Team gives up two goals in first nine minutes; they lose 4-1

• Oct 16, 2023
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The Bahamas’ senior men’s national soccer team was ready to take on Antigua and Barbuda but they went down 2-0 in the first nine minutes of the game and couldn’t recover at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on Saturday. The Bahamas lost, 4-1, in the pivotal 2023-2024 CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Nations League game.

The loss drops The Bahamas to fourth in League B Group D action with three losses. Antigua and Barbuda picked up their first win in three tries and has three points, sitting in third. Guyana took down Puerto Rico, 3-1, on Saturday and lead the group with nine points – three points clear on second-place Puerto Rico.https://ac674616d0c9892fd666d6b0c54145b4.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

Antigua and Barbuda got on the scoreboard in the third minute of the game on Saturday on a header from Javorn Stevens that went to the right of The Bahamas’ goalkeeper Michael Butler who could not do anything to stop it. Stevens got back on the scoresheet six minutes later on a breakaway run to give Antigua a 2-0 lead.

Head Coach for The Bahamas, former national team player Nesly Jean, said that the early woes were due to mistakes.

“We had a game plan like their game plan. Obviously, they executed better than we did. We continue to beat ourselves by making mistakes. I think that once we can limit those mistakes we can move forward and be better as a team. Until then, the players have to keep on working…. We gave them too much time on the ball and we moved the ball too slow,” Jean said.

Some of the mistakes that Jean was referring to were body positioning and they were not remaining in a straight line defensively to counter Antigua and Barbuda’s long ball strategy.

Head Coach for Antigua and Barbuda, former national team player for them Mikele Leigertwood, said he was happy to see his players carry out their game plan.

“Those two goals early definitely helped us because it helped to settle our nerves. We knew the magnitude of the game and match. Coming off the back of two losses that were heavy defeats, the response from everyone was brilliant. It could have been more (goals) if it wasn’t for some fantastic saves from their goalkeeper,” Leigertwood said.

Thomas Bramble drove the ball into the back of the Bahamian net two minutes before the half to silence the Bahamian crowd. His goal put them up 3-0.https://ac674616d0c9892fd666d6b0c54145b4.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

The score remained 3-0 at the intermission.

A notable change for The Bahamas tactics in this game was moving captain Lesly St. Fleur up to the midfield position instead of his center back role.

“The game is to attack but at the same time, as an older player and his experience, he can play all over the field. We wanted him to be more disciplined in the midfield by receiving the ball off the backline and trying to feed the attackers. They double teamed him and that didn’t happen, so we have to look at ways to get other players involved,” Jean said.

The Bahamas cut the deficit to 3-1 in the 62nd minute when forward Wood Julmis received the ball on a throw-in and pulled the ball back before striking it off his right foot and past Antigua and Barbuda’s goalkeeper Zaieem Scott for a goal. It was his first goal on home soil in nations league action but his third goal in this edition of the CONCACAF Nations League.

“We didn’t get a million opportunities, but one or two, and we must put them away,” Julmis said,” I just wait on my moments and just try to execute the way I know I can. It gives me confidence.”

Julmis said they shot themselves in the foot and had a tough time in the game, but he knows they can play better.

“We had a game plan like Jean said but we went against the game plan. Confidence played a role in it. I do not think our players are confident enough to execute. We take advantage of the coach telling us that we can make a mistake but going forward we need that confidence. We are nowhere near what we can do,” Julmis said.

Antigua and Barbuda was awarded a penalty in the 76th minute of the game. Their captain Quinton Griffith stepped up to take the penalty kick. He sent it to the top right and beat a diving Butler who went the right way but moved a little too late. Leigertwood said that they had to trust the process.

“The opposition is different. Guyana and Puerto Rico have players who have a better level of football. We had a few challenges but sometimes these things take a little time to fall into place. The two previous games were not great but the process and things we have in place to get the players to perform is what we did today (Saturday). We are not a finished article by any means, but we have to keep working diligently. There is no reason why we can’t get a performance like what we did today (Saturday) on a regular basis,” Leigertwood stated.

