Month: March 2023

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#IN an unprecedented move, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and Ministry of Education, Science and Technology will hold a Junior National High School Track and Field Championships and Final CARIFTA Trials.

#At a press conference yesterday in the foyer of the two ministries in the Ivy Dumont Building, Mario Bowleg, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture revealed that the two events will be combined for the weekend of March 25-27 at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

#Under the theme “Unity Through Sports, a Golden Jubilee,” the event, according to Bowleg, will serve as the test run by the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) and Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) for the Oaktree Medical Center’s 50th CARIFTA Games, scheduled for April 8-10 at the same venue.

#“The High School National Championships and the CARIFTA trials will provide student athletes from throughout the Bahamas the opportunity to showcase their athletic prowess with the hopes of qualifying for the CARIFTA Games,” Bowleg.

#Bowleg said this will be a memorable venture and he encourages all student athletes competing in the event to remain optimistic and to be the best athletes they could be on and off the field.

#He encouraged the Bahamian public to come out with their junkanoo music and cheer on the student athletes as they vie for their spots on the team to represent the Bahamas at the games.

#Zane Lightbourne, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, said he’s always delighted to be a part of any event that highlights the prowess of the Bahamian young athletes as a part of the country’s 50th Jubilee Independence celebrations.

#Lightbourne said their ministry joins in the enthusiasm of the student athletes as they anticipate the shattering of old records and the emergence of new superstars as they go for gold, not just in the event, but at the CARIFTA Games.

#Sands, the president of NACAC, said he remembers in the 1980s when the split took place and that led to the formation of the National High School Track and Field Championships, which created an avenue to bring all schools under one umbrella again.

#He noted since the formation of the Nationals under the presidency of the late Dr Bernard Nottage, successive presidents in the BAAA have staged the Nationals almost every year, but now it’s being done in collaboration with both ministries as they seek to bring the sport back to the level that it once enjoyed.

#“Nelson Mandela once said sports can change the world. It has the power to inspire and to unite and it speaks a language that all people can understand,” Sands said. “NACAC is proud to be a part of this event and to support all of the athletes as they compete.”

#Archer, the president of the BAAA, said it’s a special day in track and field with the High School National Championships and the CARIFTA trials taking place at the same time, bringing together the private and public schools in keen competition like they did before the split between the private and the public schools.

#“This is the start of a brand-new day for track and field,” Archer said. “I would go on a limb to say that is an opportunity for us to showcase athletes, not only from New Providence, but every island in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.”

#He congratulated both ministries for having the foresight to stage the dual event, which will provide an opportunity for the BAAA to get a glimpse of what is to come at this year’s CARIFTA Games.

#When asked how the event will be operated, Archer said each school will only have two athletes who will be allowed to score points for their team, but they will not be limited to any number of athletes who will be allowed to participate in any event.

#He noted that athletes who are not registered by their school can register individually and those who are out of school or are in college, but are still eligible for CARIFTA, will be allowed to participate as well.

#The competition will be taking place in the under-14, under-17 and under-20 divisions for both girls and boys.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/14/final-carifta-trials-junior-national-high-school-t/?news

March 19, 2023March 19, 2023

World Baseball Classic: Great Britain in the win column

GREAT Britain third baseman BJ Murray Jr is unable to get to a ball hit by Colombia’s Reynaldo Rodríguez, who singled during the eighth inning of a World Baseball Classic game in Phoenix on Monday, March 13, 2023. (AP Photos/Godofredo A Vásquez)

As of Tuesday, March 14, 2023

GREAT Britain’s Chavez Young celebrates after hitting a two-run single against Colombia during the fourth inning of a World Baseball Classic game in Phoenix, Monday, March 13, 2023.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AFTER losing their first two games of the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s 2023 World Baseball Classic, Great Britain, with its Bahamian connection, has finally gotten in the win column.

#Great Britain, coming off a 6-2 loss to the defending champions United States of America on Saturday and a 18-8 rout by Canada on Sunday, prevailed with a 7-5 decision over Colombia yesterday at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.

#“It was rough. We anticipated coning in here and winning some games, but after the two losses, it was tough,” said Antoan Richardson, one of two Bahamian coaches on the team.

#“After the two losses, we had to go back to the drawing board and rethink our strategy and to see how we can execute that strategy.”

