As of Thursday, August 3, 2023

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Terrence Jones

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) made the decision late last night to rescind the three-month suspension of Grand Bahama sprinter Terrence Jones.

#The national champion was issued a letter detailing his team infractions and subsequent suspension on July 31 following competition at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Association (NACAC) under-18 and under-23 championships.

#Jones, along with other Bahamian athletes, were discussed in conversations about looming suspensions and yesterday the BAAA president Drumeco Archer said investigations were still ongoing despite the issuance of the letter.

#The suspension would have dealt a major blow to Jones as he is set to compete at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, August 19-27.

#Archer remained tight-lipped about the matter concerning the three-month suspension earlier yesterday.

#“We are dealing with issues involving athletes. The matter is still under investigation. That is as much as I could say right now…everyone has a right to exercise their wish. This is the board that is responsible and acts in the best interest of the sports and athletes,” Archer said.

#Upon completion of the investigation, the BAAA officials declined to offer any further comments on the situation despite many looming questions surrounding the initial suspension and why it was rescinded.

#Among some of the infractions listed by the BAAA in a letter sent to Jones included resistance in participating in 4×100 meter relay, refusing to celebrate with the team or participate in any photos, leaving the team in the middle of celebration and withdrawing from the 200m finals.

#Before the now rescinded suspension was handed down following a decision made by the voting delegates of the BAAA, the sprinter wrote an apology letter to the executives taking accountability for his missteps.

#“I am writing today about recent events at the NACAC Games in Costa Rica at which I took part of representing my country after the 4x100m relay in which we placed second I was asked to take pictures with the group which I respectfully declined at the time I was really not in a good place,” Jones wrote.

#He further went on to explain where his mental headspace was at the time of the NACAC U18 and U23 Championships in San Jose, Costa Rica.

#“Within the past year being away at school the whole time, I lost my grammy. I was unable to be at home for her funeral and listening to my mommy grieve was devastating…right before NACAC my uncle Tony passed away in Miami on Independence,” the letter continued.

#Jones wrote that he did not know that his uncle was sick prior to his passing and that he was devastated that he could not be there for his family.

#Following a Zoom meeting with the parents and other athletes, the BAAAs made the announcement.

#Jones has enjoyed a brilliant track season running a personal best of 9.91 seconds in the 100m and is the 100m national champion.

As of Thursday, August 3, 2023

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#NO CEILINGS BASKETBALL CLINIC

#THE #NoCeilings with Coach Yo Foundation will hold a free basketball clinic at the Basil Neymour Court in Coral Gardens, Grand Bahama, 2-5pm on August 13.

#The clinic will be conducted by Grand Bahamian Yolett McPhee-McCuin, who is the head coach of the Ole Miss Lady Rebels basketball team.

#There will be three sessions for students of kindergarten to grade 1 from 2-2:30pm, grades 2-4 from 3:3:45 pm and grades 5-6 from 4-5 pm.

#Each participant is being asked to come properly dressed in their basketball gear and bring their own basketball.

#BASKETBALL BGDBA ACTION

#THE Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association is scheduled to continue its regular season action at the AF Adderley Gymnasium on Friday.

#Here is a look at the

#games on tap:

#7pm – Police Royals

#vs Customs Taxmen.

#8pm – BDOCS Challengers vs MOYSC Panthers.

#9pm – Airport Authority Avengers vs Bains & Grants Town Cybots.

As of Thursday, August 3, 2023

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JONQUEL Jones

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#GRAND BAHAMIAN native Jonquel Jones and the New York Liberty continue to remain atop the Eastern Conference with a now 20-6 win/loss record. The team’s latest win came against the ninth-overall Los Angeles Sparks.

#Jones’ team earned their second straight win against the Sparks after defeating them in last Sunday’s matchup 87-79 and closing them out 76-69 at the Crypto.com Arena.

#After having their dominant four-game win streak snapped by the Minnesota Lynx, Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) player Jones and her team have gotten back to their winning ways.

#In their most recent win, the Sparks kept up with the New York team, leading up to the halfway mark of the game. The former WNBA MVP’s team led by two points (34-32) as they prepared for the third quarter.

#In the third period, the Sparks outscored the leading Eastern Conference team by a mere two points, beating them 20-18 in the quarter. However, the difference came in the fourth quarter of both teams’ second meeting in less than one week where the Liberty took control.

