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TWO STRAIGHT WINS: Team Bahamas players celebrate last night after defeating Belize 6-2 on day two of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship and World Cup Qualifier in the national beach soccer stadium. Photo by Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

As of Wednesday, May 10, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#Coach Alexandre Soares liked the intensity level that the Bahamas men’s national team brought to game two of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Tournament and World Cup Qualifier.

#After going to sudden death for a 2-2 (5-4) win over Guatemala in game one on Monday night in the Beach Soccer Facility at Malcolm Park, the Bahamas knocked off Belize 6-2 yesterday to remain undefeated with four points.

#“We played better than yesterday. Yesterday we were probably nervous because of the start of the tournament,” Soares said. “The tournament is difficult, but we played very well and we won the game.”

#James Thompson scored the initial goal and was followed quickly by another from Jean Francois to snatch a 2-0 lead before Belize answered with their first goal from Kenton Martinez to trail 2-1 at the end of the first period.

#“It was a surreal experience. Definitely being able to display the many things we worked on in training, one being my responsibility to score some goals,” Thompson said. “It’s a good feeling to know that the hard work is paying off.”

#Thompson added another in the second quarter and Martinez responded as they completed the second period. The Bahamas went on cruise control in the third period and highlighted by back-to-back shots inside the goal post from Kyle Williams and Evelt Julmas, who added his pair, the first on a penalty kick and the other on a defensive play to seal the deal.

#“”The first goal was a penalty. The second one, I didn’t know what happened. I was just blocking and I turned around and saw everybody celebrating,” Julmas said. “It was an awesome break for me. I’m proud of it.”

#Considering that he didn’t play in the first game, Julmas said he went out and put his best foot forward. Hopefully as the tournament progresses, he hope that he can continue to be effective.

#In other games played, Panama def. the Dominican Republic 8-1; the United States def. Trinidad & Tobago 6-2; Costa Rica def,, Turks & Caicos 10-2; defending champions El Salvador def., Guadeloupe 10-1 and Mexico def. Guatemala 6-3.

#The Bahamas will play out play in Group B when they ply their third match tonight at 7:30 pm against Mexico. Today’s action will get started at noon with Trinidad & Tobago taking on the Dominican Republic, followed by the USA vs Panama at 1:30 pm; Guadeloupe vs Tucks and Caicos at 3 pm; El Salvador vs Costa Rica at 4:30 pm and Guatemala vs Belize at 6 pm.

#The teams will have a break on Thursday and will begin the playoffs on Friday. The finals will be played on Sunday with the two participants advancing to the World Cup.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/may/10/bahamas-tops-belize-6-2-stay-undefeated/?news

 Home|Sports|The Bahamas beats GuatemalaSports

Home squad prevails in sudden death penalty shootout

Sheldon LongleySend an emailMay 9, 2023 103 5 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

After coming up short in its previous two matches against Guatemala, the third time proved to be the charm, on Monday night, as The Bahamas rallied to turn back the visiting squad in a sudden death penalty shootout to wrap up the first day of action of the 2023 CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Beach Soccer Championships.

The regional beach soccer tournament is ongoing and will run through Sunday at the Beach Soccer Stadium at Malcolm Park, at the foot of the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge.

After a 2-2 deadlock at the end of regulation, The Bahamas and Guatemala played a scoreless extra session and was once again tied at the end of the penalty shootout, with both sides scoring on four of their five opportunities. On its first opportunity in sudden death, Gary Joseph came through for the home squad, pushing a delayed shot to the upper right portion of the goal to put The Bahamas on the brink of victory.

A save from Team Bahamas’ goal keeper Michal Butler would give the host country the opening victory and three points in the qualifying process, and he came through, as he stopped a shot from Berny Marroquín, to seal the win for The Bahamas. Butler said it is a sweet feeling, particularly after he felt he conceded a goal to the Guatemalans earlier in the match. Miguel González stole the ball from Butler in the open field, with no other player around, and powered a shot to the goal to give the Guatemalans a 2-1 lead with 9:09 to go in the final third. Less than three minutes later, Wood Julmis responded for The Bahamas, heading a ball off a shot that ricocheted off his teammate and pushed it past Guatemalan goal keeper Hendrick Córdova.

The match stayed at 2-2 for the remainder of regulation and through the extra session. 

“It’s an honor and pleasure to come out here and help the team pull off a win. To be here in my home country and be a part of a victory like this is a good feeling,” said Team Bahamas’ goalie Butler. “Yes I had to get it back. I gave them a free one and had to get it back,” he added about the miscue he had earlier and then saving the day at the end. “I just cleared my mind and relaxed. I just forgot about the fans, the hype and focused on what I needed to do. It’s an amazing feeling, to be here at home and to come out on top is a good feeling.”