#Cartwright, who serves as a bench coach while Albert Cartwright is the first base coach, said the Bahamian players are a key ingredient to the success of Great Britain.

#“I don’t think we could perform at this tournament without the Bahamian players, so they play a big part in the success of this team,” said Richardson, who is a first base coach for the San Francisco Giants after he finished playing in the Major League.

#“Chavez Fernander pitched a couple innings for us and so the Bahamian players are playing a big role on this team. It’s been challenging trying to win some games, but it’s also been a lot of fun playing at such a high level against these quality teams. We just have to prepare as much to be as successful as possible.”

#Great Britain will close out their competition in Pool C today against Mexico.

#A win and they have a chance to stay in contention for the next round, depending on the outcome of some of the other games. If they lose, they are automatically eliminated.

#In staying alive, right fielder Chavez Young, one of seven players of Bahamian descent on Great Britain’s team, got his fourth stolen base to pull within just one of the all-time mark for steals in a single Classic.

#Young tied the game at 3-3 with a two-run single in the bottom of the fourth as he advanced on an error before breaking out the club’s signature move upon reaching second.

#The 25-year-old member of the Pittsburgh Pirates organisation made Britain’s second impressive defensive play of the top of the fifth when he sprawled down the right-field line for a grab, then immediately sprang to his feet to high-five a young fan.

#Young finished with a 1-for-3 night with a RBI and a walk and third baseman BJ Murray was 1-for-3 with a RBI.

#Harry Ford, the catcher, led the attack with a 2-for-4 plate appearance with two runs scored and first baseman Nick Ward was 1-for-2 with three runs scored.

#Fernander, a native of Grand Bahama, pitched an inning, giving up a pair of hits and as many walks.

#He’s expected to be one of the pitchers the Bahamas Baseball Association will be relying on when the national team travel later this month.

#So the experience he is gaining is critical.

#Even though they suffered two straight losses, Cartwright said it was a great team effort that secured their first win. “We made good moves to give ourselves a chance to win the game,” Cartwright stated.

#Great Britain scored three runs in the fourth and two each in the fifth and seventh, compared to Colombia, who had one in the second, two in the fourth and two more in the ninth.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/14/world-baseball-classic-great-britain-win-column/?news

March 19, 2023February 4, 2024

Special Olympics in CARIFTA mix

SPECIAL Olympics director Gilbert Williams receives a gift from LOC intern Sherinique Sears. Looking on are Pauline Davis, Janeen McCartney and Mike Sands.

As of Tuesday, March 14, 2023

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#THE Oaktree Medical Center’s 50th CARIFTA Games over the Easter holiday weekend at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium will have a special element to its line up with the inclusion of Special Olympics Bahamas.

#Not only has North American, Central American and Caribbean president Mike Sands granted Special Olympics the opportunity to be a part of a pilot programme for the 100 and 200 metres during the games from April 8-10, but their entire executive board and coaches were given 20 tickets from title sponsor Oaktree Medical Center to view the competition.

#At a special press conference yesterday in the Cultural Village of the eastern parking lot of the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, Special Olympics Bahamas director Gilbert Williams was thanking Sands for their inclusion at the games.

#Right after Williams made his speech, Oaktree Medical Center’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Don Deveaux made the announcement that they will purchase 20 tickets for Special Olympics.

#Although they have already made a donation of $300,000 as the title sponsors of the games, Deveaux said he was moved by the inclusion of Special Olympics and wanted to reward the people behind the scenes who work directly with the athletes.

#“We never want you to tire in doing good deeds,” Deveaux said. “This is just to encourage you, corporate Bahamas, and Bahamians in general that we are all in this together. With that mindset, we can see how far the country can go in general.”

#Sands said when he got the call from Williams about inclusion into the games, he conferred with his collegiates, and they agreed to accept the invitation.

#“We are all about inclusion and we are having decisions with the NACAC executives and the membership to be more inclusive of all persons to participate,” Sands said. As a pilot programme for the games, Sands said Special Olympics will be making their appearances with their special events taking place just before the finals of both the 100 and 200m during the games.

#At this late stage in the games, Sands said it will only include the participation of Special Olympic athletes from the Bahamas, but they have formed a committee to ascertain how they can include Special Olympics in all of their future events.

