VILLANOVA Wildcats celebrate after adding a third Battle 4 Atlantis title to their collection after they triumphed 79-63 over the University of Memphis Tigers in the championship game at the Imperial Arena, Paradise Island, on Friday. Photo: Dante Carrer

As of Monday, November 27, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Villanova Wildcats added a third Battle 4 Atlantis title to their collection after they triumphed 79-63 over the University of Memphis Tigers on Friday in the championship game at the Imperial Arena, Paradise Island.

#The third championship victory, following their wins in 2013 and 2017, made the Wildcats the team with the most titles in the history of the men’s tournament to date.

#Additionally, they hold the best win/loss record in the tourney’s history books with 9-0.

#Meanwhile, the North Carolina Tar Heels won in convincing fashion against the Arkansas Razorbacks 87-72 in the third place game. Defence was a major key to the Wildcats pulling off the 16-point win over the 5-1 Tigers.

#Within the first six minutes of the opening half, the Wildcats got out to a 16-2 lead.

#During this period, the Tigers were ice cold and held to 1-for-10 shooting from the field.

#Meanwhile, Villanova were on fire from behind the arc, shooting 5-for-8 on threes.

#Kyle Neptune, who is in his second season as the Wildcats head coach, talked about the team’s tough defensive effort.

#“I really thought we came out and set the tone. I was really proud of the guys, especially in the first 10 minutes or so,” the Wildcats head coach said.

#The Big East team pushed out to a 23-8 advantage with under eight minutes remaining in the first half of the contest and closed out the segment leading 44-18.

#At the halfway mark, the Tigers were held to under

#15 per cent shooting from the field and shot 1-for-12 from three-point range. The second half began and saw the Wildcats’ three-point shot stop falling after they missed their first five attempts in the opening minutes. However, despite the slight dip from the newly-crowned champions on offence, the Tigers were unable to capitalise within those minutes and fell behind 49-20.

#The momentum shifted slightly in Memphis’ favour when they stormed out to a 24-3 run to show some signs of life and make the score 67-53. Although the team seemed poised to make a comeback, the Wildcats held them off due to a balanced scoring effort. The 6-1 team had five starters score in double digits, including the tournament’s MVP Eric Dixon who finished with 11 points and eight rebounds.

#Dixon averaged 21.6 points and eight boards in the three games played at the 12th Battle 4 Atlantis men’s tournament.

#The head coach said the team has grown a lot over the last few games. “We always have a growth mindset. I thought we got a lot better defensively, especially these last three games. That has always been our mindset.”

#“We learned a lot about our team here. We were tested and were resilient. We were in some battles, that is what you want. You want to be tested, that is a big thing for a team. We are glad it ended up the way it did,” he said.

#On Friday night, the Wildcats shot 43 per cent from the field compared to 35 per cent from their opponents. Additionally, they splashed 37 per cent of their shots from behind the arc. The team collectively dished out 14 assists while the Tigers racked up seven dimes in the championship game.

#The third place game between the Razorbacks and Tar Heels saw RJ Davis and Tramon Mark put on an offensive show. The former dropped a career-high 30 points and picked up two assists in the third place win.

#For the opposing team, Mark poured in a game-high 34 points to pair with 5 boards in the loss.

#The Battle 4 Atlantis women’s and men’s tournaments are officially done with the University of Mississippi Ole Miss Rebels and Villanova Wildcats taking home the respective titles for 2023.

As of Monday, November 27, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#WITH sailing now officially declared the national sport of The Bahamas, the hype has intensified as the skippers and their crew get their boats ready to compete in the sixth Best of the Best Sloop Sailing Regatta in Montagu Bay this weekend.

#The event is expected to feature more than 80 boats competing in classes A, B, C and D as well as a junior segment and according to Clyde Rolle, one of the members of the organising committee, they anticipate that the competition will be extremely fierce.

#Boats from Long Island, Exuma, Acklins, Ragged Island, Cat Island and Mayaguana will participate in the four classes when the

#competition gets started on Thursday and wraps up on Sunday.

#However, Rolle said a lot of excitement will be brewing during the Skippers party 7pm Tuesday at Government House.

#“This is definitely the biggest and the best sailing event in the country,” Rolle said. “All of the top boats will be competing, except the Tida Wave and Lady Muriel, who might be competing because they were under repairs.

#“We have been looking forward to this event all year and now it’s here. The skippers and the sailors have been preparing themselves and so we anticipate that we will have some very keen competition on the waters in Montagu Bay.”

#For those who are interested, Rolle said there will be all sorts of entertainment onshore for both the adults and the children and vendors have been preparing a number of scrumptious Bahamian meals from all of the Family Islands to satisfy a hungry person’s taste buds. The event will be livestreamed once again and large televisions are expected to be displayed on the site for persons to follow the action on the water.