#The 9-17 Sparks got edged out 26-15 in the final period of the game.

#Jones, who has been on a tear as of late, played 29 minutes in the game to amass nine points and eight rebounds. The Bahamian forward remained flawless at the free throw line, going 5-for-5 at the charity stripe shooting an efficient 100% clip. The previous game against the Sparks saw Jones put up a 13 points and 13 rebound double double with 10 of the total boards being grabbed down on the defensive end for the Liberty.

#Following Jones’ Eastern Conference Player of the Week honours after some brilliant individual and team performances, All-Star forward Breanna Stewart was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month. During the month of July, Jones’ teammate served up 24.5 points-per game (ppg), 8.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.

#Additionally, while scoring almost 25 ppg, she shot 45% from the field and 41% from behind the arc.

#The New York team remains focused and poised going 8-2 in their last 10 games. The Liberty will seek revenge against the Minnesota Lynx on Friday night at the Target Center.

#However, they will face their biggest test of this stretch on Sunday as they face the league’s number one team and WNBA defending champions – the Las Vegas Aces.

As of Wednesday, August 2, 2023

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Gena Culmer-Taylor, of The Bahamas, is the first Bahamian female to officiate at the FINA World Aquatics Championships, doing so this year at the event which was held in Fukuoka, Japan.

As of Wednesday, August 2, 2023

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Gena Culmer-Taylor

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#For the past 10 years, Gena Culmer-Taylor has served as a referee in swimming. But she never envisioned that last week she would become the first Bahamian female to officiate at the FINA World Championships.

#As a World Aquatics certified official who is on the World Aquatics Officials list, Culmer-Taylor served as a referee during every session of the week-long competition that featured four Bahamians, including her son, Lamar Taylor.

#“I feel honoured being the first Bahamian female to officiate,” said Culmer-Taylor as she made her long trek back home from the championships.

#“It was exciting officiating at such a high level. A lot of preparation went into it. We had a workshop the day before the meet started and we were informed what was expected from us.”

#Culmer-Taylor has been involved in the Bahamas Aquatics for more than 25 years and is serving as a Member-at-large. She thanked current president Algernon Cargill for supporting her in her advancement in the sport.

#But like every official or participant in any sport, Culmer-Taylor said her ultimate goal is to reach the pinnacle of swimming – the Olympic Games.

#“I want to continue working at local meets, work more international meets and one day hopefully I would be able to officiate at the Olympic level,” she stated.

#“Amazing is all I can say, that both of us were able to be on the big stage at the same time,” said Culmer-Taylor of watching her son compete on deck at the same time in Japan.

#Lamar Taylor, who led the Bahamian swim contingent at the championships with two record breaking performances in the mixed 4 x 100 medley and freestyle relays as well as individually, said he was just as pleased to have his mom on deck working. “I feel proud and I know she is proud of her accomplishment,” he said. “I didn’t feel any type of pressure from my mother knowing she is out there. I felt like a proud son watching my mom officiate out there.”

#And Culmer-Taylor said it’s that kind of inspiration that has kept her going.

#“I would first like to thank God , the federation especially the president Mr. Cargill for affording me the opportunity to be able to represent my country at such a high level,” she stated.

#“Lastly my family, especially my husband, Lester Taylor, who has always encouraged me to move further in my development as an official. He officiates in swimming as well.”

#Culmer-Taylor, however, noted that she never envisioned that she and her son would be on the same stage in the world, but when she was offered the opportunity to officiate, she couldn’t turn it down.

As of Wednesday, August 2, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#RICARDO Smith and his Basketball Beyond Boundaries group were elected to serve as executives of the New Providence Basketball Association for the next four years.

#During the NPBA’s annual general meeting and election of officers last night at the Ministry of Education, Smith dethroned incumbent James Price 7-3 to take on the new role as president.

#Going in unopposed were Mario Pickstock as first vice president, Donillo Culmer as second vice, Ryan Turnquest as third vice and Sterling Pratt as fourth vice presidents.

#Request Sands beat out incumbent Rochelle Kemp 6-5 in the closest margin of victory for the post of secretary. Quisheda McKenzie went in unopposed as the assistant secretary.

