MICHAEL Major Jr signs his letter of intent as his parents Michael Sr and Bernadette Major look on.

As of Tuesday, March 21, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AS he prepares to complete his high school education at Windsor High School, Michael Major Jr is now looking forward to making the transition to college.

#Major Jr, one of the country’s most promising junior athletes, has officially signed his letter of intent to further his education at Howard University where he will be playing for the Bison men’s tennis team, coached by Nicholas Askew.

#Major Jr, who represented the Bahamas on a number of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s junior national tennis teams with the latest being the Jr Davis Cup in 2022, said he’s excited about being accepted to the division one college in Washington DC.

#“I think this is very good for me and my family, my coaches and even my team-mates and friends at school to see all of the hard work that I’ve put into finally paying off for me,” Major Jr said. “It’s really a surreal feeling for me.”

#Major Jr, who will be leaving school a year earlier at age 16 because of his strong academic achievement at Windsor High School, said he decided to go to Howard after he met the coaches and the players on the team.

#“Howard has a rich history and I can learn a lot about the black history, so it just felt like a homely environment for me,” Major Jr said. “I felt like I’m already a part of the team when I visited them. I felt like this was the place that I want to be.”

#According to Major Jr, the Bison has not given him an expectation for him when he comes in August. But he said he told them that it’s his goal to help Howard win the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championships in his freshman year.

#“I will continue to stay focused, trust my coaches and remain humble,” said Major Jr in his final months before he graduates in June. “I want to continue doing what I’ve been doing, but I want to do it at 100 percent and not let up.

#“I’m coming out a year early because of my academics, but I know I will be prepared for the task ahead of me.

#“I just want to thank my parents (Michael Sr and Bernadette Major) and all of my coaches at Windsor and Albany and in the BLTA for helping me to get to this point. I promise to make you all proud when I head off to school.”

#Richele LeSaldo, the director of the Tennis Academy at Albany, said she had the opportunity to coach Major Jr for the past two years and based on his achievement, they are all excited about his future developments on the collegiate scene.

#“MJ came into the academy as one of our scholarship players. I really wanted him in the academy, but in my first year here, I didn’t have all of the financial requirements to get him in,” she said. “As soon as we got the funding, I got him in.

#“It’s been an incredible three years. He epitomizes what a student-athlete is and should be. His work ethic is amazing. He is a true ambassador for the academy the way he carries himself on and off the court and out in the community.”

#LeSaldo, who has afforded scholarships to a number of Bahamians at Windsor High School through the Albany Tennis Academy, congratulated his parents for the morals they instilled in their son.

#“On a day when he’s off, he’s not feeling well, but he still goes out and gives it his best shot,” she added. “He makes it so easy as an athlete to coach. It’s been a pleasure to be a part of this journey with this incredible athlete, who is wrapping up his education one year early than most students.

#“Howard is the perfect match for him, so I’m just happy for him. It’s just the beginning of the next step for him. I know he will strive academically and continue to pursue his dream of becoming a professional tennis player.”

#LeSaldo feels Major Jr could become the Bahamas’ next big talent in the sport.

#Over the past two years while he spent a lot of time training in the Bahamas at Albany, Canadian tennis player Milos Raonic said he and Major Jr have been hitting partners after he shared time with Jacobi Bain before he left for school. “He’s been able to help me in my workouts in the mornings before he goes to school and whenever we could after school,” said Raonic, who started their relationship in 2020. “He’s a very good kid. He plays a very good tennis and so I’m pleased that we get to hit together.”

#As Major Jr gets ready for college, Milos said he feels he will be ready for the next step in his career.

#“I think everything is coming together for him as a college tennis player,” he said. “He is a very good tennis player, but when he heads to college and he has to practice and play every weekend, he will definitely take his game to the next level.

#“When you are on an island like this and you are one of the best players, you don’t always reach your full potential. But now he will compete every Friday and Saturday to play tennis and I think that will help his game to come together.”

#Playing against players who are 20-21 years old will also help to push Major Jr’s game even further, according to Milos, who hopes to get his season started on the grass circuit in a few months.

#Raonic was ranked in 2016 as the number three player in singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). He is also the first Canadian male player in the Open Era to reach the Australian Open semifinals, the French Open quarterfinals and Wimbledon final. He has won a total of eight ATP Tour titles.

#Major Jr’s father Major Sr thanked LeSaldo and Raonic, along with a number of persons who assisted in some way in their son’s development over the years.

#“Special thank you to Esper and Linda Major, MJ’s grandparents; Mark and Vickie Knowles; coaches Richele and Glen; Bommer George; Hugo Bethel, Cassie Smith, Kaylana, Lale, Smiley, BLTA, Ricardo, Greg Clarke, Gowen Bowe, Donald Archer, Nicholas Rees, Island Luck, Asure Win, Dominic, Citi Bank staff, Marvin Rolle, Switcha Bahamas, coaches at Albany, Oneal.

#“Teachers at Windsor and St John’s, Tia, staff at the Atlantis resort and Baha Mar, KJ and PJ Major, the McPhee family, Danny Rigby, coach Bain and family and Members of Parliament Leroy Major and Frankie Campbell,” Major Sr said.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/21/rising-tennis-star-major-jr-signs-athletic-scholar/?news

As of Tuesday, March 21, 2023

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#THE Bahamas Football Association (BFA) proudly announces the upcoming Concacaf Nations League match, scheduled for 4pm March 24 at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.