#After years of deliberation, the Bahamas Government finally announced in April that sailing is now the official sport of the country, replacing cricket, which was on the books for a number of years.

As of Monday, November 27, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#THE inaugural Bahamas Law Enforcement Co-Operative Credit Union Limited’s Law Enforcement Track and Field Classic on Saturday was termed a tremendous success, not just by the organisers, but the participants as well.

#The meet was staged in two sections with the high schools and clubs competing earlier in the day, while the Customs, Immigration, Road Traffic, Royal Bahamas Police and Defence Force and the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services went head-to-head for bragging rights.

#Omar Neely, chairman of the board for the Credit Union, said they wanted to spread their message to the law enforcement agencies that they are their friends

#and are here to work hand-in-hand with them. “We started our Credit Union in 1985 as a Police Credit Union, but since then, we have opened our doors to all of the law enforcement agencies, including the Prison, Defence, Customs, Immigration, Road Traffic and the Judiciary,” Neely said.

#“So, as a result of that, we thought we would have an event to make it known that we are opened to all law enforcement and we invite them to come in the spirit of camaraderie on the track.”

#Neely said they were pleased with the turnout in both segments and they hope to build on the event as they prepare to make it an annual one.

#While the high schools and clubs competed primarily in relay competition, there were number of exciting battles that were contested during the law enforcement branches, although they were limited to just one competitor in each event.

#Janton Gibson, the winner of the men’s 200m, was a former member of the Swift Athletics Track Club and as graduate of CI Gibson Secondary High, said he felt good competing out there again.

#“I haven’t raced in a minute,” said Gibson, now in his second year on the Defence Force. “But when I came off the back stretch, I had some catching up to do. I made it happen.”

#As he crossed the finish line ahead of his rivals, Gibson made a salute as he “paid his respect to the senior men.”

#He said it was good to get an opportunity to compete against his peers in law enforcement.

#Philicia Sargent, a 12-year-veteran on the Defence Force, captured the women’s 200m title after a hiatus of almost 20 years from the sport.

#“Coming back, it’s a mind thing. We knew that we had one goal and that was to get to the finish line. That was my goal,” she said. “From start to finish, I pushed to get them. I had a pretty good start, but as the race progressed, I had to step it up some more to get the win.”

#Trevor Outten, a graduate of CC Sweeting Secondary High and a former member of Swift Athletics, said he was pleased with his performance in winning the men’s 1,500m for the Defence Force.

#“I just paced myself and wait until it was time for me to put myself in a position to bring it home,” he said. “It was a tough run, so I had to do my best.”

#Mileke Wood, a graduate of CV Bethel Secondary High, who competed for T-Bird Flyers and Bahamas Speed Dynamics, said he was delighted to be the men’s 800m champion.

#“I never practiced, so coming out here, I was a bit nervous,” he said. “After they passed me on the first lap, I got a little speed boost, stayed composed and went out there and did what I had to do to win.”

#Augustine, a graduate of RM Bailey Secondary High where she was trained by David Ferguson, said she knew she still had something in the tank to win the women’s 800m. “It was great. It was quicker than I expected. The wind on the back stretch was crazy, but just had to fight through it,” she said. “

#Perez Burrows, a graduate of St Augustine’s College, captured the title of the fastest man in law enforcement after he took the 100m crown for the Police Force.

#“It felt good, even though I had some problems with my hamstring. I was still able to pull through. It was a good race” he said. “The competition was good. They gave me a good run for my money, but I just was able to pull through.”

#Helen Johnson, a Grand Bahamian who competed for Fast Track and the Golden Eagles Track Clubs, emerged as the fastest female, winning the 100m.

#“It feels good to be back. I’m a little older, but I kept pushing,” said Johnson, who has been on the force for the past two years.

As of Monday, November 27, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

Veteran boxer Carl Hield.

#LESS than a week removed from his second professional win, veteran boxer Carl Hield will be back in the ring again on Tuesday.

#The professional boxer is set to take on Colombia’s Edinson Jimenez in Santa Marta, Colombia, at Fight Night 2 in the super welterweight division. The professional bout is slated to begin at 6pm.

#Hield shared his expectations going into his third professional fight on Tuesday.

#“My third match is going to have the same outcome. My mindset is to go in and do what I have to do and if the knockout comes, it would be good. I am just trying to stay as active as I can for next year’s Olympic qualifiers and try to put myself in a position to fight for a world title as well,” he said.

#After two successful bouts, the Bahamian boxer has an undefeated 2-0-0 (win/loss/draw) record headed into his next match against Jimenez.

#The latter has been a pro boxer since 2001 with a 65-5-3 record in 73 matches. The Colombian’s last professional win came against Jasit Cera, who was making his pro debut, in 2013.