The two teams left The Bahamas yesterday and landed in Antigua and Barbuda for a rematch. That game is set to be played tomorrow at the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association’s Technical Center in Piggotts, Antigua. Kick-off is set for 3:30 p.m.

WOMEN IN SPORTS: The Bahamas Football Association has officially changed the name of the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association soccer tournament to the Dawn N Knowles Primary School Soccer Tournament – the tourney is slated to get underway today.

As of Tuesday, October 17, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The Bahamas Football Association (BFA) presented Dawn N Knowles with the best birthday gift of them all after renaming the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association’s (NPPPSSA) soccer tournament in her honour yesterday at the Beach Soccer Stadium.

#The act of appreciation and gratitude came as the association wanted to recognise the countless contributions and dedication that she has given to the development of soccer in the island nation.

#In a room filled with her peers and loved ones, officials and executives spoke about the impact that Knowles has made in the lives of students and faculty since 1993.

#As she celebrates her birthday today, the now retired Ministry of Education officer (MOE) for physical education reflected on how it felt to have her efforts within soccer and outside of it recognised.

#“I didn’t expect this. It is just wonderful.

#“I just feel good, it was a long and hard journey because they could not see a woman in sports but I did have some men in my corner who saw that I had the willpower and I knew how to get things done,” Knowles said.

#She had some strong advice for women like herself who are actively in sporting roles.

#“My advice to them is to believe in yourself, never stop, keep going and do not worry about any disappointment just continue,” she said.

#Over the years, beginning with her role in creating the NPPPSSA soccer tournament in May 2001, Knowles has played a pivotal role in advancing sports in the country on and off the field.

#She credited Dame Ivy Dumont, who served in administration as an education officer and deputy director of education, for empowering her to get soccer implemented in the schools.

#In 2001, she worked tirelessly to jumpstart the soccer tournament for the youth across New Providence. However, her long list of accomplishments extends way beyond soccer.

#Knowles, serving as the former member of the MOE committee, advocated for the start of the “After School Activities Allowance” which greatly aided physical education teachers. The programme opened the doors for security presence at interschool competitions, allowed for athletes to be insured during commute to and from games, assisted with facility repairs and the construction of new ones. The initiative translated to benefits for both teachers and coaches.

#Despite the start of the planning process in the early 1990s, Knowles brought the programme to life when she became the Education officer for PE in 1993.

#She was also instrumental in the planning of some events that continue today. The University of Miami graduate had a hand in establishing the MOE and Principals Association Track and Field meet and she assisted with writing the constitution and by-laws of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA).

#Her long list of accolades does not compare to the impact she instilled in the lives of the many that have crossed paths with her in her 40 plus years of service.

#Clara Storr, education officer at MOE, shared some heartfelt words about her experience with Knowles during teaching.

#“We honour you Ms Dawn Knowles and we thank you for everything that you have left your mark on not only in physical education but in the teachers you have mentored over the years. It has been an honour to come into this profession as a physical educator and sit under you as my leader. You were the type of person who kept it real, who told you how it was when you needed to be told but it was all done in love, care, and support,” Storr said.

#She retired from MOE as a physical education teacher in 2020 but returned to the public service as an Administrative Coordinator for the 2023 Bahamas Games.

#Latoya Sturrup, president of the NPPPSSA, said when the news broke about the renaming of the soccer tournament everyone was excited.

#“She was dedicated to sports in our school and a hard worker. She is a lady who deserves this recognition while she is still here with us,” the president said.

#Anya James, the first female president of the BFA, was overwhelmed with joy as she praised the efforts of Knowles in helping with the progression of soccer and unveiled the new logo of the Dawn N Knowles soccer tournament.

#The logo’s prominent colours include yellow, purple, and the country’s colours.

#The yellow represents a symbol of national pride as well as the longevity and resilience of the football association since being established. Additionally, the purple, which is Knowles’ favorite colour, represents a symbol of royalty.