#Soccer fans across the nation eagerly anticipate the thrilling showdown between the men’s national soccer team and Trinidad & Tobago. “This match is an excellent opportunity for our talented players to showcase their skills on the international stage, and we are excited to bring this incredible event to the Bahamian soccer community,” said Carl Lynch, BFA deputy general secretary.

#“We encourage everyone to come out, support our national team, and be a part of this unforgettable experience.”

#The Concacaf Nations League unites national teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean in a competitive league structure, fostering regional rivalries and offering teams the chance to improve their global FIFA ranking.

#The men’s national soccer team, featuring prominent players such as goalkeepers Ian Lowe, Michael Butler, and Vance Wheaton; defenders Troy Pinder, Lesly St. Fleur, Miguel Thompson, Phieron Wilson, Quinton Carey, Roen Davis, Elijah Mitchell & Ian Harris; midfielders Michael Massey, Deron Ferguson, Omari Bain, Christopher Rahming, Reuben Edgecombe, William Bayles, Marcel Joseph, and Nicolas Lopez; and forwards Jordin Wilson, Wood Julmis, and Nahum Johnson, are set to make a mark in this highly anticipated event.

#The team is supported by a dedicated coaching staff, including head coach Nesley Jean, assistant head coach Kevin Davies, goalkeeper coach Avery Kemp, manager Larry Minns, equipment manager Steven Sorilien and team physician Sandeep Goud.

#Ticket prices have been set to ensure accessibility for all fans.

#VIP tickets are priced at $25, Adults General Admission tickets cost $15, and Kids under 12 can attend the match for just $7. Fans can purchase their tickets online at bahamasfa.net, or visit the NSA office at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium Western Grandstand starting Monday, March 20 until Match Day.

#The BFA invites soccer enthusiasts and proud Bahamians alike to come out and support the men’s national soccer team in this vital international match.

#The event promises to deliver an exhilarating experience, a unique opportunity to unite as a nation, and showcase the Bahamian soccer talent on a global platform.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/21/concacaf-nations-league-bahamas-vs-trinidad-march-/?news

McPhee-McCuin and Ole Miss Rebels stun Stanford, reach first Sweet 16 in 16 years

MISSISSIPPI head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin gets emotional with her dad Gladstone McPhee, right, after winning against Stanford during the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the women’s NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Stanford, California. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)

As of Tuesday, March 21, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#Coach Yolett ‘Yo’ McPhee-McCuin and her University of Mississippi Lady Rebels are now into the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Sweet 16 of the women’s national basketball tournament for the first time in 16 years.

Mississippi head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin reacts after winning against Stanford during the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the women’s NCAA Tournament, Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)

#Grand Bahama native McPhee-McCuin and her Lady Rebels booked their ticket to the NCAA Regionals in Seattle, Washington, this weekend as they pulled off a 54-49 win over the three-time national champions and number one seed Stanford Cardinal on Sunday night at Stanford’s Maples Pavilion.

#“Everyone, especially on social media say, ‘Yo can’t win the big one,’ so for our team to do this, I’m full of gratitude,” stated McPhee- McCuin, a product of her father, legendary men’s national team basketball coach and Catholic High Crusaders’ famed coach Gladstone ‘Moon’ McPhee and her principal mother Daisy McPhee, who were both in attendance.

DAISY MCPHEE, left, mother of Mississippi head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, and daughter Yasmine McCuin, right, react after Mississippi won at the end of the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the women’s NCAA Tournament on Sunday. (AP Photos/Josie Lepe)

#“This is for the people with a dollar and a dream. I’m a little girl from The Bahamas that was given an opportunity. I wasn’t Ole Miss’ first choice, but I was the right one. I wasn’t naïve to think that I could do it and that’s what no ceilings mean, that there’s no limit. So I’m just really proud to be the head coach here.”

#The Rebels, 25-8, now await the winner of the match-up on Monday night between No.4 seed Texas and No.5 seed Louisiana, but McPhee-McCuin said it doesn’t matter. They are packed and heading to the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, starting on Friday.

#“I love Seattle,” an emotional 40-year-old McPhee-McCuin stressed. It was the first time since 2009 that a No.1 seed failed to reach the Sweet 16 in the women’s NCAA Tournament. The Cardinal, 29-6, had not been eliminated in the second round since 2007. The 2021 national champion made 14 consecutive appearances in the Sweet 16 for the third best mark of all-time behind the University of Connecticut Huskies and the Tennessee Volunteers, who did it 28 and 27 times respectively.

MISSISSIPPI head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin kisses her daughter, Yasmine, after winning against Stanford after the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the women’s NCAA Tournament, Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Stanford, California.

#For Ole Miss, it was the first appearance for the Rebels in the Sweet 16 since 2007.

#For McPhee-McCuin, now in her fifth year after making the trek from Jacksonville University where she began herhead-coaching sting from 2013-2018 (following stints as an assistant at Frank Phillips College, Arkansas – Pine Bluff, University of Portland, and Clemson), the Sweet 16 appearance couldn’t come at a better time.

#“Everyone had a dream coming up,” said McPhee- McCuin, who graduated from Catholic High in 2000 and went on to play as a point guard for Miami- Dade Community College from 2000-2002 and the University of Rhode Island’s Rams from 2002- 2004, finishing with a BA in business management.

#“I’m a dreamer, and I try to be a dream merchant for my players. But how cool is it to take down someone that you admired (in Stanford’s coach Tara VanDerveer). Like, that was pretty freaking cool. So I’ll never forget this.”