#For the post of treasurer, Jason Oliver claimed the spot over incumbent Sophia Hunter 8-1 with two spoiled ballots not counted by presiding officer Eugene Horton, the president of the Bahamas Basketball Federation.

#Elected as the new commissioner is Dwayne McGregor, who will be assisted by Kevin ‘Island’ McPhee. They both went in unopposed along with broadcaster Marcellus Hall as the public relations officer.

#Smith, a political activist, who once ran a semi-professional basketball team that was based between the Bahamas and Florida, provided a 10-point plan that he hopes to implement during the first year of his tenure in office.

#They are as follows:

#1) Provide $10,000 cash for the division one champions.

#2) Carry the season opening game live on TV and other social media outlets.

#3) Host big game nights for each division one teams.

#4) Bring back the All-Star games with special events surrounding the All-Star Week with incentives for players and fans.

#5) Host two new fundraisers geared to raising funds to support the league and new initiatives.

#6) Have water and sport provide sport drinks and water for teams during all games during the 2023/2024 season.

#7) Within the first 100 days open a NPBA Business Office.

#8) Provide full 2023/2024 season schedule with half time activities and attractions and get new marketing advertising strategy.

#9) Re-introduce the Summer Program with a new name – Project Phoenix – and brand new program.

#10) Introduce new division II team collegiate tour alone with all Division one team Super Sports Tour.

As of Wednesday, August 2, 2023

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#BASKETBALL

#CLINIC

#THE #NoCeilings with Coach Yo Foundation will hold a free basketball clinic at the Basil Neymour Court in Coral Gardens, Grand Bahama, 2-5pm on August 13.

#The clinic will be conducted by Grand Bahamian Yolett McPhee-McCuin, who is the head coach of the Ole Miss Lady Rebels basketball team.

#There will be three sessions for students of kindergarten to grade 1 from 2-2:30pm, grades 2-4 from 3:3:45 pm and grades 5-6 from 4-5 pm.

#Each participant is being asked to come properly dressed in their basketball gear and bring their own basketball.

#BASKETBALL

#BGDBA ACTION

#THE Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association continued its regular season action on Monday night at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.

#• Here’s a look

#at the games

#played:

#Real Deal Rangers 71, Customs Taxmen 40: Kenrio I graham scored 14 points to lead the Rangers to victory.

#Airport Authority Avengers 70, Bamboo Shack Patrollers 66: Cameron Chery scored 24 points to lead the Avengers to victory.

#TONIGHT

#7:30pm – Police Enforcers vs Beat & Teach Clinic Sharks.

#8:30pm – Police Crimestoppers vs Baintown Shark Patrollers.

#FRIDAY

#7pm – Police Royals vs Customs Taxmen.

#8pm – BDOCS Challengers vs MOYSC Panthers.

#9pm – Airport Authority Avengers vs Bains & Grants Town Cybots.

CARIBBEAN Hoopfest organiser Donald Francois.

As of Wednesday, August 2, 2023

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#IT seems like every year, more and more doors are opening for international events to be staged in the Bahamas.

#The latest to make its way here is the Caribbean Hoopfest.

#It’s an event organised by Donald Francois that will bring some of the top high school teams out of New York to play against local teams at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium from August 19-20.

#“It’s a new event dubbed Bahamas vs New York,” said Francois, a high school coach in New York who is the founder and producer of Caribbean Hoopfest.

#“We’ve been doing this event in Jamaica for the past 5-6 years, but we decided to bring it to the Bahamas. We have three teams coming in from New York, who will play against six Bahamian teams.”

#Some of the top tier players heading into colleges and universities will be a part of the teams coming in from New York, who are currently listed as highly ranked players in Nike and Under Armor.

#Among the list from Team NYC – Molloy are Eli Smails, Josh Powell and Sincere Folk.

#Canarsie High School out of New York will feature Skyler Hopkins, Chase Beasley and Xavier Burkett.

#They will be matched up against teams from CI Gibson Secondary High, Street Legends All-Stars, Raw Talent and 242 Ballers, all of whom will be under the age of 20.

#Caribbean Hoopfest, according to Francois, is a premier basketball tournament that features international teams, showcasing high-level competition and providing an exciting experience for both players and spectators in the Bahamas.