Butler was named the Man of The Match for The Bahamas. It doesn’t get any easier for the host nation, as the team will face Belize this evening at 7:30 p.m. and then four-time CONCACAF Beach Soccer Champions Mexico on Wednesday at the same time. The Bahamas is in Group B of the tournament with Guatemala, Belize and Mexico.

“The first game is always difficult. For us, the victory is amazing,” said Team Bahamas’ Head Coach Alexandre Soares of Brazil. “The goal is to get to the next stage, to finish in the top two of the group and get to the quarterfinals. Once we get there, then we’ll try to get to the next step. Maybe tomorrow, we’ll play a better game and pull off another win. That’s the important thing, to pick up a win and earn three points. The team spirit is high.”

Despite having a lot of speed on the team, Soares said they didn’t want to play too fast because that would have worked in favor of the Guatemalans.

“Guatemala is a very good team, and if you play too fast, that will work in their favor. They are a very dangerous team, but we won and it was a good victory for us,” he said.

Team Captain Gavin Christie scored one of the goals for The Bahamas in the penalty shootout.

“It always feels good to win, and to win at home. This was a very tough match. We didn’t play as well as we would have liked, but the important thing is that we got the victory,” said Christie, who had nothing but high praise for Team Bahamas’ goal keeper. Butler had a number of spectacular saves during regulation and added another one in the penalty shootout before sealing the victory with yet another save in the sudden death phase of the shootout.

“The goal keeper is most important and we believe we have a very strong goal keeper,” said Christie. “We knew that if we gave him a chance, he would save one or two for us and eventually he did that. He saved us in the end.”

Lesly St. Fleur, The Bahamas’ most prolific beach soccer goal scorer ever, said picking up a win over Guatemala was good start for the team and hopefully they can keep the momentum going. The team is looking for a win over Belize tonight. St. Fleur scored the first goal for The Bahamas on Monday, tying the match at 1-1 at the 1:21 mark of the second third.

“This feels good. It wasn’t a good start for us, but we fought to the end and came out with the victory,” said St. Fleur. “They (Guatemala) like to run and we had to be well-prepared for it. We played to the best of our ability and we came out victorious.”

St. Fleur was also complimentary of Butler’s effort in goal.

“You have to have faith in your keeper, that is why he is there. We knew that once he made one save, his momentum would have carried him and he would bring us through,” said St. Fleur. “Our level of confidence is very high for this tournament. We are at home and we have to feed off the fans. Without their support, we can’t play our game, so we just have to continue to feed off them and try to qualify for the world cup.”

The Bahamas is among 12 countries vying for one of two qualifying spots for the FIFA (International Association Football Federation) Beach Soccer World Cup, to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in November 2023. Just the top two teams from the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships will qualify.

As for the match on Monday, after a scoreless opening third, Juan Flores scored the first goal for Guatemala early in the second third, before St. Fleur tied the match at 1-1 with 1:21 to go before the start of the final third. González capitalized off Butler’s miscue to score the second goal for Guatemala, and Wood Julmis responded, tying the match at 2-2 with 6:59 to go in regulation.

The score stayed knotted at two for the remainder of regulation and through the extra session.

Julmis, St. Fleur, Christie and James Thompson scored the four goals for The Bahamas in the penalty shootout. Flores, Pablo Crocker, José González and Miguel González responded for Guatemala.

Finally, in sudden death, Gary Joseph came through for The Bahamas and Berny Marroquín was turned back for Guatemala.

This is the third time in 10 years The Bahamas is hosting the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships.

Following group stage play, the first and second place finishers in each group, plus the two best third-place finishers, will advance to the quarterfinals. That will be followed by the semifinals, third-place match and the final.

Admission is free for the entire tournament.

https://thenassauguardian.com/the-bahamas-beats-guatemala/

 Home|Sports|Duncombe, Roach win national triathlon titlesSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailMay 9, 2023 120 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Already set to represent The Bahamas at the Commonwealth Youth Games this summer, Launy Duncombe and Kami Roach powered their way to win the Bahamas Triathlon Association (BTA) National Triathlon titles at Goodman’s Bay on Sunday.

It was the final CARIFTA triathlon qualifier and the CARIFTA team will be ratified at a later date. The association also hosted its aquathlon championships on Saturday. The final CARIFTA qualifier for that event is set for later this month.

Duncombe, who trains on Grand Bahama, said he was happy to finally get the win. The Goodman’s Bay course is the same course that will be used for the upcoming CARIFTA Triathlon and Aquathlon Championships.

“It feels good. I am not used to it. I usually come second or third. It feels good because my training led me to victory,” Duncombe said. “I liked the cycling course the most and I did not like the swim course too much. I really enjoyed the cycling course because it was flat, fast, and technical, and I like courses like that. I was by myself, and I did not have to worry about anyone messing me up with turns and I was able to go at my own pace. The running course was good, and I was able to come out on top.”

