• Dec 18, 2023
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The Caribbean Gas Panthers ended the first half of the 2023-2024 New Providence Volleyball Association (NPVA) season unbeaten at the D.W. Davis Gymnasium on Friday, taking down the Set-sy Poppers in four sets.

The two-time defending champions Panthers improved to an 8-0 win/loss record on the season, winning comfortably, 22-25, 25-14, 25-12 and 25-15. The Panthers dropped the first set, but quickly turned the tables on the Poppers, winning the second and third sets comfortably before finishing off their opponent in four.

The Poppers remained winless on the season, dropping to 0-7.

In the early game on Friday, the Lady Spikers defeated the Lady Techs in three sets. They won easily, 25-13, 25-20 and 25-13, in a match that lasted just an hour and seven minutes.

The Lady Spikers won 75 total points in the one-sided affair while holding the Lady Techs to 46. The Lady Spikers go into the Christmas break with a 7-2 record, losing both of their games to the defending champions Panthers. The Lady Techs dropped to 1-7.

Also last week, the University of the Bahamas (UB) Mingoes turned back the Poppers in straight sets, winning easily, 25-16, 25-22 and 25-13. They won 75 points compared to 51 for the Poppers. The Mingoes improved to 3-5 on the season.

The other team in the women’s division, the Bamboo Shack Lady Warhawks, defeated the Lady Techs in straight sets last week. They won easily, 25-16, 25-17 and 25-23, in a match that lasted an hour and 14 minutes. The Lady Warhawks won 75 points in that contest compared to 56 for the Lady Techs. They improved to a 4-2 record, third in the standings behind the Panthers and the Lady Spikers.

As mentioned, the Panthers are the two-time defending champions. They won in 2019 and again in 2022. There was no league play in 2020 and 2021 due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the men’s standings, the defending champions Tour Daddy Defenders go into the Christmas break with a league-leading 6-2 record. The Warhawks are closely behind at 5-2, the Technicians follow at 3-5 and the National Fence Intruders bring up the rear at 2-7.

• Simba French
• Dec 18, 2023
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Bahamian professional basketball players in Europe experienced some action on the court in various leagues over the weekend.

Kentwan Smith was busy being the top performer for his team at Luleå Energi Arena in Lulea, Sweden, helping BC Lulea (10-5) take down Jamtland (10-4), 89-80, in the Swedish Basketball League on Friday. The forward finished with 13 points and three rebounds in 31 minutes on the floor.

He shot the ball at a 50 percent clip from the field when he finished 5-for-10 in his team’s 10th win of the season. Smith also had a season-high four steals to go with two assists for his team.Up Next – Mahle on signing with RangersUp Next – Mahle on signing with Rangersclosehttps://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.609.1_en.html#goog_458198773Ad 1 of 1 (0:08)NextStay

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Smith’s team was able to jump out to a huge 24-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter. They extended that lead to 23 at the half, going up 52-29.

The visitors picked it up in the second half with a 25-18 third quarter advantage and a 26-19 advantage in the final quarter. It was not enough to beat BC Lulea.

Smith is having a strong season in Sweden, averaging 13.3 points and 5.8 rebounds in 28.7 minutes per game.

Lulea returns to action with an away and home matchup against Umea (2-13) on December 27 and December 30, respectively, to close out the calendar year.

Radshad Davis dropped in 18 points for Vendee Challans Basket (8-9) in a 94-81 loss to Rueil (10-7) in an away game at the Rueil Stadium in Rueil, France, on Friday. They play in the Nationale Masculine 1 (NM1), the third division basketball league, in France.

Davis went 8-for-14 from the floor, shooting 51.7 percent in 31 minutes on the floor. He had three assists and two rebounds to go with one steal.

Playing in France has done wonders for Davis as he is averaging 17.7 points in 28.5 minutes per game this season. The forward is also averaging 6.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Defensively, Davis is averaging 1.6 steals per game.

