Photos: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

As of Tuesday, September 27, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#The St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine rolled past the Kingsway Academy Saints in an abbreviated 28-6 victory to start their Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ 2022 senior boys softball campaign on a high note.

#Playing at Kingsway Academy yesterday, SAC didn’t show any mercy as the game was stopped via the 15-run rule after four innings. While it was just the first game for the Big Red Machine, it was the second straight loss for the Saints, who marched past the Temple Christian Suns in their season opener.

#“I think overall, we could do better, but overall we did well,” said Amos Hanna, SAC’s starting pitcher. “We could shake it up a little, so when we get to practice, we will work on some things to get us ready for our next game.”

#The Big Red Machine put seven runs on the scoreboard in the top of the first, added eight in the second, five in the third and eight more in the fourth as they dominated from start to finish with every batter in their line-up scoring at least two runs.

#Demani Scott, who played right field, said although it was their first game, they could have done better.

#“We got to shake off the cobwebs,” he said. “We have practice tomorrow and on Wednesday, we will play much better.”

#The Saints had a pretty good bottom of the first, producing four runs and added two more in the second. But SAC managed to shut them down in the final two innings, pulling off a pair of 1-2-3 feats to seal the deal.

#Tyler Nairn scored a pair of runs and Lamond Davis, Nicholas Knowles, Ethan Brown and Ricardo Smith all scored a run each, but it wasn’t enough. Kingsway Academy’s coach Juliette Douglas-Sands said they came into the game, having to adjust their line-up and that made a huge difference in the outcome.

#“The boys are holding it together, but we just made a lot of silly mistakes,” Douglas-Sands said. “Our starting pitcher called in sick today and so I had to move our third baseman over to pitch. That was his first game pitching. “But other than that, I think the team still performed very well. We still have some more work to do during our practice session, so once we can get our plays down-packed, we will be able to perform a lot better the rest of the season.”

#As the Big Red Machine prepares for the rest of the season, Scott said he’s confident that they can bring home the championship title to SAC. “At SAC, that is want we are trying to do this year, win the championship,” Scott said. “We want to win this one. Hopefully we can do it by going undefeated as well. We feel we have a team to do it.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/sep/27/sac-senior-boys-dominate/

 Home|Sports|Smith and horse win division title at fall classicSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailSeptember 26, 2022 260 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The road to success sometimes involves taking a step backward. Kacy Lyn Smith discovered this after falling short at the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) North American Jumping Championships for Juniors/Young Riders earlier this summer.

The first step was to give her horse, Chicago M, a well-deserved rest. At the beginning of September, Smith and Chicago M returned to the ring at the Swan Lake Quentin Fall Classic Show to ride in the Low Juniors Division. At 1.20 meters (m), the fence heights were considerably lower than the pair’s usual competition level, but it was the refresher they needed.

“[We] did the Low Juniors to sort of get us back into the ring after Young Riders,” noted Smith.

The “step back” paid off – with rebuilt confidence, the pair finished first and second in their two classes, winning overall Division Champion.

Back in the groove, last weekend, Smith and Chicago M returned to the higher, more technical courses at the 2022 Devon Fall Classic in Devon, Pennsylvania. As there were no 1.30m Amateur classes, Smith opted to ride in the 1.30m Open, competing in good company against the likes of former USET (United States Equestrian Team) member and Pan Am bronze medalist Laura Chapot, and other notable professionals.

The pair did well, riding a fast, aggressive first round in a time of 67.91 seconds. A rail down at fence number nine cost them four faults and a place in the jump-off. However, the initial time was fast enough to place the pair as the fastest of the non-clear rounds and they finished in ninth place out of the 26 competitors.

https://thenassauguardian.com/smith-and-horse-win-division-title-at-fall-classic/

 Home|Sports|Blue Marlins, Wildcats punch ticket to NPSA ChampionshipsSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailSeptember 26, 2022 289 4 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

After winning 3-2 in the first game of the best-of-three semifinal series, the Cyber Tech Blue Marlins put on a dominant offensive display on Saturday night, taking down the Atlantis Titans, 10-3, to sweep them two games to none. With that win, they advanced to the New Providence Softball Association’s (NPSA) men’s championship series.