Finishing second was Cameron Roach and coming in third was Simone Bertoldo.

It was a windy morning on New Providence and, according to BTA President Dorian Roach, they had to change the swimming portion of the course. He said he was proud of the accomplishments of the participants.

“It was great to see our younger guys like Duncombe, Malcolm Menzies, Ayden Bain, Kami Roach do well. I was very pleased with them, and it was the first time we had used the course. We have some kinks to work out. There is a lot of logistics to work out because there is traffic and other moving parts, but we will be ready for CARIFTA,” said Roach.

In the women’s category, Kami Roach came out on top to secure the national title.

“It feels great to get the victory. The swimming was rough, but the run was good,” she said. “Coming into the race, I just wanted to do my best and do good. I have CARIFTA and Youth Commonwealth Games for cycling, so it was a good to win.”

Suzy Eneas placed second in that division and Sylvia Bateman was third.

In the 16-19 boys division, Barron Musgrove Jr. came out victorious. Enea Gervasini and Jason Cates were second and third, respectively. Sienna Culmer-Mackey won the title in the 16-19 girls division.

Malcom Menzies held off Ayden Bain and Lenin Hamilton to win the 13-15 boys division. Bain was second and Hamilton was third. On the girls side, Issa Bournas won that division. Taylor Knowles was second and Emma Barigelli finished third.

Lauchlan Menzies came out on top in the 11-12 boys division. Sibby Potter was second while Mathis Bournas was third. Naia Belton won the 11-12 girls division. Taylen Nichols finished second and Veranique Strachan finished third.

In the 9-10 division, only the boys were in action. Winning that division was Fraser Menzies. Stafford Sweeting and Lyall Menzies were second and third, respectively.

The final qualifier for CARIFTA Aquathon is the Beautiful Bahamas Aquathon on May 20 at Betty Kelly-Kenning National Swim Complex.

 Home|Sports|Sts. Francis & Joseph win eighth straight archdiocesan track titleSports

track title

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailMay 9, 2023 92 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

After a three-year hiatus, as a result of the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, the biggest Catholic Board of Education (CBE) primary school sporting event, the Archdiocesan Track and Field Meet, made a triumphant return. The 2023 Archdiocesan Track and Field Meet was held over the course of two days, starting on Thursday, May 4.

Young athletes from Sts. Francis & Joseph School overcame competitors from three other CBE New Providence primary schools to win the competition. This was the eighth consecutive win for the Sts. Francis & Joseph Shockers. They prevailed with 768 points. St. Cecilia’s School was a close second with 752 points and St. Thomas More came in third with 701 points. Xavier’s Lower School finished fourth with 603 points.

“Hard work, determination, resilience and heart yields great results,” exclaimed Ricardo Freemantle, coach of the Shockers.

In addition to their overall win, Sts. Francis & Joseph School won the primary division. They scored 509 points to take that title. St. Cecilia’s School was a close second in that division with 494 points and St. Thomas More finished third in that division with 400 points. Xavier’s Lower School was fourth in that division with 364 points.

The Shockers lost the junior division to St. Thomas More School. St. Thomas More prevailed in that division with 301 points. Sts. Francis & Joseph finished second in that division with 259 points, and St. Cecilia’s School was third with 258 points. Xavier’s Lower School finished fourth in that division with 239 points.

The annual meet offers CBE primary school students an opportunity to exhibit their skill, dexterity and endurance in track and field events. CBE schools are dedicated to the education of the whole child through development of the intellectual, physical and spiritual dimensions of every CBE student. Athletics is an integral part of the total education program of CBE schools.

“For the Catholic Board of Education, sports provide an outlet through which students can channel their energy in organized and objective activities,” said Freemantle. “Sports allows opportunities for several kids whether scholarships or representing their country and may lead to a professional career path. Sports is sometimes the only way out for some kids while for others, it is just recreation. Balancing sports and academics is key in developing a rounded individual.”

CBE primary schools have a sporting legacy, which is evident in the number of alumni who have gone on to achieve success in athletics both nationally and internationally.

As with all CBE sporting competitions, the Archdiocesan Track and Field Meet fosters school spirit, healthy competition and provides a fun environment for students, parents, teachers and administrators.

https://thenassauguardian.com/sts-francis-joseph-win-eighth-straight-archdiocesan-track-title/

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, third from right, can be seen during his visit to Jordan Prince Williams Baptist School.

As of Monday, May 8, 2023

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#WITH only 10 weeks leading up to the 50th Golden Jubilee Celebration of Independence, The Bahamas has been celebrating with a number of events.