#“This logo serves as a beacon that will guide generations of young players with each kick, each goal, and each cheer they will be reminded of the legacy of Dawn N Knowles and the monumental contributions that she has made,” the BFA president said.

#As an educator and member across different sporting organisations, Knowles’ desire to see the youth succeed and maximising their talents has led to multiple generations experiencing her positive influence.

#Honourable Glenys Hanna-Martin, the Minister of Education, spoke on the impact of Knowles not only in education but in the sporting world.

#“Dawn Knowles in my life is legendary in what she has inputted in sports and education in this country and on top of it all this soccer tournament is being named in honour of a woman.

#“The way things are it takes a lot for us but this is so earned I just want to say to Dawn I want to thank you for your passion, your love for your understanding of what sports means to young people

#“We are proud of this daughter of this soil who has been so impactful in the lives of so many people in this country,” she ended.

#The official start of the Dawn N Knowles Soccer Tournament begins today at 10am on the Roscow A L Davies Soccer Field.

MINISTER HONOURED – Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg was honoured by the Diamond Eagle Foundation for his work with young people during his time as a basketball coach and presently as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture. Making the presentation was founder of the Diamond Eagle Foundation, Bridgette Farrington. At left is Norris Bain, deputy director of youth, sports and culture (Northern Bahamas). Photo: Andrew Coakley/BIS

As of Tuesday, October 17, 2023

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DEAN HONOURED – Retired educator Hezekiah Dean was among the 10 men honoured for their contribution to the development of Bahamian youth during a special ceremony on Saturday, October 14 at Pelican Bay Resort. Mr. Dean’s contribution to education spans over four decades as a teacher, principal and a district superintendent for high schools on Grand Bahama.

CAPTAIN PALMER HONOURED – Captain Fernley Palmer, who is presently the longest serving president of the Boys Brigade worldwide, was honoured by the Diamond Eagle Foundation for the decades of service and guidance he provided to thousands of Bahamian boys over the years. Ninety-three-year-old Palmer has served as president of the Boys Brigade for over 70 years. The award was presented by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg (second from left) and founder of the foundation, Bridgette Farrington. Photos: Andrew Coakley/BIS

#FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – Prior to accepting an award for the positive work he has done among the youth of the nation through basketball during his many years as a coach, Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg encouraged other men to continue to do their part in helping the nation’s boys become contributing men of society.

#“It is not just about what we have achieved to date, but the legacy that we will leave for the young boys who will grow into men tomorrow.

#“In the spirit of unity and progress, let us remember the principles that have shaped our nation, ‘leave no man behind’,” Minister Bowleg said Saturday night at the Diamond Eagle Youth Ambassador Awards held at Pelican Bay Resort. “As we continue on our path of success, let us extend our hands to uplift those around us, ensuring that the opportunities and blessings that we have received, are shared by all.”

#Minister Bowleg was one of 10 men honoured by the Diamond Eagle Foundation for the work they have done in helping to positively lead young people along the path of success.

#The awardees comprised men of various endeavours, including sports, education and community building.

#The 10 honourees were former businessman, sports enthusiast and track and field contributor Basil Neymour, Basil Christie (who worked tirelessly with Special Olympics), Hezakiah Dean (a respected and dedicated educator for many years), Captain Fernley Palmer (longest serving leader in the Boys Brigade); Canon Harry Ward (for religious education), the late Alpheus “Hawk” Finlayson (sport/track and field), Ricardo Deveaux, Pastor Erik Danny Clarke (religion); Anthony “Huck” Williams (culture/Junkanoo); and Minister Bowleg (basketball coach and Minister of Sports).

#Special honor and recognition was given to the Father of the Nation, the late Sir Lynden Pindling, and to former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie.

#“These awards reflect the collective efforts that have paved the way for our journey, and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for all of those who have contributed to this moment,” said Minister Bowleg.