Playing in the early game on the Bankers Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, the Sunshine Auto Wildcats got over a slow start to take down the Johnson’s Lady Truckers, 17-6. That win punched their ticket to the women’s championship series as they swept the Lady Truckers to games to none, and now they will go after a fourth straight title.

Both the Blue Marlins and the Wildcats will have to wait until Thursday, at the earliest, to find out who they will play in the championship round.

Thomas Davis was on top of his pitching game for the Blue Marlins on Saturday night as he came away with 10 strikeouts. He also went 1-for-2 at the plate and scored two runs in the victory. Overall, the Blue Marlins finished with 10 hits in the game.

“The mindset coming into this game was to be different and more aggressive. The last game was close but we were able to get a win,” Davis said.

The Blue Marlins got on the scoreboard first as center fielder Angelo Watson got a double to bring home left fielder Lamar Watkins in the top of the second inning. Catcher Garfield Bethel and Davis also scored in that inning to put them up 3-0.

The Titans got their scoring underway in the bottom of that inning. Designated hitter Cardinal Gilbert came home on a hit by Nathan Bethel.

The Blue Marlins scored three more runs in the top of the third inning to take a 6-1 lead. The Titans could not get on the scoreboard in the bottom half of that inning as Davis and his team’s defense proved to be too much for them.

It was the top of the fourth when the Blue Marlins looked like they took the life out of the Titans with a four-run inning that enabled them to go up 10-1. They were all smiles heading back on the field for the bottom of the fourth. They shut out the Titans in the bottom of the fourth, and the score remained 10-1.

After the Blue Marlins did not score in the top of the fifth inning, Titans’ catcher Anthony Moss hit a double to center field to get an RBI (run batted in). Moss scored afterwards to give his team their third run of the night. It was not enough as they lost via the mercy rule.

Looking ahead, Davis said the mindset heading into the championship is to take it one game at a time, make the pitches and hit the ball.

The Wildcats scored in all six innings except one – the second inning. In the sixth inning, they scored five runs that brought on the mercy rule. They finished with 12 hits in a game that needed two and a half hours to complete.

One of the team captains, Larikah Russell, spoke about the performance. She finished 2-for-5 at the plate and scored three runs.

“From my vantage point, scoring two runs straight out of the gate is a great start and not a slow one. Yes, they may have scored more runs than we may have liked, but we remained focused. We did not dwell on any errors, we genuinely had fun and the final score reflected this,” Russell said.

After going up 2-0 in the top of the first inning, the Wildcats took their feet off the gas pedal and the Lady Truckers bounced back. They scored three runs in the bottom of the second inning. They Wildcats showed why they are the defending champions as they came right back in the top of the third inning and scored four runs to take the 6-3 lead. In the bottom half of that inning, the Lady Truckers scored just one run to trail 6-4 going into the fourth.

In the top of the fourth, the Wildcats got some more runs as they scored four more times to take a 10-4 lead. The Wildcats looked more confident heading on the field for the bottom of the fourth inning. The Lady Truckers mustered up just two runs in that inning.

Those two runs were last runs the Lady Truckers scored in the game. The Wildcats scored seven more runs to end the game early.

Looking ahead to the championship, Russell said that she will look to keep the team ready.

“I believe that the key to winning is practice and preparation,” Russell said. “So, we will do just that until it is time for the showdown. Every game is a team effort and we will continue to encourage and motivate each other, to play their best every time we step on the field.”

The Blue Marlins await the winner of the C&S Hitmen and the Chances Mighty Mitts. The Hitmen lead that series 1-0 and Game Two is set for Thursday night.

The Wildcats will be waiting to see who wins the other women’s series between the RAB Operators and the University of The Bahamas Mingoes. The Operators have a 1-0 lead in that series and their second game is set for Thursday at 7 p.m.

If the Operators and the Hitmen win, the championships will get underway on Saturday.

