FINAL RUN: The Villanova University Wildcats snuck past the North Carolina Tar Heels in an 83-81 overtime thriller to advance to their third Battle 4 Atlantis finals yesterday at the Imperial Arena, Paradise Island. Photos: Dante Carrer

As of Friday, November 24, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The Villanova University Wildcats snuck past the North Carolina Tar Heels in an 83-81 overtime thriller to advance to their third Battle 4 Atlantis finals yesterday at the Imperial Arena, Paradise Island.

#The semifinals victory gave them their fifth win of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) season and the Tar Heels suffered their first loss to drop to 4-1.

#The Wildcats are now scheduled to face the Memphis Tigers in the final round today after the latter stopped the Arkansas Razorbacks 84-79.

#Fans at the Imperial Arena were given a Thanksgiving treat courtesy of the Wildcats and Tar Heels men’s basketball teams. Both squads came into the matchup following blowout wins against their respective opponents in the opening round and wanted nothing more than to advance to the championship game.

#In the opening quarter, both teams showed up to play and were unable to create a significant margin on the scoreboard. The Tar Heels still managed to separate the teams by 2 (34-32) to prepare for the second half of NCAA basketball.

#Despite a small lead going into the second half, the Tar Heels and Wildcats remained neck and neck in the semifinals contest.

#The game was tied multiple times in the second half until the Tar Heels got a nine-point advantage (55-46) after guard RJ Davis knocked down a jumper at 10:52.

#However, the Wildcats erased the lead with a 9-0 run and some strong offensive play by Eric Dixon to even the score at 57.

#The Wildcats forward had a career night in points with 34 to pair alongside 10 rebounds for a monster double-double in the win. He shot 11-for-19 on 58 per cent shooting and made three buckets from behind the arc.

#It was a see-saw affair the rest of the way in the second half. The final moments of regulation saw Dixon once again knock down a big two-pointer, this time at 3:08 to propel the Wildcats by 3. Tar Heels guard Ryan Cormac splashed a three-pointer from the corner on an assist from Elliot Cadeau to match the Wildcats on the scoreboard at 68.

#The extra period of play got underway but the pattern of the game remained the same. Both teams refused to give an edge until Villanova’s Justin Moore, who scored five points in OT, converted two shots at the charity stripe to make the lead 81-76.

#Davis, of North Carolina, responded with a two-pointer and on the night had a team-high 23 points in the loss. Villanova guard Mark Armstrong had 10 points in the game, two of which were successful free throws to ice the game for the Wildcats.

#Harrison Ingram dropped 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting for the Tar Heels in the loss. Meanwhile, forward Armando Bacot scored eight points and pulled down 18 rebounds.

#The championship game begins at 3:30pm and the third place match will be played at 1pm today in the Imperial Arena.

As of Friday, November 24, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#VETERAN boxer Carl Hield followed up his successful pro debut with another victory, this time at the Fight Night in Santa Marta, Colombia.

#He delivered a fifth loss to the more experienced Diomedes Miranda with a third-round technical knockout at the Coliseo de Pescaito David Ruiz Ureche on Wednesday night. It was the second match for the seasoned boxer since his transition to professional bouts and he was happy to see his hard work pay off.

#“First of all I want to give God thanks for giving me the opportunity to come here, be healthy and able to put on a good performance against a tough rival with a good knockout. I am thankful that I got through the fight with the victory,” Hield said.

#The Bahamian stepped into the ring against Miranda who had 21 wins along with 17 knockouts and only four losses coming into the super welterweight division match.

#Although it was a more experienced opponent, Hield felt he had something to prove going into the match and talked about how he pulled off the TKO victory.

#“I was just using my jabs, moving up and down, staying away from the big punches he was swinging in the first round to get me out quick. I did what I do best, which was hit and move. The body shots started to wear him down in the second round and then I hit him with two good body shots and he did not get back up,” he said.

#The 36-year-old now has an unblemished 2-0-0 record with two knockout wins under his belt. The first came in his professional debut against Colombia’s Elkin Bolano at the International Knockout Night in Cartagena, Colombia in October. Hield pulled off a TKO in the second round of their pro boxing bout.

#One of the decorated boxer’s main reasons for leaving the amateur ranks was to earn more experience ahead of next year’s Olympic qualifiers for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. With another potential match in the cards for next week, he has appreciated every step of the journey so far.

