Home|Sports|Mackey, Nottage win national titlesSports

Both players are celebrating their first senior national championships

Simba FrenchSend an emailDecember 23, 2022 124 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

For the first time in their young careers, Denali Nottage and Elana Mackey are senior national tennis champions of The Bahamas. They lifted the men and women’s national titles at the Giorgio Baldacci Open National Championships yesterday.

Nottage and Mackey won the titles on the final day of competition that began on Monday at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) National Tennis Centre.

Nottage went up against Kevin Major Jr. in the men’s final and Mackey went up against the defending champion Sydney Clarke on the women’s side. 

Nottage hardly broke a sweat as Major retired after winning the first game of the first set. 

“I feel good. It wasn’t the way I wanted to win, but a win is a win,” said Nottage. “Mentally, I was ready because we played at the last one and he came out on top so I was looking forward to seeking revenge this time.” 

Nottage said he is looking forward to making his debut with Major at the 2023 Davis Cup – something that he calls a big accomplishment. The top two finishers in each gender assured themselves of spots on next year’s Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup teams for The Bahamas.

It was much more competitive on the women’s side as Mackey earned a hard fought win. She won in straight sets, 6-3 and 7-5. 

“It feels good because I was training for this tournament the whole fall season while I was at college. I had a plan and I was able to execute it. I felt like I played more free today and I played with confidence like I wasn’t nervous or anything,” Mackey said. “My plan was to jump on her from the first set. I didn’t want to start late because I am normally a late starter like it takes me long to warm up. Today, I felt like I did a good job of just going for my shots and playing.”

Clarke said that her serve was not working in the match and she made too much errors.

“I made a lot of errors today and my serve broke down,” Clarke said. “I had my chances, and my opportunities, but I was in and out and eventually my serve broke down and I think that’s what cost me the match. Mackey took the opportunities she had, especially when I made errors. She cleaned up her game which allowed her to pull out the win.”

After Mackey won the first set, Clarke won the first three games of the second set and it looked like she was on the verge of taking the match to a third set. Mackey showed resilience and composure as she was able to tie the second set 3-3. 

“Clarke is good. I know that she wasn’t going to give up after the first set. I know that in order to beat her I just had to stay focused and just believe in the plan that I had,” Mackey said.

Mackey went on to win the second set 7-5.

Mackey and Clarke will now team up for the Billie Jean King Cup tournament set for next year. They along with two other players will represent The Bahamas. The names of the other two members of the team will be released at a later date.

Mackey is at Mars Hill University, playing collegiately. She is getting ready for her school’s spring season, set to commence in February. Clarke is at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and will also be playing next spring.

Rodney Carey Jr. finished third on the men’s side. He also won the sportsmanship award. Jalisa Clarke finished third on the women’s side. Calia Bowe won the sportsmanship award on the women’s side. 

An invitational is expected to be held in 2023 to fill the remaining spots on the teams.

The tournament was sponsored by RMS Insurance Agents and Brokers and Fidelity Bank and Trust.

https://thenassauguardian.com/mackey-nottage-win-national-titles/

 Home|Sports|‘Coach Yo’, Rebels close out non-conference play with a winSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailDecember 23, 2022 85 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Classes have ended at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) for the fall semester, but there was one more game on the schedule for Bahamian Yolett ‘Coach Yo’ McPhee-McCuin and the Ole Miss Lady Rebels (11-2) before heading into their Christmas break. The Bahamian head coach of the program and her team made light work of the Temple University Owls (5-7) on the road at McGonigle Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, winning 75-55, on Wednesday.

With the win, the Rebels closed out their non-conference regular season play and will now get their grueling Southeastern Conference (SEC) schedule underway. Their two losses came against nationally ranked schools in number 17, the University of Utah Utes, and the number 24 ranked University of Oklahoma Sooners.

In the game on Wednesday, McPhee-McCuin was able to play her entire roster and four of her starters scored in double figures. Junior Madison Scott and senior Angel Baker both finished with a double-double with Scott scoring 16 points and grabbing 10 boards and Baker adding 14 points and 10 boards. Senior Tyia Singleton and senior Marquesha Davis scored 16 points and 10 points, respectively.

The Lady Rebels came out the gate on a mission as they jumped out to a 26-9 lead after the first quarter. That included an 8-0 start to the game. In that quarter, the Lady Rebels went 11-for-14 from the field, shooting 78.6 percent. They were a perfect 3-for-3 from deep in that period.

In the second period, Ole Miss outscored the Owls, 18-16, to go into the third quarter with a 44-25 lead. It was a great defensive display from McPhee-McCuin’s team as they held the Owls to 32.3 percent shooting from the field. 

