Home|Sports|Team Bahamas on track for CARIFTASports

Opening ceremony set for Friday; competition gets underway Saturday

Sheldon LongleySend an emailApril 5, 2023 529 5 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Bahamas’ 80-member CARIFTA team is now through two days of practices, and Head Coach John Ingraham likes the direction that they are headed in. He said he is looking for nothing other than top performances from each of the 80 members of the squad, representing The Bahamas at the 50th Oaktree CARIFTA Games which is set for this holiday weekend, April 8-10, at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.

Following their afternoon practice yesterday, Ingraham said everything is coming together like it should be and there are no major concerns.

“When you look at this team, you would see talent across the board and we’re at home in front of our crowd so that in itself is an added boost for us to go out there and perform well. We’re coming out with full force,” he said. “I’m proud of this team already. They have competed hard all season and just to make this team was a challenge that they all overcame. I have no doubt that they will go out there and represent The Bahamas very well.”

The archipelagic nation of The Bahamas is well represented with about a dozen athletes from Grand Bahama, two from Andros, one from Moore’s Island in the Abacos, and the remainder from the capital New Providence. More than half of the members are first-time CARIFTA athletes.

“It’s like they were friends all along. I’ve seen friendships form already. The camaraderie is definitely there and they are all getting along very well. That’s the nature of Bahamians. We tend to make friends wherever we go, and this team coming together is no different. The kids are getting along very well and they are showing that love,” said Ingraham.

Male team captain Carlos Brown said he learned a lot from his experience at CARIFTA in Kingston, Jamaica, last year, and he’s ready to leave it all on the track this year. He will be competing in the under-20 boys 100 meters (m).

“I feel very good, just focused on what I need to do which is to go there and win,” said Brown. “Everyone has a good understanding of what we need to do so it’s not hard keeping them together and focused. They all know that the country is depending on them to perform well and they are ready to compete. I learned a lot from my experience from a year ago and I’m expecting better this year. The times out there are tough but I feel like it will only cause me go faster and run a personal best. I feel like I have a shot to win and that is what I’m going after.”

Calea Jackson is also back for another run, competing in her second CARIFTA Games. She finished fourth in the under-20 girls discus, just missing out on a medal. This year, she will compete in under-20 girls discus and shot put events.

“I’m very excited. I feel like I have a lot to prove this year, so I’m just going to go out there and give it my best and let the chips fall where they may,” said Jackson. “To have CARIFTA here in my hometown is a good feeling. A lot of my family and friends who haven’t had an opportunity to see me compete at this level will get a chance to do so. I’m real excited about that.

“More than half of us are first-time CARIFTA athletes and we still have a lot of growing to do together, but we will get there. We’ve had a few practices by now and there is still time to integrate, especially when we get into the village. I have no doubt that we will all get along very well,” added Jackson.

The Games Village at Breezes Bahamas will officially open on Thursday. Over 600 athletes are expected to compete in the 50th Oaktree CARIFTA Games. Team Bahamas is practicing twice per day every day – at 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. – and Head Coach Ingraham likes their chances.

“Our strengths will be the throws and our weaknesses could possibly be in the hurdles, but that’s only because we don’t have a full team in the hurdles. I feel like we’re going to have a good challenge in the sprints but the guys are focused and ready to go. They know what they have to do. I feel like our kids are going to pull through in some form or fashion and win medals for The Bahamas. We are talented across the board and you will see some great performances,” said Ingraham.

A couple of well-respected and well-accomplished women in the community,  Beverly Wallace-Whitfield and Pauline Davis, took time out to speak to the athletes yesterday.

Wallace-Whitfield admonished the youngsters to respect the national anthem and the national flag, to treat our guests with respect and courtesy but be fierce in competition, and eat properly and represent The Bahamas well on and off the track.

“Remember when you get out on the track and in the field, you are there to compete. When you get out there and represent The Bahamas, you do so to the best of your ability,” she said.

Davis encouraged the athletes to give their best effort and to never quit, giving an example of when she ran the anchor leg for The Bahamas’ under-20 girls 4x400m relay team and led them to victory past Jamaica at the 1984 CARIFTA Games – the last time The Bahamas won CARIFTA track and field. Davis ran down almost every competitor in that race and led The Bahamas to victory, winning the Austin Sealy Award for the most outstanding athlete of the CARIFTA Games. She won the under-20 girls 100 and 200m and anchored the 4x400m relay team to gold. The Bahamas ended the meet tied with Jamaica in gold medal count at 19, but had more silver, 22-9, enabling the host country to win the meet as the top nation.

One of those young athletes looking to follow in Davis’ footsteps is Jamiah Nabbie. She will be competing in the under-17 girls 100 and 200m and the long jump events. She said she has changed her diet and is taking more vitamins in preparation for competition.