Davis and Challans will take on Rennes (10-7) at the Salle Michel Vrignaud on Friday, December 22 at 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Domnick Bridgewater was in action in the NM1 league on Friday for Avignon/Pontet Basket (8-9). They lost to Mulhouse (9-8), 86-81, on their home court in Avignon, France.

Bridgewater had his worst scoring game of the season when he finished with just six points. He also had a tough time shooting from the field, going 1-for-10. Most of his points came from the charity stripe where he finished 4-for-6. He had two rebounds and two assists.

Bridgewater has played in all 17 games for his team and is averaging 13.7 points and 4.9 assists in 24.5 minutes per game. He is averaging 1.7 steals per contest.

They will play their final game of the calendar year on Friday, December 22 on the road against Lyon (6-11) at 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Edgecombe averages 27.5 points over two games

• Simba French
• Dec 18, 2023
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Bahamian high school basketball sensation Valdez ‘VJ’ Edgecombe could not have asked for better homecoming games as he put on a show this past weekend, averaging 28.5 points at the 2nd Annual Hoopfest in Paradise at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium.

Edgecombe is ranked at number five on ESPN’s Top 100 list of high school players. The last time he played at home in The Bahamas was at the Hugh Campbell Tournament at the A.F. Adderley Gymnasium in February 2020. He said he was happy to return home and play in front of family and friends with his Long Island Lutheran High School team that is based in Brookville, New York. Speaking with reporters while holding his baby brother, he had a smile on his face.

“It has been a minute since I played here,” Edgecombe said. “I think I have matured more on and off the court. On the court, I grew since you guys last saw me – just growing into my body and adjusting to getting stronger and faster to get to the next level. It was good to be back home to see everyone and play in front of family and fans and also to get some good food,” said Edgecombe.Top 10 Plays of the WeekTop 10 Plays of the WeekclosecloseNextStay

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He had his highest-scoring output on Friday, dropping a game-high 30 points as his team was able to cruise to an 81-68 victory against Mater Dei Catholic High School out of Chula Vista, California. The Bimini native put up 25 points in an 83-50 blowout win for Long Island Lutheran over Riviera Preparatory School out of Miami, Florida, on Saturday.

Playing in front of college scouts, National Basketball Association (NBA) scouts and NBA legends Carmelo Anthony and Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith, Edgecombe did not disappoint as he was the star in the gym on Friday. The former Gateway Christian Academy (Bimini, The Bahamas) guard got off to a slow start, something that he chalked up to tough shooting, but once he got going, the opposing defense had no answer for him. His ball-handling skills were on display as was his shooting and his ability to score in the paint.

“Having a slow start is normal. I just adjusted to it,” Edgecombe said. “I just used my athleticism and my strength. I had to find a way to score and impact the game.”

Long Island Lutheran were lackluster in the beginning as Mater Dei opened the game looking like the better team. After Edgecombe’s team got settled, they began to play better. They got in the open floor by forcing turnovers and that led to easy baskets on the other end. At the end of the first quarter, Long Island Lutheran was up 16-12.https://a59d421ff944a1f8c0a61dc20d1d8ad1.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

Both teams scored 20 points in the second quarter and Long Island Lutheran led 36-32 at the half. Edgecombe’s comfort and ability to control the game on offense showed in the third quarter. He had a 10-point effort in that stanza and this team led 54-51 after three.

It was a dominant fourth quarter for Edgecombe’s team as they extended the lead to double digits for the first time in the game. They ended up outscoring Mater Dei, 27-17, in the fourth, coasting to the 81-68 win. Edgecombe dropped in eight points in that quarter.

Carmelo Anthony’s son, Kiyan Anthony, finished with 18 points. Mater Dei’s Luke Barnett finished with 29 points that included a whopping nine three-point shots.

After the game, Edgecombe was greeted by his family, supporters and old Gateway Academy teammates.

“It means a lot to me to have a lot of family and friends here and have the fans in my corner. Being the first from my island to go this far, it means a lot. The support system is great, they are every step behind me,” Edgecombe said.

Sitting at courtside on Friday night was Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg. The former senior men’s national basketball team head coach raved about Edgecombe’s play.