#“This journey has put me in a great position for the Olympic trials because if I did not decide to go pro I would have been just training until the qualifiers. I am just trying to stay as active as I could until next year,” he said.

#He has faced lots of adversity in 2023, including the loss of a friend, his mother Norma Hield and not being selected to represent The Bahamas at the Pan American Games for the boxing discipline.

#Despite the odds, Hield has found a silver lining in it all.

#“For me after they made the decision not to send me to Pan Am I saw it as God’s plan working. It gave me a chance to get to the professional ranks because if they sent me to Pan Am, I would still be in the amateurs,

#“Everything paid off on my end and it just gives me motivation to keep going everyday and be the best that I can be,” he said.

#The Bahamian pro boxer’s end goal remains the same, trying to qualify for next year’s Olympic Games and working towards putting himself in a position to be in contention for a world title next year.

#He maintains that his will and dedication to boxing is important and wants to do it all to honour his late mother.

#He offered a special thanks to the Bahamas Boxing Federation and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

As of Friday, November 24, 2023

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Ras Jesse Delancy

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@treibunemedia.net

#AFTER turning in a leading performance for the Benedict College Tigers, Ras Jesse Delancy is eager to continue his collegiate volleyball career with the University of Charleston Golden Eagles.

#“I decided to change schools to climb up in the volleyball rankings,” said Delancy, who is now in his junior year. “To become a better player, to be in a better programme and play better competition.”

#Delancy, a 6-foot, 8-inch outside hitter, said the environment is an ideal one for him.

#“I love the new environment, the city is nothing special but it helps to focus on exactly what I came here to do,” he said. “My new teammates are amazing, we push each other constantly.”

#The 23-year-old comes in as the 2023 Division II National Player of the Year, but he admits that there’s more pressure playing at a higher level of college volleyball.

#“The expectations are high, like our coach told us we’re going to be the one to control our destiny this year and I truly believe that,” he stated

#The Golden Eagles men’s volleyball season will start on Saturday, January 13, against Queens University of Charlotte. They have a total of 27 games to play during the regular season that will conclude on Saturday, April 13, against Princeton University.

#“Not to downplay my last team but we’re in two completely different leagues,” he pointed out. “The team I’m on now was ranked nationally as high as 12th in all of the NCAA (Division 1 and Division 2).”

#Although there have been other Bahamians who played for Benedict College, including Donovan Wilmott, Clint Forbes, Terran Walkin and Zion Beckford, Delancy is the only Bahamian on the men’s volleyball roster.

#In fact, he’s the only Bahamian on the whole campus, which is a big difference from Benedict College.

#At Benedict College, Delancy participated on the Tigers’ track and field team as a high jumper. But with his emphasis on volleyball, he’s not certain if he will venture into track and field in his final two years in college.

#Once he’s done with college, Delancy, who also played on the Bahamas men’s national team, has indicated that he would like to become a professional player so he’s putting all of his eggs in one basket at the University of Charlesto

As of Friday, November 24, 2023

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Dr Kent Bazard

#Fortifying Defences: Exercise’s Immune-Boosting Qualities

#AS the flu season looms, our best defence might just be a regular workout routine. Beyond its well-known benefits for cardiovascular health and weight management, exercise is proving to be a key player in bolstering our immune system.

#In this article, we explore the scientific link between physical activity and immune function, drawing insights from medical literature to underscore its protective benevolence.

#The Immunological Symphony

#Engaging in regular exercise orchestrates a symphony within our immune system. Physical activity stimulates the circulation of immune cells, such as white blood cells and natural killer cells, throughout the body. This heightened circulation enhances the surveillance and response capabilities of our immune defences.

#Quoting Medical Literature: Expert Insights

#Renowned immunologist Dr. John A. Campbell highlights, “Regular moderate-intensity exercise is associated with a variety of beneficial immune changes, including enhancements in the response of various immune cells, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and antibody production.”

#Dr. David C. Nieman, an expert in exercise immunology, adds, “Exercise is a powerful modulator of the immune response, and its effects are widespread throughout the body.”

#Timing Matters: Acute vs. Chronic Exercise

#Acute Exercise and Immune Vigilance: A single session of moderate-intensity exercise can temporarily enhance immune function, providing a transient but potent boost to our defences.

#Chronic Exercise and Long-Term Resilience: Consistent, long-term exercise contributes to a sustained elevation in immune surveillance, reducing the risk of infections over time.