The Rebels went on to outscore the Owls, 15-10, in the third quarter and they cruised to victory in the fourth. 

The Rebels shot the ball well all game, knocking down 50 percent of their shots. Temple shot just 35 percent from the field. The Lady Rebels held their own in rebounding, pulling down 37 rebounds compared to Temple’s 33 rebounds.  

The Lady Rebels will have a week off from competition and will return to action on Thursday December 29 when they face the Auburn University Tigers to open SEC play. That game is set for 7 p.m. Eastern Time at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Mississippi. 

McPhee-Mcuin and her team finished the SEC portion of the 2021-2022 season with a 10-6 win/loss record – a great improvement from 4-10 the previous season.

https://thenassauguardian.com/coach-yo-rebels-close-out-non-conference-play-with-a-win/

 Home|Sports|Sydney Clarke giving back to the communitySports

Simba FrenchSend an emailDecember 22, 2022 138 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

For the last three years, Bahamian senior women’s national team member Sydney Clarke has been collecting donations and galvanizing support for the Children’s Emergency Hostel on McKinney Drive off Carmichael Road. This year is no different as she is staging an event on Friday December 23.

The donation drive is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday but items could be dropped off before or after the time period.

“I am accepting toys, non-perishable foods on behalf of the Children’s Emergency Hostel because every year they are in need of restocking their pantry, and so I’ve just decided to take the initiative to keep improving the event and just help them out every time I come home during the Christmas break,” Clarke said.

Currently, Clarke is in her junior year at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) where she plays tennis on a full scholarship. She said she feels good to be doing her part in helping out in the community.

“I do a lot of community service at school. It’s something I enjoy doing and I feel as though when I give back, it just transfers over. I just love helping people and it’s also because so much people help me. I feel as though it’s just my duty as a citizen – to do what I can and make an impact in some way,” Clarke said.

Clarke and her team are accepting toys, non-perishable goods like tuna, spaghetti and meatballs, Vienna sausage and cereals. Disposable items like cups, plates and forks are also welcomed. If there are any bigger donations like kitchen appliances or bedroom items, persons can contact the hostel.

“This will be my third year hosting the drive,” Clarke said. “I just hope to keep expanding it and getting better at organizing the event each year. So far, I’ve gotten a lot of donations and I’m very appreciative of those who have donated. I’m just looking forward to it getting better.”

The 21-year-old is home for the Christmas holidays to be with family and friends. In the meantime, she is competing at the Giorgio Baldacci Open National Championships, looking to successfully defend her women’s national title. She will take on Elana Mackey in the women’s championship today. Clarke and the UAB Blazers will return to action on January 15, 2023, when they face the Mississippi State University Bulldogs in Starkville, Mississippi.

https://thenassauguardian.com/sydney-clarke-giving-back-to-the-community/

 Home|Sports|Major, Nottage advance to men’s finalSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailDecember 22, 2022 129 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Kevin Major Jr. won his semifinal match quickly and was able to watch a set and a half of the other semifinal at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) National Tennis Centre yesterday.

Both Major and Denali Nottage advanced to the final of the Giorgio Baldacci Open National Championships, and they will play in the final at 11 a.m. today.

Also scheduled for today is a rematch of last year’s women’s championship match between Sydney Clarke and Elana Mackey. That match gets underway at 9 a.m.

The wins for Major and Nottage in the semifinals mean that they both have booked their spots on the 2023 Davis Cup team. It will be Major’s seventh time on the Davis Cup team while Nottage will be making his debut.

Major, who was the 2019 men’s national champion, was brilliant in his match against veteran Marvin Rolle yesterday. He turned back Rolle in straight sets, 6-4 and 6-1.

Nottage, who is playing in his second Giorgio Baldacci Open National Championships, went down to the wire in a tight three-set match against Rodney Carey in an all-Grand Bahama semifinal match. Nottage struck first, winning the first set 7-6 (7-5). Carey won the second set 7-5. Nottage then bounced back and won the final set, 7-5.

Major said that it was tough playing against Rolle because of Rolle’s high tennis IQ (Intelligence Quotient).

“Playing Marvin is always tricky because his IQ is so high, so no matter how well I play, he knows how to counter, how to stay aggressive, and how to keep himself in the match. My job is to make sure he never felt comfortable or if he did feel comfortable, make him uncomfortable,” Major said.

Nottage was knocked out in the semifinals last year. This year, he said he has become more matured and was focused.

“It’s always good playing a top performer from The Bahamas like Rodney. It is always good to share the court with those type of players and just fight until the end like what I did today,” Nottage said.