“He was quite frankly the best player on the basketball court tonight. He is very poised and has a very high IQ for the game of basketball. One could see he was the best basketball player on the floor. He is headed somewhere and he just have to remain focused and keep doing what he is doing. I have coached Bahamians and he has one of the highest IQs that I have ever seen in the game of basketball,” Bowleg said.https://a59d421ff944a1f8c0a61dc20d1d8ad1.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

Also on Friday night, the New Providence Public Schools Select Team and the New Providence Private Schools Select Team, bout out of The Bahamas, played each other. In the end, it was the public schools team winning, 61-50.

Steveacko Jacques led the public schools team with a team-high 13 points in the win. Nekero Brown finished with a team-high 11 points in the loss.

There were three other boys teams in action over the weekend namely Faith Family Academy (Dallas, Texas), Link Academy (Branson, Missouri), and Dynamic Preparatory School (Irving, Texas).

There were four girls teams in action namely Long Island Lutheran High School team (Brookville, New York), Lake Highland Preparatory School team (Orlando, Florida), Etiwanda High School team (Rancho Cucamonga, California) and DeSoto High School team (DeSoto, Texas).

HEART OF A CHAMPION: Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg presents medals to the CV Bethel Stingrays senior girls, who took home the championship title yesterday. Six teams hoisted championship trophies at the conclusion of the 35th Father Marcian Peters Invitational Basketball Tournament at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium. Photo: Dante Carrer

As of Thursday, December 14, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#Six teams hoisted their championship trophies in the 35th Father Marcian Peters Basketball Tournament yesterday evening at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.

#On the final day of tourney action, the Jordan Prince Williams Falcons took the title in the intermediate division while the Freedom Baptist Academy Warriors as well as the Teleos Christian School Cherubims won the primary schools boys and girls’ titles respectively.

#The CV Bethel Stingrays took home yet another championship hardware for the senior girls’ division and the CH Reeves Raptors avenged last year’s loss to win the junior girls’ trophy. For the boys, the DW Davis Royals emerged as victors on Wednesday.

#The Stingrays collected a 38-32 win over the CI Gibson Lady Rattlers to take the senior girls’ hardware. Leading the Stingrays to a second consecutive victory at the Marcian Peters tourney was Trinity Bodie. She dropped a game-high 16 points to not only lead all scorers but take home the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) honours. The newly-crowned champions opened the contest 10-3 in the first quarter against the CI Gibson Lady Rattlers. They then closed out the second half with a 17-14 advantage and never looked back.

#Shantelle Rolle, who earned the outstanding coach award for the senior girls, was impressed by them earning a second straight victory.

#“It feels great. I told my girls we have to come out and defend our championship. I think our performance was great. We came out and executed on defence which translated to easy offence. This is our fourth time beating them, every time we play them we have to do what we have to do to beat them,” Rolle said.

#The Raptors were last year’s runners-up in the junior girls’ division but this time around they were crowned champions after knocking off the Lady Cherubims 27-15.

#The victors got a 6-3 advantage in the first period which blossomed into an 11-8 lead at halftime.

#Tajhaniqua Morley poured in 21 points for CH Reeves, scoring eight points in the fourth quarter for the win. Her game-high performance helped her to secure the MVP award.

#Varel Davis, who took home the outstanding coach award for the junior girls, was happy to see the girls – a majority being new players on the roster – avenge last year’s loss. “Throughout the tournament we played extremely well. Last year we were runners-up to HO Nash so I told my girls this is our year to win. We are excited and happy to take the trophy back to Raptors country. This year I have all new players other than two players from last year and to see the growth and improvement over the past few weeks has been good. These girls are dedicated and they are willing to learn so I am very proud of them for the job they did here tonight,” she said.

#The Royals shut down the LW Young Golden Eagles 57-25 to blow out their opponents and take the junior boys’ title. On Wednesday evening, Windisky Paul was too much for the Golden Eagles as he scored 19 points to propel his team over their opponents. Paul was named the junior boys’ MVP. The champions bested the latter 38-17 to go into the second half and after this period the game was a foregone conclusion.

