Caribbean Hoopfest champions 242 Ballers Blue and runners-up, Archbishop Molloy from New York City, with the organisers.

As of Tuesday, August 22, 2023

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#CARIBBEAN Hoopfest was an incredibly exciting and entertaining event in New Providence over the weekend.

#The games were highly competitive, and the crowd was filled with enthusiastic supporters cheering on the Bahamian teams.

#It was wonderful to see teams from New York City appreciating the high-level competition and enjoying their time in The Bahamas.

#The ultimate winner of the tournament was 242 Ballers Blue, a team from Nassau.

#The championship game was a thrilling matchup between Archbishop Molloy from NYC and 242 Ballers Blue.

#The game was intense, with 242 Ballers Blue initially taking a 12-point lead.

#However, Molloy fought back and brought the game within two points.

#In the end, 242 Ballers Blue took control and secured a commanding lead, winning by six points, 78-72.

#The success of Caribbean Hoopfest has guaranteed its return, and plans are already in motion for the next event.

#People from all over the world have been reaching out to be a part of this exciting tournament in New Providence.

#The organising team is diligently working on the upcoming season and will be announcing the dates very shortly. Stay tuned for more updates on Caribbean Hoopfest as it continues to grow and attract teams from around the globe.

#It is sure to be another unforgettable event filled with high-level competition and camaraderie.

– Early exit for Miller-Uibo, Jones, Russell, Thomas and Hall-Smith

LEFT: Shaunae Miller-Uibo looks at her time after finishing a women’s 400-metres heat during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. RIGHT: Steven Gardiner races in a men’s 400-metres heat.

As of Monday, August 21, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#It was smooth sailing for the return of quarter-miler Steven Gardiner, but past champions Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Donald Thomas along with Alonzo Russell and rookies Terrence Jones and Shakeem Hall-Smith all made an early exit at the World Championships.

#The five athletes were the first of the Bahamas’ 11-member team to compete during the first weekend of the championships at the National Athletic Centre in Budapest, Hungary.

#Gardiner advances to 400 metre semifinals

#Returning after missing last year’s championships in Eugene, Oregon, Gardiner sped to victory yesterday in the first of six heats in a time of 44.65 seconds to hold off Japan’s Kentaro Sato, who produced a national record of 44.77.

#The 27-year-old Gardiner advanced to today’s semifinals with the third fastest time overall.

#Havard Bentdal Ingvaldsen ran a national record of 44.39 for Norway to post the fastest qualifying time, followed by Republic of South Africa’s world record holder Wayde van Niekerk in 44.57.

#Gardiner, the reigning Olympic champion, won the world title in 2019 in Doha, Qatar in a Bahamian national record of 43.48. He has also qualified to compete in the 200 metres where he holds the national record of 19.75, but he will not be contesting the event at the championships.

Alonzo Russell prepares to start a heat during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, yesterday. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

#Russell eliminated

#Following on the heels of Gardiner’s successful run, Russell raced against Van Niekerk in the second heat and the 31-year-old Grand Bahamian could only muster a time of 46.95 for sixth place.

#That put Russell 41st place overall in a field of 44 competitors as he missed the opportunity to join Gardiner in the semis. Russell had both a lifetime and season’s best of 44.73 that he recorded on April 15th in Gainesville, Florida, but he was well off the mark in Budapest.

#Miller-Uibo’s motherly care

#With her four-month old son, Maicel Uibo Jr in the stands watching, new mother Miller-Uibo couldn’t survive the comeback as a wildcard entry to defend her title in her 400m debut this year..

#The 29-year-old Miller-Uibo ran a season’s best of 52.65 that was only good enough for seventh place in the third of the six heats of the women’s 400m on Sunday to get into the semis as she’s done so many times in the past.

#Miller-Uibo, who lowered her Bahamian national record to 48.36 in winning the Olympic title in 2019 in Tokyo, Japan, only competed in the heptathlon during the Bahamas National Championships in July in preparation for the championships.

#The fastest qualifier in the heats was Marileidy Poulino of the Dominican Republic in 49.90.

Donald Thomas competes in the men’s high jump qualification. (AP Photo/David J Phillip)

#Thomas missed the cut

#Thomas, the 39-year-old Grand Bahamian high jump champion,continued to ride the wave in getting back to the form that made him the world champion in Osaka, Japan in 2007, but he still can’t find the winning formula.

