Golden Eagles force game three

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C.V. Bethel. Senior High School Stingrays, GSSSA senior girls volleyball champions.

H.O. Nash Junior High School Lions, GSSSA junior girls volleyball champions.

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There were three teams that avoided going to a game three in their best-of-three volleyball championship series in the Government Secondary School Sports Association (GSSSA) last night at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium. Winning titles were the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves in the senior boys, the C.V. Bethel Stingrays in the senior girls and the H.O Nash Lions in the junior boys divisions.

The only division that is going to a third game is the junior boys division. The senior boys saw a sweep completed by the Timberwolves over the C.I. Gibson Rattlers. The Stingrays took home the senior girls title after fighting off a pesky Government High Magic. Earlier in the afternoon, the H.O Nash Lions took home the junior girls title over the L.W. Young Lady Golden Eagles.https://404737e2cedfc0ed2120122cd27d3cac.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

Senior boys

Timberwolves 2, Rattlers 1

The Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves had to dig deep to get the 2-1 win after the Rattlers won the first set and was on the verge of winning the second set.

“I knew they were coming to fight,” Timberwolves Head Coach Theodore Hanna said. “I told my team that if the Rattlers fight and back us in the corner, we have to fight back. It feels great to be the champion.”

After the Rattlers won the first set 25-20, the Timberwolves never put their head down in the second set. The second set saw the Rattlers go up 23-19 and poised to force a game three to be played today. That was when Hanna’s players decided they don’t want to play today and wanted to end it last night. The Timberwolves came back and scored seven unanswered points to win the set 25-23 to force a third set.

The third set saw the Timberwolves being dominant and the Rattlers making mental errors. After the score was tied at four points, the Timberwolves went up 5-4 and never looked back as they won the set 15-5 to win the match and the senior boys division.

The Most Valuable Player was the Timberwolves’ Jaron Francis. He also sails and was due to be in Exuma today for the Bahamas Junior Sunfish Nationals, set for tomorrow and Saturday in George Town, Exuma. He put the team on his back and ended the series last night.

Senior girls

Stingrays 2, Magic 0

The Stingrays swept the Magic but the game was a very intense one, as the Magic was trying to force a game three.https://404737e2cedfc0ed2120122cd27d3cac.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

It was a battle in the first set, as the score was close until it was tied at 15 points. The Stingrays went up 19-17 before ending the set on 6-0 to win 25-17.

The second set saw the Stingrays go up 9-5, but the Magic took a 20-18 lead and appeared to be on the way to force a third set. The Stingrays had other plans and took a 24-21lead. Backed into a corner, the Magic tied the game at 24-24 as the teams needed a two-point advantage to get the win.

The Magic went up 25-24 but the Stingrays tied it at 25 points apiece. The Magic tied it at 26 points before the Stingrays won the next two points and won the match.

“I am very excited for these girls,” Shantel Rolle, head coach for the Stingrays said. “We got great support from the principal. I expected a tough fight. I told my girls to stay focused even when the score was tied and they hustled.”

The Stingrays Tasha Johnson was the MVP in that division.

Junior boys

Golden Eagles 2, Timberwolves 0

The Golden Eagles dropped both sets in game one, but they put that in the past and came into the game and made the series competitive. The Timberwolves went up 19-14 before the Golden Eagles stormed back and tied the set at 24 points. After they were tied at 25 points, the Golden Eagles scored two straight points to end the set at 27-25.

The ability to win their first set of the series gave the Golden Eagles a confidence boost as they won the second set 25-13.

Game three is set for today.

Junior girls

Lions 2, Lady Golden Eagles 0

There was no doubt that the Lions was on a mission to end the series, as they went up 15-4 in the first set before winning 25-15. They returned in the second set and got a little push back from the Lady Golden Eagles early on. After a 6-3 lead Lions lead, they jumped to a 13-6 lead. The scoreline then saw them leading 20-15. In the end the Lions won 25-18 to lift the trophy.https://404737e2cedfc0ed2120122cd27d3cac.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

The Lions’ Emily Rolle was the MVP.