#Williams, speaking on behalf of his members, said from the phone call to Sands, they got the ball rolling and now it’s a reality. “At a time when everybody is talking about inclusion, whether it be government agents or corporate Bahamas, civil organisations, if you know anything about Special Olympics, inclusion is the watch word for Special Olympics,” he said.

#“With over 190 countries and over 200 programmes and over five million athletes from around the world, inclusion is the watch word. “For the organisers of CARIFTA 50, we are happy that you have included us in the games.”

#Williams revealed that they have six males and one female, including Abaco resident Katelyn Romer, versatile Michael Miller, Grand Bahamian Justin Miller and 400m specialist Deron ‘the King’ Forbes. They are all waiting to put on a show for the public when they come out to watch them compete on the biggest stage in the Bahamas.

#He noted that the athletes will be using the games to showcase some of the athletes who will be representing the Bahamas at the Special Olympic World Games in Berlin, Germany, June 17-25.

#While they have a board of directors, a director and a host of coaches, Williams said they are always looking for volunteers to be able to assist the programme.

#Interested persons can contact him at gilbert@ specialolympicsbahamas. org or call 356-2433 or 359-3558.

#As the games is fast approaching, Deveaux said he’s been pleased with the progress that the LOC is making, and he wants to encourage them to keep up the good work.

#Janeen McCartney, the project manager for the LOC, said that while they endorse all that has been said in the inclusion of Special Olympics Bahamas in the games, they have taken the first step and she hopes that the baton will be passed on to the other regional countries to carry on the mantle in the future.

#And Pauline Davis, the Dame of the games, congratulated Williams for what he and his team are doing with Special Olympics Bahamas.

#And she said she is just really excited to see the athletes compete in the games.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/14/special-olympics-carifta-mix/?news

March 19, 2023March 19, 2023

Junior golfers are crowned champions

LEFT: Junior boys’ champion Alex Dupuch receives his award from Gina Rolle and Anthony Hinsey. At left is third place finisher Adrian Stan-Busuioc and second place winner Aidan Gorospe. RIGHT: Tyesha Tynes receives her girls under-18 title from BGF’s first vice president Anthony Hinsey. At left is Gina Rolle, director of the junior division. Photo: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

As of Tuesday, March 14, 2023

BGF executives Gina Rolle and Anthony Hinsey pose above with the participants of the Junior Golf National Championships.

JACKSON MACTAGGART, the under-15 boys’ champion, stands with third place finisher Camdyn Frobes and runner up Kerrington Rolle with Gina Rolle and Anthony Hinsey. Photos: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#After picking up a second-place finish, Alex Dupuch said he just wanted to make sure he finally won his first Bahamas Golf Federation junior national golf championship title before he made his exit.

#Dupuch, winner of the boys’ under-18 flight, was joined by a host of other champions, including Tyesha Tynes, who had to go to a playoff before she repeated as the girls’ under-18 national junior champion on Sunday at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island.

#At the end of the two-day event, Dupuch had to dig down deep before he emerged with a one-stroke victory with his scores of 80-78 for a 158 total over Aidan Gorospe, who trailed with 83-76 for 159. Adrian Stan-Busuioc was third with 87-77-164.

#“I didn’t really strike the ball very well. I knew coming into the tournament, I wasn’t striking that well, so I had to rely on my putting,” Dupuch said. “I didn’t score the way I wanted, but mentally this was the best I felt, just staying in the battle.

#“I never gave up, so I’m really proud of myself because Aidan never gave up. There was one point that I was down, and I had to battle back, and I ended up winning by one stroke in the very last hole. He really made it really tough on me.”

#The 18-year-old senior at Windsor High School said it’s good to go out of the junior ranks in style, hoisting his first national title in the process.

#Tynes, with had identical scores of 97, and Milijojka Gojkovic, with her rounds of 90 and 104, finished tied at 194 at the end of the two days. After going through a playoff on the 12th hole, Tynes emerged the winner by two strokes over Gojkovic.

#Mia Underwood was third with 104-99-203.

#“I knew that going into the final day I was behind by seven strokes, so I had to really focus and fix the mistakes that I made the day before,” she said. “There were a few holes that I didn’t play that well on, but even though I shot the same score, I was really pleased with it.

#“But when they told me that we were tied, I knew I had to go out there and so I knew I had to go out there and break the tie. The hole had some water on it and so when I went out there, I had to take a drop because my ball went into the water.”