#He finished in ninth place in Group A with a best of 7-feet, 4 1/2-inches or 2.25 metres that slipped him into a two-way tie for 16th place with Fernando Ferreira of Brazil in the two groups combined.

#Three competitors – Ryoichi of Japan, American JuVaughn Harrison defending world and Olympic champion Mutaz Essa Barshim – cleared the same height of 7-5 3/4 (2.28m) to top the chart going into Tuesday’s final.

#Jones out-sprinted

#Despite the ups and downs he endured this season in his collegiate season for Texas Tech, Terrence Jones had to overcome a psychological effect from a provisional suspension by the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations that could have kept him out of Budapest.

#But the BAAA rescinded on its decision in the lead up to the championships, allowing the 20-year-old Grand Bahamian to take his rightful place on the starting line in the heats of the men’s 100m.

#However, on Saturday as the World Championships got underway in Budapest, Jones didn’t look like the sprinter who won the NCAA indoor championship 60 title and finished the outdoor championships as a third place finisher.

#Left in his blocks in lane seven in the sixth of seventh heats, Jones didn’t have the turnover to reel in his rivals, ending up sixth in 10.32 for 42nd overall out of a field of 57 competitors.

#He failed to make it back for the century showdown in the semifinal and the final that took place on Sunday, but can relish the season that saw him produce lifetime best times in both the 100 and 200n.

#Coming off his NCAA indoor championship win in the 60m in 6.46 in Albuquerque, New Mexico on March 11th, Jones clocked 9.91 to tie Derrick Atkins’ Bahamian national record in the 100m on April 15th in Gainesville, Florida and he clocked 19.87 for third at the NCAA Outdoor Championship on June 9 in Austin, Texas.

#Hall-Smith’s debut fell short

#In the last of the five heats of the men’s 400m hurdles, Hall-Smith’s time of 49.61 was seventh and one spot shy of advancing to the semis as he finished 29th overall.

#Hall-Smith, 26, had a sensational season running both the 110 and 400m hurdles in Canada and the United States coming into the championships. He posted a lifetime best of 49.25 on July 14 to solidify his berth in Budapest.

#Next for Team Bahamas

#As a result of their developments over the weekend, no Bahamian will be in action today. But Gardiner will headline the list of competitors when he contests the semis of the men’s 400 and national champion and record holder Devynne Charlton will also be in action in the preliminaries of the women’s 100m hurdles.

#Wednesday will be a busy day with the qualifying rounds for NCAA champion Rhema Otabor in the qualifying round of the women’s javelin;Charisma Taylor in the women’s triple jump; Commonwealth Games champion Laquan Nairn in the men’s long jump and veteran Anthonique Strachan in the women’s 200m.

The Bahamas men’s national basketball team pulled off a hard fought 82-75 win over Argentina to win the FIBA Americas Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament title, earning their berth in the 2024 Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament.

As of Monday, August 21, 2023

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Team Bahamas celebrate their win over Argentina. Photos: FIBA Americas

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#ERIC Gordon came up big down the stretch as the Bahamas pulled off a hard fought 82-75 victory over Argentina to win the FIBA Americas Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament title yesterday to earn their berth in the 2024 Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament next year.

#Before a jammed pack Argentina crowd in the National Sports Arena on La Banda, Argentina, the Bahamas proved their 101-89 win over the world’s number fourth ranked Argentina in their Group A round robin play was no fluke as lightning struck for the second time.

#After Sunday’s victory, the team was presented with their boarding pass after taking down Argentina as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg was on hand to join in the celebrations.

#The team, coached by Chris DeMarco, an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors in the National Basketball Association, produced its best showing ever in international basketball competition.

DeAndre Ayton gets in a two-handed slam dunk.

#It came from arguably the best team assembled by the Bahamas Basketball Federation, team manager LJ Rose and assistant coaches Moses Johnson and Mikhail McLean as the Bahamas is now on the verge of having its first appearance in any team competition at the Olympics.

#Bahamas 82, Argentina 75

#Gordon, the latest addition to the collection of NBA players to participate on the team, provided the spark as he canned a game high 27 points, including three clutch three-pointers down the stretch, to go along with three rebounds and as many steals in the championship game on Sunday.

#Travis Munnings, who plays professionally in Europe, took advantage of his starting role with 16 points and two assists, Indiana Pacers’ guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield, who got into foul trouble down the stretch, had 15 points with five rebounds, three assists and three steals and centre DeAndre Ayton, who will be suiting up with Gordon with the Phoenix Suns this season, added 10 points and 21 rebounds.