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The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA), in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training (MOETVT), will host the 2023 National Cross-Country Championships on Saturday, November 25 at 7 a.m.

The announcement was made yesterday at Fort Charlotte, which is the location for the championships.

Foster hopes that it helps to rebuild their middle and long-distance program and the coaches have shown interest in doing so.

President of the BAAA Drumeco Archer is looking forward to see the event take place.

“I think that this is a giant step towards forging a very, very strong relationship with the Ministry of Education. I’m very pleased that the minister has agreed to partner with us. Track and field is always the most popular sport within the discipline of athletics, but what can be said is that even though we have struggled in the area of middle distance running and cross country, it is obviously one of the fastest growing areas of our sport,” Archer said.

Archer has noted that there has been a spike in the number of athletes running in cross country meets this past season.

Floyd Armbrister, sports consultant with MOETVT, said that his minister wants a national championship at the end of every sport.

“The minister wants to get the students into the sports arena and to make sure they get back into action as competing in each sporting discipline,” Armbrister said. “September came around and the BAAA came on board and said they wanted to do a collaboration with the Ministry of Education through sports. The Ministry of Education has the student athletes and we are willing and most optimistic about getting the power of sports into the high school.”

Armbrister added that they are hoping to see the Family Island athletes in action, as it is a national championship.

In attendance at the press conference was NACAC (North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association) President Mike Sands, who enjoyed the sight and thought that hosting an area cross country meet might be a good idea.

“It may not be such a bad idea after all for NACAC to probably follow on the heels of this and see, once this event takes place, how maybe NACAC could get involved and maybe have a high school and NACAC cross country championship. It can support and encourage our area athletes to be more involved in cross country and that can create an incentive. The thought is with me,” Sands said.

Sands said he will convene with his executive council to see how they can bring some sort of cross country invitational to young people.

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Cross-country nationals set for November 25

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The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA), in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training (MOETVT), will host the 2023 National Cross-Country Championships on Saturday, November 25 at 7 a.m.

The announcement was made yesterday at Fort Charlotte, which is the location for the championships.

Foster hopes that it helps to rebuild their middle and long-distance program and the coaches have shown interest in doing so.

President of the BAAA Drumeco Archer is looking forward to see the event take place.

“I think that this is a giant step towards forging a very, very strong relationship with the Ministry of Education. I’m very pleased that the minister has agreed to partner with us. Track and field is always the most popular sport within the discipline of athletics, but what can be said is that even though we have struggled in the area of middle distance running and cross country, it is obviously one of the fastest growing areas of our sport,” Archer said.

Archer has noted that there has been a spike in the number of athletes running in cross country meets this past season.

Floyd Armbrister, sports consultant with MOETVT, said that his minister wants a national championship at the end of every sport.

“The minister wants to get the students into the sports arena and to make sure they get back into action as competing in each sporting discipline,” Armbrister said. “September came around and the BAAA came on board and said they wanted to do a collaboration with the Ministry of Education through sports. The Ministry of Education has the student athletes and we are willing and most optimistic about getting the power of sports into the high school.”

Armbrister added that they are hoping to see the Family Island athletes in action, as it is a national championship.

In attendance at the press conference was NACAC (North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association) President Mike Sands, who enjoyed the sight and thought that hosting an area cross country meet might be a good idea.

“It may not be such a bad idea after all for NACAC to probably follow on the heels of this and see, once this event takes place, how maybe NACAC could get involved and maybe have a high school and NACAC cross country championship. It can support and encourage our area athletes to be more involved in cross country and that can create an incentive. The thought is with me,” Sands said.

Sands said he will convene with his executive council to see how they can bring some sort of cross country invitational to young people.

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The University of The Bahamas Mingoes men’s soccer team had to fight to pull off a win to open the team’s season in the Bahamas Football Association. The Mingoes won 3-2 over United FC on Sunday at the Roscow A. L. Davies Field to open the season.

The Mingoes came out strong in the first half with a swarming defensive attack to hold United from scoring.

Out of the break the scoring started for both teams.