#As for Hield, in his previous two matches he was victorious, earning technical knockout victories in both. The seasoned boxer’s first win came against Colombian Elkin Bolaño in his pro debut at the International Knockout Night in Cartagena, Colombia. He followed this feat with one of his most impressive wins yet against Colombia’s Diomedes Miranda, who sported a 21-5-0 record, last week Wednesday at the Fight Night in Santa Marta, Colombia.

#Hield said he has learned a lot from his two fights in the professional ranks.

#“The pros are a bit different from the amateurs. After the first and second fight I am now more patient and relaxed. I realised in my second fight I was waiting for the punches, instead of rushing and throwing punches like I did in the first fight. As time goes during training and preparing for fights, I am adapting more to the professional side of boxing,” he said.

#Before his transition to pro boxing in October, Hield was one of the country’s most decorated boxers at the amateur level.

#During his amateur tenure, the 36-year-old competed in 51 total matches and ended with a 15-36 record (including one knockout win). He had a strong message for those following his professional journey.

#“I want to show people that whatever you believe in can turn into reality, just focus and keep going about your dream. It is never too late, you are never too young and never too old, the right time will come,” he said.

#He is committed to honouring the memory of his late mother Norma Hield through his hardwork and dedication.

#A special thanks was offered to sponsors Jet Wave, West End Contracting & Repair, Create Escapes (Landscape and Maintenance), Rigger Life 242, the Bahamas Boxing Federation and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

• Sheldon Longley
• 7 hrs ago
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Back home in The Bahamas, as one of the honorees from the Golden Jubilee Independence Awards of Special Honour, current Olympic and former World Champion Steven Gardiner said he’s thrilled to be recognized for his dedication and hard work.

Additionally, Gardiner said he’s 100 percent recovered from a grade one sprain of the tendon extending into his knee from the right posterior thigh. He’s back to training in Orlando, Florida, with American coach Gary Evans and the Empire Athletics elite group.

The Bahamian quarter-miler was one of 102 Bahamians honored at the awards ceremony at Baha Mar on Monday, a number of whom were sports athletes.Up Next – Monday’s news in < 10 minutesUp Next – Monday’s news in < 10 minutesclosehttps://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.605.0_en.html#goog_234873752Ad 1 of 1 (0:07)NextStay

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“It feels amazing to be recognized for the hard work that we have put in for the country, and also to celebrate 50 years of Independence,” said Gardiner. “It’s just a good feeling to be here and to be honored along with everyone else. I took some time off from training to be here. I’m just excited.”

Gardiner was on track to win the world title in the men’s 400 meters (m) at the 19th World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, this year, but pulled up with the grade one tendon sprain coming around the second curve of the semifinals of that event where he was the clear leader. He was in full control of the race and was an overwhelming favorite to win gold, having turned in the world leading time of 43.74 seconds and breezing through the opening round in Budapest. Just two athletes ran sub-44 second races during the season.

Gardiner said he feels fantastic and is thrilled to be back in training, doing what he loves to do. The ultimate goal for the 2023-2024 season is to win gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

“I feel like I’m back to 100 percent,” he said. “Between my coaches and the doctors, we are all on one accord to take it slowly at the beginning of the season and begin to get ready for Paris 2024. I’m looking forward to defending my title and winning gold again – that’s the main goal. I just want to do it all over again.”

Taking it slowly at the beginning of the season will likely encompass skipping indoor competition and preparing for the outdoor season. Last season, Gardiner competed in just seven 400m races, including two at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) Junior and Senior National Track and Field Championships, and two at the Budapest World Championships.https://46acd15611e6b8236301c467ec943dd6.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

His injury at the world championships ended his season.

Other Bahamian athletes honored at the Golden Jubilee Independence Awards Ceremony on Monday were Olympic Champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins in Major League Baseball (MLB), ‘Golden Girl’ Pauline Davis-Thompson and Mychal ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson. The late Andre Rodgers, the first Bahamian to play in the major leagues, the late Captain Rolly Gray, the late Thomas A. Robinson, and the late Sir Durward Knowles, the first Bahamian Olympic gold medalist, were honored posthumously.

• Sheldon Longley
• 7 hrs ago
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Back home in The Bahamas, as one of the honorees from the Golden Jubilee Independence Awards of Special Honour, current Olympic and former World Champion Steven Gardiner said he’s thrilled to be recognized for his dedication and hard work.

Additionally, Gardiner said he’s 100 percent recovered from a grade one sprain of the tendon extending into his knee from the right posterior thigh. He’s back to training in Orlando, Florida, with American coach Gary Evans and the Empire Athletics elite group.