“I want to push past my limits and just give it my best in all three of my events. I’m very excited. I just want to go out there and prove myself. I can’t worry about what’s out there. At the end of the day, I still have to do the race, so that is what I’m focused on,” she said.

Like Nabbie, Kenny Moxey Jr. qualified in three events for the CARIFTA Games. The 16-year-old Queen’s College student-athlete will compete in the under-17 boys 110m hurdles and long jump events.

“I’m ecstatic,” he said. “I feel like I have the experience of last year and that will help me this year. I’m prepared to go out there and give it my best, jump as well as I could jump and run as well as I could run. Right now, I’m just focused on what I need to do. I know most of my teammates already, and it’s real cool to get to know them on a more personal level. Everyone is just focused on what we need to do. I feel we will all do well.”

Team Bahamas is practicing twice per day every day leading up to the opening ceremony on Friday, gearing up for what is one of the more anticipated CARIFTA Games in the history of the event. This is the 50th edition of the CARIFTA Games and also the 50th Independence year of The Bahamas. The Bahamas is hosting the CARIFTA Games for a record ninth time and looks to perform at an ultimate level.

Teams from the around the region will begin arriving at the Games Village by Wednesday. The technical meeting for coaches and team delegates will be held on Thursday and the opening ceremony is set for Friday starting at 4 p.m. at the Thomas A. Robinson stadium. It is free of charge.

Competition gets underway on Saturday morning.

Tickets for CARIFTA itself can still be purchased online at www.carifta50.com or in person at the box office at the Thomas A. Robinson stadium. Daily rates start at $5 and go up to as high as $50 for the VIP section. There are also tickets available for all three days that start from $40 for the bronze section and go up to $130 for the VIP section.

https://thenassauguardian.com/team-bahamas-on-track-for-carifta/

 Home|Sports|Open water team small but ready to competeSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailApril 5, 2023 272 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Bahamas is returning to CARIFTA open water swimming after taking a year off in that event. The team is small with three members and leading them is Head Coach Travano McPhee.

That event is set for Monday, April 10 at Caracas Bay in Willemstad, Curacao – the final day of the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships.

Making up the team are the only female Laylah Saidi, Ayden Bain and Caellum Darville.

McPhee said that they were able to get in some salt water training as well as pool training. The open water course is a five-kilometer (5K) event and swimmers must stay on the course as there are no lanes like in pool swimming.

“There is only so much that can be done in the pool, so they had some salt water training to get the taste in their mouths. With us getting in some open water swims, that was good. Once we arrive in Curacao, we will be able to go to the course and get some familiarity with the course itself and get in some practice,” McPhee said. “It is a very long race. The swimmers must stick to their plan and know their course. The biggest thing for some of our swimmers is swimming in a straight line which will save energy, which will give them a better chance at getting a medal and scoring some points. Open water is a hit and miss.”

Grand Bahama native Bain is no stranger to swimming in the open sea as he competes in triathlon events. He will be swimming in his first CARIFTA open water race.

“I am looking to place in the top 10 at least. I am hoping that there are not too much waves because that would get you tired,” Bain said.

For 16-year-old Saidi, she is also swimming in her first CARIFTA open water event, and is looking forward to it.

“I am hoping to swim a strong race and give it my all. It is hard to prepare for it but I have been working on my ability to look out the water because I am swimming with no lane lines, so I have to make sure that I am aware of all my surroundings. I also have to avoid people,” the Lyford Cay School student said.

Darville said they have been swimming long distance in the pool and he has been swimming on the beach to get more comfortable.

“I am very excited to see the competition and it is my first CARIFTA. This is my second time swimming open water so it is hard to gauge where I am going to be by meet day. I am looking to swim good,” the Windsor School student said.

McPhee knows that the three swimmers are very strong swimmers despite the country not being known for open water swimming.

“We weren’t able to put on as many open water meets that we usually have hence the smaller team. These swimmers were able to compete in a virtual open water meet this year. It is growing and we want to promote this more in the country. These three swimmers will go there and encourage more younger swimmers to get involved in open water swimming,” McPhee said.

The open water event is the last event of the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships. McPhee said that he has to keep the trio focused for all those days.

https://thenassauguardian.com/open-water-team-small-but-ready-to-compete/

 Home|Sports|Giants beat Rockets in division one and two for NPBA titlesSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailApril 5, 2023 211 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Commonwealth Bank Giants got their revenge on the Discount Distributors Rockets, sweeping them 3-0 to win the 2022-2023 New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) Division I title on Friday night at the A.F. Adderley Gymnasium.

The final score in the third game of the best-of-five series was 92-78 in favor of the Giants as they knocked off the defending champions who swept them in the finals last year – a continuation of the 2020 season.

In NPBA Division II action, the Your Essential Store (YES) Giants won their series 3-1 over the Produce Express Rockets. They took the fourth game of that series, 85-78. After the series was tied 1-1, the Giants won 93-79 on Friday night to go up 2-1. They came back the following night and finished off the Rockets.