#The 17-year-old St John’s 12th grader said she was delighted to repeat as champion because she had to focus on herself, but the competition and the conditions forced her to be a little more concerned about her opponents.

#Versatile Jackson Mactaggart, just back from a recent trip to represent the Bahamas in tennis, said he didn’t have sufficient time to readjust to golf, but was delighted to still win the boys under-15 flight. He did it with rounds of 80-79 for 159 over Kerrington Rolle, who shot 79-86 for 165. Camdyn Forbes was third with 88-87-175.

#“It was a tricky transition because the two sports don’t compare at all,” said Mactaggart, a 15-year-old student who is enrolled in an online school.

#“So it was a lot of hard work. I had to practice a lot this week working on my putting, so it’s good to get back into the groove for golf.

#“It feels good to win it because my opponents all played well.”

#Aryanna Smith had an impressive showing in the girls’ under-10 flight, shooting rounds of 53-57 for her total of 110, well ahead of second place finisher Londyn Strachan with 73-71-144. Taylor Davis was third with 81-76-157.

#“I felt good because this was only my second time playing this golf course,” said the 11-year-old Smith, who is in grade six at Eva Hilton Primary School. “I didn’t have any challenges because I saw a lot of improvement since playing on it the first time.”

#William Mahelis was the winner of the boys’ under-13 flight. He shot 47-50 for a total of 97. Nicholas Turnquest was the runner-up with 55-59 for 114, the same final score as Dylan Mellor, who had identical rounds of 57.

#“I think I played very good, but I got a few bad shots on nine, so I think I could have played better on nine,” said Mahelis, an 11-year-old fifth grader at St Andrew’s School. “The competition was good, but I was glad I won it after I got third last year.”

#The winners in the other flights were as follows:

#Boys 13-and-under – Denahj Mortimer with 99-93-192; Rashawn Hanna with 89-104-193 and William West 98-100-198.

#Girls 13-and-under – Lilly Bisterzo with 87-78-165; Haley Hall with 87-81- 168; Maddisson Carroll 82-87-169.

#Girls 15-and-under – Seannae Nrville Smith with 103-105-208; Taylor Santos with 106-116-222; Jolene Stan-Busuioc 124-106-230.

#Boys under-8 – Maximilien Demole 38-39-77; Antonio Hernandez 57-51-108; Reef Harvey 64-55-110.

#Girls 8-and-under – Sarah Scheidecker 51-52-103; Zara Greaves 52-52-104; Zonalle Smith 64-55-119.

#Boys under-10 – Hugo Johnston 50-44-94; Kai Bastian 56-50-106; William Smith 61-46-107.

#Boys/Girls 18-and-under – Darrius Thompson 81-77-158.

#Girls under-13 – Aiyanna Hernandez 54-54-108; Olivia Ott 60-59-119; Celina Mellor 61-65-125.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/14/junior-golfers-are-crowned-champions/?news

March 19, 2023March 19, 2023

Regulators beat UB Mingoes, 76-63

As of Wednesday, March 15, 2023

UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas men’s basketball team players in action in the New Providence Basketball Association against the Leno Regulators at The A.F. Adderley Gym on Saturday night. Photos: UB ATHLETICS

#THE University of The Bahamas men’s basketball team dropped to the Leno Regulators 76-63 in an inconsequential New Providence Basketball Association game Saturday night at The A.F. Adderley Gym.

#Erquantae Edgecombe led The Mingoes with 18 points and 10 rebounds while Gabriel Styles scored 11 points in the game that didn’t have any impact on either team’s position in the standings.

#Zachery Pennerman scored 24 points for The Regulators and Kemsey Sylvestre scored 23 for The Regulators.

#The Mingoes started the game off strong, going up 6-0 early in the first quarter capped by a Justin Burrows layup assisted by Delano Armbrister.

#The Regulators cut the lead and tied the game at 6-6 and ended the quarter up 18-14.

#The Regulators held the lead for the rest of the game even though The Mingoes cut the lead to three points with 5:02 left in the fourth quarter.

#Off a defensive rebound, Delano Armbrister had the brilliant pass to Erquantae Edgecombe to pick up the easy lay-up to put the score at 62-59.

#Regulators then went on a 9-0 run and ended the game 76-63. “We were right there with five minutes to go but we couldn’t seem to string together enough buckets in order to take the lead,” head coach Bacchus Rolle said. “We also didn’t get the defensive stops that we wanted to either. The Regulators are a tough team and played really good out there tonight. We just didn’t make the stops when we needed it.”