#Included in these activities was the celebration of Jubilee Day, May 5 when all Bahamians were encouraged to celebrate and do something that was uniquely Bahamian. This could have been the expression of our colours, dance, music or food.

#As a part of these celebrations, schools throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas were also encouraged to put on activities to remind our young persons of their cultural heritage.

#Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture Mario Bowleg visited Jordan Prince Williams Baptist School, during Jubilee Day, to encourage the young students to cherish their Bahamian culture and remind them of how important they are to carrying on what is uniquely us as a people.

#According to Minister Bowleg, “50 Years ago, our then leaders of the Bahamas under the leadership of Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling had a dream for our nation. A dream of an independent people. A people who could decide their own direction and set a course for their future.”

#Minister Bowleg reminded the students of the importance of cherishing the independence they now have, that was hard fought for by those who came before and to know that each of the students represented a brighter future for themselves as individuals, families and nation. “This year we celebrate 50 years of Independence. A Golden Jubilee as a nation, and independent people.

#As a people we are proud of the many accomplishments we have made, but one of our greatest accomplishments is making a nation where our young people are able to dream and determine their own destinies as individuals and collectively as a nation.Today, we celebrate Jubilee Day, which is the continuation of our celebrations leading up to our 50th Independence celebration this year.”

#One of the many activities planned to celebrate the upcoming Golden Jubilee is a return of The Bahamas Games. The Bahamas Games, dubbed The Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games, was first held in 1989.

#The Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games will be held from July 7-15 this year.

#With its Olympic-style and multisport discipline, The Bahamas Games was initially created to give Bahamian athletes throughout the archipelago an opportunity to showcase their athletic prowess while providing each sporting discipline’s federation with an occasion to discover new talent.

#The games showcased the world-class talent possessed by Bahamians throughout our varied and unique islands, each known for being proficient in one sporting discipline or another.

#According to Minister Bowleg, this is the 6th rendition of the games and is an opportunity for our people to come together in a spirit of competition, camaraderie and courage. “The Bahamas Games baton, which represents a symbol of hope, friendship, and unity has already begun its journey, beginning in Exuma and will end here in New Providence.

#Once lit, the flames announce the commencement of the Games and spread the message of hope, friendship and unity throughout the archipelago.”

#Minister Bowleg encouraged the young students if they had the confidence and courage to participate to sign up and represent their island of descendance.

#This year’s Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games will include 16 disciplines with athletes representing 10 islands.

#Some of the events will include track & field, basketball, soccer, swimming, boxing, golf, sailing and several other sporting disciplines.

#According to Minister Bowleg, the theme for this year’s games is unity under the slogan, “Our Nation, Our Islands, Our Games.”

#For more information you can check out the website on thebahamasgames.org or WhatsApp 809-1242 or follow The Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games on Tik Tok, and YouTube at @thebahamasgames and Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @thebahamagames.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/may/08/ten-week-countdown-bahamas-golden-jubilee-games/?news

As of Monday, May 8, 2023

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Coach Gavin Christie, who is responsible for beach soccer in the Bahamas Football Association.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#THE Bahamas, with their home court advantage and playing out of Group B, has selected a solid, 12-man team that the Bahamas Football Association is confident will be able to compete against its peers in the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships (CBSC) World Cup Qualifier.

#“I think we are very confident in the team that we have put together,” said Gavin Christie, who is responsible for beach soccer in the BFA.

#“We have some very experienced players along with some young, vibrant players, so we feel we should be able to perform very well in the tournament.”

#On Friday, in the lead up to the tournament, Christie and the coaching staff released the names of the 12 players who will carry the Bahamian flag.

#The list includes Michael Butler, Julmis Evelt, Daron Beneby, Jean Francois, Kyle Williams, Gary Joseph, James Thompson, Creven Ferguson, Julmis Wood, Lesly St Fleur, Gavin Christie and Torin Ferguson. The Bahamas will be playing alongside Mexico, Guatemala and Belize when the week-long tournament gets underway today (free of charge for spectators) at the beach soccer stadium at Malcolm Park.

#Group A will comprise El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe, Turks and Caicos Islands, while Group C includes the United States, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic.

#A series of stage games in each group will be played starting at noon with the Bahamas playing the feature games at 7:30pm each day through Wednesday.

#Following the group play and a day of rest on Thursday, the first and second place finishers in each group, plus the two best third place finishers (eight teams in total) will advance to the quarterfinals on Friday, followed by the semifinals, third-place match and the Final.

#The two finalists will qualify for the 2023 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. El Salvador pulled off the last CONCACAF Beach Soccer Tournament played in Costa Rica in 2021 with a 6-4 victory over the United States in the Final.

#“This is always a very hard fought tournament because there’s a lot at stake and a lot of the teams will be using players who play all around the world,” Christie said. “This is a qualifier for the World Cup in beach soccer and everybody wants to get that opportunity to qualify.