The Bahamian quarter-miler was one of 102 Bahamians honored at the awards ceremony at Baha Mar on Monday, a number of whom were sports athletes.Up Next – Monday’s news in < 10 minutesUp Next – Monday’s news in < 10 minutesclosehttps://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.605.0_en.html#goog_234873752Ad 1 of 1 (0:07)NextStay

volume_off-0:07fullscreenAuto (225p)225p360pSubtitles OffSubtitles ENEnglish

Up Next – Monday’s news in < 10 minutesSonny Gray agrees on a three-year contract with the Cardinals, plus Kenta Maeda agrees to a deal with the Tigers on this edition of FastCast

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Recent moves, effect on prospectsMLB | 2:34

Under the radar free agentsMLB | 0:55

2023 MLS Best XI presented by Continental TireMLS | 2:20

Top 10 Plays of the Day, 11/27/2023NBA | 3:19

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LAFC march past Seattle Sounders | Audi MLS Cup Playoffs RewindMLS | 5:42

HIGHLIGHTS: Seattle Sounders FC vs. Los Angeles Football Club | November 26, 2023MLS | 7:01

WATCH: Brick wall! Maxime Crépeau robs Seattle SoundersMLS | 0:52

“It feels amazing to be recognized for the hard work that we have put in for the country, and also to celebrate 50 years of Independence,” said Gardiner. “It’s just a good feeling to be here and to be honored along with everyone else. I took some time off from training to be here. I’m just excited.”

Gardiner was on track to win the world title in the men’s 400 meters (m) at the 19th World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, this year, but pulled up with the grade one tendon sprain coming around the second curve of the semifinals of that event where he was the clear leader. He was in full control of the race and was an overwhelming favorite to win gold, having turned in the world leading time of 43.74 seconds and breezing through the opening round in Budapest. Just two athletes ran sub-44 second races during the season.

Gardiner said he feels fantastic and is thrilled to be back in training, doing what he loves to do. The ultimate goal for the 2023-2024 season is to win gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

“I feel like I’m back to 100 percent,” he said. “Between my coaches and the doctors, we are all on one accord to take it slowly at the beginning of the season and begin to get ready for Paris 2024. I’m looking forward to defending my title and winning gold again – that’s the main goal. I just want to do it all over again.”

Taking it slowly at the beginning of the season will likely encompass skipping indoor competition and preparing for the outdoor season. Last season, Gardiner competed in just seven 400m races, including two at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) Junior and Senior National Track and Field Championships, and two at the Budapest World Championships.https://46acd15611e6b8236301c467ec943dd6.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

His injury at the world championships ended his season.

Other Bahamian athletes honored at the Golden Jubilee Independence Awards Ceremony on Monday were Olympic Champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins in Major League Baseball (MLB), ‘Golden Girl’ Pauline Davis-Thompson and Mychal ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson. The late Andre Rodgers, the first Bahamian to play in the major leagues, the late Captain Rolly Gray, the late Thomas A. Robinson, and the late Sir Durward Knowles, the first Bahamian Olympic gold medalist, were honored posthumously.

Judoka Johnson signs agreement with

• Sheldon Longley
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Bahamian judoka Xavion Johnson, a two-time US Open Champion, is doing his part to take the national flag carrier of The Bahamas to the world.

The 17-year-old mat technician signed a contract with Bahamasair on Monday, showcasing that brand on his national team judogi and also benefiting from the airline’s travel in and out of the country. The sponsorship is in the form of cash and value in-kind.

“This is a very proud moment for Bahamasair – to be able to support an up-and-coming judo athlete in The Bahamas,” said Bahamasair Managing Director Tracy Cooper. “We want to be able to showcase what outstanding young Bahamian men are all about. Xavion is the best judo athlete who we have in The Bahamas today and Bahamasair is delighted to be able to provide partnership. When Xavion is fighting in the future, he will do so carrying the Bahamasair brand which we believe is ready for the world, and with him doing so, he will bring attention and promotion to the brand.

“He will be displaying Bahamasair as one of his sponsors and that is something that we are proud of. In turn, we will provide some means to getting in and out of The Bahamas for him and at some point when he wants to go around to some of the Family Islands to encourage others, we will be there for that. It is a mutual benefit for Bahamasair and Xavion. We are excited to have him on board, showing a new face for Bahamasair.”

The Bahamian judoka, who doesn’t turn 18 until next June, said he is proud to be a brand ambassador of Bahamasair, and looks forward to a fruitful and beneficial partnership.

“It feels amazing,” he said. “I love representing my country. I started when I was about eight years old and I’ll keep going for as long as I can. I’m very excited to sign this contract with Bahamasair and I’m very happy with everything that is going on.”

Johnson has experienced success in judo, locally, regionally and internationally, and with the latter, representing The Bahamas in about a dozen countries already. He is a two-time US Open Champion in judo, won gold in the Matsumae Cup in Vejie, Denmark, and he won gold at the 18th Annual Edmonton International Judo Championships in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, just to name a few of his golden accomplishments. Johnson competes in the under-18 (U18) men’s 60 kilogram (kg) division, but next year, he will be moving up to the under-21 (U21) men’s 66kg class.