#“As we come together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our fellow awardees, it is crucial to recognize the Diamond Eagle League Foundation’s great work and tireless efforts in fostering and recognizing excellence within our country. They have shown us that good things can indeed come from the men in our country. And we stand here today as living proof of that.

#“I extend my sincere congratulations to all of those, who like me, have been honored here today. Your dedication and contribution have made an indelible mark on our beloved Bahamas. Your recognition is well deserved.

#“Together, we represent the diverse tapestry of excellence. Each thread contributing to the rich fabric of our nation.”

#Minister Bowleg admonished the awardees and the organizers of the Diamond Eagle Foundation that as they celebrated the past accomplishments of those who were honored, to remember that it was still only the beginning of the journey that lies ahead in helping more young people.

#He noted that adults share the responsibility to become role models and leaders of the nation and leave behind a trail of inspiration for future generations.

#“I encourage all of us – my fellow awardees, and others – to continue to be the man that The Bahamas needs. It is our collective responsibility to lead by example, to support one another and leave no one behind on this journey of progress and unity. It’s not just about us, it’s about the future of our country. It’s about the young boys who will turn into the men that The Bahamas will need in the future.”

#Saturday’s awards ceremony was the first in four years, having been disrupted by Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic. Since starting in 2016, the Foundation, which is headed by Bridgette Farrington, has honored men for their dedication and commitment in helping to build the youth of The Bahamas in various fields.

As of Tuesday, October 17, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE NPC Worldwide Caribbean Grand Prix is scheduled to get underway at the Atlantis resort on November 11.

#The event will serve as a pro-qualifier for athletes and features nine pro cards. The event will begin with registration and check-ins from 5-7pm on November 10 and the preliminaries start at 10am on Saturday.

#Twelve Bahamian bodybuilders will be in the hunt for their pro cards to compete at the professional level.

#Serge Saric, the event’s organiser, is excited about the opportunity at stake for athletes coming from around the world.

#“This opportunity will be given to the entire world to turn pro, we will change the lives of nine persons because they will turn professional and escalate their careers and earn a living doing what they love to do,” Saric said.

#He is expecting 1,000 people from around the world to attend this event and athletes have already started to register which can have positive ramifications for tourism in the country.

#“A lot of people are going to be coming from all over the world since it is open worldwide and we have already had people sign up from Qatar, Europe, Middle East, South America and a lot of Americans are going to be coming and athletes, especially from the islands of the Caribbean,” he said.

#Athletes will be competing in nine divisions. The categories include men and women’s physique, bikini, figure, classic physique, men and women’s bodybuilding, fitness, and wellness.

#The event organiser is excited to see Bahamians in action and credited former professional bodybuilder Joel Stubbs as the president of the Bahamas Bodybuilding, Wellness and Fitness Federation (BBWFF). “The coaching is really great in The Bahamas and we are looking to see some incredible athletes from The Bahamas going for these nine pro cards,” he said.

#For individuals interested in attending the event the cost is $55 for general admission, and $75 for VIP which includes watching the preliminaries and finals.

#Athletes that have not registered for the competition as yet can sign up online at www.worldsportspromotions.com or they can sign up in person at the event and pay a $50 late fee as registration closes on November 8.

#Saric said he is looking for the Bahamian public to come out and support the local athletes and made an appeal for local sponsors.

#“We really would love to have local sponsors come and support this,” he said.

#For individuals or companies interested in supporting the event or setting up a booth they can reach out via email at sergesaric@gmail.com

HE’S BACK: Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr returned home this past weekend to interact with and watch the players of the Jazz Chisholm Foundation Little League in action on Saturday.

As of Tuesday, October 17, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm Jr, founder of the Jazz Chisholm Foundation Little League, made a special appearance this past weekend at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

#The Little League players were met with a pleasant surprise as the Bahamian Major League Baseball (MLB) star signed their equipment, took pictures and made small conversations with them before watching them play in week three action across the various divisions.

#Chisholm Jr made his return home following a successful turf toe surgery on his right foot and the National League playoffs of the MLB.