#Mitigating Stress Impact

#Stress, a known immunosuppressant, often accompanies the flu season. Regular exercise acts as a counterbalance, mitigating the impact of stress on the immune system. Physical activity promotes stress resilience, creating a harmonious environment where our immune defences can operate optimally.

#Conclusion: As Flu Season Arrives in Our Sunshine Paradise, Exercise Becomes Our Defence In the sun-soaked haven of the Bahamas, where our weather dances between warmth and occasional chills during flu season, staying healthy is as critical a local art form as Junkanoo.

#With visitors flocking to our shores, ensuring our immune system is in top form becomes a shared mission. The immune-boosting wonders of regular exercise aren’t just some beachside chat; they’re backed by solid science. So, in the face of the seasonal viral Junkanoo, let’s slip into our sneakers, hit the road, park, or gym, and give our immune systems a tropical workout to keep the flu at bay. In the words of your friendly neighborhood Sports Medicine Physician, “Exercise is Medicine!”

#• 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 24, 2023

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#NATIONAL HALL OF FAMERS: The 12 members of the Class of 2023 were inducted into the National Hall of Fame last night at Breezes SuperClubs. The event was originally scheduled for Government House but was moved to the new venue. Rubyann Darling, deputy to Governor General Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, presided over the induction in her absence. Also on hand for the event were Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and Bahamas Olympic Committee president Rommel Knowles. Officials from the various sporting bodies and families of the inductees were also present. Inducted were Lawrence ‘Larry’ Davis (basketball), Anton Sealey (soccer), Allan Murray (swimming), John Johnson (basketball), Craig Flowers (golf), Peter Pratt (track and field), Mark Knowles (tennis), Irvin Taylor (cricket), Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson (volleyball), Yvonne Lockhart (softball), Fernley Palmer (boxing) and James ‘Sam’ Brown (cycling). They were all presented with their yellow jackets, indicating the significance of their achievement.

THE CHAMPIONS: The Royal Bahamas Defence Force Floaters championship team celebrate after defeating The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) Interceptors to capture The Bahamas Government Departmental Softball Association’s 2023 men’s championship title.

As of Friday, November 24, 2023

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#THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Floaters found themselves in familiar territory after defeating The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) Interceptors in dominating fashion to capture The Bahamas Government Departmental Softball Association’s 2023 men’s championship at the Blue Hill Playing Field over the weekend.

#After not fielding a championship team since the 2014 campaign, the team jubilantly uncorked sparkling champagne bottles on the field, with teammates high-fiving and hugging each other. It took longer than anticipated, but the passing of the torch to the younger players has been a tremendous success.

#The RBDF team won the best-of-seven series by a final score of 28-5, defeating their law enforcement counterparts in five games. They jumped out to a commanding 23-0 lead before the men from the Correctional Service could score their first run.

#Aaron Wood, Martin Conliffe and Perez Burrows all went deep for the Floaters, along with a grand slam by Garfield Bethel. Godwin Taylor was tagged with the loss for BDOCS.

#Dwayne Mackey, who during his early career was a vacuum at shortstop, pitched an outstanding game.

#He noted that the team was inspired to win it all after dedicating the season to former player Keith “Slimy” Moss, who is currently facing medical challenges.

#A perennial slugger on numerous championship teams with the Floaters, Moss’ presence in the dugout during the series proved to be a motivational factor.

#“We wanted to win this one for him (Moss), which made this season a special one,” said Mackey, who also serves as the team manager.

#“We had nine young players who all came together for one common goal, and our game plan was to put up lots of runs to let Correctional Services know who the better team is.

#“I applaud their effort, but we were not about to make this final game a close one, as with the previous games.”

#Establishing its supremacy as a dynasty, the RBDF Floaters have now won 30 out of a possible 42 BGDSA championships contested since the league’s inauguration in 1979, which includes a streak of 17 consecutive championships won from 1992 to 2008.

#Games were not played in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Windsor rowing team with their coaches.

As of Friday, November 24, 2023

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Silver medal girls coxed four team with assistant coach Kali Brown and head coach Rob Gibson.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@treibunemedia.net

#DIRECTOR of rowing and head coach Rob Gibson said he was very impressed with the Windsor School Albany’s 10-member team that captured a pair of silver medals at the Brenderson Chase Regatta in Sarasota, Florida, over the weekend.