#“So we know that every game played will be of a high level. We just have to go out there and play our best. It’s going to be competitive, but we feel we have a team that could play with these teams.”

#Christie said the biggest advantage Team Bahamas has is home court.

#“We normally play on the road where the stadium is filled with the fans waving their flags for their home team,” Christie said. “So with the tournament being home, we feel like we have the sixth man so to speak on the pitch.

#“We don’t normally get to play at home, so this is a good time in a high level tournament for the Bahamian public to come and see what we are made of. So we’re hoping that the fans will come out and support our team.”

#The Bahamas will be playing in their eighth CBSC and has made it to three straight quarterfinals in the 2015, 2017 and 2019 championships. The question is: Will Team Bahamas surpass those feats this year?

#– Here’s a look at the team rosters for this week:

#Costa Rica – Anothony Lopez, Arrieta Frandert, Prado Christian, Pena Daniel, Roger Mora, Rachith Gomez, Lponis Calero, Christian Sanchez, Greivin Pacheco, Jhonatan Sanchez, Deyber Villegas and Jeaustin Medina.

#El Salvador – Erick Najera, Andres Cruz, Heber Ramos, Melvin Gonzalez, Exon Perdomo, Jason Urbina, Elmar Robles, Darvin Ramirez, Abdres Osorio, Rogelio Rauda, Francisco Velasquez and Eliodoro Portillo.

#Guadeloupe – Steeve Mirabel, David Nicolas, Yannick Ruart, Ricardo Mezence, Gary Andre, Gael Geolier, Marvin Quinol, Stephane Amadiah, Gaetan Gailan, Sebastien Hell and Cesaire Amadiah.

#Turks $ Caicos – Pendieno Brooks, Leishawn Green, Ivenson Philogene, Ledson Jerome, Peterson Evariste, Emmanuel Martin, Billy Forbres, Henry Magny, Dornell Wiles, Sylvins Wilkins, Wildens Delva and Sebastian Turbyfield,

#Bahamas – Michael Butler, Julmis Evelt, Daron Beneby, Jean Francois, Kyle Williams, Gary Joseph, James Thompson, Creven Ferguson, Julmis Wood, Lesly St Fleur, Gavin Christie and Torin Ferguson.

#Belize – Jahym McKenzie, Sean Alexander, Jermain Jones, Brandon Jones, Kenen Castillo, Ken yon Martinez, Darnae Garcia, Devin Guzman, Jaheim Mena, Marlon Meza, Rahmond Ramos and Brenton Garcia,.

#USA – Christopher Toth, Alvaro Franco, Antonio Chavez, Ricardo Carvalho, Nicholas Perea, Cody Valcarcel, Nicolas Perera, Connwe Santiago, Tomas Canale, Gabriel Silveira, Christopher Albiston and Austin Collier.

#Panama – Jason Navarro, Aguilar Montero, Alberto Kelly, Jose Escobar, Nagdiel Del Rosario, Eliecer Garcia, Edgar Carvajal, Rafael Garcia, Alfonso Maquensi, Julio Watson and Jaime Londono.

#Trinidad & Tobago – Jabari Gray, Akinola Gregory, Jsayson Joseph, Shallun Bobb, Omri Baird, Kevon Williams, Jordan Riley, Jesse Bailey, Hakeem King, Shane Hospedales, Hakeem Perry and Zane Coker,

#Dominican Republic – Miguel Rojas, Jose Shanlatte, Yensyt Severino, Yorinson Noesi, Cesar Ramirez, Alfredo Baez, Miguel Moreta, Inoel Navarro, Miguel Rivera, Wander Medina, Yan Lluberes and Raybel Tejeda.

#Mexico – Gabriel Marcias, RJuan Morales, Jose Hernandez, Edgar Portilla, Hector Acevedo, Alejandro Garcia, Diego Martine, Enoch Lopez, Christopher Castillo, Jair Aleman, Jose Vizcarra and Antonio Echeverria.

#Guatemala – Anderson Crespo, Juan Flores, Berny Marroquin, Angel Saenz, Lem Jose, Wilson Gonzalez, Jose Gonzalez, Samuel Perez, Miguel Gonzalez, Pablo Crocker, Edwin Lopez and Hendrick Cordova.