#After being greeted by excited supporters and the players of his league, he was happy to be back at home.

#“It feels good, all the kids coming up to the car asking for autographs, pictures, saying how happy they are to see you, to watch them play and go watch them hit home runs, it feels great,” he said.

#The Miami Marlins star recently launched his foundation with the aims of providing resources to youth baseball and softball leagues, incorporating financial literacy into programmes and supporting other non-profit organisations.

#Following the launch of the foundation came the birth of the Little League in September.

#With up to 300 kids participating until December 3 in the T-Ball, Coach Pitch, 12-and-under (12U), and 14-and-under (14U) divisions, the league’s founder was happy to see the kids enjoying the competition.

#“I feel like I have seen a lot of kids look like they are happy to be out here, they are ready to play ball, are enjoying it and most of all, they are having fun,” the Miami Marlins centre fielder said.

#Chisholm Jr told reporters that one of the main reasons for establishing his own league is to help with the progression of baseball in The Bahamas.

#“My goal with this little league is to make it like the Dominican Republic. We’re competing with the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and those guys. I feel like the talent is here and we just have to give them the opportunity. I feel like this is the opportunity,” he said.

#In this past weekend’s Little League action, teams competed across the four divisions.

#Jazz Black and Jazz Yellow both were victors in the 11U division on Saturday. Jazz Black shut down team Jazz Blue 8-6. Jazz Yellow had an identical score in their win over Jazz Blue. The 14U division saw Jazz Blue and Jazz Black earn wins in weekend action. Jazz Blue took care of Jazz Black 7-0, and defeated Jazz Yellow 11 to zip. Additionally, they emerged victorious over Jazz White 6-1 on Sunday. Jazz Black earned a narrow 10-9 win against Jazz Yellow on Saturday.

#The only remaining game from Sunday’s action showed Jazz Yellow putting on a show in a 22-12 victory against Jazz Blue in the T-Ball division.

#Games were postponed on Sunday due to the inclement weather.

#The Little League continues next weekend and games will be played, as previously mentioned, until the championship rounds on December 3.

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As of Tuesday, October 17, 2023

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#VOLLEYBALL results for Monday, October 16.

#Games were played on Tom “The Bird” Grant park in Yellow Elder Gardens.

#Junior Girls

#Mt. Carmel Prep Academy 7, 13

#Teleos Christian School 19, 19

#Teleos won

#Senior Girls

#Lighthouse Preparatory Academy 1, 7

#Achiever’s Christian Academy 25, 25 Achiever’s won

#Senior Boys

#Greenville Preparatory Academy 13, 11

#Teleos Christian School 25, 25

#Teleos won

#TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17 (TODAY)

#JG – Teleos Christian School vs Akhepran International Academy

#SG – Mt. Carmel Preparatory Academy vs Achiever’s Christian Academy

#SG – Lighthouse Preparatory Academy vs Teleos Christian School

ALL IN PLAY: Christopher Rahming, midfielder of the Junkanoo Boyz, tries to make a play in game one of the October window in the Concacaf Nations League soccer match on Saturday. Photos: Dante Carrer

As of Monday, October 16, 2023

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YELLOW CARD: Midfielder Quinton Griffith, of Antigua and Barbuda, receives a yellow card with less than 45 minutes on the clock in the first half of the Concacaf Nations League soccer match at Thomas A Robinson National Stadium on Saturday. Photo: Dante Carrer

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The Bahamas fell into an 0-3 hole in the Concacaf (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Nations League rankings after coming up short against Antigua and Barbuda on Saturday.

#The Junkanoo Boyz were dealt a 4-1 loss by the Benna Boys at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium to begin their October window.

#The team is now in a tough position, facing possible relegation, following three consecutive losses and will look to rebound against Antigua and Barbuda in an away game on Tuesday.

#Before the start of their match on Saturday night, The Bahamas and the away team shared an identical 0-0 win/loss record separated by a mere goal differential which seated the home team one spot ahead of their visiting opponents.