The main goal for Nottage was to hold serve, he said. There were a couple of times when he was down love-30, but in the back of his head, he said he had to remember the plan was to hold serve. He will look to get in some rest after a three-hour match and prepare to play the number one seeded Major in the final.

Against Carey, Nottage said he dug down deep in the final game after going up 6-5 in the third set. He was serving in that final game and finished off Carey with an ace to punch his ticket to Davis Cup competition for The Bahamas.

“It’s a dream come true for every tennis athlete,” Nottage said. “You would want to represent your country, so now, I can say I am able to represent my country.”

Looking ahead to today’s match, Major kept it simple.

“I am looking to do the same thing I did today (yesterday) which is to take high percentage shots, have high percentage first serves, stay aggressive, stay calm and just fight,” Major said.

The tournament is sponsored by RMS Insurance Agents and Brokers and Fidelity Bank and Trust.

https://thenassauguardian.com/major-nottage-advance-to-mens-final/

 Home|Sports|Hanna thrilled to represent The BahamasSports

Bahamian pro player looking for more opportunities in baseball

Sheldon LongleySend an emailDecember 22, 2022 191 5 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian Ellison Hanna has come from being afraid of the baseball during his days at the Junior Baseball League of Nassau (JBLN) in Nassau East to launching 400-foot home runs professionally.

His performance during the 4th COCABE (Caribbean Baseball Confederation) Caribbean Baseball Cup, which was held at the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium two weeks ago, quickly endeared him into the hearts of Bahamians.

Hanna, 24, launched the first home run by a Bahamian in the new stadium, immediately becoming the answer to a key trivia question going forward, and became a fan favorite from his contributions on the field and off-field personality. Hanna, a second-year professional baseball player, finished the week-long tournament with four hits in 15 at-bats, one home run, two RBIs (runs batted in) and four runs scored.

The Bahamas finished fourth in that regional tournament, thereby missing out on a qualifying spot for next year’s Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in San Salvador, El Salvador, but Hanna certainly did his part to propel the team forward. He led the team in home runs with one, runs scored with four, slugging percentage (SLG) at .467, was second in on-base plus slugging (OPS) at .820, tied for third in RBIs with four others at two, and fifth in hits and batting average at four and .267, respectively.

Professionally, he plays for the Lake Erie Crushers professional baseball team in Avon, Ohio.

“Coming home and representing my country in a tournament of this level was a lifelong dream of mine. It meant the world to me,” said Hanna. “Having my parents and friends being able to watch me play, and being able to put on the uniform for The Bahamas, was an absolute blessing. I could never say that I was satisfied because as a team, we didn’t get the job done. There is always more that you would feel that you could have done. There are some regrets, but nevertheless, there were a lot of positives.”

Hanna had a couple of huge hits for The Bahamas in the Caribbean Baseball Cup. He blasted a towering solo shot against Cuba to get The Bahamas on the scoreboard in that game and had a huge two-run single in the bottom of the seventh inning against the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) to put The Bahamas up, 3-2, in that game. The Bahamas defeated the USVI, 4-3, but lost to Cuba, 9-3.

“With the home run, that was an awesome feeling,” said Hanna. “I met a kid from JBLN and when I told him that I was Ellison Hanna, he told me he knew who I was. He said ‘you’re the guy who hit the home run’ so that was cool. It seems like that will always be something that people will remember.”

As a pinch hitter in the top of the ninth against Cuba, Hanna said he was just looking to be a spark plug for the team with them being down 9-0 at that point.

“I wanted to lift the spirit of the team in any way possible. I saw two sliders away and a fastball up and in. I saw a slider in the dirt and another fastball away. On the last pitch, he threw me a slider that missed its spot. It was middle in and I just turned on it. It was a good feeling,” said Hanna.

The Bahamian slugger is a graduate of St. Augustine’s College (SAC) and then went off to Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to further his education and continue his baseball career. Hanna then attended Indiana State University before entering the professional ranks in 2021, signing with the Missoula PaddleHeads in the Pioneer League, a Major League Baseball (MLB) Partner League. The PaddleHeads are based in Missoula, Montana.

In his senior year in university, Hanna helped the Indiana State Sycamores to a 31-21 win/loss record that included a 13-14 record in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I baseball. He finished the season with a .337 batting average with five home runs and 21 RBIs. He was selected to the MVC Baseball Tournament All-Tournament Team, finishing the tournament hitting .278 with three home runs and nine RBIs.