#Despite winning the rebounding battle—58 compared to The Regulators’ 51—The Mingoes couldn’t convert the rebounds into points.

#The Mingoes now move on to play The Caro Contractors Shockers in the first round of the playoffs. The first game is set for 8:30pm tonight and game two is set for 7pm on Saturday, March 18 with both games at the A.F. Adderley Gym.

#The Shockers beat the Mingoes in both meetings this season. The Shockers won 76-56 November 26, 2022 and 67-58 January 13 2023.

#“We aren’t doing too bad for a team that was only supposed to win two games all seasons,” Rolle added. “I am happy and proud of my guys for making it this far we are going into the series optimistically. We are going to have to slow the ball down because they are a very fast team and their guards are lightening quick. We also need to try force turnovers from their big men as well.”

#The game Saturday night was inconsequential because both teams advanced to the playoffs and regardless of the outcome, neither team’s playoff position would have changed.

#The Mingoes had already secured the third spot in the Vince Fergusons division with a 6-7 record.

#The Regulators had already secured the third spot in the John Archer division with an 8-5 record.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/15/regulators-beat-ub-mingoes-76-63/?news

March 19, 2023March 19, 2023

BFA celebrates International Women’s Day with launch of new women’s football league logo

As of Wednesday, March 15, 2023

#THE Bahamas Football Association celebrated International Women’s Day this past weekend with the social media release and launch of the new Bahamas Women’s Football League logo.

#The 17 parts of the body of the women’s logo depicts the 17 beautiful, major islands of the Bahamas.

#The Bahamas Football Association also hosted a mini-festival on Saturday afternoon after hosting the Under-15 Girls League games.

#In those games, match one saw the Dynamos Girls U-15 Squad dispatch the Cavalier U-15 Girls by a score of 4-0. Dynamos got a brace (2) from K’lyn Cherfils and goals from Anaya Riley and Aria Saunders to lead the way.

#In match two, Baha Jr U-15 Girls and Western Warriors U-15 Girls played to a 2-2 draw on the day. Yazmin Kennedy scored a brace for Baha Jr while Raynia Russell and Keyara Jenning scored for the Warriors.

#Later in the evening, the women’s day celebrations continued with the first women’s football league match of the day.

#The match saw the Dynamos Football Club’s Ashya Butler drop a hat trick and one and an insurance goal from Alexis Williamson on the Orange crush squad of the United Football Club.

#Butler missed another three clear goals on the day as she said she was shaking off the rust. A prolific scorer in college at Northeastern Oklahoma, Butler will be tough to handle as she gets going. United got two goals on the night, one form Hadassah Knowles and Samina Moss.

#In match two, Baha Jr women’s team battled the Cavalier FC women’s team to a 3-1 victory. Sydney Hector scored a brace and Lily Comarcho added an insurance goal to seal the win. Janeka Edey provided the lone goal in a losing effort.

#Bahamas Men’s Soccer League

#Match 1: Western Warriors defeat Dynamos FC 3-1

#The road to the top of the Men’s Division got a bit tougher for coach Dion Peterson and the Dynamos club.

#Despite the score being tied 1-1 at the half, team fitness and depth caused problems for Peterson and the Warriors took the match in hand at the 74’.

#Brandon Adderley scored for the Dynamos while Warriors got scoring from Romel Agustin, Roose Esterdjy and an own goal from Dynamos FC Avery Kemp.

#It does not get any better as the two teams meet again this week in a makeup match. That should be a barnburner.

#Match Two: IM Bears roll over Cavalier FC 9-0

#In the heyday of Bahamian football, this match up would have been an exciting barnburner of a match with the likes of Nesley Jean taking on Kevin Davies and Lionel Haven.

#These days, the Cavaliers are hardly that team and a proud IM Bears team led by Lesly St Fleur took the Cavalier squad to the woodshed. In the end, Djodson Francois scored a hat trick and John P. Jean added another brace to help the rout.

#Match 3: Future Stars defeated Renegades FC 6-3

#All season long we have wondered why the youthful Future Stars team were struggling as they were one of the talented teams in the league. Sunday night they got their act together and played team football to defeat veteran squad Renegades FC.