#Mark Hanna, head coach of the DW Davis Royals and recipient of the outstanding coach award, was pleased with the win and tournament experience.

#“This was a very excellent tournament, hats off to the committee, Jimmy Clarke and his crew who did an excellent job. This is the most organised I have seen it over the years we have been coming. It feels great to be a champion in this tournament because it is a collaborative effort between private schools, government schools and island schools, so if you come out on top of this you get bragging rights for the full year,” Hanna said.

#The Falcons defeated Patrick J Bethel in the intermediate boys’ division 43-39. Meanwhile, the Lady Cherubims ended the Warriors 18-13 in the primary girls’ division. Evanaya Pierre was presented with the MVP trophy. The Warriors’ primary school boys toppled the Temple Christian Suns 33-13. Dario Musgrove hoisted the MVP award for the team.

Photos: Dante Carrer

As of Friday, December 15, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#It was a major adjustment for many of the Bahamas’ professional golfers as they had to fight through the wind and the rain more so than they did their rivals on the Ocean Golf Club course yesterday.

#It was the first day of the four days of competition in the Bahamas Professional Golf Association’s celebrations of the nation’s 50th anniversary with the return of the National Golf Championships on Paradise Island.

#The adverse weather conditions forced officials, at that point, to suspend play because of the heavy rain. When they resumed, some of the foursomes managed to complete their first 32 holes of play.

#For those who didn’t, they will have to pick up where they left off at 9am today before the second round begins at 11am. At stake at the end of the first 72 holes will be a spot for the winner in the Korn Ferry Golf Tour in Exuma in January.

#The final 72 holes, expected to be played on Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting, will be for the final spot on the Korn Ferry Tour for Abaco.

#But much more than that, players are also playing for cash prizes and the bragging rights as the national champion of the overall championship trophy for the Leroy ‘Roy’ Bowe Cup, the Donald ‘Nine’ Rolle Cup for the regular men, the Jim Duncombe Cup for the super men and the Francis Dunn Cup for the ladies’ champion.

#BPGA president Glen Pratt, who is competing in the senior division, said the players got a chance to play despite the inclement weather and that was the most significant thing of the day.

#“I think it went extremely well, the camaraderie was extremely strong. We had the coming together of the organisations with the president of the Bahamas Golf Federation Lynford Miller, played by former president Agatha Delancy, who hosted the registration and also gave some words of encouragement about inclusion with all of the golf communities,” Archer said. I think that went very well.”

#This year’s honour for the nationals is Vernon Lockhart, who serves as the chairman of the competition committee. He is being honoured for the role he played as the captain for the two victories that the Bahamas secured at the Caribbean Golf Championships in 1978 and 1980.

#“Lockhart, who also participated in the senior division, said he is thrilled to be honoured this year.

#“It’s always good when you’ve made a contribution and someone else recognises it and honours you for that contribution,” he said. “It always makes you feel good and I can say that the Bahamas Professional Golf Association decided to do that this year and I’m really excited and honoured to be recognised.

#“I’m humbled by the gesture. So it feels good.” As for his performance on day one, Lockhart called it a “baptism by rain” because he never saw a golf course play so difficult, not only with the rain, but with the wind.

#“It was almost impossible out there and I really didn’t know the weather was going to be this bad, but I tried on every shot.

#“It is what it is. I’m not finished yet, but at the beginning of the event, I didn’t have any expectations.

#“It was all about being here to support president Glen in getting the association back on its feet. It’s all about the younger players coming up.”

#With this being the 50th celebrations of the country’s capital, Pratt said they are disappointed that golf was not a part of the activities, although it was back in 1977 when Michael Rolle won the Mid-Atlantic Championships in Bermuda.

#“We had Greg Maycock, who still had that fire in his belly, coming out to compete, as well Racquel Riley, who became in from Abaco,” Pratt said.

#“We had a good combination of the old, the women and the youth in Devaughn Robinson and Cameron Riley.