#The Lady Rebels, whose entire team started their season with their first trip to The Bahamas to participate in a pre-season tournament at Baha Mar in November, has had another high point to reflect on this past season.

#Last month, Ole Miss had an impressive run against national champions South Carolina in a Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular match-up, taking the undefeated Gamecocks to overtime in a nine-point loss.

#But against the Cardinal, the Lady Rebels led from start to finish, opening as much as a 13-point lead in the third quarter with three players leading the Lady Rebels in double digits. Angel Baker had 13, Marquesha Davis 12 and Rita Igbokwe added 11.

#The difference in the outcome of the game, according to McPhee-McCuin, was what wins games – defence.

#”We knew that Stanford’s size and length would be a little problematic for us, but we also knew we could defend,” she summed up.

#Cameron Brink, who missed the Cardinal opening game in the tournament due to a stomach bug, had a game high 20 points, 13 rebounds and seven block shots, but it wasn’t enough for Stanford to stay alive.

#“People tried, but it was a struggle,” said Stanford’s coach VanDerveer, the Hall of Famer and winningest women’s coach.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/21/mcphee-mccuin-and-ole-miss-rebels-stun-stanford-re/?news

 Home|Sports|Team Bahamas set to host Trinidad and TobagoSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailMarch 20, 2023 288 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Bahamas senior men’s national soccer team has been preparing for its final window of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Nations League B Group C action. They will kick off that window with a key match against Trinidad and Tobago at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium this Friday at 4 p.m.

The Nassau Guardian caught up with the team during one of its practice sessions at the Roscow A.L. Davies Soccer Field, as overseas players flew in to join the local players.

Head Coach for The Bahamas Nesly Jean said that he and his coaching staff, that includes Kevin Davies and Avery Kemp, have been looking at the new players over the past few weeks, integrating them into the team’s sessions.

“We had some friendly games against Turks and Caicos, so it was good to look at them. We were able to look at the team and see how far we are, and how far we are with the new guys,” Jean said.

Veteran ‘Swiss Knife’ Lesly St. Fleur returns to the team and looks to guide the young squad into this next window.

“Playing with the young guys is a pleasure – to do so with my experience and to give my knowledge to them about the game is something that I welcome. They are the future. It’s going to be an exciting game (against Trinidad and Tobago), knowing that we drew 0-0 with them the last time we played here. They have something to prove so they are coming to play hard, and we will be ready for the task ahead,” St. Fleur said.

St. Fleur has scored the lone goal for The Bahamas in Group C play.

The overseas players are in the country and Jean is anticipating them and the local players getting on the same page.

“I am looking forward to seeing these players come in and perform well,” Jean said. “I want to see them step up to the level that they have been playing overseas and bring up the local guys to the same level. Once everyone is on the same page, I think we will do well.”

One of those overseas players, Christopher Rahming, came in last week. The towering midfielder said he is anticipating that they will do well.

“We have to win these games to stay in League B. I am hoping we get control of the game early on Friday, ensure that everyone get a touch on the ball early and build up confidence. That is one thing that we didn’t do during the Trinidad game the last time, where it seems we were afraid to pass the ball. That is the main focus for me,” Rahming said.

The Bahamas sits in third place in the group with a 1-3 win/loss record and three points. Trinidad and Tobago are in second place with a 3-1 record and nine points. In its second game in this window, The Bahamas will head to St. Vincent and the Grenadines to play that nation. St. Vincent and the Grenadines sport a 0-1-3 win/draw/loss record and have one point. They sit in fourth place in the group. The Bahamas’ only win in the group came against St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a 1-0 victory.

The Bahamas is hoping to get a spot in the CONCACAF Gold Cup qualification tournament this summer. They will need to win both matches and get some help from Nicaragua for a chance to play in that tournament.

“Some of these guys felt Gold Cup for the first time a few years back,” Jean said. “They are excited about the games coming up. I think we have a chance as well looking at the points in our group. I feel like if we make that step and work hard and give everything on the field these two games, we will have a chance to go through to the Gold Cup.”

Jean said that it is good to see that The Bahamas can compete with teams like Trinidad and Tobago.

“Most of the players from Trinidad and Tobago play at a high level professionally,” Jean said. “It only encourages us in that we have made a step forward as we can compete in the region. We have analyzed their videos and watched their games for the past few years and see how we can try and go through their lines and score some goals. We don’t want to sit back because we feel that we can compete and play with them.”

The 22-man roaster will officially be named today.

https://thenassauguardian.com/team-bahamas-set-to-host-trinidad-and-tobago/

 Home|Sports|Let the madness begin!Sports

Let the madness begin!

Sheldon LongleySend an emailMarch 20, 2023 239 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian Bryan Clarke and the University of Houston Cougars are rolling right along in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I (DI) Men’s Basketball Tournament, reaching the Sweet 16 over the weekend at the Legacy Arena inside the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, Alabama.

Listed as the number one seed in the Midwest Region, the Cougars had their share of struggles in both rounds so far, but turned it up when they needed to, to win two games and book their ticket into the Sweet 16.

Clarke, a former standout athlete at St. John’s College and Texas Southern University (TSU), sits on the Cougars’ bench as the sports performance assistant coach.

On Thursday, the Cougars took down the number 16 seeded Northern Kentucky Norse, 63-52, pulling away in the second half for the double digit win. The game was close throughout the first half, and after the upset-minded Norse pulled even at 34 early in the second, the Cougars went on a 19-9 scoring run to open their first double digit lead of the game and they never looked back. The Norse got to within five at 55-50, but the Cougars sensed the danger and closed the game on an 8-2 run.