#Isaiah Ellis, a 16-year-old 12th grader, led the way for the team with his silver medal performance in the men’s under-17 singles 1x, while Priya Alexander (14), Alessandra Callender (15), Emman Reynolds (15), Brooklyn Louis (15) and Emma Johnston (13) teamed up for the other silver in the women’s under-17 Coxed Four 4+.

#“The performances of the team exceeded our expectations,” said Gibson, who was assisted by Kali Brown.

#“We arrived late on Friday evening due to maintenance repairs of our aircraft. “By the time we got to Tampa and drove to Sarasota, the course was closed, so we couldn’t go for a practice run. So the team did well. They raced in multiple events. It was a wonderful weekend and the team represented Windsor School and the Bahamas with integrity and pride.”

#If they had gotten there in time to practice, Gibson said he’s convinced that both Ellis and the girls’ team would have had a better chance to win the gold.

#The other members of the Windsor team were Jake Young, 17, Andre Forbes, 17, Sandor Bianchi, 16 and Malcolm Menzies, 15.

#Ellis, competing out of a field of 29 competitors, said when he decided to attend a rowing summer camp three years ago as a student at St John’s College, it changed his life because he was so impressive that he earned a scholarship at Windsor School. He noted that he’s seen a dramatic improvement in his performances as he earned his third consecutive silver medal overseas.

#His previous performances came in Virginia and Texas. “My single race was amazing. Being able to do a 5k on such a wonderful course was amazing,” Ellis said.

#“I was very pleased with the way I performed.”

#Despite his latest performance, Ellis felt that if he can improve on his weight and get his oar off the water, he would be more fluent in the future.

#As for the Windsor School rowing team, Ellis said they couldn’t ask for a better coach than Gibson, who has enabled them to develop a family-oriented atmosphere with their team-mates, which both attribute to their success.

#“This is just a great environment to be around,” he stated. “I’m just glad to be a part of the team.”

#Gibson, a three-time Canadian Olympian who has been working with Windsor Academy for the past three years, said the progress of the programme at Windsor School has been moving steadily in the right direction. “We have a lot of interest here at the school in competing on the rowing team,” he said. “We have 10 members on our senior team and we have 11 members who have been trying out for our club team, which trains once or twice a week after school.

#“The top team trains up to seven times a week right now and the other team just trains once or twice a week. It’s a good number, but we look forward to expanding the team as we look forward to purchasing more equipment.”

#While he calls it both a challenging and a rewarding experience for him personally, Gibson said the future is very bright for rowing, both at the school and in the Bahamas as well.

#“I think the young athletes that I have seen here are exceptionally resilient and every time we get an opportunity to go out and perform, they always rise to the occasion, so I’m a very proud coach.”

#Gibson said at the end of this semester, Windsor School will hold a 2,000 metre rowing test on Thursday, December 7 at the school where the members will be drilled on their physical fitness and their potential of the sport.

#“It’s the main source of information that the college coaches use to recruit potential rowing members for athletic scholarships,” Gibson said.

#As they begin the new school year, Gibson said they will look at taking the team to another Florida regatta in January or February. There are a number of other regattas that the Windsor School intends to participate in as the school year continues.

As of Friday, November 24, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@treibunemedia.net

#WHILE her focus will be on her career as a professional bodybuilder, Lorraine LaFleur is leaving the day-to-day operation of her Gainz for Life Fitness Center in the capable hands of her talented young daughter Allyssa Fox.

#Lafleur, founder of Gainz for Life Fitness, just recently captured her second pro card when she represented The Bahamas as one of the national professional bodybuilders at the 2023 Orlando Joe Weider’s Amateur Olympia – taking home the overall women’s physique title and her 2nd IFBB Professional League Pro Card.

#Now that she’s back home, LaFleur said she plans to focus on educating the members of Gainz for Life Fitness on the importance of mental and physical wellness and encouraging more individuals to participate in bodybuilding.

#She intends to take a more hands-on approach with the community that has developed within her gym with Fox taking over the overall management of the Gainz for Life Fitness brand as the chief executive officer.

#After living in Canada for five years and earning her bachelor’s degree in finance, Fox recently returned to Nassau to take over the company.

#Having competed alongside her mom at ages 16 and 17, Fox also believes that a healthy, balanced lifestyle is crucial for an individual to maintain their mental and physical wellness. “Therefore, Gainz for Life Fitness aims to provide a safe, respectful space where individuals can focus on improving their health, achieving their goals and fostering relationships with the people around them,” she said.