In division one action on Friday night, the Giants had three players scoring 20-plus points. Dylan Musgrove had the hot hand with a game-high 26 points. Eugene Bain and Lerecus Armbrister finished with 22 and 21 points, respectively. Leading the way for the Rockets was Able Joseph with 21 points.

It was a wire-to-wire dominance by the Giants. They started the game on a 5-0 run. After two free shots from Joseph, the Giants scored eight in a row to go up 13-2 with 7:22 left in the first quarter.

By time the first quarter ended, the Giants were up 33-18 and looked well on their way to their goal of a sweep. At the half, the Giants went up 48-34 as the Rockets struggled from the field. They shot just 29.9 percent from the field for the entire game.

The Rockets chipped into the Giants’ double-digit lead, managing to get it down to nine points with three minutes left in the third quarter. Christorr Stuart split a pair of free throws and the Giants led 59-50 at that point.

Joseph hit a shot to cut the Giants’ lead down to six points with 8:35 left in the fourth quarter, 66-60. However, the Giants took it back to 11 points as Bain made a layup and Musgrove hit a three-point shot. They led 71-60 at that point. The Rockets got no closer the rest of the way.

The Giants made 14 three-point shots and shot the ball at a 41.8 percent clip from the field for the entire game.

In an evenly shooting game in division two action, the YES Giants dominated the fourth quarter to record the victory over the Produce Express Rockets.

The Rockets’ Anthon Williams tied the game at 78 at the 1:33 mark in the fourth quarter, but that was the last point for the Rockers as the Giants took over. They finished the game on a 7-0 scoring run to finish off the series.

Leading the way for the Giants with a double-double was Brandon Strachan. He finished with game highs of 23 points and 13 rebounds. He also had five steals in the win. Anderias Black and Simar Rolle finished with 18 points apiece in the win.

Leading the way for the Produce Express Rockets was reserve Maleak Johnson with 19 points.

https://thenassauguardian.com/giants-beat-rockets-in-division-one-and-two-for-npba-titles/

 Home|Sports|Team Bahamas gearing up for CARIFTASports

Squad in final preparation stages; final set of collegiate athletes coming in today and tomorrow

Sheldon LongleySend an emailApril 4, 2023 543 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Bahamas’ 80-member CARIFTA team is now practicing every day, gearing up for what is one of the more anticipated CARIFTA Games in the history of the event.

This is the 50th edition of the junior regional athletics event, and also the 50th independence year of The Bahamas. With that backdrop, The Bahamas is hosting the CARIFTA Games for a record ninth time and looks to perform at an ultimate level – at an all-time high in terms of its performances on and off the track.

The 50th Oaktree CARIFTA Games will be held this weekend, April 8-10, at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. Team Bahamas is practicing twice per day every day – at 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. – leading up to the opening ceremony on Friday.

“Right now, there are just a couple more college athletes who we are waiting on to come in town. We are in the final preparation stages and there are high spirits all around,” said team leader/manager Pharez Cooper out of Grand Bahama. “We are practicing every day, twice per day, in preparation for competition. They are practicing the same times they are running because we want their bodies to be accustomed to competing at certain times and for them to be ready for competition. I feel good. We don’t have the entire team right now, but the ones who are here, their spirits are high and they are ready to compete and represent The Bahamas well. They are feeling good, and as we get closer to the meet, they are getting more and more familiar with each other. We saw that starting to come together today. At first, there was a mini separation going on because the New Providence athletes are not familiar with the Grand Bahamian athletes, but we saw them come together today at practice. They are building new relationships and that is a positive thing. They are fired up and ready to go.”

As Cooper mentioned, the final set of collegiate athletes for The Bahamas are expected to be here in the country between today and tomorrow. Currently, there are 18 Bahamian athletes housed at Breezes Bahamas resort, but a full contingent is expected by Thursday when the games village will officially open. Teams from the around the region will begin arriving at Breezes by Wednesday. The technical meeting for coaches and team delegates will be held on Thursday and the opening ceremony is set for Friday starting at 4 p.m. at the Thomas A. Robinson stadium. It is free of charge.

Competition gets underway on Saturday morning.

“We have high expectations because we are at home – home field advantage,” said Cooper. “Everyone wants to perform well and they will bring the best out of each other. Our athletes are excited and they’re ready to compete. There’s less than a week to go now. Our athletes are looking forward to it and they’re ready to go.”

The team stages general practices in the mornings and relay practices in the afternoons. The 80-member squad that was named by the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) last week represents the largest ever assembled for The Bahamas at a single CARIFTA Games.

The archipelagic nation of The Bahamas is well represented with about a dozen athletes from Grand Bahama; two from Andros; one from Moore’s Island, Abaco, and the remainder from the capital New Providence. More than half of the members are first-time CARIFTA athletes.