#“Those are the things that are very encouraging for this event. Everybody was very happy and pleased with what happened today, despite the weather. We had the assistance of Arthur Johnson, who came out and helped out as well. So it was like a community outing today.”

#Based on the weather, Pratt said if the weather does not allow them to play all of the rounds, they have negotiated with the Ocean Club to play 36 holes on Sunday, starting at 8am with 54 holes completed, followed by the awards presentation.

As of Friday, December 15, 2023

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ARNOLD BAIN

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AS the announcer proclaimed quiet for “Mr Starter,” Arnold Brando Bain would get ready to crank up his gun to get the athletes in motion for the start of their track races at the Thomas A Robinson stadiums – old and new.

#When the athletes prepare for the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ 2024 season, starting hopefully on Saturday, December 21 with the Odd Distance Track Meet, they won’t see that familiar face at the starting line anymore.

#Bain, one of the long-time members of the Bahamas Association of Certified Officials, who worked primarily with the starting crew, passed away on Monday at the age of 56. The Water and Sewerage supervisor and veteran member of the One Family junkanoo group leaves behind his parents Arnold and Fiordelisa Bain, children Brendia and Brando Bain, brother Clint Bain and a host of relatives and friends, including his beloved BACO family.

#His days as a member of BACO began when he was a student at St Augustine’s College under principal Leviticus ‘Uncle Lou’ Adderley, who served as one of the founders of the group of officials, who officiated at local and international track and field events.

#“He was one of the longest serving members of BACO. He came in as a junior official under Lou Adderley,” said Val Kemp, the current president of BACO. “We could depend on him. He was a very proud member of BACO.

#“It’s very heartbreaking to see him go. You never expect these things, but we know that these too will pass. We just buried another long serving member in Grand Bahama, Marge Morris, who was there from the 1970s. She was just as active as Arnold.”

#While Bain worked with the throwing competition, he eventually gained a lot of attention serving as a starter. In fact, it was Barry Saunders, the head official for the starters, who discovered that Bain had taken ill when he made inquiries to get their guns licenced for the new year.

#Saunders remembered when he joined BACO in 1984, Bain was also serving as a junior official and after a short period of time, he was promoted to the ranks of a senior official and eventually as a starter.

#“He was one of those starters that I can say I learn from because he was there before me,” Saunders said. “Even when I left to go to school in Jamaica for 10 years and I came back, Arnold was still there as a starter.

#“When I went through my refresher course as a starter, I had to go through Arnold. He was always willing to learn and to teach. What stands out most about Arnold was the fact that he was always willing to lend a helping hand, no matter who the person was that needed the assistance.

#“I think the hardest thing for us was the fact that even when Arnold was having his challenges, he would still show up if you call him and say ‘hi, we need a starter.’ He would always be there. He still made an effort to come and give it his best.”

#Whether it was a big meet or a small meet, a local meet or an international meet, as a starter, Bain carried his duties in the same manner, according to Saunders. He was consistent.

#“That’s all that mattered. That’s where I learned that consistency, from Arnold. He treated all of the meets the same way. He never looked at favouring one meet over the other. He always wanted to give the athletes the best.

ARNOLD BAIN, centre back, is surrounded by members of the Bahamas Association of Certified Officials starting crew.

#“These athletes spend a lot of hours disciplining themselves, so we can only expect to give them the best. That is what I learnt from him. Regardless of what meet, when and where, we need to treat all the same and give them the best professional start we can.”

#Bain, according to Saunders, also willingly served in other disciplines like the throwing events and even the pole vault. Whenever he was needed, he was sure to lend his assistance. He was well versed in all areas of officiating.

#As a senior starter, Bain served as the chief or starter referee for a number of local and international meets held in the Bahamas, including the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ Nationals, the CARIFTA Games and the World Athletics’ World Relays.

#“We are really going to miss him. I can’t tell you it would be easy. It is reminiscent of the late Roosevelt Thompson, another starter, who devoted his life to BACO,” Saunders said. “These are the things that are very valuable to us. We hope that that other officials will be so inclined to give their best to officiating at all meets in the country.”