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 Home|Sports|Boxing is backSports

Titles won at inaugural Fred Sturrup Boxing Championships

Simba FrenchSend an emailSeptember 26, 2022 332 4 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The national boxing facility at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex came alive on Saturday night as boxing enthusiasts came out to see four title matches and two exhibition matches at the inaugural Fred Sturrup Boxing Championships that was promoted by the Major Pain Boxing Club.

The featured fight of the night was a heavyweight amateur match between John St. Surin and Eric Williams.

St. Surin, who fights for Major Pain, had a good first round, feeling out Williams, who fights for Aftershock Boxing Club. St. Surin got some good jabs along with some good combinations in early, controlling the fight.

In the second round, Williams got in some punches but it was not enough to secure him an advantage in that round. It was all St. Surin in the third and final round as he clobbered Williams, sending him to his knees. The referee counted Williams to make sure he was OK. He got back up but St. Surin kept going at him before the bell sounded.

In the end, St. Surin was the winner. The 22-year-old did it in unanimous fashion, winning the heavyweight belt.

“It feels good to get the victory. I was prepared for the fight and did my best, and that was the outcome. I just wanted to figure him out. I paced myself, then went for the kill,” St. Surin stated.

In the super lightweight division, Major Pain’s Maleko Davis put on a show for the fans when he took on Lavardo Collie from the South Side Marlins Club. Davis showed that he was prepared for the fight. He dominated Collie in the first round with some body shots that appeared to weigh his opponent down.

Collie got some head shots on Davis but Davis still controlled the fight as he looked fluid, landing some body shot combinations and showing his elusiveness.

It was Davis who was able to win the third round as Collie appeared tired. The judges awarded the fight to Davis.

“The first round was easy. I did not want to put too much pressure on him as I was trying to figure him out, but he kept using his reach. The second and third rounds, I just wore him down. It felt good to fight in front of the fans,” Davis said.

The first two bouts of the night had to be stopped by the referee. In the first bout, which was between Brandon Johnson from Southside Marlins and Aladdin Ellis from Bimini, the referee stopped it in the first round as the 14-year-old Anatol Rodgers High School student was too much for Ellis. He won the light heavyweight belt.

“The fight was fairly easy. It was nothing too hectic. I went in there and did my thing and kept it clean,” Brandon said.

The other bout was between Southside Marlins’ Michael Stubbs and the Major Pain Boxing Club’s Chris Robinson. This contest was stopped by the referee in the third round.

Stubbs was impressive in this bout as he got in some key body shots that sent Robinson to his corner.

Robinson tried to counterattack but 18-year-old Stubbs was too much for him. The referee stopped the fight in the third round and Stubbs secured the welterweight belt.

“I did not like how I performed. The next time, I will do better. I felt I could have ended the fight in the first round. In the third round, I hit him with some body shots but I feel the fight could have ended earlier,” Stubbs said.

The night featured Meacher ‘Major Pain’ Major going up against Anthony ‘Pyscho’ Woods in an exhibition match. The two put on a show for the fans as they brought back memories.

Major said it was great to put on a show for the fans and was happy to see the fans supporting the younger boxers. He wanted them to see that boxing is on the way back.

“It was a great night for boxing in the country and it was great to be a part of it. In the first round, I thought about taking it seriously but I had to remember that it was just an exhibition and I got settled and started to have fun,” said Major.

Woods echoed Major’s sentiments.

“I went out there to put on a good fight. I am always ready for a fight. They just have to call me,” Woods said.

One of the young 

professional boxers, Tyrone Oliver, went up against Ronald Johnson. In the first two rounds, the boxers were more laid-back and cautious. They were more aggressive in the third round, especially Oliver.

“I haven’t fought in front of a home crowd in over a year. I have been manifesting a moment like this where I can showcase my talents in front of my friends and family. It was a great atmosphere,” Oliver said.

Fred Sturrup sat ringside and watched the bouts. He was awarded a plaque for his contribution to the sport. He said he was appreciative to the organizers for presenting him with the award and was happy to see the support for the event.