THE Bahamas men’s national soccer team can be seen in this group photo. Also known as the “Junkanoo Boyz,” the team lost 4-1 to Antigua and Barbuda at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

#After Saturday night’s loss, The Bahamas is the only remaining team in Group D of League B without a win or points earned in the competition.

#Nesly Jean, head coach of Team Bahamas, talked about what went wrong for the home team to begin this window of the Concacaf Nations League matches.

#“I think we had a game plan similar to their game plan, obviously they executed better than we did. Again, we continue to beat ourselves by making mistakes. I think once we could limit those mistakes we could move forward and be better as a team [but] until then the guys have got to keep on working,” Jean said.

#He added that some adjustments that need to be made ahead of Tuesday’s away game are body positioning on the field, players being at different angles and not standing in a straight line, pressing the opponents earlier, and moving quicker with the ball.

#With both teams hungry for their first win of the Concacaf Nations League window, Antigua and Barbuda were the first to strike on Bahamian soil.

#Midfielder Javorn Stevens scored two quick goals for the visiting team in under 15 minutes of game time to give his team the early advantage on the

New York Liberty’s Jonquel Jones (35) during the second half in Game 3 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series against the Las Vegas Aces Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in New York. The Liberty won 87-73. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

As of Monday, October 16, 2023

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#By DOUG FEINBERG

#AP Basketball Writer

#NEW YORK (AP) — Jonquel Jones scored 27 points and Breanna Stewart added 20 to help the New York Liberty beat the Las Vegas Aces 87-73 yesterday in the WNBA Finals and force a Game 4.

#New York struggled in the first two games against the Aces in Las Vegas, but the Liberty found their shooting touch in Game 3 behind Jones, who hit four of the team’s 13 3-pointers.

#“She was huge for us,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said of Jones, who came to the Liberty in a trade in the offseason. “Those 3’s changed the moment of the game a bit. The ball went in. Other games the ball weren’t going in for us. We got back to our identity. Proud of the effort and commitment and connection we had. Now we’ve got to do it again.”

#This was the Liberty’s first win in the WNBA Finals since Teresa Weatherspoon’s half-court shot in Game 2 against Houston in 1999. The Aces are up 2-1 in the best-of-five series and Game 4 is Wednesday night in New York.

#The Liberty led by three at halftime before scoring the first eight points of the third quarter to take a double-digit lead, bringing the crowd of 17,143 to its feet. They led 61-50 after three quarters.

#Behind A’ja Wilson, the Aces got to within six before Stewart hit a turnaround jumper and Betnijah Laney stole the ball from Jackie Young at half court and made a layup to extend the lead back to 10.

#Las Vegas didn’t challenge the rest of the way and star guard Chelsea Gray went back to the locker room midway through the fourth quarter after inuring her foot.

#“I can’t give you an update, I’ll let you know when we know,” Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon said.

#Kelsey Plum scored 29 points and Wilson added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Aces, who are looking to become the first team to win consecutive titles since the 2001-02 Los Angeles Sparks. That came on the heels of the Houston Comets winning the WNBA’s first four championships.

#“This is a good team we’re talking about, obviously a different feeling in their place,” Wilson said of the Liberty. “We still have a chance to take care of business.”

#The Aces had won their first seven games in this postseason by an average of 17.3 points. They were looking to become the first team to go 8-0 in a WNBA postseason and the first to not lose a game since Seattle in 2020.

#The first two games of the series, as well as the four regular-season meetings, were all blowouts, with the closest game being a nine-point win by New York on August 28. That was the last loss the Aces had until yesterday.

#New York had stretches of playing well in the first half, buoyed by the sellout crowd that included NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as well as basketball greats Dawn Staley, Sue Bird and Tony Parker.

#The Liberty extended their lead to 41-34 on Jones’ layup with 2:27 left in the half before the Aces got within 43-40 at the break. Jones had 16 points in the first half while Plum scored 15.