As expected, the Cougars faced an even tougher task in the second round, having to battle back from a 10-point halftime deficit against the Auburn Tigers. They more than doubled up the Tigers in the second half, 50-23, to win comfortably, 81-64. The Cougars trailed 41-31 at the half, but scored five quick points at the start of the second half to trim the deficit in half.

They took their first lead since the 5:33 mark of the first half on a three-point shot from Marcus Sasser with 12:57 left to go in the game. Houston took the lead for good on two free shots from Jamal Shead with 9:32 left in the game, going up 52-50. They outscored the Tigers 29-14 the rest of the way.

The Cougars are into the Sweet 16 for the 14th time in program history and are trying to reach the Final Four for a third consecutive season. If they make it through their next two opponents, the Cougars will play in the Final Four at home in Houston, Texas.

They earned their number one seed in the Midwest Region after one of their best seasons in program history, posting a 31-3 overall win/loss record and capturing a third straight American Athletic Conference regular-season title, and fourth in the last five years. They will take on either the Miami Hurricanes or the Indiana Hoosiers in their Sweet 16 game next weekend. The Hurricanes led that game, 40-35, at the half, up to press time, last night.

Fredrick King and the Creighton University Bluejays took out the North Carolina State University Wolfpack, 72-63, in their first round game at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on Friday.

King, a 6’10” post player weighing 234 pounds, experienced just two minutes on the floor in that game and finished with just one rebound on the statistics sheet. He and the Bluejays took on the third-seeded Baylor Bears in the round of 32 last night, and came out on top, 85-76, advancing to the Sweet 16 for the second time in three years.

King again finished with a rebound. For the season, he is averaging 3.6 points and 2.5 rebounds in 8.9 minutes per game. He is shooting 60.5 percent from the floor. His season-high in points and rebounds are 16 points against Marquette back in December and 11 rebounds against Arizona State, also in December. He also had five blocks in that game against Arizona State.

King, who hails from Andros, is looking for more playing time as the tournament progresses. The Bluejays are coming off a third-place finish in the Big East Conference and are listed as the sixth seed in the South Region of the NCAA Tournament. King and the Bluejays will take on the ‘Cinderella’ team of the tournament so far, the 15th seeded Princeton Tigers, in their Sweet 16 game on Friday. That game will be played at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

On the women’s side, Bahamian head coach of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Lady Rebels women’s basketball program Yolett McPhee-McCuin and her team experienced action in the round of 32 last night, but the result of their game was unavailable up to press time.

In their opening game, they relied heavily on their defense, taking out the ninth seeded Gonzaga University Bulldogs, 71-48, inside the Maples Pavilion in Stanford, California. The Lady Rebels led by as much as 28 points in the game, winning comfortably on Friday night.

They were scheduled to take on the number one seeded Stanford Cardinal last night, but the result of that game was unavailable up to press time. The winner of that game advances to the Sweet 16. The Rebels earned an at-large bid for the tournament and are listed as the eighth seed in Seattle 4 Region.

McPhee-McCuin is making her second trip to the NCAA DI women’s tournament as the head coach of the Rebels. They advanced to the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament for the past two years and were 11-5 in conference play this year. They finished with an overall record of 23-8. It is the second consecutive season in which they have won 20-plus games and 10-plus in the SEC.

March Madness continues with the Sweet 16 in both the men and the women next weekend.

https://thenassauguardian.com/let-the-madness-begin/

 Home|Sports|BAARK! Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon deemed a successSports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailMarch 21, 2023 257 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

BAARK!, Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness, completed its 10th annual Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon on Sunday March 5, and it was a resounding success.

Launy Duncombe, of Freeport, Grand Bahama, a CARIFTA triathlon team member, emerged as the overall male winner with a time of 1:04:38. He was followed closely by Jorge Marcos with a time of 1:04:57, and rounding out the top three finishers was Simone Bertoldo, last year’s winner, with a time of 1:06:44.

In the female category, the overall winner was Kami Roach, also a CARIFTA triathlon team member. She clocked the winning time of 1:12:30. Sylvia Bateman, of Freeport, Grand Bahama, an assistant coach for the last CARIFTA Triathlon’s team, finished second in 1:13:25, and Suzy Eneas, last year’s winner, rounded off the top three finishers with a time of 1:13:39.

The sprint relays, which are always a crowd favorite, didn’t disappoint this year. The overall winner of the male sprint relay was the ‘East Side Eagles’, consisting of Justin Higgs, Giles Sawyer and Geren Albury. They finished in 1:07:24. ‘Tri’ing Hard’ with Ragh and Ragil Cordova as team members, clocked 1:11:08 to finish second.

In the mixed sprint relay, ‘St. Andrew’s School’ with Giada Bertoldo, Gordon McKenzie and Robert Holcombe as team members, were victorious with a time of 1:03:15. ‘Slow Down for What’, featuring Cameron Roach, Felix Neely and LeiLei Lightbourne, finished second with a time of 1:05:42. Rounding off the top three finishers was ‘Session Box’ with Maggie Shehan, John Mollen and Amanda Darville as team members. They finished in 1:12:48.

SunCash, a bronze sponsor, provided gift cards to the overall winners.

