Home|Sports|Ayton suffers ankle injurySports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailDecember 15, 2022 147 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

As if the Phoenix Suns needed any additional concerns, Bahamian center DeAndre Ayton left their game on Tuesday night, suffering from an ankle injury. The Suns (16-12) fell to the last-place Houston Rockets (9-18), 111-97, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The Rockets bring up the rear in the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Ayton picked up the injury just before halftime on a Suns’ fastbreak opportunity. He was streaking down the middle of the paint when he collected a pass from Torrey Craig and was about to make a layup. It was at that point when he collided with Rockets guard Kevin Porter and rolled his left ankle on Porter’s right foot. Ayton grabbed that ankle right away and got on the floor and shook his head in pain. The big man limped off the court and into the locker room. He was ruled out for the rest of the game.

The Rockets was up 52-33 with 1:07 left in the first half when Ayton exited the game. The extent of the injury was not known up to press time, but he is listed as day-to-day. Ankle injuries have prevented him from playing on three previous occasions.

The Suns also lost backup point guard Cameron Payne in that game. Coming into the game on Tuesday night, they were without All-NBA guard Devin Booker and forward Cameron Johnson. Ayton’s, Payne’s and Booker’s injuries came after they got veteran point guard Chris Paul back, who was out for 14 games.

Ayton left the game after playing just 15 minutes. He scored five points and grabbed five rebounds. It was an abnormal night for him, percentage wise, as he made just two of his 10 shot attempts up to that point. He made his only attempt from the free throw line.

Ayton has played 26 games this season and has started all. He is averaging 17 points per game to go along with 9.5 rebounds while shooting at a clip of 61.9 percent from the field and 72.2 percent from the charity stripe. He is averaging 28.9 minutes per contest.

Coming into the game Tuesday night, Ayton had scored 20 or more points in seven of his last 10 games. He also grabbed 10 or more rebounds in seven of the last 10.

The Suns have lost five straight games and six of their last seven. They lost back-to-back games to the New Orleans Pelicans, twice to the Rockets and once each to the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics.

The Suns will play their final game in their four-game road stretch today when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers (16-13) at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. That game is set for 10:30 p.m. and will be televised on NBA TV.

https://thenassauguardian.com/ayton-suffers-ankle-injury/

 Home|Sports|Warriors dominate first round of soccer competitionSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailDecember 15, 2022 134 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The first round of competition is completed in the Bahamas Football Association’s (BFA) Men’s Soccer League and the Western Warriors are off to a flying start.

After the first round, featuring several weeks of intense competition, the Warriors have amassed 25 points to lead the standings, totally dominating play.

Positioned in second place in the standings is United FC with 19 points. The University of The Bahamas (UB) Mingoes are third with 18 points, and the Insurance Management Bears and Seventeen FC are tied for fourth with 15 points.

Positioned in sixth in the standings is Dynamos FC with 14 points. The Future Stars are seventh with 11 points, the Renegades are eighth with 10 points, the Baha Juniors FC are ninth with three points, and Cavalier FC bring up the rear with zero points.

The league now breaks for the Christmas holidays and will return in the new year.

The BFA extends holiday wishes to the general public and thanks all players, coaches and staff for their support of the league during this period. The men’s soccer league resumes its regular season on January 15, 2023. On that date, the Renegades FC will battle the Baha Juniors FC. That game will take place at 4:30 p.m.

 For more information, interested persons are asked to visit the website www.bahamasfa.net.

https://thenassauguardian.com/warriors-dominate-first-round-of-soccer-competition/

FUN TIME: Players from UAB and Miami get ready to participate in a dance off on the beach at the Atlantis resort.

As of Wednesday, December 14, 2022

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FUN DAY OFF: Players from UAB and Miami participate in a dance off on the beach at the Atlantis resort.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#It was a day of fun and relaxation for the college football teams yesterday after they arrived in town on Monday for the HomeTown Lenders Bahamas Bowl.