A float parade and pep rally was held for the 80-member squad on Thursday.

Tickets for CARIFTA itself can still be purchased online at the website www.carifta50.com or in person at the box office at the Thomas A. Robinson stadium. Daily rates start at $5 and go up to as high as $50 for the VIP section. There are also tickets available for all three days that start from $40 for the bronze section and go up to $130 for the VIP section.

https://thenassauguardian.com/team-bahamas-gearing-up-for-carifta/

 Home|Sports|BLTA’s Spring Classic deemed a tremendous successSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailApril 4, 2023 224 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Over 100 tennis matches were played by approximately 70 players in what is being regarded as an epic junior tournament at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) National Tennis Center this past weekend.

The BLTA’s Spring Classic Tennis Tournament was deemed to be a tremendous success. The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Bahamas Ltd. was the title sponsor of this junior tennis event and after the completion of the 100-plus matches, champions were crowned in the various divisions.

In the under-12 boys division, Chase Newbold prevailed as the champion, taking out Cory Conyers in the championship match. Caitlyn Pratt is the champion in the under-12 girls division, prevailing over Danielle Saunders.

Patrick Mactaggart prevailed as the winner in the under-14 boys division, beating Reeves Mahelis. Tatyana Madu emerged victorious in the under-14 girls division, winning over Briana Houlgrave.

Jackson Mactaggart outlasted Patrick Mactaggart to take the under-16 boys division title while Saphirre Ferguson defeated Tatyana Madu to win the under-16 girls division title.

In the under-18 boys division, Dentry Mortimer Jr. emerged victorious, taking out Sharano Hanna. Saphirre Ferguson won the under-18 girls division title, defeating Caila Bowe.

The BLTA congratulates all the winners and runners-up of the 2023 RBC Spring Classic. On hand to present the winners with their trophies were BLTA President Perry Newton and BLTA Vice President Chilean Burrows.

Double crown winner Saphirre Ferguson, who captured the under-16 and under-18 titles, was recognized for her outstanding tournament performances. She did not drop a set in either final, a tremendous feat.

The BLTA thanks the tournament director Tara Mactaggart, tournament referee Esther Newton and tournament officials for the good governance throughout the event. The BLTA also thanks the tournament participants and parents who continue to develop their children.

“We are witnessing a steady increase and interest in tennis; we had several newcomers to the tennis scene including Ethan Butler, Spencer Taylor, Jordan Storr, Taiden Culmer, Daliyah Culmer, Theo Weir, Drew Roker and others,” said a BLTA spokesperson through a press release. Both Butler and Taylor advanced to the round of 16, and Storr and both Culmers played in the quarterfinal rounds. “This is very positive tennis growth. We welcome the new faces of tennis,” the spokesperson added.

The Sportsmanship Female trophy was awarded to Victoria Sandi-Aguilar and the male trophy went to Cailan Bowe. They continue to display a great attitude.

“We are thankful to God for the safe and successful close of the RBC Spring Classic Tournament. Continue to display a great attitude and you will continue to excel,” the release continued.

Individual match results can be found at the link: https://www.blta.net/blta-spring-classic-tournament/.

https://thenassauguardian.com/bltas-spring-classic-deemed-a-tremendous-success-2/

Posts world-leading mark in javelin

Freshman Keyshawn Strachan easily won the men’s javelin in the Texas Relays at Mike A. Myers Stadium.

As of Monday, April 3, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#Another national record breaking performance from collegian Keyshawn Strachan, a pair of world leading 200 metre performances from collegian Terrence Jones and elite athlete Steven Gardiner and a pair of personal best feats from Anthaya Charlton highlighted an eventful track and field weekend in the United States.

#Strachan, in just his freshman year at Auburn University, continues to make his impression with a huge toss of 276-feet, 5-inches or 84.27 metres on his second attempt to easily win the men’s javelin at the Texas Relays at the Mike A. Myers Stadium.

#It turned out to be a world-leading mark, surpassing the previous best of 83.78m that was posted by Aliaksei Kqatkavets on February 26 as he obliviated his national record of 79.89 when the 19-year-old established the CARIFTA Games in Kingston, Jamaica, last year for the gold medal.

#“I feel pretty good about it. I give God all the thanks and glory for it,” said Strachan, who competed in his collegiate season opener. “I was pretty excited about it going into the event. The night before, I did my usual thing.

#“I prayed and I read my bible. I wasn’t nervous at all. I really felt like something big was going to happen.”

#Strachan, who is no longer eligible for CARIFTA, only had one other legal throw, which was 258-11 (72.82m) on his fifth attempt. He noted that he hopes to continue to progress with every meet he competes in.

#He will take a break this weekend to come home to watch the CARIFTA Games before he heads back to school to compete in his next meet in two weeks.