#Shanton St Germain scored two, leading scorer Mikendy Paul added one and Terico Etienne another to help fuel the win.

#Coach Carlton Adderley might have found the message to get these guys playing for each other. Jacob Charles scored a hat trick in a losing effort.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/15/bfa-celebrates-international-womens-day-launch-new/?news

March 19, 2023March 19, 2023

New Lively Hope Baptist Church crowned winners of Bahamas Baptist Association’s inaugural basketball tournament

As of Wednesday, March 15, 2023

CHAMPIONS New Lively Hope Baptist Church pose with their trophy and medals after winning the Bahamas Baptist Association’s Inaugural Basketball Tournament on Saturday.

RUNNERS-up Faith United receive their trophy and medals.

#NEW Lively Hope Baptist Church was crowned the winners of the Bahamas Baptist Association’s inaugural Basketball Tournament.

#Although only four teams participated, the competition was fierce from the opening jump ball to the final whistle blown on Saturday at the Anatol Rodgers Gymnasium.

#When it was said and done, New Lively Hope, coached by Michaelangelo Cartwright, emerged as the champions with a 34-14 win over Faith United, coached by Harrison Thompson.

#Derico Taylor, named the most valuable player, scored six points to lead New Lively, who also got nine from Jaynaz Pratt. Aui Robinson also scored six.

#In the other games played, Faith United def. Judaea 35-21.

#Faith United 29,

#New Bethlehem 28:

#Anton Francis erupted for a game high 14 points, including three three-pointers and Jermaine McPhee had seven in the win as Faith United advanced to the final. Jamal Miller had eight and Greco Wilson chipped in with seven in a losing effort, but it wasn’t enough as New Bethlehem got eliminated.

#New Lively Hope 34,

#Faith United 14:

#Jaynaz Pratt came up with a game high 14 points and Oben Dalestin added seven to pull off the win to send New Lively Hope into the final.

#Jermaine McPhee scored six and Joshua Sweeting had four as Faith United suffered their first loss.

#New Bethlehem 25,

#Judaea 21:

#Greco Wilson had a game high 12 points and Jamal Miller had five, while Deangelo Rolle contributed another four in the win. Dwayne Smith and Lorenzo Rolle both scored five in Judaea’s second loss to be eliminated.

#New Lively Hope 32,

#New Bethlehem 29:

#Derico Taylor canned 12 points and Oben Dalestin had six in the win.

#Greco Wilson poured in a game high 13 points and both Theo Cleare and Deangelo Rolle chipped in with four in New Bethlehem’s first loss.

#Faith United 35,

#Judaea 21:

#Anton Francis exploded for a game high 16 points, including a pair of three-pointers and Jermaine McPhee added eight. Joshua Forbes scored six and Lorenzo Rolle added five in Judaea’s first loss.

#The tournament, organised by Rev. Samantha Cartwright, was the first of its kind and is expected to set the stage for other sporting events to follow.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/15/new-lively-hope-baptist-church-crowned-winners-bah/?news

March 19, 2023March 19, 2023

CV Bethel Stingrays senior girls win Bahamas Scholastic Association title

THE CV Bethel Stingrays pose as BSA senior girls champions on Friday. At right, Stingrays celebrate their Fr Marcian Peters Invitational title with Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg.

As of Wednesday, March 15, 2023

#THE CV Bethel Stingrays added the Bahamas Scholastic Association title to the one they won at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Father Marcian Peters Invitational.

#The Stingrays, coached by Shantel Rolle, emerged as the BSA’ senior girls’ champions at the CI Gibson Gymnasium on Friday with a 46-19 win over the St John’s College Giants in a 2-1 edge in their best-of-three series.

#Trinity Bodie, of CV Bethel, scored a game high 28 points with five steals and Gereanique Bethel added 10 points and six steals. Geintae Simpson, of St John’s, scored seven points with five rebounds and two steals and Savannah Turnquest added five points and two steals in the loss for St John’s.

#CV Bethel won the Father Marcian Peters Invitational in December, but they failed to win the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association title three weeks ago when they faced the eventual champions CR Walker Knights.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/15/cv-bethel-stingrays-senior-girls-win-bahamas-schol/?news

March 19, 2023March 19, 2023

Xavion Johnson wins another judo tournament

As of Wednesday, March 15, 2023

XAVION Johnson in action in the under-18 boys’ division at the Edmonton International Judo Championships.