“I’m working hard and still trying to keep the dream alive of getting to the majors but I’m also very realistic. I feel like my entire purpose on this earth is to inspire, transform and help cultivate young people. Going to the majors would be an easy way to do that, but if I have a chance to work with kids, I would be okay with doing that. I would still like to play professional baseball for the rest of my life, but I’m realistic, understanding that I’m 24 and the window is kind of closing,” said Hanna.

Hanna said he was afraid of the baseball when he first started plating at nine-years-old at JBLN, but just decided one day that if he was going to progress in the sport, he had to get over that fear.

“I actually started off playing soccer and doing gymnastics, but my dad was a softball player, and I kind of just told him that I wanted to be like him. I never wanted to get hit, but eventually I adjusted and stopped being afraid of the baseball. The experience at JBLN was all about transformation and progress in my life. I just decided that I wasn’t going to let one little ball determine whether or not I would be able to do great things. JBLN, for me, represented a lot of opportunities,” he said.

Hanna said through JBLN he was able to a MLB elite baseball camp in Brazil, multiple showcases – one each for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds – and he was able to meet lifelong friends.

“JBLN formulated a 

structure in my life that I didn’t know that I needed,” said Hanna. “There were kids who were better than me and it was easy to quit, but at the end of the day, I was able to progress and had opportunities to become a professional baseball player. All of that happened at JBLN.”

Hanna said he would embrace an opportunity to coach young baseball talent in the future.

“Coaching is something that I enjoy. Through coaching, I get to live out three objectives – to inspire, transform and help cultivate. With coaching, I’m just trying to figure out if to do that in the U.S. after I get my degree or come home and pay it forward and try to help young kids over here,” he said. “Dreams are what you make them. It’s up to you to decide what you want to do and how you want to achieve it. Your brain will automatically feed into any experience that you put it through and it will try its best to make sure that it comes true. If there’s a kid out there trying to be the best basketball player or the best baseball player, they have to know that it is achievable. Continue to work hard and allow yourself to grow and just allow yourself to become a better person. Keep feeding yourself with experiences.”

Hanna is currently pursuing a master’s degree in human resources management and is gradually anticipating the next step in his baseball career and in mentoring others. He was plugged in primarily as an outfielder for The Bahamas during the Caribbean Baseball Cup.

The Bahamian said he is looking forward to representing The Bahamas in baseball again in the not too distant future.

https://thenassauguardian.com/hanna-thrilled-to-represent-the-bahamas/

As of Wednesday, December 21, 2022

• Sign in to favorite this
• DiscussComment, Blog about
• Share thisEmail, Facebook, Twitter

#THE men’s semifinal of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s 2022 Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals is scheduled to be played today at the National Tennis Centre between two familiar names and two surprise entries from Grand Bahama.

#On one half of the draw, top seed Kevin Major Jr will take on veteran Davis Cupper Marvin Rolle and the other will be a showcase between former Davis Cupper Rodney Carey and Denali Nottage.

#In one bracket of yesterday’s quarterfinal match, Major Jr stayed spotless in his two matches with a 6-0, 6-0 whitewashing of high schooler Dentry Mortimer Jr, while Rolle got by Anthony Burrows Jr in identical scores of 6-1, 6-1.

#The other bracket saw Carey Jr outlast collegian Jacobi Bain 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (8-6) and Nottage made easy work of Savano Hanna 6-0, 6-0.

#From the tournament, the BLTA will begin the process of selecting its men’s team for the 2023 Davis Cup competition with the two finalists given the first two spots.

#Rolle, at 39, is the longest serving member on the team, having not only travelled as a player, but also a captain.

#He admits that while he’s glad to be in a position to get another spot on the team, it won’t be easy facing Major Jr.

#“He should win the match because he’s out there playing,” said Rolle.

#“I’m going to go out there and give it 100 percent. Hopefully it will be a good match and he won’t blow me out. He’s still in his 20s and I’m almost 40. Hopefully it would be a good match.”

#Against Burrows Jr, Rolle said he just wanted to get through the match as quickly as possible.

#“AJ is one of the top guys coming up. He played well,” Rolle said.

#“I guess it was my experience over the years that really pulled me through the match.”

#In his match, Major Jr said he didn’t want to exert too much energy playing Dentry Mortimer Jr, a student at St Augustine’s College.

#“The match was pretty much straight forward. I played another top junior, but I’m still holding it down and I will continue to hold it down for as long as I can,” said Major Jr, who is now training in Tampa, Florida and is back on the circuit after a three-year hiatus.

#“When these youngsters do decide to enter the pros, I want to be there to help them. But for now, playing against them, it’s all business. It’s all business whenever I come here.”