In the Male (16-19) category, Enea Gervasini was first in 1:09:17, Barron Musgrove finished second in 1:12:49 and Jason Cates finished third in 1:13:24. In the Female (16-19) category, Erin Pritchard won in 1:14:44. In the Male (20-29) division, Justin Higgs won in 1:13:27, Michael Holowesko was second in 1:16:23 and Kohen Kerr finished third in 1:29:01. In the Female (20-29) category, Arianne Evans won in 1:32:30.

In the Male (30-39) division, Daniel Freire won in 1:13:31, Peter Wagner was second in 1:15:31 and Ferhat Sen finished third in 1:29:11. In the Female (30-39) category, Wima Stefanutti was first in 1:23:57 and Britt Christensen finished second in 1:29:31. In the Male (40-49) division, Cameron Roach won in 1:07:52, Andrew Ratcliffe was second in 1:10:17 and Daniel Belton finished third in 1:11:41. In the Female (40-49) category, Ilaria Gervasini won in 1:21:16 and Samantha Cartwright was second in 1:35:57.

In the Male (50-59) division, Simon Townend won in 1:11:15, Sean Farrington was second in 1:11:35 and Edward Bethel came in third in 1:15:51. In the Female (50-59) category, Sarah Farrington prevailed in 1:33:55. In the Male (60-69) division, Gerald Wathen won in 1:24:02, and in the Male (70-plus) division, Ulrich Filser won in 1:32:36.

In the Puppy Category (Boys 8-and-Under), Caiden Bain won in 6:48, Alan Gervasini was second in 8:04 and Kai Weightman finished third in 8:37. In the Puppy Category (Boys 9-10), Stafford Sweeting won in 6:46, Fraser Menzies finished second in 6:55 and Lyall Menzies was third in 7:39. In the Puppy Category (Girls 9-10), Hailey Cunningham won in 10:19.

In the Juniors (Boys 11-12), Sibby Fynn Potter won in 22:56, Lauchlan Menzies finished second in 22:59 and Kendrick Cargill was third in 34:48. In the Juniors (Girls 11-12), Nai’a Belton won in 25:26 and Veranique Strachan finished second in 27:37. In the Juniors (Boys 13-15), Malcolm Menzies won in 34:12, Ayden Bain finished second in 37:06 and Jayden Smith came in third in 42:47. In the Juniors (Girls 13-15), Taylor Knowles was first in 50:14 and Chelsea Smith came in second in 59:34.

Official times for all participants can be found on the website https://www.raceprompt.com/the-potcakeman-triathlon-2023/. The event was sanctioned by the Bahamas Triathlon Association and is a qualifier for the CARIFTA Triathlon in August.

The triathlon features a 750-meters swim, a 12-mile bike ride and a five kilometer run. The triathlon is a family-fun event that has grown over the last 10 years, attracting participants from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama and the United Kingdom. This year’s race attracted a participant from Finland.

The triathlon had Powerade as a title sponsor, JS Johnson, Purina, FX Pro, Think Simple and Dunkin’ Donuts as gold sponsors, Albany, Modernistic Garden and Pet Supplies, Freak Show and Tito’s Vodka/Jimmy’s Wines and Spirits as silver sponsors, and Panama Jack, Odyssey Aviation, FYP, Ports International, Callendars & Co., Caves Village Vet, Terrain Landscape Architects and SunCash as bronze sponsors.

Special thanks is extended to the race crew, swim cap and race bag sponsors Damianos Sotheby’s, The Shoe Village and Think Simple, the Junior/Puppy Aquathon sponsor Dunkin’ Donuts; the event providers Bahamas Waste, the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA), Dasani, the Nassau Rowing Club, Polar Ice, Bahamas Red Cross, Rotary Club of East Nassau, Graham Real Estate, Windermere Salon and Spa, The Pets Kitchena and the Lyford Cay International School, and raffle donors Custom Computers, Cycles Unlimited, Powerboat Adventures, SunBum, the Ocean Club, The Shoe Village, Bon Vivants, Windermere Salon and Spa, Panama Jack and the Baha Mar Resort Foundation.

Funds raised from the Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon will go to support the operational costs of BAARK!

In 2022, BAARK! completed approximately 4,500 spay and neuters; its goal is to perform between 5,000-7,000 spay and neuter surgeries annually. The five-year goal is a minimal number of unwanted dogs and cats, resulting in safer and cleaner communities.

BAARK! was founded in 2009 with the mission to carry out spay/neuter and education projects to reduce the homeless dog and cat population and end the unnecessary suffering of dogs and cats in The Bahamas.

https://thenassauguardian.com/baark-powerade-potcakeman-triathlon-deemed-a-success/

 Home|Sports|‘This is for the people with a dollar and a dream’Sports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailMarch 21, 2023 377 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian head coach of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Lady Rebels women’s basketball program Yolett McPhee-McCuin is realizing dreams that the rest of the college basketball landscape could certainly appreciate and marvel about.

The former high school and junior national team player from The Bahamas is not only coaching at the highest level of collegiate basketball in the United States, but is accomplishing milestones and turning heads while doing so. On Sunday night, she led the Lady Rebels past the number one seeded team in the Seattle 4 Region, and three-time national champion, the Stanford Cardinal, and she did it on their home court – inside the Maples Pavilion in Stanford, California.

In a wire-to-wire victory, the region’s eighth seeded Lady Rebels outlasted the top seeded Cardinal, 54-49, on Sunday night, reaching the Sweet 16 of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I (DI) Women’s Basketball Tournament for the first time in 16 years.