#Both the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers and the Miami RedHawks took advantage of yesterday’s free day by participating in a beach bash that was held at the Atlantis resort ahead of their big NCAA football match-up at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium on Friday.

#The two teams come in evenly matched at 6-6 but are confident that they will hoist the trophy as the new champions in the match-up between the Mid- American Conference and Conference USA in the longest running international bowl game in college football history.

#This is the seventh edition of the bowl, which got started in 2014, but was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

#While UAB, coached by Bryant Vincent and representing Conference USA, is back for its second appearance after finishing as the runners-up in 2017, it’s the first trip here by Miami, coached by Chuck Martin and competing for the Mid- American Conference.

#The majority of the players are making their maiden voyage here and have been pleasantly surprised by what they saw so far from the time they arrived at the Lynden Pindling International Airport to their home destination at Atlantis.

#“It’s been a wonderful experience so far, coming out here and kicking it with the guys,” said UAB quarterback Mac McWilliams. “It’s a lifetime experience, so we’re happy to be able to enjoy the breeze and the sea.”

#The 5-foot, 10-inch, 185- pound McWilliams, who hails from Pensacola, Florida, said he’s been eating and going to the casino, having some fun. But he’s eager to get on the field and help the Blazers pull off the win.

#“We had our ups and downs all season, but we just came here to win,” he said.

#“We know they (Miami) are a good team, but we’re not concerned about them. We just came here to win.”

#Tight end Bryce Damous, who stands at 6-2 and is 230lbs, said he’s loving everything about the Bahamas.

#“Honestly, when you see the pictures, it doesn’t really do justice,” he said. “Compared to when you are here, it’s so much different than what I saw in the photos. I’m really loving it. It’s beautiful. I’m enjoying myself.”

#Like McWilliams, Damous, who hails from Huntington, West Virginia, the goal is to win the game.

#“That’s our main objective. We want to have fun and enjoy the trip, but it’s a business, at the end of the day,” he stated. “We’re trying to win this game for sure.”

#Once they can come out and play “hard” and display their traditional “aggressiveness,” he doesn’t see why they can’t win the game.

#Of course, he admits that Miami will be tough because they made it to the bowl game, but they just want to take care of the reason why they came here and that is to win.

#Miami’s linebacker Matt Salopek begs to differ.

#“You can expect a very good, exciting team that will come out here and play,” said the 6-1, 220lbs Salopek. “We have a very good team with a lot of gritty guys, who just love to come out and play football and want to win.”

#Salopek, however, did admit that UAB has a solid team and are well coached, so he’s anticipating a very good, hard-fought game.

#For Salopek, this is his second trip here.

#He was here when he was about 11 or 12 on a cruise ship, but never envisioned the island was as “beautiful” as it is.

#“The people are awesome, the hospitality is awesome, and the scenic view is just beautiful,” as he described his experience here so far. “Overall, this is just a great place.”

#Ja’Von Kimpson, a defensive back, said while this is his first time here, it’s the “best trip” that he’s ever been on in the Caribbean.

#“Atlantis is really nice. It’s a lot better than I really expected it to be,” he quipped. “We’ve been walking around taking pictures of everything because everything looks so beautiful.

#“We’ve been looking at all of the fish and doing the water rides. It’s just been good. It’s a lot of fun.”

#Come Friday, Kimpson said they hope to take care of the job at hand.

#“It’s going to be a good game. UAB is not a bad team. They’re pretty good with a nice offence and a nice defence,” said the RedHawks’ 5-11, 192-pounder.

#“So, we will have to be on top of our game. It’s going to be a great game. It should be high intensity, but we should win at the end.”

#The game is scheduled to start at 11:30am on Friday and will be carried live on ESPN. There will be free admission for the general public.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/14/college-football-teams-are-ready-bahamas-bowl/?news

As of Wednesday, December 14, 2022

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RODNEY JOHNSON

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#THE basketball community is mourning the loss of former long-time and smartly dressed coach and referee Rodney E.C. Johnson, who made his contribution to the game at every level.