Midfielder Peter Julmis entered the match in the 61st minute as the Mingoes were taking a corner kick. Julmis, on his first touch of the match, headed the ball into the net to put the Mingoes up 1-0.https://40edb4dc33f1e8c853799025182c4507.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

United, though, responded quickly by scoring in the 70th and 73rd minute to go up 2-1 on The Mingoes.

In the 75th minute, midfielder Ronaldo Green was on a charge to the goal and in the box and he suffered a hard tackle, earning a penalty kick. He connected easily to even the match at 2-2.

Stanley Grand Pierre was determined to score after four shots on goal earlier in the match. He connected in the 77th minute after some spectacular footwork to give the Mingoes the go-ahead goal.

The Mingoes took a hard defensive stand to hold on for the 3-2 win to open their BFA campaign.

“We are missing quite a few players due to some circumstance and we had to go out there and play with what we have,” Green said. “Some players had injuries so we really had to fight to get the win. It was a touch game but it was key for us to get the win and start the season with a win.”

Mingoes keeper Antonio Beckford had seven saves on the night for the side.

The Mingoes next play IM Bears at 5:30 p.m. November 19th at RALD.

DREAMS COME TRUE: Coaches Corrington Maycock and Laquel Harris stand behind throwers G’Shan Brown and Kaden Cartwright and their parents Philippa and Leslie Cart.

As of Friday, November 10, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#It was a dream come true for Blue Chips Athletics Club javelin throwers G’Shan Brown and Kaden Cartwright.

#The two Queen’s College 2023 graduates signed their names on the dotted line for their athletic scholarships yesterday at Empire Fitness Gym to attend Mississippi State University in August.

#They became the 12th and 13th athletes from the Blue Chips Athletics, headed by coach Corrington Maycock, since the club was formed in 2016. Maycock, who is assisted by Laquel Harris, told the rest of the younger members and parents that they will continue their mandate to get their athletes off to college when the time comes.

#“This is the part that makes me so happy when I see these athletes sign their college papers,” Maycock said. “Getting the yearly awards and other awards is important, but when they can get these athletic scholarships, it makes me so proud because their parents won’t have to spend all that money on their education.”

#Harris, who returned home to assist the local athletes after she completed her tenure at Shaw College, said Brown and Cartwright are two hard working individuals who deserve the opportunity to go to college.

#“They both came a long way,” she stated. “Their blood, sweat and tears have finally paid off. They made it. Now they are here. They claimed their prize tonight.”

#G’Shan Brown

#For Brown, the environment and coaching staff at Miss State was exactly what tipped the scales in her making the decision for college.

#“Everyone was friendly when I made my official visit there,” she said. “I love it.”

#Accompanied by her mother Judy Brown, Brown said it’s a great feeling to finally sign the deal because she didn’t know whether or not it would have happened for her.

#“To actually see it unfold today is just an awesome feeling,” she stated. “I couldnt believe that I’m going to division one. I just hope to get better and get my education and secure my degree.”

#Her mother Judy said she’s proud of her daughter’s accomplishment because she worked very hard to get to this point.

#“She has been doing track and field since the fourth grade, but she started doing the javelin recently, so to reach this degree is just a blessing. I expect great things because I know she will work hard to reach her goals.”

#Mother Brown said she’s delighted to be a part of Blue Chips Athletics and especially to be around coach Maycock, who made it so easy for her to excel.

#“I love my coach to death. He has pushed me to be the best. He never let me hold my head down. He put up so much with me and I love him for that, ” the younger Brown quipped.

#Kaden Cartwright

#Cartwright said he was “pretty excited and happy” when he got the news that he achieved the scholarship. He said “all the hard work paid off” and now he doesn’t have to “worry my parents about any school money for the next four years.”

#Like Brown, Cartwright said he selected Miss State because of what he experienced with the coaching staff and the athletes on their track team, who have already expressed their keen interest in having both of them join them next year. “The SEC is one of the best conferences in college and, for a long time, I was hoping that I got a chance to compete in it,” he said. “I’m expected to compete there, especially with Keyshawn Strachan, who is at Auburn. Hopefully, we can get into some good battles together.”