#Collegian Franco Miller Jr contributed nine points and two rebounds off the bench, while fellow Grand Bahamian Kentwan Smith, who also plays professionally in Europe, had five points.

#After using a 5-0 lead to start the game, the Bahamas responded to even the score at 5-5. It stayed close until Argentina went on a mini run to pull away from a 12-12 tie for a 17-12 lead. The Bahamas drew within two, 24-22, but Argentina stayed ahead 26-22 at the end of the quarter.

#With 6:58 left in the second quarter, Travis Munnings canned his second consecutive three-pointer that equalised the score at 30-30, forcing Argentina to call a timeout.

#The Bahamas then went up 39-32 as both teams went into a scoring drought and although Argentina trimmed it down to a 39-39 tie with just over a minute left, and they ended the first half tied at 42.

#The Bahamas saw some delight in the first two minutes of the third as they went up 47-44 on a lay-up from Munnings on a pass from Lourawls Nairn, who returned to his starting role after going down with an injury the night before.

#But Argentina pulled away from a 51-49 lead with 6:28 left in the period and they went up by four, 60-56, at the end of the third quarter. As they opened the fourth, Gordon hit a jumper for a 63-63 and Smith canned a three-pointer for a 66-65 lead with 8:21 left. A minute later, Hield scored on a three-pointer for a 69-65 lead.

#Argentina converted a pair of baskets to go up 72-69, but Ayton got an offensive rebound for a two-handed jam to equal the score at 71-71 with just over three minutes left in the game.

#Gordon stopped a brief run by Argentina with a three-pointer for a 74-73 lead in the next one. With 1:31, Gordon popped another three-pointer as the Bahamas again went up 77-75 with 1:32 on the clock.

#And with 20.2 on the clock, Gordon crashed the final digger in the heart of Argentina with his third consecutive three-pointer for an 80-75 advantage after he got a steal and Ayton got a key defensive rebound on two possessions by their opponents.

#Bahamas 78, Uruguay 62

#Buddy Hield led a balanced attack on both ends of the court to lead Team Bahamas into the championship game on Saturday night.

#In their semifinal match against Uruguay, Hield finished with 17 points, three steals and a pair of rebounds and assists, while Gordon had 13 points and two rebounds and assists and Miller Jr came off the bench and finished with 13 points as well.

#Ayton, in limited action, had nine points and nine rebounds and Juraun ‘Kino’ Burrows also came off the bench and contributed nine points with two rebounds and as many assists. Team Bahamas got a scare early in the game when Nairn left with an injury. By then, the Bahamas managed to open a 15-5 lead that they extended to 23-14 at the end of the first break.

#After building their lead in the second quarter, Garvin Clarke Jr canned a three-pointer with 4:56 on the clock for a 31-17 margin to force Uruguay to take a timeout.

#The Bahamas pushed their lead to 43-23 at the half, thanks to a number of defensive stops and some miscues from the three-point arc by Uruguay.

#As coach DeMarco switched up the line-up, using more players off the bench, the Bahamas opened a 59-34 advantage at the end of the third quarter.

#Using a 1-2 punch from Burrows and Bridgewater, the Bahamas took a 68-42 lead, forcing Uruguay to call a time-out as Bridgewater hit an air ball on a three-point attempt.

#Uruguay rallied to cut the deficit to 68-51 and on a timeout with a little over five minutes left, the Bahamas went back to Hield and Gordon to help control the tempo of the game.

#With 3:06 on a foul on Miller Jr, tempers started to flare as the referees and players tried to calm the situation down. Both teams were assessed technical fouls.

#When the dust was settled, the Bahamas kept its composure and held on for the win.

As of Monday, August 21, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Bahamas continues to prove their dominance in swimming after emerging victorious at the Goodwill Swimming Championships in Kingston, Jamaica.

#Team Bahamas finished the Goodwill Games first overall with a combined score of 1,418.50. Jamaica, the host country, placed second with 1,143.50 and last year’s victor, Trinidad and Tobago, amassed 970.50.

#Over the course of three days, the 40-member team collected 55 gold medals, 45 silver medals and 29 bronze medals for a total of 129 overall to culminate the swimming experience.

#Team Bahamas not only made waves but also broke records at the National Aquatic Centre in Jamaica.