“Judo gives you discipline and it gives you confidence,” he said. “You’re more courageous and more confident in yourself and it brings a certain level of satisfaction. There is always a schedule for judo so it keeps you disciplined.”

Mother Ordain Moss has supported him every step of the way and said she’s super proud of her son.

“I’m really amazed,” she said. “I believe that he is walking in his purpose and he has been this way since he started judo. It has been a privilege helping him to realize his dream. I am immensely proud of my son and immensely grateful for everyone who has supported him through the years because he wouldn’t be where he is today without that support. This is a monumental experience and I am so proud of him.”

Fred Mitchell, the member of Parliament for the Fox Hill constituency, where Johnson resides, extended congratulations and asked for continued support for young deserving Bahamians.

“Congratulations to Xavion and to Bahamasair for concluding this partnership agreement which will support his explorations overseas and take the Bahamasair brand around the world,” said Mitchell. “It is always a privilege to support the young people of the country, and in particular, males, because there is always a situation where the males might not be keeping up with the women. I think that it’s important that we continue to support Xavion and ensure that he gets as far as he can. We will do all that we can to continue to support him going into the future.”

President of the Bahamas Judo Federation (BJF) D’Arcy Rahming Sr. expressed pride in what Johnson is doing and said he looks forward to a beneficial relationship between the two parties.

“We are extremely proud of Xavion and we are extremely pleased with Bahamasair in their forward thinking in forging this partnership,” he said. “We believe that you won’t be disappointed in his character and in his efforts. He’s been training for a long time and there is a deep desire to succeed, so we really appreciate Bahamasair stepping forward as a sponsor. This is one of our young people who we want to show to the world.”

At his young age, Johnson has competed in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Croatia, Portugal, Denmark, the Czech Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina, just to name a few. He said his competition overseas gives him a greater understanding and appreciation of the outside world.

One of his goals is to qualify for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, United States, in judo, thereby becoming the first athlete from The Bahamas to compete in that sporting discipline at the Olympics.

Women’s soccer match set for Wednesday at RALD Field

• Sheldon Longley
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The Bahamas women’s national football team is headed in the right direction, set to take on the US Virgin Islands (USVI) in its final match in 2023 Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Nations League competition as the ‘Road to CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup’ concludes for this year.

Coming off a clean sheet in their last match, at home, the team is anticipating an improved performance this Wednesday. The match against the USVI will take place at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the Roscoe A.L. Davies (RALD) Soccer Field.

The Bahamas started its rebirth in women’s football in September, taking on the Turks and Caicos Islands in an international friendly. Since then, they have taken on Grenada twice, losing both times, and drawing with the USVI. The team is confident of an improved performance on Wednesday to close out the ‘Road to CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup’ series this year.

“Despite facing adversity with some challenges, our team showed unwavering determination in competition thus far,” said team’s Head Coach Ricqea Bain. “Our improved scoreline reflects our team’s forward trajectory. The journey might not be as fast as we would like, but we are moving in the right direction, establishing a foundation for future success. We are learning from past mistakes and implementing new strategies. We aim to elevate our performance to secure a positive result on the field of play.

“With the majority of our players under 21 years of age, coupled with more exposure and development, our team is poised for continued improvement. We are looking to play with speed and we want to capitalize on the other team’s weaknesses. This is just the beginning for us. Our bright future includes experienced players contributing when they are available. We want to say thanks to our supporters. Your presence means a lot to us and we anticipate seeing you on Wednesday.”

One of the players for Team Bahamas, Rachel Rolle, a 20-year-old sophomore defender for the Allen University Yellow Jackets in Columbia, South Carolina, said she is more than excited to compete.

“We are set to put our best foot forward. We are all excited to play with each other and we look forward to a positive outcome,” she said.

Another player, 17-year-old striker Dianne Maillis said she is proud to be following in her father’s footsteps who experienced national team duty for The Bahamas in men’s soccer. She is looking forward to the opportunity to compete.

“It’s an honor to go out there and play for my country,” she said. “I have been working on my confidence on and off the ball. I just have to go out there and make the most of this opportunity. It is incredibly important that we have support in our final game and get that motivation that we need. I see a great future for women’s football in The Bahamas. I know that we are headed for greatness.”

The remaining team members are Rokesia Sands, Dalexis Huyler, Samantha Ramirez, Jada Thelamour, Jade Thelamour, Meaghan Smith, Samina Moss, Karen Wert, Janeka Edey, Kenyonique Thompson, Hadassah Knowles, Giselle Laing, Ashya Butler, Demitra Mcclure, Valtinique Simmons, Kyrah Miller, Kendi Outten and Raynia Russell.