#His mother Philippa Cartwright said she’s proud of her son and she owes it all to God for allowing him to get through all of his ups and downs.

#“Trust me, I’m very proud of him. I don’t have any worries about him, especially with his school work, so I just hope that he can continue to stay focused and go there and do what he has to do to succeed.”

#His father Leslie Cartwright said he could not be prouder for his son. “He did well. He always did well. When we went on the tour, I was so pleased with the school that he is going to go to,” the elder Cartwright said.

#“It’s a good environment and so I know that he will do very well.

#“I’m expecting great things and I can’t wait to go on the plane to watch him when he competes in his first meet.

#“I just can’t wait to see him excel. I can’t wait for the coaches to get started in developing him. It seems like he’s in great hands, just like he was here with Blue Chips Athletics and coaches Maycock and Harris.”

#Both parents said they are appreciative of the role that coach Maycock played in the nurturing of their son and they hope that God will continue to bless him for the commitment that he’s making to the athletes in the club.

#Leslie Cartwright said coach Maycock delivered on his promise when he told his son when he got started that he would get him in college and he came through in getting him into a good division one school.

#On hand to lend his support as usual was Drumeco Archer, president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations.

#“Track and field is a ministry and people who take their ministry very seriously produce great fruits,” Archer said. “This has always been the mission of my administration to be able to do good work and leave an everlasting impact on the sport.

#“We need a successive plan and it is returning back to the sport or making a meaningful contribution to society. That’s always my objective, developing young athletes as good citizens of this country.”

#Archer said this can only encourage the younger athletes to discover themselves and so he commended coaches Maycock and Harris for instilling the sense of pride in the members of Blue Chips Athletics.

As of Friday, November 10, 2023

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TWO STRAIGHT TITLES: The HO Nash Junior High School girls won the championship hardware for the second straight year in two sets against the LW Young Golden Eagles yesterday. Photos: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff

A TIME TO CELEBRATE: The pennant winning Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves won the GSSSA senior boys title after shutting down the CI Gibson Rattlers in two games.

A NARROW VICTORY: The CV Bethel Stingrays senior girls hoisted the championship hardware after sweeping the Government High School Magic 2-0 at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THREE teams can now revel in championship glory after winning the titles in the junior and senior divisions of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) volleyball championships yesterday at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.

#The CV Bethel Stingrays senior girls closed out the second-seeded Government High School Magic to earn bragging rights in the senior division.

#The pennant winning Anatol Rodgers High School Timberwolves shut down last year’s defending champions – the CI Gibson Rattlers – to hoist the GSSSA volleyball senior boys’ trophy.

#The HO Nash Lions sealed the deal against the LW Young Golden Eagles for two straight titles in the junior division for their girls team.

#The Golden Eagles’ junior boys tied the best-of-three championship series 1-1 with the Timberwolves to force a win or go home game three today at 4pm.

#Senior Division

#The Timberwolves needed three sets to complete the job but they remained poised and swept the Rattlers 2-0 yesterday evening.

#The third-seeded Rattlers came into the game in an 0-1 hole and brought the fight to the pennant winners in the first set. They claimed set one 25-20.

#In a tightly contested second set, the Rattlers seemed prepared to force a game three after leading 23-19.

#However, the newest champions stunned the Rattlers senior boys when they closed in 23-22 and proceeded to tie the score at 23. The Timberwolves then capitalised on their momentum and won set two 25-23. In the final set, the Timberwolves showed why they were atop the regular season standings jumping out to an 8-4 lead and never looking back. They nabbed the last set in convincing fashion, 15-5. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Jaron Francis of the victor.

#Theodore Hanna, head coach of the Timberwolves, told reporters on Wednesday the goal was to win it all and on Thursday despite needing three sets his team got it done.

#“I told them if they are gonna fight and back us into the corner we have to fight back. It feels great and I am overwhelmed right now,” Hanna said.