#And to the athletes on Team Bahamas, Strachan advised them to just go out there and put their best foot forward as he indicated that he will be right there to support them, especially his younger sister, Kamera Strachan, who is aiming to not only break the Bahamian junior national record, but to also the games mark.

#Jones also tops the world

#Competing in his first 200 metres outdoors since May 2021, Jones led a sweep of the half-time lap for Texas Tech by taking the title at the 95th Texas Relays in a world-leading time of 20.05 seconds, ahead of team-mate Courtney Linday, who trailed in 20.11.

#The time by Jones, a native of Grand Bahama, was also recorded a meet record for Texas Tech, a qualifier for the World Championships in August in Budapest, Hungary and the second fastest on the all-time list by Bahamians.

#Only Gardiner, the national record holder at 19.75 on April 7, 2018, has ran faster in the event.

#Jones and the Red Raiders will be back in action this weekend as they compete in the Jim Click Shootout in Arizona.

#Gardiner season opener

#With his concentration on the 400m as he prepare for another title at the World Championships in Budapest, Abaco native Gardiner won his 200 opener at the Florida Relays at the Percy Beard Track in Gainesville, Florida on Friday in 20.14.

#“It was a good race for me. It was my fastest opener in my whole career so it was a good day for me,” Gardiner said. “My start could have been better and I could have held my drive phrase a little longer, but other than that, UI think I did everything that I was supposed to do.”

#Trevor Bassitt, competing unattached, was second in 20.53 and Michael Hudson-Smith, representing Puma, was third in 20.56.

#Gardiner, who will return to action this weekend in Miramar, Florida where he will contest another 200m, said it’s just the beginning of his trek back to international prominence this year.

#“Our plan was to sprint a little more this year, but of course we will be doing the 400m at the World Championships this year,” said Gardiner, who hope to regain his title he relinquished after missing last year’s event in Eugene, Oregon due to an injury.

#“It’s just a part of our plan to sprint a little more. But of course we are going to the World Championships and run the 400.”

#Other Bahamians competing at the meet.

#Freshman Paige Archer, competing for the University of Central Florida, was 17th overall in the women’s 100m in 11.78. The winning time in the event was 10.92 by Talitha Diggs, a junior at Florida.

#Sasha Wells, who competed unattached in the women’s 100m hurdles. She placed 12th overall in 13.42, but didn’t advance to the final.

#Charlton double dose of competition

#After coming out of the preliminaries of the 100m with the second fastest, but the sixth best on placement in a personal best of 10.98 seconds, Charlton slowed down to run 11.13 for second place in the final. McKenzie Long, a sophomore at Ole Miss, won the race in 11.00. She had the fastest qualifying time of 10.80.

#In her double duties in the meet, Charlton picked up third place finish in the women’s long jump with a wind-aided 21-feet, 4 ¾-inches or 6.52 metres on her fifth attempt. She followed that on her sixth and final attempt with her best legal mark of 20-9 ¼ (6.33m).

#Texas sophomore Ackelia Smith also had a wind-aided winning leap of 21-6 ¾ (6.57m) on her fourth attempt. However, her best legal mark was 20-11 1/4 (6.38m) on her third attempt. In getting second place, Synclair Salvage, a junior at Louisiana, soared 21-5 ¼ (6.53m) on her first attempt.

#Miller soar in high jump

#Shaun Miller Jr, a junior at Ohio State, cleared 7-2 ½ (2.20m) for second place in the men’s high jump, beating out two other collegians on fewer knockdowns at the same height at the Texas Relays. The winning jump was 7-7 ¾ (2.33m) by American Olympian JuVaughn Harrison, who representing Pima.

#McCoy made final

#Wanya McCoy, a sophomore at Clemson, got into the men’s 100m final with the sixth fastest time of 10.04 at the Texas Relays. He ended up seventh in the final in 10.21. Isaiah Trousil, a senior at Northern Iowa, won the race in 10.16.

#Taylor shy of final

#In the women’s 100m hurdles, versatile Charisma Taylor, representing Tennessee in her senior year, fell just shy of advancing to the final after she placed 10th overall in 13.16 at the Texas Relays. The ninth and final spot went to Madison Langley-Walker, a senior at Arkansas , in 13.14.

#Taylor was also entered in the women’s triple jump. But she didn’t compete.

#Otabor 11th

#Also at the Texas Relay, strongwoman Rhema Otabor, a junior at Nebraska, had to settle for 11th place in the women’s javelin with a heave of 161-8 (49.29m) on her first attempt. Winning the4 event was Valentina Barrios Bornacelli, a sophomore at Missouri, with her toss of 183-9 (56.00m) on her sixth attempt.