“I have just an incredible amount of gratitude. I would like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and thank my family, this team, we just love each other so much,” said McPhee-McCuin to ESPN Sunday night. “We’ve been waiting for a big one. I’m on social media and everyone said Yo can’t win the big one. For the team to be able to do this, I’m just full of gratitude. We make a lot of sacrifices and I’m so proud of our team. For us to be rewarded in this way, in this fashion, it means the world to me.”

McPhee-McCuin has come a long way since starting her professional career at Frank Phillips College in Borger, Texas, in 2004. Her first head coaching responsibility was at Jacksonville University in 2013, and she spent five years there before moving on to Ole Miss in 2018. She’s now in her fifth season at Ole Miss and is currently experiencing her best season. Now, the Bahamian sports legend is just a couple wins away from advancing to the NCAA Final Four and just four wins away from winning it all.

“This is for the people with a dollar and dream,” she said. “I’m a little girl from The Bahamas that was given an opportunity. I wasn’t Ole Miss’ first choice but I was the right one and I was naive enough to think that I could do it and that’s what ‘No Ceilings’ mean. There’s no limit. I’m just really proud to be the head coach here and we’re going to Seattle. I love Seattle. Let’s go.”

The term ‘No Ceilings’ has been their driving force for the past three seasons. Competing in their second straight NCAA DI women’s tournament, the Ole Miss Rebels are building on the experience of a year ago when they were knocked out in the first round. This year, in the first round, they easily took out the ninth seeded Gonzaga University Bulldogs, 71-48. The Lady Rebels relied heavily on defense, leading by as much as 28 points in the game against Gonzaga.

Sunday night’s game was more of a challenge as they were up against the top seeded team in the region and three-time national champion. Not deterred, the Lady Rebels came out aggressively. They took control of the game early and led throughout the first half. They were up 18-13 after one and 29-20 at the half. The Rebels led by as much as 13 points in the third quarter before the Cardinal battles back, pulling to within 42-35 at the end of three. The Cardinal continued to come back, pulling even at 49 with 1:16 remaining in the fourth, but the Rebels scored the final five points of the game for the dramatic win.

Junior forward Madison Scott and senior guard Marquesha Davis made two free shots each and senior guard Myah Taylor added another to complete the scoring. The Rebels forced three turnovers in the final minute of the game. It was that kind of stellar defense that allowed them to overcome not making a field goal over the final 5:47 of the game, going 0-for-8.

The Cardinal had 14 straight Sweet 16 appearances and hadn’t lost in the first or second rounds since 2007, which was exactly 16 years ago to the day on Sunday – March 19, 2007. Prior to the loss, Stanford had won 21 consecutive NCAA games on its home floor and have a 41-5 win/loss record all-time inside the Maples Pavilion during March Madness – the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Meanwhile, the upstart Rebels (25-8, 11-5 Southeastern Conference) will now move on to play another Cardinal, the fifth seeded Louisville Cardinals, in their NCAA Sweet 16 game, inside the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, on Friday.

Bahamian Bryan Clarke, a sports performance assistant coach with the Houston Cougars, will be on the bench again when the region’s top seeded team faces the region’s fifth seeded Miami Hurricanes in their NCAA Sweet 16 game inside the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Friday. That game will be played at 7:15 p.m.

Also in the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, Bahamian Fredrick King and the South Region’s sixth seeded Creighton University Bluejays will face the ‘Cinderella’ team of the tournament so far, the 15th seeded Princeton Tigers, in their Sweet 16 game on Friday. That game will be played at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky, and will get underway at 9 p.m.

https://thenassauguardian.com/this-is-for-the-people-with-a-dollar-and-a-dream/

 Home|Sports|School golf nationals set for AprilSports

About 30 schools have registered for the event

Sheldon LongleySend an emailMarch 21, 2023 297 4 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

With nearly a full complement of players and schools registered, the 3rd Annual Interschool Golf Championships is in its final stages of preparation, set for April 17-21 at nine-hole golf course at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

There are eight divisions being contested – lower primary boys and girls, upper primary boys and girls, junior boys and girls and senior boys and girls. About 30 teams are registered so far, and each team could consist of three to five players, but just the three lowest scorers will count toward the team’s total. Last year, a total of 282 players took part in the school golf nationals – 15 schools fielded full teams.

“Over the past few years, we have seen so many lives changed, so many dreams become a reality, and this is just the beginning,” said Gina Gonzalez-Rolle, chairperson of the Bahamas Golf Federation’s (BGF) Junior

Division. “We cater to the whole child. The Bahamas has been put on the map through track and field, swimming, baseball and basketball, but give us three years. Through hard work and dedication we will continue to make golf our national sport. We turn dreams into reality. Come and watch our students play.”

Hundreds of school children are expected to take part in the championships and will compete in the individual and team competitions. Tournament organizers have set a maximum capacity of 144 players per day, or 576 over the course of the four days of competition.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Ministry of Education & Technical & Vocational Training are partnering with the BGF Junior Division and Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy in the staging of the school golf nationals.

“The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture is indeed happy to partner with the Ministry of Education. We want to congratulate the Bahamas Golf Federation as well as Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy for hosting such a prestigious event where our young kids can be exposed to another sport,” said Kelsie Johnson-Sills, director of sports in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. “The sport of golf teaches discipline and how to be truthful and honest as a player. Every shot counts. I want to congratulate all of our junior players and also the organizers for making sure that the sport continues to grow. We want to introduce more sports into the schools and we want to see more professionals in golf so I implore you young golfers to not give up on your dreams.”