#• Here’s a look at this week’s schedule:

#Today

#Noon – Panama vs

#Trinidad & Tobago

#1:30pm – USA vs

#Dominican Republic

#3pm – Costa Rica vs

#Guadeloupe

#4:30pm – El Salvador vs

#Turks & Caicos

#6pm – Mexico vs Belize

#7:30pm – Bahamas vs

#Guatemala

#Tuesday

#Noon – Dominican

#Republic vs Panama

#1:30pm – Trinidad &

#Tobago vs USA

#3pm – Turks & Caicos vs

#Costa Rica

#4:30pm – Guadeloupe

#vs El Salvador

#6pm – Guatemala

#vs Mexico

#7:30pm – Belize

#vs Bahamas

#Wednesday

#Noon – Trinidad

#vs Dominican Republic

#1:30pm – USA vs Panama

#3pm – Guadeloupe vs

#Turks & Caicos

#4:30pm – El Salvador

#vs Costa Rica

#6pm – Guatemala

#vs Belize

#7:30pm – Mexico

#vs Bahamas

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/may/08/bfa-selects-12-man-beach-soccer-team-represent-bah/?news

As of Monday, May 8, 2023

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The CI Gibson Rattlers are your 2023 Noble Preparatory Academy (NPA) Spring Classic basketball senior boys’ champions for the second consecutive year. Photo: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

The CH Reeves Raptors are your 2023 Noble Preparatory Academy (NPA) Spring Classic basketball junior girls’ champions.

The Jordan Prince Williams Falcons are your 2023 Noble Preparatory Academy (NPA) Spring Classic basketball junior boys’ champions.

The CV Bethel Stingrays are your 2023 Noble Preparatory Academy (NPA) Spring Classic basketball senior girls’ champions. Photos: Tenajh Sweeting

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE sixth edition of the Noble Preparatory Academy’s (NPA) spring classic basketball tournament saw four new champions crowned.

#This year’s tournament featured basketball matchups between the varsity senior and junior girls and boys from Thursday to Saturday.

#With more than 30 teams registered to compete, the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) public schools represented well this past weekend.

#Three out of the four championship honours went to the junior girls of the CH Reeves Raptors, senior girls of the CV Bethel Stingrays, and the defending champions the CI Gibson Rattlers.

#After some long but exciting days of basketball showdowns, NPA president Geno Bullard talked about this year’s spring classic basketball tournament.

#“I am pleased and very happy because the tournament was overwhelmingly successful for me. I got to introduce students to a lot of different opportunities, not just for basketball but we had educational opportunities through our college counsellors, we had a little bit of entertainment, and we had a lot of basketball so it was a pretty good weekend,” Bullard said.

#The NPA president added that after this year, he will look to expand the tourney across more days and allow for more teams to compete after realising the interest is definitely there for basketball.

#Senior division

#After gameplay across 14 senior boys teams, only one champion could be crowned and those honours belonged to the NPA defending champions and GSSSA senior boys champions CI Gibson Rattlers.

#In a game that was hardly ever close, the Rattlers pummelled the CW Saunders Cougars 82-50.

#The defending champions got out to a 10-point lead in the first half, edging out their opponent 26-16. By the halfway mark of the fourth quarter, the lead had tripled as the team were dominating their opponent by 30 points en route to another championship win.

#Kevin Johnson, head coach of the Rattlers, talked about the big win.

#“It feels good to be back-to-back champions. These young men came out tonight determined that they were going to take it home and they did,” Johnson said.

#He said his overall strategy was to cause chaos in terms of forcing turnovers, disorganising things for the Cougars on the defensive end and, as a result, his team was able to score easy baskets.

#The senior girls of the Stingrays had an all out battle against the Lady Rattlers. The GSSSA senior girl champions were no match for the Stingrays as they defeated them 23-21 in a tightly contested game. The game got off to a slow start by both teams but basketball play picked up in the second half after a flurry of big buckets by both teams.

#The Stingrays looked to be done but a timely three by the team’s Most Valuable Player Trinity Bodie put them up. Bodie was involved in lots of big defensive and offensive plays down the stretch, including the game-clinching free throws to put the team up by two points for the win.

#Stingrays head coach Shantelle Rolle said it felt great to get the championship victory. She noted that after a slow start by both teams, she told her team to step up the defensive effort and offensively she made the adjustment to have them shoot more long twos and threes as the Lady Rattlers were clogging the paint.

#Junior divison

#The Raptors have been crushing the competition all season long. After coming off wins in the GSSSA basketball and track championships, their sports momentum continued this past weekend.

#The Raptors wrapped up the St John’s College junior girls 26-10 to become the 2023 NPA tournament junior girls champions. The team’s MVP was Tajhanique Morley.

#Varel Davis, head coach of the Raptors, said it feels good, especially as the GSSSA junior girl champions, she decided to use the tournament as an opportunity to get the team more exposure and experience.

#Despite a break due to COVID-19, Davis said the teams came back this year hungry and their efforts and hard work is definitely showing. For the boys, the Jordan Prince Williams Falcons closed out Clement Howell to claim the NPA junior boys championship hardware.