#Words of advice to Team Bahamas for CARIFTA

#Steven Gardiner, the multiple national record holder, who made his debut at CARIFTA in 2014 in Fort-de-France, Martinique as a member of both the men’s under-17 4 x 100m silver medal and 4 x 400m bronze medal teams, said it’s all about having fun.

#“I just want to wish them good luck and encourage them to have fun,” Gardiner said. “This is our big one. This is our 50th anniversary of Independence and so just go out there and represent the country and just give it your all, but most have fun.

#“Everybody runs best when they are comfortable. So no pressure to them. Just out there and represent our country in front of the fans who will be there for the CARUIFTA Games.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/apr/03/keyshawn-shatters-his-national-record/?news

Jaimie “The Miracle” Mitchell with her belt and corner trainers after beating Toronto’s Lindsay Garbatt in the 10-round main event. Photos by Moises Amisial/Tribune Staff

As of Monday, April 3, 2023

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Bahamian boxing great Ray Minus Jr can be seen at the boxing show in his honour.

Toronto’s Lindsay Garbatt, right, and Jaimie “The Miracle” Mitchell face off.

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#FIRST Class Promotions, in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (MOYSC), hosted the first all-female professional world title boxing match in the region this past weekend at the Kendal G L Isaacs gymnasium.

#The event was held to celebrate and honour the life of Bahamian boxing great Ray Minus Jr. Also, in efforts to raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) disease which the boxing legend has developed.

#The first women’s matchup on the night featured Brazil’s Simone Silva who came into the event with a 17-22-0 (win-loss-draw) record. She faced off against Philadelphia’s Oshae Jones, who sported an unblemished 2-0-0 record.

#In the night’s first women’s squareoff, Jones emerged victorious after exchanging blows with her opponent for eight consecutive rounds en route to another boxing win.

#Jones talked about how it felt to get the win over her more experienced opponent.

#“It feels amazing, this is only my third professional fight. I was trying to be careful in there but I was trying to also sit down on my punches and get her out of there but she was a tough opponent,” Jones said.

Brazil’s Simone Silva.

#She added that despite her opponent being a two-time former champion, she felt she did pretty well and her main strategy was to get Silva into the corner and run her combinations although she countered a few of them.

#Round five and six of the eight round co-main event were exciting as Jones offloaded a fury of punches in the direction of her opponent.

#The Olympic bronze medallist’s strategy was successful as her calculated attack earned the professional boxer her third win to make it a 3-0-0 record.

#In the night’s 10-round main event, Toronto’s Lindsay Garbatt, sporting a 9-9-2 record, stepped into the ring against Jaimie “The Miracle” Mitchell whose record was 8-1-2 coming into this highly-anticipated matchup.

Brazil’s Simone Silva, above, squares off with Oshae Jones,

#The two went head-to-head in the ring for the World Boxing Association (WBA) International world title.

#After a gruelling 10-round match that saw both women up the ante in round eight, exchanging powerful blows leading up to the final bell, Mitchell emerged victorious and left the ring as the champion. She talked about how it felt to get the title win in The Bahamas.

#“It definitely feels great to be honest to you guys. It feels great getting the title. I was definitely proud to put on for The Bahamas and for my black people,” Mitchell said.

#She added that the match between her and Garbatt was very intense. She got headbutted, and her retina got scratched which slightly impaired her vision out of her dominant eye but she made the decision to press forward and focus on her goal which was to get the win and WBA world title.

#Both Jones and WBA title holder Mitchell shared similar sentiments on how it felt to compete in The Bahamas.

#The latter said The Bahamas is the first place she has come and was excited as soon as she got off the plane. Also, she said it was nice to put on the match for The Bahamas and she cannot wait to come back.

#Jones said it was beautiful and thought that everybody here was very homely and she found it to be very peaceful, relaxing and enjoyable.

#With the intent of the all-female world boxing title match being held to raise awareness for ALS, which is a body-crippling condition, event organisers said the support at the match was good for the boxing legend.

#The disease is known for attacking the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord which results in the wasting away of muscles and eventually paralysis.

#Michelle Munnings (Minus), boxing matchmaker and promoter of First Class Promotions, talked about the night of all women’s boxing action.

#“The night was really good, the fights were excellent and everybody enjoyed it. “I thought the men would have been a little hesitant to come out but they were out in good numbers,” Munnings said.

#She added she was really impressed with the women’s matches and thought they were awesome.

#Additionally, she said she thinks the support for Ray Minus Jr was good, despite it not being a bunch of people she felt that the crowd that the turnout was good and it shows that Bahamian people truly do love Bahamian boxing great Ray Minus Jr. The First Class Promotions event was sponsored by the MOYSC, Ministry of Tourism, 100Jamz Group Companies, Nassau Guardian, Love 97, Cable Bahamas Sports, ZNS, EZ CAR Sales, Nirvana Beach, Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Co Ltd, Nassau Agencies, Sun Time, Doc’s Pharmacy, Ron’s Radiator, Original Patties, Daina’s Guest House, Eddie Electric Co Ltd, Heastie’s Services Station, Battery and Tyre Specialists Ltd, and Superclub Breezes.