#Tiah Seymour turned in a strong showing at the championships, winning three silver medals and two bronze in individual competition. Seymour dipped under the meet record with a time of 1:05.99 in the 11-12 100m freestyle. She placed second in the 100m backstroke finals, touching the wall at 1:18.43.

#Additionally, the swimmer earned bronze in the 50m breastroke finals and the 50m backstroke finals.

#Tia Adderley earned two individual gold medals along with a silver medal. She got the gold in the girls 15-17 50m breaststroke finals, stopping the clock at 38.30 seconds. In the 100m breastroke finals, she notched 1:22.45 which was under the meet record of 1:28.37.

#Alyssa-Christin Clarke left the Goodwill Swimming Championships with four individual gold medals.

#The swimmer emerged victorious in the 11-12 50m freestyle with a time of 29.53. She also earned first place finishes in the 50m butterfly finals, 200m freestyle and 50m backstroke finals. Samirah Donaldson wrapped up competition with two individual gold medals and one bronze. In the 11-12 age group she won the 50m breastroke finals with a time of 38.12. She clocked 1:27.27 in the 100m breaststroke finals.

#Grace Farrington dipped under the meet record in the 100m backstroke finals. She came in with a time of 1:14.91. In the 200m freestyle finals the 17-year old ended the swim in 2:20.52.

#Siann Isaacs earned four gold medals in the 100m freestyle finals, 100m backstroke finals, and the 200m finals. The 12-year old also came away with a 100m butterfly final.

#Kymani Cooper came away with a gold in the 8 and under 50m breaststroke finals with a time of 42.99. Cooper broke the previous meet record of 45.07.

#Caleb Ferguson came away with new records and gold medals in the 15-17 100m and 50m freestyle finals.

#Relays

#Team Bahamas added more medals to their overall total in the relays. The team of Clarke, Donaldson, Isaacs, and Seymour clocked 5:11.87 shaving time off the previous meet record of 5:22.26 in the girls 11-12 400m Medley relay. The girls 15-17 400m medley relay team of Bianca Johnson, Adderley, Farrington, and Lauren Bridgewater completed the race at 5:01.18. Team Bahamas broke the previous record of 5:02.12.

#The team of Zion Gibson, Ayrton Moncur, Ferguson, and Tristin Ferguson completed the boys 15-17 400m Medley Relay breaking the previous meet record after stopping the clock at 4:13.40.

#The girls 8 and under 200m medley relay team featuring Caliyn Dean, Rinia Johnson, Kirsten Rolle, and Samaiya Coleman also achieved a new record with their time of 2:52.12.

#The Bahamas also came away with gold in the mixed 8 and under 200m freestyle relay, girls and boys 9-10 400m medley, 13-14 girls 400m medley relay, boys 8 and under 200m medley relay, boys 11-12 400m freestyle relay, and girls 8 and under 200m freestyle relay.

Terrence Jones in Budapest.

As of Friday, August 18, 2023

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BAAA president Drumeco Archer addresses Team Bahamas in Budapest with head of delegation Laketah Charlton and her assistant coach Tito Moss.

Devynne Charlton is seated with Bahamian delegation including Foster Dorsett, Pharez Cooper and Keir Miller in Budapest.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#Coach Tito Moss said the Bahamas’ delegation to the World Athletics Championships has arrived safely and settled in at the Games Village in Budapest, Hungary.

#The team held its first team meeting yesterday in preparation for the start of the week-long competition on Saturday when Grand Bahamian Terrence Jones will be the first competitor to compete in the heats of the men’s 100 metres.

#The opening ceremonies also take place on Saturday.

#• Here’s a look at the schedule of events (our time) for Team Bahamas in Budapest – six hours ahead.