#“We hope to have a positive impact on everyone who joins the G4LF community and eventually branch out to collaborate with other health centric organisations in the community.”

#Additionally, LaFleur and Fox will be working on bringing in their first line of clothing and fitness accessories shortly, so that members can represent the G4LFFAM when they’re out. “Our members are amazing and quirky,” they said. “We love the mix of personalities within the G4LF community, and am grateful to receive an opportunity to serve them.

#In the future, we hope that the Gainz for Life Fitness brand will inspire those who they connect with to connect with and learn themselves. So, that we can embody our motto: Mind. Body. Focus on you.”

#Gainz for Life is located in the Danmar Plaza south of the East Street and Solider Road junction. At present, they cater to about 500 members that frequent the training facilities from 5am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm on Saturdays and 9am to 3pm on Sundays and holidays.

As of Friday, November 24, 2023

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#THE TMT Giants and the Mekaddish Millionaires pulled off the New Providence Basketball Association’s double header at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium on Wednesday night.

#The Giants prevailed with a 65-47 rout over the University of the Bahamas Mingoes in the men’s division one feature contest, while the Millionaires held off the Heatwaves 88-83 in the division II opener.

#Giants 65,

#Mingoes 47

#Ujamaa Johnson led four players in double figures for TMT with 12 points, five rebounds, five steals and four assists in their victory.

#Arlington Brown had 11 points, 20 rebounds and a pair of assists, Donovan Dean also had 11 points with four rebounds and Christophe Johnson helped out with 10 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and two block shots.

#In a losing effort for UB, Theodore Grant had 16 points, six steals, five rebounds and three assists, Glenderson Black had eight points, eight rebounds, two assists and as many steals and both Timothy Grant and Erquantae Edgecombe had six points and six and five rebounds respectively.

#Millionaires 88,

#Heatwaves 83

#Javon Adderley led Mekaddish and three other players in double figures with 18 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and three assists.

#Travjuan Alleyne had 15 points and 16 rebounds, Ronie Pierre had 15 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals and Chad-Vasughn James had 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.

#Both Clayton Miller Jr and Evens Joseph had eight points each. Joseph also had six rebounds.

#Johnacy Augustin had 24 points with six assists, four rebounds and two steals to pace the losers. Rhameeko Butler added 19 points with five rebounds and four steals, Dimario Markland had 15 points, 10 rebounds and three steals and Joshua Forbes had 13 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals.

#Tonight’s schedule

#7:30pm – Rythm Rebels

#vs Produce Express

#Rockets (DII)

#8:30pm – Discount

#Liquors Rockets vs

#Sunlight Cottage

#Stampers (D1)

#Saturday

#7:30pm – Your Essential Store vs Island Development Construction Rebels (DII)

#8:30pm – Island Development Rebels vs Commonwealth Banks Giants (D1)

As of Friday, November 24, 2023

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KIX Academy’s under-9 and under-12 boys’ teams are scheduled to travel to Plantation, Florida, today for the 37th annual Plantation Thanksgiving Classic.

#KIX Academy is heading to Plantation, Florida, today for the 37th annual Plantation Thanksgiving Classic.

#The under-9 and under-12 boys teams, entering their 4th year, eagerly anticipate the challenge in the tournament’s bronze division. Today, the u9s face off against Weston FC u9 Blue at 2:30pm, while the u12s take on Cape City FC at 3:45pm. On Saturday, matchups include the u9s against West Pines United 2015 Elite and Greater Boca YSA 2015-2016 Pre-Academy, and the u12s against Greater Boca YSA 2012 Pre-Academy and Miami Stars Soccer 2012.

#With the potential for semifinals and finals on Sunday, head coach Jared Higgs emphasizes developmental goals in this first international outing. “This trip will really tell us where we are at and where we need to improve.”

#Highlighting the significance of exposure, Higgs said: “The most important thing is the exposure. We want the players to have the best opportunities even at a young age.”

#Despite facing local Bahamian u11 club teams before the tournament, the focus remains on improvement. Acknowledging the support from parents and sponsors like Doctors Hospital, Mexicaba, and Bahamas Wholesale Agencies, coach Higgs expresses gratitude. “Sponsors are crucial because they relieve a huge burden from the parents and the programme itself,” he says. “We believe in Bahamian excellence at Kix Academy, and are extremely grateful for the sponsors who see the vision and support us in reaching our goals.”