#Looking ahead to the semi today against Rolle, Major Jr said he’s aware of the experience that he brings to the match, but everybody is on his radar, and he knows he’s on their radar as well.

#“I’m just prepared to do whatever it takes to win,” he said. “We will let the dust settle and when it settles, we will see who the winner is.”

#Should he get past Rolle, Major Jr said it doesn’t matter who emerges between Carey Jr and Nottage. He claims that he’s only here to take care of business.

#In his quarter-final match against Bain, Carey Jr had the longest and most exciting encounter of the day.

#In the third and deciding set, 30-year-old Carey Jr had taken a 3-1 lead and was up 5-3 but couldn’t put 21-year-old Bain away as he stormed back to even the score at 6-6 to force the tie breaker.

#In the tie breaker, Carey Jr held on for the nail-biting 8-6 decision.

#“I was still trying to find my groove because I haven’t been performing as I should,” said Carey Jr, who is employed with the Ministry of Education in Grand Bahama. “I just came here to try and stay here in the game.

#“I’m happy that I came through with the win and now I can look forward to the semifinal. I know I will have another tough match against Denali, but I’m hoping that my experience can pull me through as I try to win this match and get back on the Davis Cup team.”

#Nottage, a former outstanding junior player, said he played much better yesterday than he did in his opening match of the tournament on Monday.

#“I had a game plan and rhythm,” Nottage said. “I feel good. I’m coming along good. I’ve been training hard. So, to be in the semis, I know the competition will get tougher. But I just hope to go out there and give it my best.”

#The men are slated to be back in action today, starting at 9am.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/21/blta-giorgio-baldacci-open-nationals-mens-semifina/?news

As of Wednesday, December 21, 2022

• Sign in to favorite this
• DiscussComment, Blog about
• Share thisEmail, Facebook, Twitter

#PHOENIX (AP) — Kyle Kuzma scored 29 points and the Washington Wizards stopped their 10-game losing streak last night, beating the Phoenix Suns 113-110.

#Deandre Ayton scored 30 – five points shy of his career high – and grabbed 13 rebounds with a blocked shot in 32 minutes on the floor for the Suns. He had 12 points and five rebounds at halftime.

#Bradley Beal, held to two points in the first half, finished with 27 for the Wizards (12-20), including two free throws to make it a five-point lead with 14 seconds left. Deni Avdija had 16 points and 10 rebounds.

#Washington played without Kristaps Porzingis, sidelined with what Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr called a “non-COVID illness.”

#The Wizards won for the first time since November 28, when they beat Minnesota 142-128 in Washington.

#Landry Shamet led the Suns with a season-high 31 points, making a career-high nine 3-pointers. Deandre Ayton had 30 points and 13 rebounds.

#Devin Booker missed his second straight game with groin soreness after scoring 58 points against New Orleans on Saturday.

#Earlier Tuesday, mortgage executive Mat Ishbia agreed in principle to buy a majority stake of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury from the embattled owner Robert Sarver for $4 billion.

#Chris Paul, who scored 28 points against the Lakers on Monday, didn’t score Tuesday until midway through the third quarter and finished with 12 points and 10 assists.

#Duane Washington Jr., in his first game back from a hip injury, scored 10 for the Suns. Mikal Bridges also scored 10.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/21/ayton-has-monster-double-double-30-points-13-rebou/?news

As of Wednesday, December 21, 2022

• Sign in to favorite this
• Discuss1 comment, Blog about
• Share thisEmail, Facebook, Twitter

#WHEN they got the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby started in 2018, neither Todd Isaacs Jr nor Lucius Fox envisioned that the event would become such a spectacular for the world to see in the Bahamas.

#The duo not only assemble the best talent available in the professional baseball ranks in the Major League affiliations and now there’s a wide range of celebrities coming on board to participate in the week-long festivities.

#“This is just our fifth year, and the growth has been tremendous,” said Fox, who became just the eighth Bahamian-born player to make the Majors.

#“This was big come through. We dreamed about it being big, but this is even bigger than we had envisioned for it.

#“We’re thankful and grateful to all who have come on board and make it what it is today. Hopefully this won’t be the end of it, but we will continue to see the growth and development for it over the next five years. We are just glad to put on this showcase for the Bahamian people and to bring the world to our shores to view what we have to offer.”

#His partner Isaacs Jr said they took the home run derby week to another level this year when they invited a number of stars, including Major League Hall of Famers Andre Dawson and Dave Winfield, who blessed the participants of the Home Run Derby with their knowledge of the game.

#“The Players Alliance came down as well and they really showed us a lot of love by participating in a celebrity softball game, a golf tournament, the kids’ camp and of course the Home Run Derby,” Isaacs Jr said. “It was truly a week in Paradise for all of our visitors who came in for the event.”