#The former softball player with the Third Street Boys, Doc’s Pharmacy and the BDP Rattlers and an executive in the New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association passed away on Monday at the age of 76.

#He leaves behind his life long partner Belkis Moore, his children Rhodnia and Rodney Johnson Jr, grandson Garrett Johnson, former wife Jennifer M Johnson, sisters Francis Smith and Ruth Brown and a host of relatives, friends and basketball players whose lives he touched as a coach.

#Through his involvement in basketball, Johnson’s daughter Rhodnia followed in his footsteps by becoming a statistician. But she didn’t venture into softball which he ended up playing during his pastime. “I remember his commanding voice and love of sports and music. He loved basketball and softball,” she said. “I got my love of basketball from him. That’s why I am a statistician today. His last few years he was a part of a softball club.”

#Some of the top players in the country, either at high school with the CC Sweeting Cobras or in night league in the New Providence Basketball Association, benefitted from Johnson’s coaching including Carvey Ferguson, Frank Rolle, George Henderson, Warfield ‘Bugga’ Bain, Pat Moss. Jeff ‘Batchie’ Carey, ‘Joe Black’ Brice, Paul Brice, Freddy ‘Falcon’ McPhee, Patrick ‘Big Hands’ Henderson, Edrick ‘Dricks’ Poitier, Kenny Laing, ‘Nukka da Buck’ Nottage, Gary ‘Pindling’ Bethel, Oral Hudson, Kevin ‘Chick’ Rolle and Raymond ‘Rhymes’ Wilson and Terrance ‘Red-Eye’ McSweeney.

#Hudson, who along with ‘Chick’ and ‘Rhymes’ went on to excel in volleyball as well, recalled Johnson as being one of the best basketball minds in the country. “He had a way of motivating the most average player and the ability to get that average player to do things he could not see in himself. He was my coach from I was in SJC (St John’s College), playing small forward at six-feet, two-inches and when I told him that I got a basketball scholarship to go to Alabama he said ok well at your height you will need to play guard so he had me working on my ball-handling skills right away.

#“He would always motivate me to be more offensive-minded. He would say, ‘you are my best player and shooter. Shoot the ball.’”

#When he left for Lomax Hannon Jr College in Alabama before he ended up playing at St John’s University in Minnesota, Hudson said he always remembered the dribbling skills that he was taught by Johnson.

#“He said it should only take four dribbles to get from baseline to baseline and he showed us how it was done,” Hudson said. “In university I would grab a rebound and before the defence could react I was making a layup on the other end of the court.

#“Coach was very vocal and he was never afraid to get his point across to anyone including the referee. He wil be missed.”

#Johnson is also being remembered by McSweeney, who followed his mentor and coach in the coaching ranks and in his dressing style.

#“My years at CC Sweeting, which began in 1973 when I first got to know Rodney Johnson as a basketball coach in grade 10,” McSweeney said. “In my latter years in grade 11 and 12, he became my math teacher and was my homeroom teacher.

#“Mr Johnson also allowed a few of us from grade 10 to 12 to play on a division II team, the Methuselah Vikings, but in my senior year in grade 12, I was recruited by the late Randolph Swaby to play for his CIBA Warriors.”

#With his unique style of dressing, McSweeney said he got to emulate his coach, who was also a very stern disciplinarian.

#“People would always see me outside coaching with my shirt tucked in my pants with a necktie on,” McSweeney said. “Mr Johnson, my coach, passed that style of coaching on to me. I remember when I was coaching the Sunshine Park Gators, Mr Johnson and refereeing the game and he came over to me and said ‘You look sharp today.’

#“I said to him I got this style from you. He had this thing where he used his two elbows where he demonstrated to his players, this is how I keep myself neat. I returned the favour and reminded him what he told us. We both had a good laugh because he didn’t know that I remembered what he did.”

#McSweeney said Johnson made sure that they took care of their academics in school or they were not allowed to play on the team, especially when they were preparing to enter the 12th and final year.