#The Stingrays wasted no time in sending the GHS Magic home in straight sets to wrap up the 2-0 sweep on Thursday night. The pesky Magic displayed a valiant effort throughout the entire playoffs and pushed the Stingrays until the final set in their championship series. The first set went to the newly-crowned champions 25-17. However, the real crowd-pleaser was in the following set which was a back and forth match. Both teams were tied at 24 on the scoreboard and were hungry for the win. The Magic then advanced to a 25-24 lead which the Stingrays matched. In set two’s final moments, the pennant winners displayed their prowess and bested the Magic 28-26.

#The team’s MVP award went to Pasha Johnson.

#Shantelle Rolle, head coach of the Stingrays, was elated to get the championship win this time around after being last year’s runners-up.

#“I am very excited especially for our girls I want to say thank for our big supporter our principal I want to thank you for backing and supporting us,

#“It feels great I thought about what happened last season we made it to the championships but we didn’t follow through I told my girls we always have room for improvement,” Rolle said.

#She credited the team’s focus, hustle, and on-court movement for the championship victory.

#Junior Divison

#The Lions’ junior girls successfully completed a 2-0 sweep against the Golden Eagles for a second consecutive championship win. In 39 minutes of action, they stopped their opponents 25-15 in set one and 25-18 in set two to begin their championship celebration.

#Patricia “Pattie” Johnson, head coach of the Lions, was happy that her team secured another junior girls GSSSA volleyball title.

#“The girls worked pretty hard and that is how they got the win. We had to go back and revisit our serves and had to get our bumps together because LW Young is a very good bumping team. As long as we kept the ball moving I knew one of us was going to get tired,” Johnson said.

#The MVP honours were awarded to Emily Rolle.

#The Golden Eagles’ junior boys will live to fight another day after they tied the series 1-1 against the Timberwolves. They emerged victorious (27-25) in a tough opening set. The junior boys team then comfortably defeated the Timberwolves 25-13 in set two to remain in contention for the title.

#Rashad Brice, head coach of the Golden Eagles, said they played a better game on Thursday compared to the previous night and had a strong message for their opponents ahead of today’s match.

#“We are gonna be ready. We are taking the chip home to the Eagles nest,” the coach said.

#The final series of the GSSSA volleyball championships will be played at 4pm today at the same venue.

SHOWN, from left to right, are David Ferguson, Mike Sands, Nicara Curtis, Drumeco Archer, Floyd Armbrister and Foster Dorsett.

As of Friday, November 10, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#IN collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations will hold its National High School Cross Country Championships at the refurbished Fort Charlotte on Saturday, November 25.

#As a mandate of president Drumeco Archer, committee chairman Foster Dorsett said they are committed to putting on one of the best championships, which Ministry of Education’s sports consultant Floyd Armbrister said the ministry fully supports.

#“One of the mandates that was set by the Minister (Glenys Hanna-Martin) when she brought me in, was for us to get the students into the sporting arena and to make sure that they get back to action, competing in each sporting discipline. “At the end of each sporting discipline, she wanted us to create a national championship and September came around and the BAAA came and said they wanted to collaborate with the ministry to put on the National High School Cross Country Championships.

#“So this is a blessing in disguise for the ministry because we want to collaborate with the BAAA because there’s nothing like the power of sports where children can use their energy in a positive way. So we are on board with the BAAA in hosting one of the finest National High School Cross Country Championships.”

#Archer said while there’s a general view those sports lie with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, but admittedly so, they are our perennial partners, but equally so because of the junior component, sports touches the Ministry of Education and so it’s a giant step for the BAAA in forging a strong relationship with the Ministry of Education.

#“We always like team sports, like basketball,” Archer said. “Cross country gives you that opportunity to run with your team. With each group having a

Bahamas Under-14 CARIFTA Water Polo team. WITH a chance to compete with some additional teams from the Florida area, the Bahamas will join three other teams from the Caribbean to participate in the 2023 Under-14 Co-Ed CARIFTA Water Polo Championships.

As of Friday, November 10, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#WITH a chance to compete with some additional teams from the Florida area, the Bahamas will join three other teams from the Caribbean to participate in the 2023 Under-14 Co-Ed CARIFTA Water Polo Championships.

#The Bahamas’ team, led by coach Lotty Borbely, left town yesterday and will compete today and Saturday at the Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in Miami, Florida.