#When this year’s curtain came down on the first All-Bahamian finalists, it was Chicago Cubs’ minor league infielder BJ Murray who was left standing as the champion after he outdueled Trent Deveaux 9-8 in the keenly contested showdown.

#As the first Bahamian to hoist the conch-shell shaped trophy, the 21-year-old Murray joined an elite field that includes initial back-to-back champion Bo Bichette in 2018 and 2019, Lewis Brinson in 2020, MJ Melendez in 2021 in the much-anticipated head-to-head competition.

#Prior to that victory, Murray joined his Team Fox team-mates in carting off the team title in a 146-126 decision over Team Isaacs.

#Also in attendance, although he didn’t participate in the Home Run Derby, was Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm, the seventh Bahamian to play in the Major League.

#Chisholm had to sit out the latter part of the season because of an injury but hopes to be back to the form that had the entire Florida area rocking with Jazz at the beginning of the season.

#Isaacs Jr said just the presence of Chisholm at the event brought a lot of publicity to the Home Run Derby because the media came in from MLB to promote and showcase what the Bahamas has to offer, not just in sports but from the people who have helped to form and shape the lives of the many players in the pipeline in baseball, either in the minors or in college.

#“To be able to host this event, we really look forward to it,” Isaacs Jr said. “It’s over now, but we’re looking forward to what we are going to do different next year. We’re always chasing growth and we want to do something as we give our family, friends and fans something special to watch.”

#For Fox, it was a double dose of victory, firstly for the success of the entire week and secondly as his team got the win over Isaacs’ team. “My guys said they were going to perform and I’m so glad that they did,” Fox said.

#It was even sweeter as Murray got the win over Deveaux in the All-Bahamian final in the Home Run Derby.

#“We couldn’t ask for a better ending,” Fox stated. “The trophy will stay right here in the Bahamas where it should be.”

#As they look ahead to next year, Fox said they are looking for some more funding so that they can continue to improve on the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby project that they have introduced to the Bahamas.

#“We just want to see it get bigger and better,” he summed up.

#Even as he looks at the growth of the event, Fox is hoping that he personally will get another crack at playing in the Major League and hopefully this time it will be to stay as he joins Chisholm and the sixth Bahamian to play, Antoan Richardson, who is now the first base coach for the San Francisco Giants.

#“I just have to stay healthy and stay on the field. Once I can do that, I will be alright,” Fox stressed. “I want to be able to play in the Major League. I would love to there for the 162 games, so we will see how it goes.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/21/dont-blink-home-run-derby-continues-grow/

As of Wednesday, December 21, 2022

• Sign in to favorite this
• DiscussComment, Blog about
• Share thisEmail, Facebook, Twitter

#ORGANISER Glenn Smith was so impressed with the initial staging of the Hoopfest in Paradise High School Basketball Tournament over the weekend that they are already looking at returning for the second edition in 2023.

#Smith, who serves as president of Hoopfest in Paradise Basketball Incorporated, said they were able to display some top-notch basketball competition with some of the top stars coming in from the United States.

#“The fans who came out got to see the number one and number two top teams in the United States play against each other,” said Smith of the opening day matchup on Friday night that saw Duncanville High knock off Roselle Catholic School 73-58.

#“We had a lot of outstanding talent on display here.”

#Smith said having first visited our shores as a tourist, he was so impressed that when he returned to the United States, he began to form the framework that has produced the Hoopfest in Paradise.

#“I wanted more people in the United States to experience what I did,” Smith said. “In return, I thought with the history of basketball in the country, what better way to give them that exposure than by bringing the basketball talent from the United States for them to see.”

#Jerome Gomez, who along with Jeff Rodgers served as the local organisers, said they were delighted to join Smith in bringing the tournament to the Bahamas.

#“We got to see some high-level basketball competition from these high school players who will go on to become the next stars in college and even in the NBA,” Gomez said. “So, we’re looking forward to next year.

#“We’re looking forward to an even bigger draw and hopefully we will get more fans to come out and watch the action because you can’t get no better than this when it comes to the high school competition in the United States.”

#Smith said he was so impressed with what transpired that he has already made the commitment to return next year for the second edition of Hoopfest in Paradise.

#And to add to the level of competition, Smith said they are looking at bringing some of the girls’ high school teams to participate in the tournament as well.

#This year’s tournament also featured two Bahamian All-Star teams.