#The Falcons opened up the bout outscoring the team 24-16. By the final buzzer, the Falcons had comfortably secured their NPA juniors boys title win after toppling the visiting team 42-19.

#Falcons head coach Angie Nash said it felt great to get the win and she was confident that her team would bring home the victory in the championship round. She added this win meant a lot for the team as it could be one of their last championship wins together with some players potentially leaving, therefore, it was the perfect time for them to play together one more time.

#After three days of competition from the best of the best in local basketball across all divisions, an entertaining performance by Julian Believe, cheerleading competition and halftime shows, and educational opportunities provided by Niagara College, the sixth edition of the NPA Spring Classic is now in the books and will look to be even more exciting next year.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/may/08/we-are-champions/?news

As of Monday, May 8, 2023

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PLAY ACTION: Competitors of the under 18 age group go head-to-head at the Table Tennis Spring Classic tourney this past weekend.

Table tennis officials gather alongside Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg at the table tennis tourney. Photos: Tenajh Sweeting

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Bahamas Table Tennis Federation (BTTF) hosted a few rounds of exciting table tennis action on Saturday at the LW Young auditorium.

#After matches played across the under 11, 15, 18 and open divisions, four table tennis champions were crowned. This year’s Spring Classic tourney included over 50 participants, making for some entertaining table tennis matchups this past weekend.

#Sudan Khalfani, BTTF youth director, talked about how impressed he was with the level of play on display at this year’s tourney.

#“I am very impressed every time we come here [and] we set up a tournament. We always see the talent, you see kids who may not have been good turn out to be very good and the kids who are always good become better so it’s always improving everytime,” Khalfani said.

#For the under 11 division, Ronal Fernando of Queen’s College represented the Comets well as he won first place in the division. He defeated second place finisher Courtney Rahming of Columbus Primary in two sets. Fernando claimed both championship sets 11-6, 11-7.

#Rahming secured his second place position after ousting Sybil Strachan’s Markito Miller in a competitive three setter.

#Rahming opened set one 11-6, but fell 6-11 in set two. However he recovered nicely in the final set after winning 11-8. Miller finished third in the division.

#Despite his nerves ahead of the championship round, Fernando once again came out on top.

#He revealed that his strategy was simple – aim the ball at the table and move around.

#St Andrew’s Mahelis Reeves took care of business in the under 15 division for first place honours. He took down Kingsway Academy’s Samuel Corbin in a hard fought, three set match.

#Reeves nabbed set one 11-8 but Corbin mounted a comeback to defeat him 8-11 in set two.

#However, Reeves remained poised and collected the overall win after toppling Corbin 11-7 in set three. Corbin finished second in the division after shutting out St Andrew’s Callum Pritchard in three sets. The scores were 11-7, 6-11 and 11-8. Pritchard wrapped up the day with third in this division.

#Reeves said he felt good going into the championship round but was a little nervous, nonetheless, he stuck to his strategy of finding the weakness, moving around and spinning the ball along.

#Tyreck Pratt represented the CV Bethel Stingrays well as he secured a win in the 18 and under division. He battled his fellow schoolmate Sadeki Hendricks.

#The battle of the Stingrays ended in two sets, favouring Pratt 11-8, 11-7. Sadeki nabbed second place after taking down Doris Johnson graduate Tori Ellis in three sets of play. He defeated the latter after sets of 11-5, 7-11, 11-9.For the adults open division, first place belonged to Sandeep Gali.

#Second place was nabbed by Arnold Jones and third place went to Godfrey Springer.

#The table tennis athletes saw their great efforts noticed as the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg paid a visit to the tourney to acknowledge the sport and high-level gameplay among the children and adults.

#“Anytime you can find a safe haven in any sport where you can get young people involved who have a love for it, this is where we save lives and deter them from the life of crime,” the minister said.

#Bowleg added that he hopes to see the sport grow not only from persons five and up, but also for older adults as it’s the collective goal to build a healthier nation. Minister Bowleg said the MOYSC fully supports table tennis and is committed to helping the sport grow through its developmental stages by providing them with the necessary tools and equipment needed for it to become a major sporting discipline in the country.

#Both the minister and youth director are encouraging more Bahamians to come out and support, or join table tennis as the sport is steadily on the rise in the country.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/may/08/table-tennis-tournament-champions-crowned/?news

As of Monday, May 8, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#GRAND Bahamian Launy Duncombe and Kami Roach emerged as the male and female champions of the Bahamas Triathlon Association’s National Championships held yesterday at Goodman’s Bay.

#Their performances came a day after the association held its Aquathlon at the same venue on Saturday when Duncombe, brother Malcolm and Lchlan Menzies, Stafford Sweeting and Caiden Bain were all crowned the divisional winners.