#“Mr Johnson had his way, as all coaches, especially dealing with males, but he locked into what he wanted and he stuck to that in practice and you had to make it happen in the game or he would sit you down,” McSweeney reflected. “Then he would come to you and ask you if you are ‘ready to play do what I need you to do,’

#“I just saw Mr Johnson on Saturday. I was heading to make a run to pick my boys up on Paradise Island. He was on his front porch and we hailed each other. One mind said I should have stopped and hailed, but because I was in rush to get my kids, I said I will do it another time.”

#Through their interaction as player-coach, McSweeney said he was taught a lot from Johnson, who officiated during the era of the late Vincent Ferguson, who was known for his stern manner in which he conducted himself on and off the court.

#McSweeney expressed his condolences to Johnson’s family for the tremendous impact that he made on him at CC Sweeting and eventually into the coaching ranks. He said he will continue to wear his long sleeve shirt and necktie as he coaches in honour of his late coach and mentor.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/14/basketball-community-mourning-death-rodney-johnson/?news

COACHES and sponsors with their plaques on Saturday at the Roadrunners Track Club’s 22nd annual presentations and awards banquet for their athletes.

As of Wednesday, December 14, 2022

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#ON Saturday, the Roadrunners Track Club, led by president and head coach Dexter Bodie, hosted their 22nd annual presentations and awards banquet for their athletes.

#This event has been a staple for the club for several decades and each year they are happy to provide a space for the recognition and celebration of their athletes.

#The banquet occurred in Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom and was presented under the esteemed patronage of three of the club’s young female coaches Edvania Missick, Stephanie Stubbs and Krysten Black.

#These ladies have been dedicated to the development and growth of the athletes and have been an integral part of the track club from the time they were young athletes themselves.

#They have continuously given their time and talents for the betterment of the club and its athletes. The club was enthused to honour them and their hard work and dedication during the ceremony.

#The night began with a thoughtful prayer and blessing of the food by one of the club’s parents.

#The room was then filled with the melodic sounds of the national anthem sung by the talented Danielle Dorsette.

#She graced the audience with several selections throughout the night and received a standing ovation on each occasion.

#The keynote speaker, and long-time supporter, Timothy Ingraham, general manager of Summit Insurance, shared a captivating message filled with encouragement and wisdom.

#He motivated the athletes to stay focused, not only on their athletic endeavours, but also on their academic pursuits.

#He shared relatable stories about his own son when he was in a similar position to the young athletes navigating school, athletics, and future goals and dreams.

#Ingraham shared that while it is important to be confident in your abilities, it is also important to focus on your craft and continuous improvement.

#Demonstrating your capabilities rather than talking about them or talking less and working harder is the better route to success.

#He used the example of a certain American sprinter who was extremely boastful off the track but could never quite translate that to on-the-track performance.

#Following Ingraham’s uplifting message, the Mistress of Ceremonies, Mrs Vargas began the portion of the night that the athletes were all waiting for, the awards.

#There was an award for academic performance named after former Roadrunner, Jenero Knowles.

#The Timothy Ingraham Honour Roll Award recognised those student-athletes who achieved a GPA of 3.0 and higher. There were several awards such as most improved athlete, best male and female athlete and athlete of the year.

#As the student-athletes came up one by one to accept the awards they floated throughout the room wearing their Sunday best looking like ‘cool kids’ and showing off from head to toe.

#After the presentation of awards the attendees were happy to welcome Harrison Petty to give his remarks and encouraging words.

#Petty serves as the president of the Bahamas Parents Association of Track & Field Athletes.

#Another long-time supporter of the Roadrunners Track Club, Petty’s remarks were met with keen interest.

#One of the highlights of the night was the moment Roadrunners athlete Tellica Seymour presented a donation to the club on behalf of her father’s company One on One construction.

#She highlighted that her father, Tellis Seymour, and the company really appreciate all the work that the club puts into their athletes and how they give them a space to grow and develop.