#First Class Promotions will now turn their attention to the British Commonwealth title match which will feature another women’s card and the undercard will feature the men.

#The event is expected to be held on October 6.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/apr/03/oshae-and-jaimie-victors-first-all-female-boxing-s/?news

As of Monday, April 3, 2023

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SAPHIRRE FERGUSON

DENTRY MORTIMER JR

CHASE NEWBOLD

PERRY NEWTON

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) wrapped up the final day of the Royal Bank of Canada Spring Classic tournament yesterday at the National Tennis Centre.

#The junior tournament featured more than 100 matches as the young athletes looked to compete and show off their progress in this past weekend’s matchups.

#The final day consisted of eight intense head-to-head singles tennis showdowns as the tournament’s best of the best looked to take home trophies in their respective divisions.

#Among yesterday’s star junior tennis players was Saphirre Ferguson.

#The young tennis player came out of this year’s Spring Classic tournament as the only double crown winner. In her first matchup on the day, she defeated Tatyana Madu 6-0, 6-4 in under 16 girls singles action.

#Ferguson once again came out on top in another tennis match, this time in the under 18 girls showdown versus Caila Bowe.

#The double crown winner picked up the second victory 6-2, 6-0.

#Ferguson, talked about how it felt to be victorious in yesterday’s Spring Classic tournament finals.

#“It was good. I mean it was hard work but I continued to stay disciplined so I am proud of myself, “ she said.

#Ferguson said her strategy in day four’s matchup was to hit topspin balls instead of trying to hit back and forth but she still had to keep her intensity up.

#Patrick Mactaggart competed in two matches on the day. In his first match he comfortably defeated Reeves Mahelis 6-0 in both sets. The Bahamas’ national team tennis player looked to take match one’s momentum into his next matchup against none other than his older brother Jackson Mactaggart. In a competitive showdown between the Mactaggart brothers they did not disappoint as they split the first two sets. After the ten-point tiebreaker Jackson Mactaggart took home the victory 10-7 winning the battle of the brothers.

#“It was fun to play I kind of struggled in the first set it is always difficult to play your brother especially mentally but then I came back, worked hard, and got the win,” Jackson said.

#He added that he used mind games and distractions to throw his younger brother off his game and he also tried to keep the ball in play and tried to make the least amount of unforced errors.

#The younger Mactaggart said it was tough mentally to play against his brother and he said his brother distracted him and got into his head a bit leading to the loss.

#In more of yesterday’s tennis matchups Dentry Mortimer Jr bested Sharano Hanna 6-0 in both sets. In the under 12 boys singles action Chase Newbold came out on top against Cory Conyers 6-0,6-2. For the girls, Caitlyn Pratt took care of business against Danielle Saunders beating her fellow competitor 6-3,6-3. Additionally, in the under 14 girls singles finals Tatyana Madu served up a win against Briana Houlgrave 6-1, 6-3.

#Perry Newton, president of the BLTA, said despite some worries about weather conditions he is just happy the Spring Classic tournament went on seamlessly with no injuries or other issues.

#Newton added that he wanted to congratulate all of the athletes that competed in the RBC’s Spring Classic tourney and he was very impressed with the execution of the things that they were taught, especially the newcomers in the juniors tournament.

#The newcomers on this year’s tennis scene were Ethan Butler, Daliyah Culmer, Jordan Storr, Spencer Taylor, Theo Weir, Donato Adderley and others. Taylor and Butler shined at this past weekend’s tourney as they both advanced to Round 16 of the tournament. Meanwhile, Storr, Taiden Culmer, and D Culmer all advanced to the quarter finals in their respective divisions showing remarkable signs of tennis growth.

#Newton was joined by former BLTA president Mickey Williams who also agreed and added that it is always good to see the kids showcase their talents and he believes that matchplay and tournaments are what the players need and hopes to see more.

#This year’s sponsor RBC noted that they were proud to be this year’s sponsor for BLTA and they recognize that recreation plays an important role in building vibrant communities.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/apr/03/junior-tennis-stars-shine-spring-classic/?news

THE CHAMPS ARE HERE: The Commonwealth Bank Giants – the 2023 New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) Division One champions.

As of Monday, April 3, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Commonwealth Bank Giants and Your Essential Store Giants are the 2023 New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) division one and two champions. The pair of Giants wrapped up the last game of their series this past weekend at the A F Adderley Gymnasium.

#The CB Giants handled business in their series on Friday night against the Discount Distributors Liquors Rockets, ending the series with a 3-0 sweep after winning game three 92-78.

#The three0game sweep of the NPBA Finals was an important feat for the 2023 NPBA champions as they wanted to avenge last year’s three-game sweep at the hands of the defending champions Rockets.