#As a chaplain at PMH, Saunders said when he tried to inquire about Bain’s condition on Monday, he was told that he had passed away.

#He and Kemp both expressed condolences on behalf of BACO to the family of Saunders. It will be hard not to see him at the starting line when the announcer states: “Mr Starter.” May his soul rest in peace.

As of Friday, December 15, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#IN anticipation of what is expected to be a hectic season in 2024, the National Sports Authority is giving the general public a prelude with the staging of ‘A Baseball Christmas.”

#The newly opened Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium will host a series of events on Friday, December 22, starting with the youth baseball game at noon and culminating with a home run derby featuring all of the power hitters in the country, be they professionals or amateurs.

#“We want to have a soft invite to the Bahamian public to come out to the park,” said Martin “Pork” Burrows, the NSA’s general manager of the ARBS. “We want to have a grand time as we go into Christmas and prepare for the new year in 2024.” Burrows noted that the NSA will showcase the hotly contested 10-and-under and 12-and-under divisions in two games as they adjust the field for their youth baseball competition.

#“They are the players who will bring the fans in because whenever they play, their parents and family members come out and support them,” Burrows said. “So we want to give them a chance to play in the big stadium and at the same time, allow their family members to come out and watch them perform.”

#As the NSA looks forward to the return of a senior baseball league next year, Burrows said they will follow the two youth games with an exhibition 25-and-over division around 5 pm.

#“This is an eye opener for us to see how many players are interested in playing,” he said.

#“Everybody is nagging us about playing senior league baseball again, so we’re giving them an opportunity to come out.”

#Practice sessions are currently being held every Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm at the stadium for all players interested in participating in the senior league next year.

#“With this game, we will have some of the college guys back, so it’s going to be a mixture of the local guys and the college guys playing with and against each other,” Burows projected.

#“We’ve always had the college guys come home for Christmas and they don’t have any league or game to play in and we have the local guys who always wanted to get a chance to p[lay against the college guys, so this is their chance to come out.”

#Following all of these games, Burrows said it will be “showtime” when all of the players, who didn’t get a chance to participate in the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise, will get a chance to display their power hitting at 7pm.

#Burrows said an invitation is extended to all of the players, who participated in the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise, including the newly crowned king Breyias Dean. He could not confirm who all will participate.

#The champion of the NSA Home Run Derby will collect a cash prize, the amount not yet determined, but Burrows lamented that it would be a good Christmas gift.

#“So you get to see guys like Sherman Ferguson, who like to hit the ball out of any park he plays in, along with Alcott Forbes, Richard Bain, Martin Burrows Jr,” Burrows said. “This is their time to come out and show what they can do.

#“It’s going to be an open home run derby for Bahamians. Once you are a Bahamian, whether you are a pro, collegian or local player, you are eligible to participate.”

#Burrows said the whole day is designed to allow Bahamians, who have not had an opportunity as yet to play in or sit in and watch, to come out and be a part of the activities.

#“We are trying to reach out to every aspect of baseball in the country,” Burrows said. “We have the youth, the big boys who missed about 15-20 years of not playing senior league baseball and the power hitters.

#“This is their opportunity for all of them to come out and stop all the talking and put the talking into action on the field. We are looking forward to having a grand event on Friday, December 22-23 at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium You don’t want to miss it.”

#Tickets are priced at $5 per person and suites in the upper deck are available. For those interested in the latter, they can contact Burrows at the NSA for more details.

As of Friday, December 15, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#A NUMBER of the top high school teams from the United States of America (USA) made their arrival yesterday for the second Hoopfest in Paradise High School Basketball Tournament.

#Ten teams, including six of the top boys’ teams and four of the top girls’ teams, are set to compete from December 15-16 at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.

#Additionally, two local teams from New Providence will have a chance to showcase their talents for NBA Scouts and college coaches. High school team coaches from Mater Dei, Faith Family Academy and Desoto High School got a chance to speak with reporters ahead of this weekend’s highly-anticipated basketball tourney.