#DAY ONE –

#Saturday, August 19

#6:15pm – Opening Ceremony

#7:43pm – Men’s 100m Heats – Terrence Jones

#DAY TWO –

#Sunday, August 20

#Morning Session

#9:35am – Women’s 400m – Shaunae Miller–Uibo

#10:25am – Men’s 400m – Steven Gardiner and Alonzo Russell

#10:35am – Men’s high hump qualification – Donald Thomas

#11:25am – Men’s 400m hurdles – Shakeem Hall-Smith

#Day 2 – Sunday, August 20, 2023-

#Afternoon Session

#4:35pm – Men’s 100m semi-final – Terrence Jones

#7:10pm – Men’s 100m

#final – Terrence Jones

#DAY THREE –

#Monday, August 21

• Afternoon Session

#7:35pm – Men’s 400m hurdles semi-final – Shakeem Hall-Smith

#9:10pm – Women’s 400m semi-final – Shaunae Miller-Uibo

#DAY FOUR –

#Tuesday, August 22

#Afternoon Session

#6:40pm – Women’s 100m hurdles heats – Devynne Charlton

#7:55pm – Men’s high jump final – Donald Thomas

#9pm – Men’s 400m semi-final – Steven Gardiner and Alonzo Russell

#DAY FIVE –

#Wednesday, August 23

#Morning Session

#10:20am – Women’s javelin qualifying. Group A – Rhema Otabor

#11:15am – Men’s long jump qualification – Laquan Nairn

#11:55am – Women’s javelin qualifying Group B – Rhema Otabor

#12:05pm Women’s 200m heat – Anthonique Strachan

#Day 5 – Wednesday, August 23, 2023- Afternoon Session

#7:10pm – Women’s triple jump qualification – Charisma Taylor

#8:40pm – Women’s 100m hurdles semi-final – Devynne Charlton

#9:35pm – Women’s 400m final – Shaunae Miller-Uibo

#9:50pm – Men’s 400mh final – Shakeem Hall-Smith

#DAY SIX –

#Thursday, August 24

#Afternoon Session

#7:30pm – Men’s long jump final – Laquan Nairn

#7:45pm – Women’s 200m semi-final – Anthonique Strachan

#9:25pm – Women’s 100mh final – Devynne Charlton

#9:35pm – Men’s

#400m final –

#Steven Gardiner

#and Alonzo Russell

#DAY SEVEN –

#Friday, August 25

#Afternoon Session

#7:35pm – Women’s triple jump final – Charisma Taylor

#8:20pm – Women’s javelin final – Rhema Otabor

#9:40pm – Women’s 200m final – Anthonique Strachan

As of Friday, August 18, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#BAHAMAS Baseball Association president Sam Rodgers welcomed the support of the World Baseball Softball Confederation and its affiliated member COCABE on the suspension of father and son Greg Burrows Jr and Sr for 15 and five years respectively.

#The duo were issued the suspensions by the BBA for the role they played against visiting home plate umpire Edaine Cannister from Curacao during the placement game in the under-16 division between the Bahamas and Puerto Rico in the Babe Ruth Caribbean Baseball Tournament in July at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.

#Burrows Sr, the Commissioner for Babe Ruth Caribbean, served as the tournament organiser, but he was penalised for how he tried to get his son, Burrows Jr, who served as the manager of Team Bahamas, to be reinserted into the game after he was ejected by the umpire for his constant agitation for the Puerto Rican pitcher to be removed from the game for a headband he was wearing,

#In a letter written to Rodgers and signed by COCABE’s Curacao general president George de Lira and secretary Manuel Fries from the Dominican Republic, COCABE said they “share the membership of your institution and by sharing this membership between both entities, we understand any decision that the BBA assume after a violation of a regulation in a tournament, we have to support that decision.”

#Rodgers said COCABE has indicated that they have read the report and they agree with the suspensions for Burrows Sr and Jr.

#“We just wanted them to see the reports that came in and what went down, and if they agreed with the penalties that we issued,” said Rodgers, who noted that their decision was made following the investigation by a four-man panel to review all of the eye witness reports that were submitted to the BBA. After the Babe Ruth League became a private entity, Rodgers said the BBA has the right to intervene when there are international components involved such as visiting teams and officials from different countries.

#He noted that Babe Ruth League, who indicated in a letter to Prime Minister Philip David that they will continue to utilize the service of Burrows Sr as their commissioner, will simply have to look at someone else, other than Burrows Sr coordinating the tournament if they return next year.

#Burrows Sr also serves as the founding president of Freedom Farm, the private youth baseball league, which was involved in the organizing of the Babe Ruth Caribbean League tournament.

#“We have no problem with Babe Ruth bringing the tournament back,” Rodgers said. “It’s just that Greg Burrows Sr and Jr will not be allowed to participate,” Rodgers said.

#“The BBA have no affiliation with the Babe Ruth League in bringing the tournament tpo the Bahamas. But the Babe Ruth League just got confirmed as an affiliate of World Baseball Softball Confederation and the Bahamas is a full member. So they don’t have to answer to the BBA, but as a member of the WBSC, I can file a complaint against the Babe Ruth League with the tournament being held in the Bahamas.”