#BIG APPLE BASKETBALL IS BACK

#This was the first WNBA Finals game in New York since 2002, when the Liberty were swept by the Sparks.

#Hammon was playing on that New York squad and remembers how excited the city was amid the team’s success. No New York basketball team in either the NBA or WNBA has made it that far since. “This is New York City, this is a basketball mecca. It’s good when all the sports teams do good. The Nets, the Knicks, the Liberty,” Hammon said.

#“It’s a basketball town. Fans here, they want and expect good basketball. When you don’t put it on the floor, they’ll let you know about it, too.”

#Liberty greats Vickie Johnson, Crystal Robinson, Sue Wicks and Weatherspoon, who played with Hammon on New York’s previous Finals teams, were all in attendance and received a loud ovation from the crowd when they were introduced in the third quarter. New York’s coach at that time, Richie Adubato, was also in the crowd.

#STAR-STUDDED CROWD

#The Finals brought out celebrities from all walks of life, including musician Joan Jett, actors Jason Sudeikis and Michael Shannon and journalist Robin Roberts. Lil’ Kim performed at halftime.

Jazz Chisholm Jr signs autographs for his fans on Saturday.

As of Monday, October 16, 2023

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WARM WELCOME: Miami Marlins star Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr returned home to greet supporters at the Jazz Chisholm Foundation Little League games on Saturday at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex where he mingled with fans and signed autographs.

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm Jr made his return to home soil this past weekend at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

#The Miami Marlins centre fielder not only greeted scores of excited kids from the Jazz Chisholm Little League, but also gave insight on next season’s expectations, provided an injury update and shared his outlook on the previous season.

#The Bahamian Major League Baseball (MLB) professional player was all smiles as he signed autographs and prepared to watch the Little League games on Saturday.

#The Marlins wrapped up their MLB season with an 84-78 win/loss record as they earned one of the two remaining final wild card spots to make the National League (NL) playoffs of the MLB.

#After making it to their fourth playoff appearance in 31 years, the Marlins were ousted in a 2-0 sweep courtesy of the Philadelphia Phillies in the best-of-three wild card series.

#Following the team’s untimely playoff exit, the 25-year-old got surgery on a nagging turf toe injury that sidelined him during the regular season. He is expected to rehab for the next three months and currently has a walking boot on his right foot.

#“I should be back to running January 1 so in three months, the surgery went well, it was successful, the foot just throbs a little bit now but, other than that, I am just ready to go chill with the kids, be out here with them and help them get to where they wanna be,” Chisholm Jr said.

#In regards to this year’s playoffs, the centre fielder described the atmosphere at the Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia as one of the loudest he has ever experienced and said the team is now ready to do it again.

#“We just plan to do it again now we know what it takes to get there, so we are gonna just get there again but now we know what it takes to win, saw how we got to play, and who we gotta play against to win. I feel for us we just took it into experience,” the MLB star said.

#It is no secret that the 25-year-old struggled with his fair share of injuries in the previous season after only playing 97 games in total.

#He had three separate stints where he was unable to join the team on the field. The first came against the Cincinnati Reds in May when he collided with the left centre field wall at the LoanDepot Park.

#The injury kept him out of action for nearly six weeks and he returned in June.

#Shortly after, the Miami Marlins player went out with a left oblique strain against the Atlanta Braves which kept him out of the lineup for a good chunk of July.

#His final injury was some knee discomfort in September as the Marlins were on the hunt for their fourth playoff appearance in more than three decades.

#He expressed his displeasure with not being able to play up to 150 games due to injuries throughout the season.

#“Personally if I don’t play 140 or 150 games, nobody would ever see my potential, they only see half of it so, for me, it is just like every time I don’t get to 150 games I had a bad season,” he told reporters.

#In the 97 games played this season, Chisholm Jr was able to average 19 home runs, a team-high 22 stolen bases, batted .250, notched 51 RBIs (runs batted in) and 50 runs scored.