#On Friday, the girls of Lake Highland Preparatory School take on Etiwanda High School at 2pm.

#The game will be followed by a matchup between Desoto High School and Long Island Lutheran High School at 3:30pm.

#Andrea Robinson, head coach of Desoto High School, is ready to take on the competition at the second Hoopfest in Paradise basketball tourney.

#“This would be our first time here so one of our goals is just to come out to this beautiful country and be able to experience some of the best high school basketball in the country.

#“We are matched up against the number one and two teams in the country so we have our work cut out but we are expecting some really good matchups versus some of the best teams in the country,” Robinson said.

#With it being the first appearance of Desoto High School in the tournament, the head coach talked about how it felt to be in The Bahamas.

#“It is amazing for high school basketball, for these young ladies to get the opportunity to play internationally at their age is great so we are extremely excited about them being afforded the opportunity and experience,” she said.

#Faith Family Academy, who currently has a 5-6 win/loss record, will square off against the boys of Riviera Preparatory School and the Long Island Lutheran High School on Friday and Saturday.

#Brandon Thomas, head coach of the Eagles, said a tourney such as Hoopfest in Paradise is very important for the high school players.

#“Playing in events like this at the Hoopfest in Paradise and in Dallas these are all the type of events that we want our kids to participate in because it gives them an opportunity to play against top notch competition not just good players but very well ran programmes like Mater Dei and Long Island Lutheran,”

#“Your preparation has to go into overtime because these teams are really good. They are gonna know who you are and you are gonna know who they are most importantly it is a platform for these kids,” he said.

#Coach Thomas is also looking forward to seeing his team put on a good showing in The Bahamas.

#“We are excited to give our kids new experiences most of our kids are travelling out of the country for the first time just going through Customs getting their passports stamped, it’s an experience that you would like to think will maybe motivate them in some other area of life to travel and see the world,” he said.

#He added that the team will look to rebound after a rough start in their first 11 games.

#Gary McKnight, head coach of Mater Dei High School boys team, acknowledged that his team has their work cut out for them against Lutheran High School, which features top Bahamian prospect Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe, on Friday at 8pm.

#“They are extremely talented and ranked number one in the country so it will be a really tough game. They have a lot of weapons so it is not like you can concentrate on one guy, you are going to have to be very balanced,” McKnight said.

#He added that the tourney experience in The Bahamas is great for the team as it will help them to bond together before the real season begins.

#The New Providence All-Star private and public school teams go head to head at 6:30pm on Friday.

#Tip-off starts at 12:30pm for day one of the Hoopfest in Paradise at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.

As of Friday, December 15, 2023

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Dr Kent Bazard

#IN the dynamic world of sports, where the pursuit of excellence pushes athletes to their limits, the art of recovery has become as crucial as the game itself. Join us as we take a deep dive into the latest advancements in sports medicine, uncovering innovative strategies and technologies designed to propel athletes toward faster and more effective recovery from intense training and competitions.

#The Science of Recovery: Beyond Ice Baths and Rest

#Gone are the days when recovery meant a simple ice bath and some rest. Sports medicine has evolved, embracing a multi-dimensional approach to optimise recovery. Scientific studies, including research in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, underscore the significance of tailored recovery plans. We now delve into the realms of personalised protocols designed to address each athlete’s unique physiological needs.

#Cryotherapy: Chilling Out for Performance Gains

#One standout in the realm of recovery is cryotherapy, a technique that involves exposing the body to extremely low temperatures. Our investigation explores the science behind cryotherapy, its impact on inflammation reduction, and how athletes are incorporating it into their recovery routines. Interviews with sports medicine specialists shed light on its application and efficacy.

#Biometric Monitoring: Precision in Recovery Tracking

#The era of guesswork in recovery is waning, thanks to biometric monitoring. We examine the role of wearable devices and advanced monitoring systems in providing real-time data on an athlete’s physiological markers. From heart rate variability to sleep patterns, these technologies empower athletes and their support teams to make data-driven decisions for optimal recovery.