#She also spotlighted the work that coaches Stephanie Stubbs, Edvania Missick and Krysten Black were doing and presented them with tokens of appreciation.

#Before the evening’s proceedings ended, pastor Diana Francis of the First Baptist Church shared remarks and prayed for the track club.

#Along with this year’s honorees, guests of honour included Mrs Patrice Adderley and guest, Mr Phil Smith, Mr & Mrs Timothy Ingraham, Mr Travee and Dr Shantel Missick, Pastor Diana Francis, Mr Terrance Arnette, Mr & Mrs Harrison Petty, Mr & Mrs David Higgins, Ms Madia Butler, Dr & Mrs Graham Cates, Mr & Mrs William Delancy, Dr Clive Gaskins and Mr & Mrs Tellis Seymour.

#• Winners of the various awards are as follows:

#Dominique Higgins Award

#Shaneka Sands, 4.00 GPA; Chanelle Hepburn, 4.00 GPA; Gabrielle McLean, 3.24.

#Most outstanding athletes

#Melody Thompson (u-7 girls); Logan Thompson (U-7 boys); Ariel Thompson (U-11 girls); Avery Johnson (U-11 boys); Azalia Henderson (U-13 girls); Ashley Demeritte (U-13 boys); J’Kaiyah Rolle and Teran Davis (U-15 girls); Trent Ford (U-17 boys); Raeyah Taylor (U-20 girls) and Desmond Harris (U-20 boys).

#Athletes of the year

#Chanelle Hepburn (U-7 girls); Christovia Moss (U-9 girls); Ronald Simon (U-11 boys); Cassidy Edwards (U-13 girls); Shawne Ferguson (U-13 boys); Jasmine (U-15 girls); Tamia Taylor (U-17 girls); Dana Rolle (U-17 boys); Sabriya Farquharson (U-20 girls); Malcolm Williams (U-20 boys).

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/14/roadrunners-track-club-hosts-22nd-annual-awards-ba/?news

As of Wednesday, December 14, 2022

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MICHAEL Albury Jr

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AFTER watching his big brother Deyton Albury leave Temple Christian to pursue his basketball career in high school in the United States, Michael Albury Jr has made the transition to Florida from Teleos Baptist Academy where he was a star player for the Cherubims basketball team.

#The 17-year-old Albury Jr is now enrolled at Florida Coastal Prep Sports Academy where he is playing as a six-foot guard.

#“It’s been good. I fit well with the school and the system that they run,” Albury Jr said. “I know I can score, but I’m just being athletic and trying to learn how to play defence to really help the team.”

#On Saturday, Albury Jr came through with a game high 17 points, including the go-ahead basket to help lift the team to victory over Life Christian High School. “I feel very good. They didn’t know that I would perform the way I did, but I went out there and I did my best,” Albury Jr said. “Our coach had a good game plan for us and my team really rallied behind me once they saw what I could do.”

#His father Michael Albury Sr said after watching the successful path that Deyton Albury took, he was delighted to set the stage for Albury Jr to follow suit. Deyton left Temple Christian where he shined with the Suns in 2019 to enroll at Sunrise Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas.

#Upon completion of high school, Deyton Albury went on to play one year for Prep. He’s now holding court at Chipola College in Marianna, Florida. The number four ranked Indians are riding a perfect 15-0 win-loss season going into their next game on Saturday against Enterprise State Community College.

#“I feel good about him leaving the nest. He always wanted to follow in his big brother’s footsteps,” Albury Sr said.

#“Now that he has the opportunity, he is going to shine. I know Mike is always ready to play when his name is called.

#“He was never afraid to play against the big boys. It all started on BFM (Bahamas Faith United) basketball park and from what I saw as he continued to develop, I think Mike is going to be an excellent basketball player.”

#Albury Jr said it was something that he waited so long to accomplish.

#“I would like to play basketball and see how far I can go with it,” Albury Jr said. “If I don’t go to the NBA, I would like to be able to go overseas and play so that I can help my family out. I just want to make a name for myself.”