#As a result of the umpire being a member of the International Umpires Association and as a visitor to the Bahamas, the BBA was asked to get involved to protect the Bahamas and its future involvement in COCABE and WBSC.

#COCABE, in its letter to Rodgers, said they support the five years suspension of Burrows Sr and the 15 years forf Burrows Jr.

#The letter is read as follows:

#After a special Caribbean greeting, we are writing this communication to support the Bahamas Baseball Association on the decision recently submitted of suspending Mr Greg Burrows Sr and Mr Greg Burrows Jr for violating the rules of the Caribbean Babe Ruth Baseball Championships.

#Despite the Cocabe and the Babe Ruth League events are not related in their activities, we share the membership of your institution and by sharing this membership between both entities, we understand that any decision that thed BBA assumew after a violation of a regulation in a tournament we have to support that decision.

#Having said that, the COCABE supports the five years suspension of Mr Greg Burrows Sr and the 15 years of Mr Greg Burrows Jr from all baseball activities regarding our Caribbean Institution and all our superiors like the COPABE/WBSC Americas and the WBSC.

#Without further ado, we say goodbye on behalf of all Caribbean Baseball.

As of Friday, August 18, 2023

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Dr Kent Bazard

#WELCOME, athletes, to a journey of optimising your athletic prowess through the power of nutrition. This week we take an overview of the indispensable role that protein plays in your athletic journey.

#We will cover fundamental functions, recommended daily intakes and the effects of deficiency.

#So let’s delve into the realm of protein and its significance in elevating your performance and well-being.

#The Core Function of Protein

#At its core, protein stands as the building block of life itself. This macronutrient is not just crucial for muscle growth and repair, but it also orchestrates an array of essential bodily functions.

#As athletes, your muscles undergo continuous stress and strain during training, and protein plays a pivotal role in repairing and rebuilding these tissues. Beyond this, proteins serve as key components in enzymes, hormones, and immune cells, contributing to the optimal functioning of your entire system.

#Sources Abound: Unlocking Protein-Rich Foods

#Diversifying your protein sources is essential for reaping its benefits fully. Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish offer high-quality protein with minimal fat content. For vegetarians and vegans, plant-based sources like legumes, lentils, beans, tofu, and quinoa are excellent options. Dairy products, eggs, and nuts are also rich sources of protein. Incorporating a variety of these foods ensures a comprehensive amino acid profile that your body requires for muscle growth and repair.

#Recommended Daily Protein Intake

#Your daily protein intake is a critical factor in optimizing your athletic performance. As a general guideline, athletes should aim for approximately 1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. This range accommodates varying training intensities and goals. For instance, an athlete weighing 70 kilograms (154 pounds) might target an intake of 84 to 140 grams of protein daily. However, remember that individual requirements may vary, necessitating personalized guidance from a nutritionist.

#The Perils of Deficiency

#Insufficient protein intake can lead to detrimental consequences for athletes. Inadequate protein limits the body’s ability to repair and build muscles, hindering recovery and potentially impeding performance gains. A deficiency may also compromise immune function and increase the risk of injuries. Over time, chronic protein deficiency can lead to muscle wasting, fatigue, and impaired overall well-being. Therefore, prioritizing adequate protein intake is pivotal for both short-term performance and long-term health.

#In Conclusion

#As you step into another season of athletic pursuits, understanding the pivotal role of protein is your gateway to unlocking enhanced performance and sustained well-being. Embrace protein as your ally in muscle repair, immune function, and overall vitality. By incorporating a diverse range of protein-rich foods and aligning your intake with your training regimen, you’re setting the stage for a year of unparalleled achievement in your sport.

#Dr. Kent Bazard, is a Bahamian Sports Medicine Physician, Sports Performance Coach Sports Nutrition Specialist, and Founder of Empire Sports Medicine. Our mission is to empower athletes to reach new heights while safeguarding their health and well-being. We understand the unique demands of sports activities, and we are dedicated to helping athletes prevent injuries, overcome challenges, optimize nutrition and performance.

GO TEAM BAHAMAS: The Bahamas men’s national basketball team can be seen above at the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2023 in La Banda, Argentina. Photos: FIBA Americas

As of Friday, August 18, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#COACH Chris DeMarco likes the “resilience” that he’s seen so far from the Bahamas men’s national basketball team in the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2023 in La Banda, Argentina.