XAVION Johnson is flanked by his rivals in the under-18 division.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#IT was another big weekend for Xavion Johnson, only this time he added the open divisional crown to his continued dominance of the under-18 boys’ division at the 2023 Edmonton International Judo Championships in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on Saturday.

#“It was pretty good. This was probably one of my best performances yet,” Johnson said.

#“I still have some things to work out, but it was okay.”

#Johnson said he came into the tournament with a specific game plan and he stuck to it.

#In the under-18 division, Johnson had to face off against one of his team-mates from his training camp and after getting into the final, Johnson needed just one minute to dispose of his opponent to clinch the title.

#He came on Sunday and competing in the open division, Johnson had a tougher time, but after facing the same opponent he met in the under-18 final, he got through with another victory. Then in the final, Johnson secured the title in a little over one minute.

#“I feel really good. I felt like I went out there and did just as I expected,” Johnson said.

#“I knew I had a chance to win the under-18 division, but I really wanted to get the open division and I got it too.”

#This was Johnson’s third tournament for the year and out of the 21 matches he fought, he only lost two.

#“I definitely have to work on my gripping and trying to improve on my groundwork,” he said. “I think if I can improve on these two aspects of my game, I will be able to do much better in the future.”

#Johnson thanked his mother Ordain Moss and the local and international judo clubs that he’s a part of right now. He also mentioned the support he’s gotten from fellow judokas Cynthia Rahming and Andrew Munnings.

#“All of their support has been tremendous,” said Johnson, who also thanked all his family members and friends, including his grand and great-grandmothers Tracey and Hazel Chea, godmother Udean Sattom and Paul Sattom.

#“Without them, I don’t think I would be in the position that I am in right now.”

#Johnson, 16, said he will continue to train in Canada with the hopes of qualifying for the Cadet World Championships in 2023.

#His ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, if not to be eligible to compete in 2028 in Los Angeles, California.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/15/xavion-johnson-wins-another-judo-tournament/?news

March 19, 2023March 19, 2023

‘Tweedy’ and Blue Devils fall to Broncos in title game

As of Wednesday, March 15, 2023

VERONAYE ‘Tweedy’ Charlton

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#VERONAYE ‘Tweedy’ Charlton put up a gallant effort, but it wasn’t enough to lead her Norcross Blue Devils past the Brookwood Broncos in the Georgia Girls State 7A Basketball Championship game.

#In the finale on Saturday, the Broncos, who finished with a 31-1 win-loss record, pulled off a 43-39 win over the Blue Devils, who were 29-3.

#It wasn’t the outcome she anticipated, but Charlton said she was still pleased with the performance of her team, coached by Ashley Clanton, although they fell short of defending the title they won last year.

#“I think we played hard all the way to the end even though some calls didn’t go in our favour,” Charlton said. “We still stuck together and fought until the last buzzer.”

#In completing her senior year, Charlton ended up with 17 points and eight rebounds. It was her only season with the Blue Devils after transferring from Talilah Falls to Norcross this season.

#“I am proud of myself for keep pushing and encouraging my team-mates,” said Charlton, the diminutive 5-foot, 3-inch floor general.

#Having left Jordan Prince Williams High in the ninth grade to continue her basketball prowess in the United States, Charlton said the past three years have been a learning experience for her.

#“It showed me that you just have to continue to work hard and just stay positive and find some people who can help you through the process,” she reflected. “I felt very amazing about my team.

#“I’m just happy that I came here for my last year. They were all very sad that it ended the way it did, but they were also very happy that I came. They were very supportive of me.”

#Charlton completed the season averaging 13.4 points per game, 2.7 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 steals.

#With her high school career over and done with, Charlton is now concentrating on her future in college.

#She indicated that she’s expected to make an official announcement on where she will go to play her college ball by the end of the month.

#“I’m looking forward to going to the next level,” Charlton said.

#“When I see where I’ve come from in high school, I’m excited to see where I will go in college ball.”

#And with that next step ahead of her, Charlton said she will definitely have to continue to work on her shooting and attacking the ball.

#“I’m going to continue to train and focus on my school to finish the year off strong,” said Charlton, who is preparing for graduation on May 28.

#Charlton is the daughter of Christen and Vernon Charlton and she has four sisters.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/15/tweedy-and-blue-devils-fall-broncos-title-game/?news