#Albury Jr will be returning home for the Christmas break on Sunday before he returns to Florida on January 3 to continue his season. “School wise, its been good. They really enjoy me coming over,” Albury Jr said. “The principal loves me, the coaching staff loves me. That’s something I was hoping that I would get into because my education comes first before basketball.

#“I wanted to make sure that wherever I go, I would be able to concentrate a lot on my education and not just basketball. The basketball will come, but I want to be able to accomplish my education so that I can go on to play college basketball as well.”

#Albury Jr said he certainly misses home and is looking forward to interacting with his family and friends, especially those at Teleos.

#He remembers how Teleos hosted a day for him before he left and he cried like a baby because it was a heartfelt departure.

#“I am coming on Sunday and they are closing on Friday, so I won’t be able to return to school,” Albury Jr said. “I will just spend some time with my family and some of my friends from my old school at Teleos.

#“But I hope to get in some basketball as well because I need to stay physically fit because the season is just going to get started when I return to school in January.”

#Albury Jr thanked God for giving him the ability to achieve this transition with the support of his parents.

#He also thanked all of the players he played with and the coaches who worked with him in the past.

#FROM PAGE 11

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/14/albury-jr-following-his-brothers-footsteps/?news

INDIANA Pacers’ Buddy Hield (24) goes to the basket against Miami Heat’s Tyler Herro (14) during the second half last night in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

As of Tuesday, December 13, 2022

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#By MICHAEL MAROT

#AP Sports Writer

#INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Bam Adebayo had 22 points and 17 rebounds and Jimmy Butler scored seven straight points late in the fourth quarter to help the Miami Heat hold off the Indiana Pacers 87-82 last night.

#Butler finished with 20 points. The Heat had lost three of their previous four and evened the season series with Indiana by pulling away late.

#Buddy Hield led the Pacers with 19 points and nine rebounds – one shy of a double double – and Andrew Nembhard scored 18 as Indiana lost its second straight and for the sixth time in eight games.

#It was a rough-and-tumble game in which baskets came at a premium. But Butler finally cranked it up in the closing minutes, his late flurry turning a 77-73 contest into an 84-75 cushion with 2:26 to go.

#The Pacers and Tyrese Haliburton didn’t get closer than four again. Haliburton missed all nine of his shots, all six of his 3-pointers and wound up with one point and three assists.

#Miami had just enough scoring punch to survive Indiana’s 8-0 run midway through the third quarter that finally gave the Pacers a 62-57 lead and ended the quarter on a 10-2 spurt to take a 67-64 edge before Butler’s late flurry finally put it away. Miami scored 15 straight points in the second quarter to charge out to a 43-28 lead, but the Pacers finished the half on a 13-2 run to make it 47-42.

#TIP-INS

#Heat: Two-time All- Star Victor Oladipo was welcomed back to Indiana with a highlight reel that played on the video board before the national anthem. Miami improved to 14-49 all-time in Indianapolis. Kyle Lowry had eight points and made a 3-pointer in his 26th consecutive game, the third-longest streak of his career. Adebayo has scored in double figures in 42 consecutive games.

#Pacers: NBA commissioner Adam Silver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Jr. attended the game. Indiana has lost two straight home games to Eastern Conference foes after opening the season at 7-1. The Pacers were 11 of 39 on 3s but gave up only nine offensive rebounds two nights after allowing 29 in a loss to Brooklyn.

#ON THE MEND

#The Pacers could be getting one of their key rotational players, second-year guard Chris Duarte, back soon. Coach Rick Carlisle said the all-rookie team player practiced with the team’s G League affiliate in Fort Wayne yesterday and is expected to play in two games in Wisconsin later this week.

#Duarte has been out since November 4 with a sprained left ankle. “After practice today the first thing he said to me is ‘I feel better than I thought I would,’” Carlisle said. “We want him to feel good. We want him to feel great.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/13/buddy-hield-scores-19-87-82-loss-heat/?news

As of Tuesday, December 13, 2022

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ADARI GRANT

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsrtt@tribunemedia.net

#Team Bahamas second baseman Adari Grant was named to the All-Tournament team for the fourth annual Caribbean Baseball Cup.