#On Wednesday night, Team Bahamas rallied from as much as 19 points, while holding the same digit in their lead for a 101-89 win over the world’s fourth ranked Argentina in front of their large and loud spirited home crowd.

#With that win and an impressive 109-68 victory on opening day on Monday against Cuba, the Bahamas clinched the top spot coming out of Group A as they head into the semifinals on Saturday.

#“I was really proud of our performances and the resilience shown so far,” said DeMarco, the Golden State Warriors’ assistant coach, who heads the Bahamian coaching staff that includes Moses Johnson and Mikhail McLean in Argentina.

#“During the game, we both held 19 point leads, but we were able to pull together and managed to get the job done. It was tough because we played them in a very hostile environment with all of their fans cheering. It was a big win for us.”

#The Bahamas’ big trio of National Basketball Association players, Eric Gordon, in his first tournament for the country he’s a descendant from, provided the spark with 24 points, three assists and a pair of steals.

#Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers had another solid performance with 23 points, six rebounds and three assists, while DeAndre Ayton, who will be teaming up with Gordon for the first time this year with the Phoenix Suns, contributed 22 points with 15 rebounds, three block shots and two steals.

#Travis Munnings, who is playing overseas in Europe, also had a big game with 20 points, four rebounds and a pair of assists and steals while Kentwan Smith had five points and five rebounds. Lourawls Nairn had four points and seven assists and Franco Miller Jr chipped in with three points.

#DeMarco said the team is starting to click on all cylinders, despite the fact that he only had less than two weeks with everybody to run their plays for the tournament. “I still think there’s a ton of work to be done,” he said. “One of the goals is to build our chemistry and that is not just on the court but off the court. We’re working on our strengths and weaknesses and so we’re building on it every day and every game we play.”

#Having now advanced to the semifinals on Saturday, DeMarco said they are waiting to see the outcome of the games played last night to determine who their opponent will be coming out of Group B that includes Chile, Uruguay, Colombia and the Virgin Islands.

#“Without knowing who it is, we can’t properly prepare for them until we know who they are,” DeMarco said. “But we are working every day to make sure that whoever it is we face, we will be ready.

#“This game against Argentina, who is ranked number four in the world, has really pushed us to get where we want to go. We just hope that we can continue to build on that going into the semifinals. Once we find out, we hope that we can carry this momentum over from this win against Argentina.”

#DeMarco said it’s going to be important with the makeup of the team, assembled by the BBF and through the coaching staff along with general manager LJ Rose, their big men can play off the pick-and-roll and their guards can take care of the ball. “We had two vital moments in the game against Argentina that could have gone either way with the outcome of the game,” DeMarco said. “But we were able to get the job done by beating a really good team.”

#DeMarco said they have to continue to work on “everything” in order to accomplish their goal. If they win their semifinal game, they will advance to Sunday’s championship game.

#The winner of the championship will go on to participate in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament next year with the chance to advance to the Olympic Games in Paris, France.

#With what could be considered the best team assembled so far in international play for the Bahamas, DeMarco said the players are all committed to booking their ticket to Paris next year. They just have to take care of business in Argentina this weekend.

New York high school players are ready for Caribbean Hoopfest

As of Friday, August 18, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#WITH the Caribbean Hoopfest 19-and under (19U) tournament scheduled for this weekend, the high school players from New York are excited to compete against the Bahamian teams.

#Following their arrival on Wednesday, Team New York, Canarsie NYC, and Molloy-NYC all are ready to leave it all on the court August 19-20 at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium. The teams are presently staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach ahead of their tourney.

#Josh Powell, a 6 foot 5 guard from Archbishop Molloy High School, is looking forward to competing against the six Bahamian teams.

#“I am just looking to win and grow as a player while helping my team to grow as well,” Powell said.

#He added that the team’s preparation ahead of the tournament has been great because the players have been bonding together.

#Although they are having fun they are being mindful as well because the goal is to handle business.

#Sincere Folk, point guard of Archbishop Molloy, echoed the sentiments of his teammate in regards to this weekend’s tournament.

#“My expectations are to just keep growing as a team to come out, win and to just dominate,” Folk said.

#Overall, aside from basketball he was excited to enjoy the weather, culture and beaches in The Bahamas for the first time.