#The Bahamian was one home run shy of turning in a 20-20 season which would have made him the first Marlins player since Hanley Ramirez in 2010 to accomplish this accolade.

#During the season, he also made history after collecting back-to-back grand slams which made him the first player in franchise history to ever attain this accomplishment.

#“That’s me at half of a season, that is not what I can do. That is what I expect other guys to do…for me that is not a great season. “I have been doing that from I was 19 in the minor league, that is not how I play, for me until I can play 150 games and show you what I really got, that is only bottom of the list,” he said.

#The MLB season also saw the Bahamian make the switch from shortstop to the centre field position. He talked about the adjustment period during the transition.

#“I feel like it got easier from the first month in spring training, it was bad to when you got into the season and then it just all clicked together and it just started coming together in games, just being a person that loves to compete and be out there, I take it to heart when I am not the best person out there, so I had to flip the switch and feel it out,” he said.

#Overall, Chisholm Jr was excited to be home with the Little League players and is looking forward to improving next season.

SEASON OPENER: The St Cecilia’s Strikers boys toppled the St Thomas More Sparks 16-6 to start the 2023-24 Catholic Board of Education Primary Schools basketball season. Photos: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff

As of Monday, October 16, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE 2023-24 Catholic Board of Education Primary Schools basketball season got underway on Friday at the Loyola Hall.

#Four games were played across the girls and boys division which saw the Sts Francis & Joseph School Shockers win both of their season openers.

#The Xavier’s Lower School Giants collected a win for the girls and St Cecilia’s Strikers boys team earned their first victory of the young season. Games will continue every Friday at Loyola Hall until the championships in December.

#The Shockers boys and girls meant business on opening day of the 2023-24 basketball season.

#The girls set the standard for the teams after they took down the Strikers 14-5. Grace Smith for the Shockers was too much for their opponents as she scored the team’s first three buckets.

#The team ran out to an 8-0 lead to start the contest and remained relatively uncontested the rest of the ball game.

#Nkomo Ferguson, the Shockers’ newest head coach, talked about the dominant win by the girls team to start the regular season.

#“This is a new school for me, so it is a beginner starting from fresh. We still have another five games to go so hopefully it gets better as the season goes along,” he said.

#Smith complimented the collective effort of the primary school team on the defensive end of the court.

#“Defence was key, we pressed the ball and after we pressed, we stole the ball and found the most open person and it happened to be Smith most times,” the coach added.

#After a big win by the girls, the Shockers boys team followed suit and wrapped up the Giants 20-14 in one of the most competitive games of the day. Both primary schools were locked in to start the game, with the score separated by just one point (7-6) in the opening half.

#In the third quarter, the Shockers switched their defensive scheme to a full court press which sapped any late-game momentum exhibited by the Giants.

#The head coach said although they got the win, he felt that the boys played a sloppy game and would have to clean up those mistakes as the season progresses.

#“The boys played sloppy, we could have played a whole lot better, nobody kept their defensive assignments but thankfully we came out with the win,” Ferguson said.

#The Strikers secured a comfortable 16-6 win against the St Thomas More Sparks.

#The team ran out to a 10-2 advantage following the opening tip as the Sparks struggled to get a score on the board. The latter’s first score came in the third period and, at that point, the Strikers were already in the driver’s seat.

#Donillo “Donnie” Culmer, head coach of the Strikers, noted that there were some first game jitters for the boys, but they have a lot to work on going forward. “A win is always good but we have plenty to work on, with this being the first game, the guys had plenty of jitters. They are young so it is a learning process and we hope to get better each week,” Culmer said.

#The Giants girls showed up for the primary school after they closed out the Sparks 19-2 to get their season underway.

#Raygail Smith, head coach of the Giants, said the first win felt awesome. “These girls were practicing for a long time, of course they are gonna be scared because for a lot of them it is their first time, they had to get these jitters out and to win this first game proves that they can do it,” she said.

#The season continues at the Loyola Hall on Gladstone Road at 3:45pm this Friday.