#For the players in the Bahamas, Francois said they will get a number of benefits from participating in the tournament.

#“They are able to develop valuable skills like teamwork, discipline, perseverance and leadership,” he said. “They get exposure to international competition, the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of scouts and recruiters from college teams, and the chance to network with players and coaches from around the world. It fosters personal growth and opens doors for professional basketball careers.”

#Through the tournament, Francois said they will also get to see empowerment and unity at work.

#“Caribbean Hoopfest goes beyond basketball,” he insisted. “Through our tournament, we aim to empower athletes to reach their full potential on and off the court. We provide a platform for cultural exchange, fostering friendships from diverse backgrounds.”

#And one of the greatest aspects of the tournament is the fact that there will be life-changing opportunities for the participants.

#“Caribbean Hoopfest attracts scouts and recruiters from college teams as well as international leagues,” Francois summed up. “These influential individuals provide participants with life-changing opportunities.”

#Francois said he like what he’s seen here in the Bahamas through events like Battle 4 Atlantis and that is why he decided to bring the top notch high school basketball tournament to the Bahamas.

#Tickets for the event is priced at $15 for a day package.

But Virginia Military Institute opts not to play the extra period due to slippery floor at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium

As of Wednesday, August 2, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#STEPHAN Smith canned a buzzer-beating three-pointer for the Pirates to tie their game at 98-98 against the visiting Virginia Military Institute to force overtime last night.

#But VMI, coming off a one-point loss to the Raw Talent Elite in the opener of the Bahamas Basketball Federation’s Summer of Thunder Basketball Tournament on Sunday, opted not to play the extra period as the floor was a bit too slippery inside the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

#Despite not having an outright winner of the game, Smith said he was delighted to be able to put the Pirates in a position to play for it in overtime.

#“I just wanted to get a little breathing space so that I could get the shot off,” said Smith, who dribbled the ball over the half-court line and separated himself from the defender for the desperation shot. “I believed in myself. I believed that it was going to go in and it did.”

#The VMI team opted not to speak after the game. They were a little bit frustrated that the game had to be stopped constantly as officials, and even their team, had to wipe up the moisture on the court.

#Smith said hopefully this will inspire his Pirates team-mates to play even harder as the tournament continues for the rest of the month.

#To go along with his big shot, Smith finished the game with 10 points.

#Valentino Simon led their attack with a game high 36 points, eight rebounds and three assists, Christopher Stuart had 22 points and five rebounds and Randy Miller added 10 points with 11 rebounds.

#Virginia Military had a more balanced scoring attack with six players in double figures.

#Corey Chesey had 19 points and eight rebounds, Brennan Watkins had 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals, Koree Cotton had 14 points and five rebounds with two steals, Maurice Wright Jr had 13 points, four rebounds, four steals and two assists.

#And Taeshaud Jackson Jr had 12 points, 16 rebounds and five assists and Tyran Cook also contributed 12 points.

#VMI build their biggest lead of 11 points (14-3) in the first quarter, but the Pirates rallied back for their biggest margin at six (65-59 in the fourth to make it a close ball game.

#The tournament now switches to the Imperial Ballroom at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island on Friday.

#BC Zalgiris Kaunas will take on the University of South Carolinas at 2pm. Then at 6pm, Bahamian Frederick King and the Creighton University will face the Raw Talent Elite.

As of Wednesday, August 2, 2023

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

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AFTER holding his own as one of the top junior tennis players in the region, Michael Major Jr is eager to get started at the next level as he displays his skills on the collegiate circuit.

#Major Jr, 17, will be leaving town on August 7 for Howard University where he will be playing for the Bison men’s tennis team, coached by Nicholas Askew.

#“I am excited. I’ve been working out and I think I’m ready,” said Major Jr as he heads to Washington DC. “I think I’ve put in the work to prepare myself to become a college player.”

#Apart from representing the Andros Chickcharnies in the sixth Bahamas Bahamas, Major Jr said he’s been working out in the gym 24/7 with his trainer Raserio Russell to help him in his conditioning to play longer tennis matches that he anticipates will come.

#On his decision to go to college rather than taking the professional path in the sport, Major Jr said it’s “better for me to get my education” as he pursues a degree in biology before he concentrates on becoming a pro.