Acting Director of Sports in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Kelsie Johnson-Sills said the team has the ministry’s full support, stating that the growth of women’s sports in the country is important to the ministry.

“Congratulations to the team. Women in sports is truly a good thing, and for us in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, it is all about building. I’m 10 toes in with everything behind them when it comes to their success in sports. It is a good team and they have a bright future,” she said. “We in the ministry will be backing the team in whatever they set out to do. We encourage Bahamians to come out on Wednesday and support them as they continue to go for gold.”

Just The Bahamas, the USVI and Grenada compete out of League C in CONCACAF Nations League competition for this year. The team is anticipating advancement to League B, and eventually League A, in the not too distant future.

Ronaldo Green and Kevin Thomas finished with hat-tricks for the Mingoes

• Simba French
• Nov 27, 2023 Updated Nov 27, 2023
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The University of The Bahamas Mingoes midfielder Ronaldo Green on the attack during their 10-1 victory against Cavalier FC yesterday. SIMBA FRENCH.

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The Bahamas Football Association Men’s League continued yesterday with a four-game slate at the Roscow A.L. Davies Soccer Field. The University of The Bahamas Mingoes took down Cavalier F.C 10-1. while Baha Juniors came back and tie Seventeen F.C. 3-3.

The Mingoes got a hat-trick performance from Ronaldo Green and Kevin Thomas. Thomas scored all three of his goals in the first half while Green’s hat-trick included two goals in the first half and one in the second half. Assistant coach for the Mingoes, Adam Miller was happy with how team staying locked in despite the lopsided win.

“Even though we were missing a few people due to injuries and illness, it gave some of the players the opportunity to get some reps in different positions. The result was by a wide margin, but I think that these games are important for us to put into practice on the things that we worked on in training such as set plays and buildups,” Miller stated.Up Next – Monday’s news in < 10 minutesUp Next – Monday’s news in < 10 minutesclosehttps://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.605.0_en.html#goog_135447156Ad 1 of 1 (0:08)NextStay

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Thomas got the scoring started for the Mingoes when he scored in the ninth minute. At the end of the first half, the

Mingoes went up 7-0 as they got the early advantage. The second half saw the Mingoes applying less pressure as Cavalier pulled one back when Cherven Adza found the back of the net to make it 8-1 in the 65th minute.

The Mingoes have a tough matchup against the defending champions, Western Warriors next week. Miller said that it was important to get a god result going into that game.

“We both have a strong start to the season. We are happy to be going into the game with good momentum especially knowing we are going up against a talented and well-coached team. Our mindset for the next couple of days in training will be on how we elevate our play and intensity to replicate the game as much as possible,” Miller stated.

Baha Juniors went up first in the game against Seventeen FC on an early goal from Youvens Richard. Seventeen FC got an own goal from Baha Juniors’ captain Anson Coakley. Just before halftime, Celestin Guerold put Seventeen FC up 2-1 to no surprise as they attacked more.

They got another goal in the 68th minute from Markens Das as they went up 3-1. Seventeen looked like they were going to run away with the game as they kept attacking Baha’s goal. Baha found life in the 85th minute when Cochise Burrows pulled Baha to 3-2. In the 90th minute, Burrows was fouled in Seveteen’s 18-yard box as they were awarded the penalty. Richard took the penalty and tied the game at 3-3.

Coakley spoke about his team’s resilience to get the draw.

“My team fought and I am proud of them. It speaks volumes as to who they are and what we are about. Our coaches has been preparing us to reach our potential. It has been a slow build and went down nine men and we were able to get the point,” Coakley said.

He is hoping that the team builds off the comeback win going forward into the season.

There were two late games but scores were not available at press time.

• Simba French
• Nov 27, 2023
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Denika Lightbourne.

Garvin Clarke Jr.

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Several Bahamians were in action over the weekend as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I basketball season is in early season tournaments and invitationals.

Freshman Denika Lightbourne and her Dayton University Flyers (4-3) won their third straight game to have a perfect 2-0 win/loss record. They were in action at the Daytona Beach Invitational on Saturday in Daytona Beach, Florida. Lightbourne was coming off a scoreless game to finish with 11 points against Wichita State University Shockers where she bounced back to score a collegiate career-high nine points where she went 4-for-6 from the field and made her only shot attempt from deep. She played 16 minutes and was able to grab six rebounds and dished out one a

This game saw seven lead changes and three ties with the Flyers leading for the greater chunk of the game.

At the end of the first half, the Flyers led 37-36 as it looked like it was going to be a close contest. The third quarter was what the doctor ordered as the Flyers turned up their defense to hold the Shockers to just 30.8 shooting from the field. They held a 23-12 advantage in that quarter to take a 60-48 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Flyers never relinquished the lead.