#Team Bahamas will be represented by Isaiah Colon, Paityn Burrows, Joyelle Brown, Jamar Bienamie, Chelsea Smith, Shanterro Knowles, Jayden Smith, Landon Sumner, Jahmahl Wilson, Indiya Jones, Jayden Jones, La’Mya Bodie, Asher Bastian, Jacob Johnson and Caylen Brown. Borbely will be assisted by Wandalee Burrows and Emma Turnquest will be the Bahamas’ referee.

#With only a few countries competing in water polo in the aftermath of COVID-19, Borbely said they agreed to take the event to Miami so that they can get in more games with some high level competition from the teams in the Florida area. “We will have the CARIFTA Games between our teams and we will also get to compete against the teams out of Florida,” said Borbely of the competition expected between Trinidad & Tobago, Curacao and Bonaire.

#“We feel very confident that this team will perform very well.”

#Borbely, however, said their preparation was a little different in that they didn’t have access to the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex – their home base – because of the repairs for the CARIFTA Swimming Championships next year. But they were still able to get the team ready by training at both the University of the Bahamas and St John’s College swimming pools.

#“We have a mixture of girls and boys on this team,” Borbely said. “We have some competitors who have been on the team before and there are some new ones, but we feel they will all come together and perform very well.”

As of Friday, November 10, 2023

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Dr Kent Bazard

#By DR KENT BAZARD

#Electrolytes, the unsung heroes within our bodies, play a crucial role in the athletic arena. Sodium, potassium, chloride and calcium are the cornerstone electrolytes that contribute to proper cellular function, muscle contraction and nerve transmission.

#In this article, we unravel the intricate web of electrolytes, exploring their structures, functions, dietary sources and the impact of imbalances on athletic performance.

#Sodium: The Master Regulator

#Sodium, with its positive charge, is likely the most abundant electrolyte in our world – definitely in the Bahamian diet. It is a vital player in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function and muscle contractions.

#Athletes often lose sodium through sweat during intense physical activity. Dietary sources include table salt, processed foods and certain vegetables. An imbalance, either excess (hypernatremia) or deficiency (hyponatremia), can lead to dehydration or water intoxication.

#Potassium: The Cellular Dynamo

#Potassium, a positively charged ion, is crucial for maintaining cellular fluid balance, nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Bananas, potatoes and leafy greens are excellent dietary sources. Imbalances, such as hyperkalemia or hypokalemia, can disrupt heart rhythm and muscle function, impacting athletic performance.

#Chloride: The Ionic Companion

#Chloride, often coupled with sodium, plays a key role in maintaining fluid balance and proper digestion. Table salt and processed foods are primary dietary sources.

#Excessive chloride intake can lead to hyperchloremia, while low levels may result in hypochloremia, affecting hydration and kidney function.

#Calcium: The Bone Builder

#Calcium, primarily known for its role in bone health, is also vital for muscle contraction, nerve transmission and blood clotting.

#Dairy products, leafy greens and fortified foods are rich dietary sources. Imbalances, such as hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia, can impact muscle function, bone density and overall athletic performance.

#Dietary Sources, Timing and Daily Intake

#Maintaining optimal electrolyte balance involves strategic dietary choices and timing. Athletes should focus on consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Adequate fluid intake before, during and after exercise is crucial.

#Daily recommended intakes vary, but general guidelines suggest 2,300–2,500 mg of sodium, 2,500–3,000 mg of potassium, 2,300 mg of chloride, and 1,000–1,300 mg of calcium for adults.

#Disorders Associated with Imbalances

#Electrolyte imbalances can manifest in various disorders with distinct symptoms:

#1 Dehydration: Resulting from inadequate fluid intake, leading to electrolyte imbalances, dehydration can cause fatigue, muscle cramps and dizziness.

#2 Hyponatremia: Excessive water intake without sufficient electrolyte replenishment can dilute sodium levels, causing nausea, headaches and in severe cases, seizures.

#3 Hyperkalemia: Elevated potassium levels can disrupt heart rhythm, leading to weakness and cardiac issues.