#The nationals also served as the trials for the CARIFTA Games, scheduled for August 26-27. Association president Dorian Roach was quite pleased with the performances turned in during the competition. “Launy Duncombe, Malcolm Menzies and Kami Roach all performed well. Launy and Kami are both juniors, so it was good to see how well they performed,” Roach said. “It was also good for the competitors to compete in a new location. It’s the same location where the CARIFTA triathlon will take place. The roads were great for the bike ride and the run. We almost cancelled the swim because the water was so choppy, but we still managed to get it all in. So I was very happy with it.”

#Aquathlon – Saturday

#8-and-under (50m/1K run) – Caiden Bain, 6:29; Alan Gervasini, 7:17; Gebriael McPhee, 7:30.

#9-10 (100m swim/1K run) – Stafford Sweeting, 6:39; Fraser Menzies, 6:40; Lyall Menzies, 6:49.

#11-12 (250m swim/1.5K run) – Lauchlan Menzies, 10:54; Blair Thompson, 11:23; Taylen Nicolls, 11:35.

#13-15 (500m swim/2.5K run) – Malcolm Menzies, 18:05; Ayden Bain, 19:15; Will Farrington, 20:25.

#16-and-over (1000m/5K run) – Launy Duncombe, 36:56; Ellie Gibson, 41:42; Grace Farrington, 41:44.

#Triathlon – Sunday.

#Overall male – Launy Duncombe, Cameron Roach, Simone Bertoldo.

#16-19 male – Barron Musgrove, Enea Gervasini, Jason Cates.

#11-12 male – Lauchlan Menzies, Sibby Potter, Mattis Bournas.

#9-10 male – Fraser Menzies, Stafford Sweeting, Lyall Menzies.

#Overall female – Kami Roach, Suzy Eneas, Sylvia Bateman.

#16-19 female – Sienna Culmer.

#13-15 female – Issa Bournas, Taylor Knowles, Emma Barigelli.

#11-12 female – Nai’a Belton, Tayleen Nicholas, Veranique Strachan.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/may/08/launy-duncombe-kami-roach-national-triathlon-champ/?news

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/may/08/launy-duncombe-kami-roach-national-triathlon-champ/?news

LEFT: Damazvia Dames (top) and Stephen Farquharson (bottom). RIGHT: Steven Gardiner being interviewed on his 100m performance.

As of Monday, May 8, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#Fort Scott Community College’s versatile sophomore Damazvia Dames had a stellar performance over the weekend to lead a number of Bahamians competing in various meets around the United States.

#At the National Junior College Athletic Association’s (NJCAA) Region VI Championships in Coffeyville, Kansas State, Dames sped to victory in the women’s 200m in 22.94, well ahead of second place finisher Naiya Morgan of Barton Community College in 23.36.

#On the field, Dames also picked up a win in the triple jump as she soared 40-feet, 7-inches or 12.37 metres. Her nearest rival in the event was Ahniesha Presulme of Barton County Community College with 38-9 (11.81m).

#Back on the track, after posting the fastest qualifying time of 11.45 in the preliminaries of the 100m, Dames got second in the final in 11.35 behind Barton County Community College’s Carabile Tshosa in 11.26.

#And in the 4 x 100m relay, Dames ran the second leg for Fort Scott as the team of Keyann Wilson, Kamerin Carter and Chaniqua Tonge placed second in 45.76 with Barton County winning in 45.10.

#Dames also contested the long jump where she placed fourth with her best leap of 18-10 (5.74m). Winning the event was Kerrishma Williams of Garden City Community College with 19-7 1/2 (5.98m).

#Also at the meet, Cowley College and Grand Bahamian native Delicia Boothe placed eighth in the women’s 10,000m 43:40.35 to erase the Bahamian national record of 45:50.79 that was previously held by Jennaya Hield in 2015.

#Boothe, the daughter of former men’s marathon record holder Delroy Boothe, also got 13th in the 5,000m in 22:23.37.

#Farquharson second fiddle

#At the 2023 America East Outdoor Championships in Albany, New York, Stephen Farquharson, competing for the University of Albany, was second in the men’s long jump with a personal best leap of 24-11 1/4 (7.60m). His team-mate Louis Gordon won with 25-4 1/2 (7.73m).

#Gardiner in century

#At the Adidas Atlanta City Games at the Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia, World and Olympic champion Steven Gardiner stepped all the way down to the 100m where he got in some speed work.

#The multiple Bahamian national record holder from the 200-400m could only mustre a best of 10.38 for ninth place in the preliminaries. The top qualifier, Oblique Deville of Jamaica, won the final in 9.99.

#The 27-year-old Gardiner was shy of his lifetime best of 10.35 that he ran at the Life University Track and Field Stadium in Marietta, Georgia, on August 22, 2020.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/may/08/athletes-make-name-themselves-abroad/?news