Lightbourne has joined the starting lineup in three of the seven games that she has been featured in this season and is averaging 12.1 minutes per game. She is averaging 3.3 points per game and is trending upwards in her freshman year.

Richard Lowe was a force in the paint as he came away with 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting from the field and 11 rebounds for his Northwood University Timberwolves (5-2) on Saturday. It was not enough as they lost 94-67 to Purdue Northwest University Pride (2-4) at the Riepma Arena in Midland, Michigan.

Lowe was busy early when he got two quick offensive boards and four points in the first four minutes of the game. However, the Pack kept at Lowe and company and took an 11-point lead when they went up 31-20 with 5:47 left in the first half. The Pack continued to pour it on the Timberwolves as they went into the half leading 49-33.

It was more of the Pack in the second half as the Timberwolves had no answer for the Pack who finished the game shooting 50 percent. The Timberwolves had no rhythm in the game as they shot just 35.8 percent from the field and got outrebounded 52-34.

Garvin Clarke played 37 minutes for his Indiana University of Pennsylvania Crimson (1-3), but his team fell 81-64 to St. Thomas Aquinas College Spartans (5-1) at the Kovalchick Convention & Athletic Complex in Indiana, Pennsylvania on Saturday. Playing in their Thanksgiving tournament, Clarke came away with 11 points on 5-for-11 shooting from the field. He was able to grab seven rebounds, four assists and had a steal and a block each.

Clarke was active early in the game where he had two assists, a block shot and made a jumpshot in the first two minutes of the game as they jumped out to a 7-2 lead with 18:21 left in the first half. The Spartans took the lead for good when they went up 25-23 with 7:51 left in the first half. That first half ended with the Spartans leading 40-31.

The Bahamian guard and his team never took the lead again the rest of the way as the Spartans got the win.

Bahamian Franco Miller Jr. and his Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles (1-6) fell to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington Seahawks 71-55 at the Alico Arena in Fort Myers, Florida on Saturday. He had a tough outing putting up just two points on 1-for-7 shooting from the field. Miller pulled down four rebounds and three assists to go with one steal.

The Eagles only led once in this game which was 4-2 at the 16:29 mark in the first half. After tieing at four points, the Seahawks went ahead and never looked back. The Seahawks took their first double-digit lead of 26-15 at the 5:47 mark in the first half. They went on to lead 37-25 at the end of the first half.

Miller’s team had a better second half, but the Seahawks held on for the win.

Bahamian Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s, Ole Miss University Rebels (6-1) were back in action on Saturday after winning the Battle 4 Atlantis Women’s tournament last week Monday. They easily took care of the University of Little Rock at Arkansas Trojans (0-5) 58-45 for their fifth straight win on the season as they returned home to the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss, Oxford, Mississippi.

Reserve Snudda Collins and Marquesha Davis finished with 11 points each in the win. The Rebels won this game wire to wire as they went into the half up 15-11. After being rattled a little by the Trojans in the third quarter with the lead dwindled down to 35-31 with 30 seconds left in the third quarter, they pulled away in the fourth quarter to get the win.

The Rebels held the Trojans to 35.8 percent shooting from the field all game including 18.2 percent shooting in the first quarter.

• Simba French
• Nov 27, 2023
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1 of 2

Denika Lightbourne.

Garvin Clarke Jr.

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Several Bahamians were in action over the weekend as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I basketball season is in early season tournaments and invitationals.

Freshman Denika Lightbourne and her Dayton University Flyers (4-3) won their third straight game to have a perfect 2-0 win/loss record. They were in action at the Daytona Beach Invitational on Saturday in Daytona Beach, Florida. Lightbourne was coming off a scoreless game to finish with 11 points against Wichita State University Shockers where she bounced back to score a collegiate career-high nine points where she went 4-for-6 from the field and made her only shot attempt from deep. She played 16 minutes and was able to grab six rebounds and dished out one

This game saw seven lead changes and three ties with the Flyers leading for the greater chunk of the game.

At the end of the first half, the Flyers led 37-36 as it looked like it was going to be a close contest. The third quarter was what the doctor ordered as the Flyers turned up their defense to hold the Shockers to just 30.8 shooting from the field. They held a 23-12 advantage in that quarter to take a 60-48 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Flyers never relinquished the lead.

Lightbourne has joined the starting lineup in three of the seven games that she has been featured in this season and is averaging 12.1 minutes per game. She is averaging 3.3 points per game and is trending upwards in her freshman year.

Richard Lowe was a force in the paint as he came away with 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting from the field and 11 rebounds for his Northwood University Timberwolves (5-2) on Saturday. It was not enough as they lost 94-67 to Purdue Northwest University Pride (2-4) at the Riepma Arena in Midland, Michigan.