#Perry Thompson, head coach of the 2023 NPBA champions, talked about how it felt to return the favour. “This was our redemption song. We talked about that loss all year long and relished the opportunity to face them again. It was great to be able to return the favour,” Thompson said.

#With the two powerhouse teams being no strangers to each other, Thompson added that he knew the Rockets were very confident coming into the series against them.

#However, despite the regular season losses to the defending champions, the head coach said the team felt they had an advantage because they played a few close games and knew how to operate under pressure.

#Thompson credited the CB Giants’ next man up mentality and the hustle of the team as they dove for loose balls, grabbed boards, forced turnovers and the bench players stepped up in big moments.

#Dylan Musgrove was the game’s leading scorer as he poured in 26 points to pair with 3 rebounds and 5 assists in Friday night’s closeout victory. His efforts were complemented by Eugene Bain and Lerecus Armbrister. Bain wrapped up the series with 22 points and 14 boards to pick up a double double in the last Finals game. Armbrister, who has been instrumental off the pine for the Giants once again stepped up. He scored 21 points off buckets and dropped 5 dimes in the championship win.

#In a game where the CB Giants biggest lead was 17, the newly crowned champions blitzed their opponent on the fast break 38 to 20. Also, the bench players filled the stat sheet with 34 points compared to the Rockets’ 25.

#The Giants made good on capitalising off turnovers scoring 23 points off turnovers meanwhile, Rockets scored 9.

#James Price, president of the NPBA, talked about the competitiveness of both teams in this year’s Finals.

#“The Giants were the team that was well prepared, both of their teams were at the top of their divisions straight through the year so they were really prepared for this championship,” Price said.

#The president congratulated both the YES Giants and CB Giants for bringing home championship trophies for their organisation.

#Although the Giants made quick work of the Rockets, the team was no pushover in the final game of the series. The team put up 25 second chance points, beating the Giants’ 12.

#Additionally, the Rockets pulled down 72 rebounds in the loss while Giants had 45 boards on the night.

#Abel Joseph, Rockets’ leading scorer, dropped 21 points to go with a game-high 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Joseph tried to single-handedly will his team to a win but team injuries late in the playoffs were too much to overcome.

#In division two action, the YES Giants defeated the Produce Express Rockets, winning the series 3-1 to secure this year’s division two championship.

#The YES Giants finished the game 85-78 and was led by Brandon Strachan who scored 23 points in the win. He paired the points with 13 rebounds and 5 steals, ending the bout with a double double.

#He was joined by Sirmar Rolle who pitched in 18 points and 9 boards – one shy of a double double. The teams were pretty evenly matched in team categories as the YES Giants edged out the Rockets 46 to 40 in the paint. Also, the teams drew even in fast break points 23 to 23 and the YES Giants scored 16 second chance points compared to Rockets’ 15 on the night.

#With the 2022-2023 NPBA season in the books, Price thanked the fans that came out in big numbers to support the association’s teams in this year’s playoffs and if elected as president again at the NPBA elections, he will look to make some necessary adjustments to the league going into next season.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/apr/03/giants-are-npba-champions/?news

As of Monday, April 3, 2023

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#CARIBBEAN Bottling Company (CBC), the local producers of Coca-Cola, sponsored the inaugural Island Relays event which was held at the Grand Bahama Sports complex in Grand Bahama.

#“We are always excited to be involved in events such as this, not only to assist with the stimulation of Grand Bahama’s economy, but also to be a part of the development of future Bahamian athletes,” said Jadrian Turnquest, CBC marketing manager.

#“It is always beneficial to our up and coming Bahamian athletes when they are given a platform to compete amongst NCAA collegiate powerhouses. For CBC to be a part of this inaugural event was humbling and powerful.”

#Throughout the Island Relays weekend, Powerade and Dasani water hydrated all athletes and fans across the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.

#Marvin Henfield, who helped organise the meet, called it an “amazingly successful event.”

#While the meet was originally scheduled for 2021 to help bring some economy to Grand Bahama in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, he said he’s glad that they finally got it off the ground two years after the shutdown by COVID-19.

#Henfield said they already have 12 verbal commitments for next year with the numbers expecting to double, but he’s not sure if he’s ready to take on that many. He just wants to see where it goes because Grand Bahama pulled out all the stops to make it happen. “If there’s one word I can describe this experience here, it’s ‘hungry.’ The people here are hungry and ready to get back to work and to be gainfully employed. So we’re happy that we were able to bring a little of that to the economy here.”

#Not only did the fans, who showed up in great numbers, get to watch the visiting athletes compete against some of the members of the University of the Bahamas, they also got to see their own local high school athletes in action as many of them are preparing for the upcoming CARIFTA Games.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/apr/03/coca-cola-sponsors-island-relays-grand-bahama/?news