#The Caribbean Hoopfest tournament’s Bahamas debut will see the three New York teams play against the CI Gibson Rattlers, Street Legends All-Stars (A and B), Raw Talent, and the 242 Ballers (Black and Blue).

#Chase Beasley, point guard from Canarsie high school, will be looking forward to competitive matchups.

#“I am looking forward to playing against good teams, great players, having fun, and winning…we play a little differently in New York because we play gritty and get right to it,” he said.

#The point guard has had a delightful experience on the beaches and partook in some recreational activity at a local waterpark.

#JP Maaba, of Archbishop Molloy high school, is looking forward to the exposure and improving his game in the 19U tournament.

#“I feel like it is going to be different competition than I am used to which will help me to grow and improve my game and learn as a player,” he said.

#Skyler Hopkins, one of the top ranked players from the Bronx, is looking to bring the best he has to the court this weekend.

#“This is my first time competing internationally and I am looking to play my best and bring my skills and show what I got,” Hopkins said.

#He added that the first couple days being in Nassau has been good and being on the trip with teammates is fun because it helps with on and off the court chemistry.

#The first game of the 19U tournament will feature Team New York, NYC versus the Street Legends All-Stars B in Pool A at 1:45pm.

#The championship game will be played at 8:30pm on Sunday.

#The tickets are priced at $15.

Wins Group A to advance to semifinals

DEANDRE Ayton and Eric Gordon celebrate a made basket against Argentina in the FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers last night. Photos: John Marc-Nutt/10th Year Seniors

As of Thursday, August 17, 2023

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PM’s message for Team Bahamas

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The Bahamas senior men’s national basketball team continued their winning ways last night, defeating Argentina 101-89 on their home turf to move on to the semifinals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers.

#Team Bahamas advanced following stellar play from Indiana Pacers shooting guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield, Phoenix Suns centre Deandre Ayton, Suns shooting guard/forward Eric Gordon and Travis Munnings in the Group A match.

#The team wrapped up Group A with a 2-0 record in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, following a 41-point drubbing of Cuba in the tournament opener on Monday and last night’s win against the fourth ranked host nation.

#With four of the five starters all scoring at least 20 points by the final buzzer, Team Bahamas handled business against Argentina.

TRAVIS Munnings provided 20 points and four rebounds.

#The national team got out to a sluggish start in the opening period, trailing Argentina 25-9 at the 5:17 mark in the quarter.

#However, behind the sheer dominance of Ayton to start the game, The Bahamas proved why they were ranked atop the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament power rankings.

CHAVANO Buddy Hield scored 23 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished out three assists last night against Argentina in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers.

#The centre, who pumped in his second consecutive double double with 22 points and 15 rebounds, led the charge and helped the team narrow the lead to 35-27.

#The national team climbed back into the driver’s seat in the second quarter. Despite Hield struggling from the field at this juncture of the game, Gordon joined Ayton to stuff the stat sheet with 13 points on 4/6 field goals in the second period.

DEANDRE Ayton posted 22 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks.

#He ended the night with a game-high 24 points on 50% shooting. The Bahamas cut down the double digit Argentina lead to six (46-40). With less than one minute remaining, the national team took a one-point lead over the host team and closed out the quarter leading 55-53.

#Munnings was huge for The Bahamas in the third quarter as he was up to 14 points on a perfect 5/5 shooting. Ultimately, he capped off the night with 20 points and remained flawless, going 8/8 from the field and splashed five-three pointers to lift the national team.

#Team Bahamas closed out the third quarter of play with a 15-point lead (82-67), outscoring Argentina 27-14 in the quarter.

ERIC GORDON, dunking, contributed 24 points and three assists.

#The fourth ranked team mounted a comeback behind the brilliant game of Nicolas Brussino, who ended his night with 21 points, narrowing The Bahamas’ lead to a mere six-point differential.

#However, the comeback was too little too late and The Bahamas advanced to a double-digit lead again to book their ticket to the semifinals.

#Hield ended the night with 23 points to pair with 6 rebounds and 3 assists following a rocky start to the game.

#The national team shot 58.7% on two-pointers and 47.62% from behind the arc.

#The Bahamas dominated Argentina on the glass, outrebounding the host team 40 to 28.

#After notching two straight double-digit wins, The Bahamas will next play in the semifinals on Saturday. The finals are scheduled to be played on Sunday with the winner advancing to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments to compete for a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.