#The St Louis Cardinals prospect was the lone Bahamian to receive the post tournament honour following Sunday night’s finale at the new Andre Rodgers National Stadium.

#The remainder of the All-Tournament team included Dudley Leonora (first base), Darren Seferina (shortstop), Reysheandall Michel (rightfield) and Reyshelon Carolina (leftfield) of Curacao; Yoelkis Gilbert (designated hitter) and Yeudi Reyes (relief pitcher) of Cuba; Ruben Castro (catcher), Jose Burgos (starting pitcher), Reynaldo Navarro (third base) and Miguel Egea (center field) of Puerto Rico.

#For the tournament, Grant hit .273, slugging .318 with a .320 OBP and .638 OPS. He finished second on the team with six hits, scored two runs, with four RBI and two stolen bases. He opened the tournament 1-4 against USVI followed by a 1-3, two RBI, and a stolen base in the first matchup against Curacao.

#After a hitless night against Cuba, Grant responded with consecutive multi-hit games.

#He went 2-4 with a run, RBI, and a stolen base against the first matchup against Puerto Rico and followed 2-4 with a double and an RBI.

#Defensively, he finished with a .963 fielding percentage, 10 put outs, and helped turn three double plays.

#The Bahamas finished fourth in its return to international baseball at the senior level.

#Grant became the first Bahamian player to join the Cardinals organisation when they signed him in the 2021 class.

#In his rookie season he was assigned to the Dominican Summer League with the DSL Cardinals Blue.

#He finished with a batting average of .220 with a .691 OPS on the season with 36 hits, one home run, 27 runs, 10 RBI and seven stolen bases in 43 games.

#He progressed to the Florida Complex League last season and in 37 games he hit .206 with .594 OPS, the season with 20 hits, 14 runs, seven RBI and six stolen bases in 43 games.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/13/grant-named-all-tournament-team/?news

As of Tuesday, December 13, 2022

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SHOWN, from left to right, are Michael Major Jr, Bahamian tennis legend Mark Knowles and Jacobi Bain at Baha Mar.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#IT was a rare opportunity when high school sensation Michael Major Jr and collegian Jacobi Bain got to play against some of the top tennis players in the world at home.

#Thanks to legendary host Mark Knowles, that opportunity came on Saturday as the top junior tennis players teamed up to represent the Bahamas in an exhibition match at the third Baha Mar Cup at the Baha Mar Tennis Club.

#The duo fell victim to the American pair of James Blake and Jessica Pegula, but it didn’t matter that they fell short 6-3 in the final score. They were both just eager to be on the same court with Blake, one of the former top men’s players in the world and Pegula, who is now the top American female player ranked at No.3 in the world. “It was honestly amazing. I’ve never felt like that ever,” said the 16-year-old Major Jr, who is completing his final year at Windsor High School through the Albany Tennis Academy. “I would normally be a little nervous, but as soon as I got on the court, I kept a smile on and I was having fun the whole time.”

#Although he and Bain have not played together since he left for college, Bain said he was even more delighted to renew his relationship with Bain. The duo were actually tied at 3-3 in the one set match, but the Americans used their experience to win the next three points to hold on for the win.

#“Jacobi is one of my long-time friends. He just went to college, but we were training at the same academy, so it was good to finally play with him,” Major Jr said. “Today was actually the first day I saw him since he came back and so it’s just great to play with someone whom I have known for such a long time and who has had such an influence on my life in tennis.”

#The feeling was mutual for 19-year-old Bain, who is back home after taking a break from his sophomore season for the Xavier University of Louisiana Gold Rush men’s tennis team.

#“It was a great experience. I just want to thank Mark Knowles for putting this on and giving us an invite to play. It was great for me,” Bain said. “It was also the first time me and Michael played doubles in a long time, so it was good to get that opportunity here.”