“It was great to see the turnout and how enthusiastic they were about boxing,” said Sturrup. “When you made the long journey like I have from 1968 to now, it is so impressive for me, nostalgic and significant to see that boxing is still going on. We are on the verge of coming back with Major, Allen (organizer Alpachino Allen) and Michelle Minus, who is coming back. It is a pleasure to see that boxing is on the mend and, after a night like this, the potential is there for the future of boxing.” 

Allen, one of the event’s organizers, said it was a great night. He was excited for the turnout.

“It was great to have the support of the other clubs – the Marlins Club and the Aftershock Club. There were some good fights tonight. From what I witnessed tonight (Saturday), as long as the youth stay consistent and stay in the gym, we will have a good boxing team for The Bahamas,” Allen said.

He is looking to host more shows in the near future.

There were awards for the night’s performances. The Most Valuable Boxer of the night was Davis. Stubbs won the Fighter of the Night award. Johnson was the most improved fighter. The overall winning club was the Major Pain Boxing Club.

Allen thanked the sponsors – Bet Vegas, Unique Discovery, Alka Boost Water and Charm Ones Export – for their support.

https://thenassauguardian.com/boxing-is-back/

 Home|Sports|Mingoes drop two games to the Fort Lauderdale EaglesSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailSeptember 27, 2022 125 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

TAMARAC, Florida – The University of The Bahamas (UB) Mingoes men’s soccer team dropped two games over the weekend to the University of Fort Lauderdale Eagles.

The Mingoes lost the first match, 5-0, on Friday and came back Saturday and fell, 3-0. Mingoes’ Assistant Head Coach Alex Thompson said the team was missing a few key players for various reasons. He said they could have made a huge impact on the team.

“We had some players really step up and solidify places on the team. There’s a lot to look forward to going back home to the local league,” said Thompson. “The freshman got battle-hardened and the vets got sharpened in certain positions.”

Fort Lauderdale 5, 
Mingoes 0 (Friday)

The Mingoes started the match off playing strong against the Eagles but a weak middle left the side vulnerable. The Eagles scored on an easy pass in the 16th minute and never looked back. They had another score three minutes later and ended the half up 2-0.

In the second half, the Mingoes were a bit more defensive but the Eagles were still able to score in the 66th, 68th, and 78th minutes of the match. Offensive production, or the lack thereof for the Mingoes, was a big factor in the match. The Eagles took 23 shots with 15 on goal while the Mingoes only had five total shots and two on goal.

The Eagles were more aggressive as well as the side racked up 13 fouls compared to six for the Mingoes. The Mingoes goalkeepers had to work hard as they had 10 saves on the day.

Fort Lauderdale 3, Mingoes 0 (Saturday)

The Mingoes came out very slow in the match. The Eagles went up 1-0 on an unassisted goal in the 10th minute. The defense kicked in for the Mingoes and the team was able to keep the Eagles off the scoreboard for the remainder of the half, but offensively, they only had one shot.

In the second half, with the Mingoes down 1-0, the Eagles went to a very passive style of play, essentially keeping the ball away from UB. On their end of the field, the Eagles capitalized on their shot attempts. They scored in the 53rd and 76th minutes of the game, and won, 3-0.

The Mingoes ended the match with only three shots and one on goal while the Eagles had 19 shots and seven of them on goal.

Thompson said the match came down to three key points.

“It came down to concentration, attitude, and effort,” he said. “Unfortunately, we were the team that made the most mistakes. Three mistakes in particular led to three goals for them and that made the difference in the game.”

Thompson added the team was in a much better position in this match compared to the first one but the ball was just not finding itself in back of the net.

“It was a much better showing from the guys on Saturday as we changed up the game plan a bit and they carried out the instructions, more or less, but we were just unlucky on the attacking end and needed to pay more attention to detail on the defensive end,” said Thompson.

The Mingoes now move to the Bahamas Football Association’s (BFA) season that starts for them on Friday at 7 p.m. They will take on the Renegades FC at the Roscow A.L. Davies Soccer Field.

https://thenassauguardian.com/mingoes-drop-two-games-to-the-fort-lauderdale-eagles/