The Ministry of Education & Technical & Vocational Training is introducing the sport of golf into the school curriculum in The Bahamas. It allows all school students to be introduced to golf in Physical Education (PE) classes, and gives them the opportunity to represent their schools in the national school golf championships.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Education & Technical & Vocational Training Zane Lightbourne said they realize that there are many opportunities available in the sport of golf and it is their duty to develop the whole child.

“We know that golf is identified as an individual sport but it teaches a person so much,” said Lightbourne. “We know that our country is filled with young talented people in so many different areas. On the world stage, in almost every international competition, in all sports, a Bahamian is representing this beautiful country. There is amazing talent that is in the bodies and minds of young Bahamian children. I commend the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for driving this event forward and getting it done, and for partnering with the Ministry of Education in bringing golf in as a part of the curriculum in schools. Our PE teachers now have to learn golf so that they could teach it as a part of the curriculum.

“The championships are here, they are well watched and they are competitive. We have this on the calendar now as something to look forward to. The sport of golf teaches you discipline, how to be self driven and how to compete against others. I encourage our children to continue to get involved and take it as far as it could take you and I encourage Corporate Bahamas to continue to partner with the Government of The Bahamas in staging events such as this in bringing children together. We could show that we have much to be proud of than some of the negative aspects that you see in the news. This is more than just sports. To all the organizers, parents and the children themselves, I am so proud of what you are doing, and you have a partner always in the Ministry of Education.” 

The school golf program has four main goals – to deliver the instructions where the children are – at school; provide a high quality, consistent program led by Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy; transition the children from the school to the golf facility based on competency with the curriculum; and give students an opportunity to represent their schools in the primary school league, high school league, and the Bahamas National Primary and High School Golf Championships.

The objective is to deliver a consistent golf learning experience where they will learn the game through a series of group lessons and transition to the BGF’s junior program administered by Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy.

The program started in 2020 with its addition to the school curriculum.

At the school golf nationals, the lower and upper primary school children compete from 50 yards, the juniors compete from 100 yards and the seniors compete from 150 yards.

At last year’s school golf nationals, Windsor School won five of the eight divisions – lower primary girls, upper primary boys, junior boys and girls and senior boys. Lyford Cay International School won the lower primary boys division, Eva Hilton Primary School won the upper primary girls division and Queen’s College prevailed in the senior girls division.

https://thenassauguardian.com/school-golf-nationals-set-for-april/

Emily Darville (sister of Andrea Darville) at last year’s Get Your Rear in Gear event.

As of Friday, March 10, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Colon Cancer Coalition will host the annual Get Your Rear in Gear (GYRIG) 5k fun run walk race 6:30am on March 11 at Goodman’s Bay Park.

#The GYRIG’s inaugural event started last year in memory of the late Andrea Darville who was an originator and local director of the event as well as a big advocate for colon cancer awareness before her passing early last year.

#The former UB Mingo and member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority touched the lives of many that watched her ongoing battle with stage 3 colon cancer.

#With March being colon cancer awareness month and colon cancer being the second most common cancer in The Bahamas, event organisers Jackie Evans and sister of the deceased Emily Darville seek to not only carry out Andrea’s vision and final wish but also spread awareness about the cancer.

#In a cause that is very personal to Darville, she talked about how great support for the 5k fun run walk event has been. “I have received an overwhelming [amount] of support from the public, local and international sponsors alike, last year we borrowed a giant inflatable colon as an educational piece on site for the race,” Darville said.

#However, Darville added that for this year’s awareness event the organisers were sponsored one that is now a keepsake at the Cancer Society for educational purposes.

#This year’s GYRIG event was sponsored by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Genesis Community Loan Fund, Gastrocare Bahamas, Pfizer, Bahamas Orthodontic Center, and Taiho Oncology, CFAL, and Heineken.

#Those who wish to participate in support of the late Andrea Darville or to simply help in raising awareness for colon cancer can register online at https://donate.coloncancercoalition.org/ bahamas/?rbref=local.

#For persons that wish to register in person they can go to the Cancer Society located on East Terrace Centerville and sign up between 12pm and 6pm today. Also, if potential participants miss today’s in-person registration they will have another chance on the morning of the 5k fun run walk event on Goodman’s Bay Park.

#The registration fees for GYRIG are $25 for adults and $12 for kids. Registrants will receive a registration package which will include a GYRIG t-shirt and backpack, colon cancer information pamphlets, water and a Gatorade, as well as fruits and energy bars. Persons that complete the race will receive a medal upon completion.

#The route for Saturday’s early morning event will begin with participants leaving Goodman’s Bay to travel west towards Baha Mar onto Cable Beach then participants will make a left before the Swiss Pastry bakery to travel back to the start of the route.

#Darville had final words of encouragement for those who are still considering registering for the event.

#“I’d like to encourage you all to come out and participate in this good cause as we raise funds and awareness assisting those who are fighting to beat this horrible disease,” Darville said.

#The event organiser and sister of the beloved Andrea Darville hope to see the general public in attendance at the 2023’s GYRiG 5k Fun Run Walk.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/10/get-your-rear-gear-5k-fun-runwalk-saturday/?news

COACH Dario Saunders and his Charles W Saunders Cougars senior boys’ basketball team.

As of Friday, March 10, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#THE Charles W Saunders School rolled out the red carpet on their school grounds yesterday as they celebrated the historic Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ basketball championship feat by their Cougars senior boys’ basketball team.