#The New Providence All-Stars lost 71-36 to the Miami Northwestern High School on Friday and the Grand Bahama All-Stars lost 66-47 to Miami Northwestern High on Saturday.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/21/hoopfest-paradise-were-looking-forward-even-bigger/

Conversations99+AboutMy membership settingsPrivacy • Terms

Grand Bahama to kick off 50th Independence celebrations with ‘Road to 50’ Race on Saturday, December 3

0 viewsSkip to first unread message

Bahamas Information Services

unread,Nov 28, 2022, 5:41:14 PMtoFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 28, 2022By ANDREW COAKLEYBahamas Information Services

Grand Bahama to kick off 50th Independence celebrations with ‘Road to 50’ Race on Saturday, December 3

“Our 50th year of Independence is a momentous occasion and it deserves a nationwide celebration because this little island nation called The Bahamas has made significant strides over the past 50 years,” said Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey, during a press conference on Monday, November 28, 2022, to announce the first event in what is expected to be a series of events, leading up to The Bahamas’ celebration of its 50th Independence.
In Grand Bahama, celebrations towards this historic celebration will begin on Saturday, December 3, 2022, with a run/walk marathon race, which will take place simultaneously in three separate locations in Grand Bahama.
“We are officially on the road to 50!” said Minister Moxey. “The countdown to The Bahamas’ Golden Jubilee on July 10th, 2023 is on! 
“Next year our nation will celebrate its 50th year of Independence. And this morning, we’re here to officially announce the first event that will kick-off the Pre-Independence celebrations on Grand Bahama, and lead up to the 50th Independence next year.”
On Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 the “Road To 50” Race will begin at 6 a.m. starting at the Ministry for Grand Bahama. The 5K route for Freeport will take participants from the Ministry for Grand Bahama, to the Grand Bahama International Airport and then back to the Ministry for Grand Bahama. 
Not only will there be three races in Grand Bahama taking place on the same day, but the fun/run/walk will be happening simultaneously with other “Road To 50” races on islands throughout The Bahamas. 
The event is free and residents can sign up at the Ministry for Grand Bahama. Each registrant will receive a commemorative package with a shirt, medal, and water bottle. 
“I appeal to Corporate Grand Bahama, government agencies, NGO’s, athletic groups and all residents to participate in this wonderful community building event,” said Minister Moxey. “Our 50th year of Independence is a momentous occasion.” 
Mrs. Leslie Dorsett-Lewis, Independence Committee Co-Chair, said the Committee will be responsible for the execution of a year-long list of celebrations of the milestone of fifty years of independence in the life of The Bahamas. 
“The Bahamas is turning fifty and we want Grand Bahamians from east to west to celebrate in grand style,” said Mrs. Dorsett-Lewis. “We are inviting Grand Bahamians to come out and show out for our island and country on Saturday, December 3, as well as for all the other activities that are planned by the GB Independence Committee and Bahamas Secretariat. 
It’s not too late to register for the Road to 50 Race on Saturday. Registration forms are available in the Customer Service department at the Ministry for Grand Bahama and you can register online at celebratebahamas.com.”
Pre-registration will be held at 5 a.m. on the day of the event for persons to receive their commemorative packages. 
With races expected to take place in Freeport, East and West Grand Bahama, the press conference quickly turned into a friendly verbal battle and taunting of which community would offer “the best” event on Saturday morning.
With Mr. Gilbert C. Kemp, Administrator for East Grand Bahama promising participants in the east the best food in Grand Bahama, including conch stew, fish stew and chicken souse and Jimmy Smith; Chief Councilor for West Grand Bahama promising not only good food, but a surprise guest artist from Nassau to spur on participants in the west, Minister Moxey is hopeful that Freeport would also offer some “good” surprises on Saturday for participants in the Road to 50 Race in Freeport.
The friendly rivalry during Monday’s press conference has helped to spark much interest among Grand Bahamians for Saturday’s road race.  “The Independence Secretariat in collaboration with the Grand Bahama Independence Committee plans to have a year of events in celebration of our golden jubilee. So, put on those walking and running shoes and let’s come together as a community for the “Road To 50” Race this coming Saturday at 6 a.m,” said Minister Moxey.
-30-

PHOTO CAPTION

GB ROAD TO 50– Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey (center) during a press conference, announced Grand Bahama’s kick off to the Bahamas’ 50th Independence in 2023, with a Road to 50 Race, set for Saturday, December 3, 2022 in three areas of Grand Bahama – Freeport, East GB and West GB. Also on hand for Monday’s Press conference were (from left) Jimmy Smith, Chief Councilor for West Grand Bahama; Mrs. Leslie Dorsett-Lewis, Co-Chair for the Independence Committee; Minister Moxey and Gilbert C. Kemp, Administrator for East Grand Bahama.
(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