#While Bain is preparing to head back to New Orleans before the end of the month, Major Jr is contemplating where he will pursue his collegiate career.

#“I got just a D1 (division one) college offer. I have an official visit in January,” said Major Jr, who declined to disclose the location. “Tennis has been good for me.”

#Having already gotten his feet wet from his freshman year last year, Bain said he’s eager to see what progress he has made for this year.

#“My season has been amazing. I’ve played some doubles and made finals in regionals in singles and doubles. I forfeited the singles and just played the doubles and lost in the third set,” Bain said.

#“Then I played in the ITF Cup and lost in the quarterfinals and finished the preseason ranking at number six.”

#Major Jr is coming off a trip to Bradenton, Florida, where he participated in his last tournament two weeks ago where he reached the third round of the qualifying.

#“I thought I could win the tournament, but I got to see what I need to improve on, but there’s always a next time,” Major Jr said.

#There’s another time coming up for Major Jr to compete against the top Bahamian male players when the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association hosts its annual Giorgio Baldacci Open National Championships, scheduled for December 19-22 at the National Tennis Center.

#The tournament serves as the first qualifier for the men’s Davis Cup and women’s Billie Jean King Cup teams.

#For Major Jr, the goal is to make the team. But before he participates in the tournament, he will be travelling on Wednesday with Justin Roberts to Jamaica to play against their Davis Cup team before they return home on Sunday. “Me and Justin playing together is dangerous,” Major Jr said. “Just imagine if we both make the team along with Jacobi. I think we can do some damage.”

#Bain said while the focus is on making the Davis Cup team at the tournament, he will be using it to prepare himself for his return to college in January.

#“I will be out to try my best and see how far it will take me,” Bain said. “I still have a lot of tennis to play at college, so I’m really looking forward to that right now. If I make the team, it would be great, but if I don’t, I still have college to look forward to.”

#While home, Bain said he wants to take advantage of the home-cooked meals that he missed the most. “I miss my conch,” he stressed.

#Even though he will be eating more than he would at school and relaxing and having some fun with his family and friends, Bain said he’s not neglecting any opportunity he has to get on the court and play some tennis.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/13/major-jr-bain-face-top-tennis-players-world/?news

As of Tuesday, December 13, 2022

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JONQUEL Jones

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsrtt@tribunemedia.net

#JONQUEL Jones continues to lead CBK Mersin to the top of the standings in Turkey’s Herbalife Nutrition Women’s Basketball Super League, and contention in FIBA EuroLeague play.

#Mersin improved to 9-1 with a 90-61 win over seventh ranked Hatay. Jones finished with 29 points and 19 rebounds. She shot 9-14 from the field and 3-5 from three-point range.

#Jones’ other Turkish league performances this month include 21 points and 16 rebounds in a 79-75 win over Canyaka and 28 points, 16 rebounds in an 81-80 win over Besiktas. She currently averages 19.3 points, 12.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

#In FIBA EuroLeague play, Jones continued her dominance but the club fell to 2-3 on the season in Group B. She finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds in a 76-72 loss to Italian club Beretta Familia Schio.

#Jones has four double doubles in four EuroLeague appearances, highlighted by 24 points, 19 rebounds, two steals and two blocks to lead her club to their first win of the 2022 EuroLeague campaign with a 68-61 win over French club Basket Landes.

#Mersin will face Spar Girona on November 16 in Mersin, Turkey.

#Jones highlighted a season of high-priced acquisitions that initially vaulted Mersin to no.3 in the FIBA EuroLeague power rankings, however, they fell to no.6 in the latest edition after a pair of losses.

#Jones is averaging 19.3 points and 14.5 rebounds per game in EuroLeague play.

#In 11 EuroLeague games last season with Russian powerhouse UMMC Ekaterinburg, Jones averaged a team-leading 17.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 blocks per game.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/13/jonquel-jones-posts-29-points-19-rebounds-blowout-/?news