#He goes in the freshman class with at least a pair of Bahamians, sprinter Adam Musgrove and hurdler Otto Laing, who will be competing on the track and field team.

#“I don’t know Otto that well, but I know Adam personally because we went to the same high school at St John’s,” said Major Jr, who eventually transferred to Windsor High School where he played in the Albany Tennis Academy.

#“It would be good to have some guys who come from the same culture around. At least I know it will be like home having them around.”

#Even though they probably won’t get a chance to interact as much because of the road they will be taking, Major Jr said he’s focused on trying to help his team not only win their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) title, but go on to make the NCAA Division I Championships. “My goal is to be Rookie of the Year,” Major Jr said.

#While here at home, Major Jr got a chance to play for Andros with the return of the Bahamas Games after a 20-year-plus hiatus. Not born at the time the last one was held, Major Jr said he was just delighted to get the experience in July.

#“Playing with my team-mates and helping us to get the gold was exciting,” said Major Jr, who teamed up with Jacobi Bain, Kevin Major Jr and sisters Sydney and Sarai Clarke.

#“It was a tight battle against Grand Bahama in the final. There were a lot of emotions, a lot of drama and so to pull it off with this team, I couldn’t ask for a better outing. I feel this team did very well and I’m so happy to play with them.”

#His mother, Bernie ‘Chips’ McPhee-Major and her husband, Michael Major Sr, rarely miss an opportunity to watch their son play locally.

#Whenever they get the opportunity, at least one of them travels with him when he plays overseas.

#But as he gets set to leave for college, just like she did when she played softball, McPhee-Major said it will be difficult to see him go, but they have every confidence that he’s prepared for the challenge ahead of him.

#“It feels amazing to see where he was and now where he’s at,” she lamented.

#“Just to see how he has grown so much is just awesome. This is a proud moment for us.”

#Like she did when she left in 1986 to play softball at St Augustine’s College with a number of Bahamians, including Mary ‘Cruise’ Sweeting and Natasha Huyler, McPhee-Major said her only advice to her son is to stay focused.

#“Remember what you went there for, continue to study hard and keep up your grades,” said McPhee-Major, who returned home in 1990 and is now in the banking industry.

#“Make sure you attend your practice sessions when you’re supposed to. Make sure you surround yourself with like-minded, positive people and just stay positive.”

As of Wednesday, August 2, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#INTERNATIONAL Sports Academy and Reloaded Baseball will return to host inaugural “Bat 2 Base-Ics” baseball and softball camp. The training will get underway August 14-19 at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

#The two-sport camp comes on the heels of the Reloaded Baseball team returning today from their first international Perfect Game baseball tournament in Sanford, Florida.

#Peron Burnside, president of the Reloaded Baseball programme, talked about how important it is to remain proactive with the development of the young players.

#“We have seen our deficiencies as we analysed the execution of our kids during each game and now we will work specifically to develop them in these areas with the intent to return to more tournaments to test what was taught,” Burnside said.

#The collaborative camp will include the Tee-Ball to the 14-and under (14U) division. The coaches will brush up on baseball and softball fundamentals such as game rules, discipline and conduct, and real in-game scenarios as well as situations that prompt them to react to them.

#With the camp also focused on softball, Burnside said it will also help to develop young girls in softball and they aim to afford all of their kids the opportunity to receive scholarships in pursuit of a higher education.

#Despite the Reloaded Baseball team’s shortcomings at the Perfect Game Florida Summer Select Championship (Open), Geron Sands, co-founder of I-Elite and Reloaded president, both have the same goal going forward.

#“The goal of Reloaded and I-Elite is that all of the kids who attend, whether softball or baseball, will have a clear understanding of where they are from a fundamental standpoint and where they need to be,” Burnside said.

#He added that the plan is to take them to that point and he is adamant that they will be responsible for taking baseball and softball development in The Bahamas to a higher level.

#The “Bat-2-Base-Ics” baseball and softball camp will be an annual event.

#And, according to the organisers of the event, other initiatives like this one will continue to pop up throughout the calendar year.

#Individuals who are interested in registering or require any additional information can contact 242-445-4551 or bat2basics242@gmail.com.

#Reloaded Baseball will celebrate one year as a programme in August.