BIS MEDIA

Conversations99+AboutMy membership settingsPrivacy • Terms

Grand Bahama to kick off 50th Independence celebrations with ‘Road to 50’ Race on Saturday, December 3

0 viewsSkip to first unread message

Bahamas Information Services

unread,Nov 28, 2022, 5:41:14 PMtoFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 28, 2022By ANDREW COAKLEYBahamas Information Services

Grand Bahama to kick off 50th Independence celebrations with ‘Road to 50’ Race on Saturday, December 3

“Our 50th year of Independence is a momentous occasion and it deserves a nationwide celebration because this little island nation called The Bahamas has made significant strides over the past 50 years,” said Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey, during a press conference on Monday, November 28, 2022, to announce the first event in what is expected to be a series of events, leading up to The Bahamas’ celebration of its 50th Independence.
In Grand Bahama, celebrations towards this historic celebration will begin on Saturday, December 3, 2022, with a run/walk marathon race, which will take place simultaneously in three separate locations in Grand Bahama.
“We are officially on the road to 50!” said Minister Moxey. “The countdown to The Bahamas’ Golden Jubilee on July 10th, 2023 is on! 
“Next year our nation will celebrate its 50th year of Independence. And this morning, we’re here to officially announce the first event that will kick-off the Pre-Independence celebrations on Grand Bahama, and lead up to the 50th Independence next year.”
On Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 the “Road To 50” Race will begin at 6 a.m. starting at the Ministry for Grand Bahama. The 5K route for Freeport will take participants from the Ministry for Grand Bahama, to the Grand Bahama International Airport and then back to the Ministry for Grand Bahama. 
Not only will there be three races in Grand Bahama taking place on the same day, but the fun/run/walk will be happening simultaneously with other “Road To 50” races on islands throughout The Bahamas. 
The event is free and residents can sign up at the Ministry for Grand Bahama. Each registrant will receive a commemorative package with a shirt, medal, and water bottle. 
“I appeal to Corporate Grand Bahama, government agencies, NGO’s, athletic groups and all residents to participate in this wonderful community building event,” said Minister Moxey. “Our 50th year of Independence is a momentous occasion.” 
Mrs. Leslie Dorsett-Lewis, Independence Committee Co-Chair, said the Committee will be responsible for the execution of a year-long list of celebrations of the milestone of fifty years of independence in the life of The Bahamas. 
“The Bahamas is turning fifty and we want Grand Bahamians from east to west to celebrate in grand style,” said Mrs. Dorsett-Lewis. “We are inviting Grand Bahamians to come out and show out for our island and country on Saturday, December 3, as well as for all the other activities that are planned by the GB Independence Committee and Bahamas Secretariat. 
It’s not too late to register for the Road to 50 Race on Saturday. Registration forms are available in the Customer Service department at the Ministry for Grand Bahama and you can register online at celebratebahamas.com.”
Pre-registration will be held at 5 a.m. on the day of the event for persons to receive their commemorative packages. 
With races expected to take place in Freeport, East and West Grand Bahama, the press conference quickly turned into a friendly verbal battle and taunting of which community would offer “the best” event on Saturday morning.
With Mr. Gilbert C. Kemp, Administrator for East Grand Bahama promising participants in the east the best food in Grand Bahama, including conch stew, fish stew and chicken souse and Jimmy Smith; Chief Councilor for West Grand Bahama promising not only good food, but a surprise guest artist from Nassau to spur on participants in the west, Minister Moxey is hopeful that Freeport would also offer some “good” surprises on Saturday for participants in the Road to 50 Race in Freeport.
The friendly rivalry during Monday’s press conference has helped to spark much interest among Grand Bahamians for Saturday’s road race.  “The Independence Secretariat in collaboration with the Grand Bahama Independence Committee plans to have a year of events in celebration of our golden jubilee. So, put on those walking and running shoes and let’s come together as a community for the “Road To 50” Race this coming Saturday at 6 a.m,” said Minister Moxey.
-30-

PHOTO CAPTION

GB ROAD TO 50– Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey (center) during a press conference, announced Grand Bahama’s kick off to the Bahamas’ 50th Independence in 2023, with a Road to 50 Race, set for Saturday, December 3, 2022 in three areas of Grand Bahama – Freeport, East GB and West GB. Also on hand for Monday’s Press conference were (from left) Jimmy Smith, Chief Councilor for West Grand Bahama; Mrs. Leslie Dorsett-Lewis, Co-Chair for the Independence Committee; Minister Moxey and Gilbert C. Kemp, Administrator for East Grand Bahama.
(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)