Lowe was busy early when he got two quick offensive boards and four points in the first four minutes of the game. However, the Pack kept at Lowe and company and took an 11-point lead when they went up 31-20 with 5:47 left in the first half. The Pack continued to pour it on the Timberwolves as they went into the half leading 49-33.

It was more of the Pack in the second half as the Timberwolves had no answer for the Pack who finished the game shooting 50 percent. The Timberwolves had no rhythm in the game as they shot just 35.8 percent from the field and got outrebounded 52-34.

Garvin Clarke played 37 minutes for his Indiana University of Pennsylvania Crimson (1-3), but his team fell 81-64 to St. Thomas Aquinas College Spartans (5-1) at the Kovalchick Convention & Athletic Complex in Indiana, Pennsylvania on Saturday. Playing in their Thanksgiving tournament, Clarke came away with 11 points on 5-for-11 shooting from the field. He was able to grab seven rebounds, four assists and had a steal and a block each.

Clarke was active early in the game where he had two assists, a block shot and made a jumpshot in the first two minutes of the game as they jumped out to a 7-2 lead with 18:21 left in the first half. The Spartans took the lead for good when they went up 25-23 with 7:51 left in the first half. That first half ended with the Spartans leading 40-31.

The Bahamian guard and his team never took the lead again the rest of the way as the Spartans got the win.

Bahamian Franco Miller Jr. and his Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles (1-6) fell to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington Seahawks 71-55 at the Alico Arena in Fort Myers, Florida on Saturday. He had a tough outing putting up just two points on 1-for-7 shooting from the field. Miller pulled down four rebounds and three assists to go with one steal.

The Eagles only led once in this game which was 4-2 at the 16:29 mark in the first half. After tieing at four points, the Seahawks went ahead and never looked back. The Seahawks took their first double-digit lead of 26-15 at the 5:47 mark in the first half. They went on to lead 37-25 at the end of the first half.

Miller’s team had a better second half, but the Seahawks held on for the win.

Bahamian Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s, Ole Miss University Rebels (6-1) were back in action on Saturday after winning the Battle 4 Atlantis Women’s tournament last week Monday. They easily took care of the University of Little Rock at Arkansas Trojans (0-5) 58-45 for their fifth straight win on the season as they returned home to the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss, Oxford, Mississippi.

Reserve Snudda Collins and Marquesha Davis finished with 11 points each in the win. The Rebels won this game wire to wire as they went into the half up 15-11. After being rattled a little by the Trojans in the third quarter with the lead dwindled down to 35-31 with 30 seconds left in the third quarter, they pulled away in the fourth quarter to get the win.

The Rebels held the Trojans to 35.8 percent shooting from the field all game including 18.2 percent shooting in the first quarter.

• Simba French
• Nov 27, 2023
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The Villanova University Wildcats (6-1) claimed their third Battle 4 Atlantis (B4A) title with a dominant 79-63 victory over the University of Memphis Tigers (5-1) at the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Paradise Island resort on Friday as the tournament came to a close.

The Wildcats did a lot of their damage in the first half of the game, when they played some stifling defense and held the Tigers to just 18 points. They finished with a balanced scoring attack with all five starters scoring in double-digits. They were led by TJ Bamba with 13 points.

“I really thought we came out and set the tone,” Neptune said. “I was really proud of our guys, especially the first 10 minutes or so. We played extremely hard, really locked in. Every player gave it their all.”

The Wildcats’ Eric Dixon who scored 11 points on Friday, won the Battle 4 Atlantis Most Valuable Player award. He averaged 21.6 points and eight rebounds per game in the tournament.

It was a fluid first half for the Wildcats from deep where they shot 8-for-19 to shoot 42.1 percent from the field. The Tigers went 1-for-12 from deep in that half to shoot just 8.3 percent from that spot. It was a tough first half on the whole for the Tigers who went 4-for-27 to shoot just 14.8 percent. The Wildcats had a strong first half shooting 15-for-34 from the field to shoot 44.1 percent.

The Tigers were able to make the game a respectable one when they went on a 24-3 run in the second half to cut the margin to 67-53 with just over four minutes remaining in the game. That lead got back to 20 points when Bamba got a slam dunk with 51 seconds left to go up 79-59. It was too late for the Tigers to mount a comeback.

“That first half was definitely a nightmare,” Memphis coach Penny Hardaway said. “We couldn’t make a shot, couldn’t get a rebound. We couldn’t do anything right. You could just see the team losing confidence by the second. We never changed momentum.”

Neptune was impressed with the B4A tournament.

“This is a big-time tournament. It’s always extremely well done. It’s a good stomping ground for us,” Neptune said.

Earlier in the week, Bahamian Yolett McPhee-McCuin, head coach of the number 24 nationally ranked Ole Miss University Rebels lifted the B4A women’s title. They easily took care of the University of Michigan Wolverines 60-49.