#Nutrient Timing: The Power of Precision Nutrition

#Nutrition is no longer just about pre-game meals and post-training shakes. Our exploration uncovers the science of nutrient timing, where specific nutrients are strategically consumed to maximize recovery. We dissect the latest research on the ideal timing and composition of post-exercise meals to replenish glycogen stores and support muscle repair.

#Regenerative Therapies: Accelerating Healing from the Inside Out

#Regenerative therapies, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell treatments, are changing the game in sports medicine.

#We investigate how these therapies harness the body’s natural healing mechanisms to accelerate tissue repair, offering athletes a novel approach to recovery and injury prevention.

#Virtual Reality and Mind-Body Techniques: Recovering the Mind for Optimal Performance

#Recovery extends beyond the physical realm to encompass mental well-being. Our report delves into the use of virtual reality and mind-body techniques in sports recovery. We explore how mental relaxation and visualization exercises are becoming integral components of recovery programs, enhancing overall performance.

#Conclusion: Redefining the Recovery Game

#In the evolving terrain of athletic recovery, a revolution is underway. Athletes, armed with cutting-edge strategies and technologies, navigate a landscape where precision meets performance. From the cryotherapy chamber to regenerative therapies, the journey towards optimal recovery is now finely calibrated.

#This exploration into the innovations shaping the future of sports medicine signifies more than a trend; it is a scientific evolution, where the recovery process itself becomes a strategic element in the pursuit of athletic excellence.

#As athletes harness the power of science to recover smarter, the paradigm of performance is shifting, revealing a future where resilience and rejuvenation are as essential as skill and strength.

#• 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, December 15, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE 2023 Hoopfest in Paradise High School Basketball Tournament is all set to be one for the books with 10 teams scheduled to compete at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium on Friday and Saturday. The home teams are two squads from the New Providence private and public schools, leaving Grand Bahama on the outside looking in.

#The Grand Bahama All- Star team, who competed at last year’s inaugural Hoopfest in Paradise, were notified on Tuesday that they would not be included in the second edition of the basketball tourney.

#Despite practicing for as long as two weeks in preparation for the tournament, the team’s coach Jay Phillipe had the difficult job of informing players and their parents that they would not be playing this time around. “I was notified that Team Grand Bahama will not be competing at the upcoming High School basketball showcase this weekend. This was a decision beyond my control. I feel as though we were ready and quite capable of competing at that level to represent Grand Bahama,” Phillipe said.

#The head coach was informed by an official of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture that funding played a role in the team being dropped from the end of year tournament.

#Kelsie Johnson-Sills, acting director of sports, defended the MOYSC and stated that a miscommunication between involved parties resulted in this decision.

#“The Ministry is in a financial position to support any venture, especially the development of our young men and women in any sport, not only basketball.

#“We were ready to move forward with bringing the team down, unfortunately there was a miscommunication between the ministry and the coordinators so this is the end result,” she said.

#Glenn Smith, the event’s organiser, said he expected the team from Grand Bahama to compete but, upon his arrival on Tuesday, he was told that the team would not be participating.

#Among the teams expected to take the floor at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium on Friday and Saturday are Faith Family Academy, Riviera Preparatory Schools, Lake Highland Preparatory School, Etiwanda High School, Desoto High School, Link Academy, Dynamic Preparatory, Mater Dei and Long Island Lutheran High School.

#Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe, who grew up in Bimini, is currently a five-star prospect and will play with the Lutheran High School on Friday and Saturday. Phillipe said being dropped from the tournament was disappointing because they were looking forward to playing against Edgecombe.

#“It was disappointing because we really wanted to come there to compete, especially because VJ Edgecombe, who is from Bimini, is playing for New York and got his opportunity by playing in this same showcase before. We think it is unfair that two Nassau teams, private and public, have a chance to play rather than having one Grand Bahama team or even have two Nassau teams but give Grand Bahama a chance to showcase their talent,” he said.

#The public and private New Providence teams will be coached by Kevin “KJ” Johnson and Dario Burrows respectively.

#The top basketball tourney will get underway today at 12:30pm.