#The team, coached by Dario Saunders, clinched the title last month over their Baptist rivals Jordan Prince Williams Falcons before they went to the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic, only to fall short in the pool championships to Grand Bahama’s St George’s Jaguars.

#The ceremony, presided by Rev Stephen Duncombe, the senior master of the high school, saw entertainment by the primary school, the cheerleaders and the band and there were speeches from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Bahamas Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention. But the most profound speech came from principal Anadell Thompson, who noted that Charles W Saunders has won numerous titles in softball, but they are now spreading their wings and expanding their territories. She noted that four weeks away in the battle of the Baptist schools, the Cougars finally did it as champions. But for her, it was four years of watching the team emerge from cellar dwellers to the top of the mountain.

#“Four years ago, I came to Charles W Saunders as the principal, our school was among the top in softball, but we were almost at the bottom in basketball at the BAISS level,” she recalled. “When I saw the boys’ basketball team, I was convinced that I should become a member of that team. “This was perhaps the worst team that I’ve ever seen. I remember during our first game against Prince Williams in 2019, our team was beaten by almost 100 points. Despite that, the boys continued to play. I realised then that they were courageous.”

#What was even more settling was the fact that Thompson said coach Saunders asked her to allow the team to play in the Hugh Campbell Tournament that year. She felt the coaches were on a path to cause her to lose her job.

#But to her surprise, Thompson said the boys played with heart and the rest was history. Over the past two years, she said she watched as the team grew tremendously, overcoming many obstacles, pain, hardships and distress to get to where they are now called champions. “This group started out as a team, but today, I can say they are now a family,” Thompson stated. “They not only won the BAISS championship, but went back in the Hugh Campbell Tournament and it to the final eight teams out of 26 teams,” she said. “I am a proud principal and I congratulate them.”

#Also present was Rev Dr Perry Cunningham, the president of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools, who said he was delighted to celebrate with the champions.

#“I have been privileged to be a part of this association for a number of years,” he said, noting that he started in 1987. “So I’ve seen quite a bit happen during the time. The premier sporting event that we have in our association is not just the junior boys or senior girls or softball. “In this country, it’s always been basketball. And a school of this size with 15 private schools in our association and 11 of them dear to participate this year, for CW Saunders, among schools that are 100 years old, to be on top this year is a mark of distinction and achievement.”

#Cunningham, who went to eight schools before he graduated and served as an administrator in six schools, said he hopes to take away what he’s seen at Charles W Saunders and he hopes that he could implement some of that winning tradition when he goes back to the Nassau Christian Academy.

#Rev. Dr. Diana Francis, the chairman of the Baptist Board of Education, said she commends the Cougars, based on their history, to come from being slaughtered to be in a place to be the people who slaughtered is something to salute.

#“Quitters never win, but you showed us that you have the ability to never quit. Even though you lost many games, you showed them that inside of you is a Cougar mentality and that you were hungry for the victory and you didn’t back down,” said Francis, the pastor of First Baptist Church.

#“You didn’t sit back, but you showed us centres, you showed us forwards, you showed us guards that hard work, sacrifice, team work, excellence, athletic prowess, determination, discipline and endurance when you hold on and give it 100 percent, you will come out with the trophy. You will arise and emerge as a victor.”

#Bishop Carrington Pinder, the vice president at large of the Baptist Convention, speaking on behalf of national president Lloyd Smith in his absence, said he’s pleased to recognise the superstars who roared out of the Cougars’ den and left their mark not only in the Baptist community, but in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and beyond.

#“We are proud of you. We are proud of your achievements,” he said. “As I listened to principal Thompson’s report of how God has raised you from being the underdogs, the Bible says he that overcometh should inherit, not just some, but all things.

#Assistant director of sports Kerry Baker, a former basketball player, represented Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg. He attended the event along with sports officer Mario Ford. In his speech, he noted the importance of the student-athletes balancing their time with athletics and academics.

#“While you achieve your accomplishments in sports, academics must be paramount. There must be a balance,” said Baker, who noted that too many athletes are denied the opportunity to go on and further their education in college because they lack the medium between the two.

#Saunders, who was assisted by Edward Dean, said they appreciate all that was bestowed upon them for their accomplishments as they were presented with their trophies and they also received some special gifts from the National Baptist Convention before they were feted to lunch.

#“It’s humbling. As a small school, we’re not big in numbers, but there’s strength in our numbers,” he said. “We came together and with God along with us throughout the journey, who got the job done. This is only a team of grade 10 and 11 students, so the sky is still the limit for us.

#“We are not the hunted, so our focus has to be greater, but with God with us, we will persevere.”

#Nakero Brown, the most valuable player for the Cougars, said they were hoping to make it a double delight in winning the Hugh Campbell title as well, but despite falling short, he was still pleased with their overall effort. “We’re a family and we do everything together,” said the 6-foot, 6-inch, 18-year-old 11th grader. “We will be back. Hopefully we can do it all over again and win the two titles next year.”

#The other team members were Nathaniel Darling, Leroy Gray, John Joseph, Marcian Pickstock, Seth Rolle, Kyandre Sands, Emmanuel Smith, Dequan Strachan, Romiel Strachan, Treymon Wright, Raymone Woods and Omarlon Woodside.

#Former basketball player Mario Pickstock, the father of Marcian Pickstock, said he was so proud of the performance of the team.

#“They did well,” he insisted. “They did a good job this year, but they know they have to put in the work to do it again next year.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/10/cougars-get-red-carpet/?news