#4 Hypokalemia: Low potassium levels may cause muscle weakness, cramps and irregular heartbeats.

#5 Hypercalcemia: Excess calcium in the bloodstream can lead to nausea, vomiting, weakness and, in severe cases, kidney stones and heart rhythm disturbances.

#6 Hypocalcemia: Insufficient calcium levels may result in muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, and in severe cases, lead to osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues.

#Understanding the symptoms and potential consequences of these electrolyte disorders is crucial for athletes to maintain optimal health and performance.

#In cases of suspected imbalances, consulting with healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment is essential.

#Prevention and Treatment

#Preventing electrolyte imbalances involves maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated and replenishing lost electrolytes during and after exercise.

#Athletes should be mindful of their individual needs, adjusting intake based on activity levels and environmental factors.

#Treatment of imbalances may include dietary adjustments, electrolyte supplements, or, in severe cases, medical intervention.

#It’s crucial for athletes to listen to their bodies, stay hydrated and consult healthcare professionals for personalised guidance.

#Conclusion

#Electrolyte balance is a linchpin for athletic success and overall well-being. Understanding the roles of sodium, potassium, chloride and calcium, and maintaining a thoughtful approach to diet and hydration, ensures that athletes can harness the power of these essential ions to optimise their performance and stay in the peak of health.

#• 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, optimise nutrition and performance.

As of Friday, November 10, 2023

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Portland Trail Blazers centre Deandre Ayton (2) shoots against Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis, left, during the first half on Wednesday night. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#BAHAMIAN professional player Deandre Ayton posted a double double in the Portland Trail Blazers’ most recent loss in overtime against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.

#The Kings were able to edge out the Trail Blazers 121-118 following the extra period of basketball at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.

#Ayton was brilliant, particularly down the stretch in the fourth quarter, as the Blazers tried to hold off the pesky Kings team. The Bahamian big man turned in 18 points and pulled down 10 boards to make it his fifth consecutive game, grabbing double digit rebounds. He made nine of his 14 field goal attempts, which was the most he has attempted since joining his newest team.

#Additionally, on the season, he is ranked third in the league for rebounds with 12.9 per game. The 2018 no. 1 pick also leads the team in that category.

#As for gameplay, the Kings had the advantage after the first quarter ended with them leading by five (34-29).

#However, Ayton and his teammates pulled their socks up in the second period and led 60-56 at the halftime break.

#The Bahamian centre talked about what went wrong for the Blazers in Wednesday’s postgame interview.

#“Another game where it was a hard-fought game. Our offence wasn’t falling and as smooth as we wanted in the first half and we were fouling a lot so it just was an out of rhythm game in the first half but we bounced back, came out of halftime and tightened up some things,” he said.

#Jerami Grant, Trail Blazers small forward, was a monster alongside Ayton. He scored a game-high 38 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out five assists, which got Ayton going in the final period of regulation.

#The Bahamas’ senior men’s national basketball player gave Portland a 103-102 lead following a made two-pointer, which was assisted by Grant, at the 3:52 mark. He scored a tough fadeaway jumper at 3:19 to add another two points to the Blazers’ score column, 105-102.

#The Bahamian centre then nailed a sweet floater off an assist from Skylar Mays to push the lead to 107-102, favouring the Blazers.

#Ayton said his aggression and help from his teammates translated to some big buckets towards the end of the fourth quarter.

#“Just being aggressive, taking what the defence gives me, taking my time. I am not really too big on me being worried about not getting shots. I am a rhythm type of player, just [doing] what’s best for the team and what I can get.

#“My teammates, Sky, and the rest of my guys really helped me down the stretch in getting to my spots and me just finishing plays so it was a fun game,” he said.

#Ayton and the Blazers could not overcome the offensive sparks provided by Kings centre Domantas Sabonis and shooting guard Malik Monk.

#The former mailed in a team-high 27 points to go with 11 rebounds and the latter handled business at the charity stripe, shooting 15-for-19 from the line to add to his 23 points on the night. Next up for the Blazers will be the 3-5 (win/loss record) Los Angeles Lakers at 10pm on Sunday night.