Some of the champions crowned on Majority Rule Day at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Practice Facility for the second event of the Front 9 Golf Tournament series presented by the Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy.

As of Friday, January 12, 2024

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A JOYOUS FEAT: Champions were crowned on Majority Rule Day at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Practice Facility for the second event of the Front 9 Golf Tournament series presented by the Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy.

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#While many were enjoying the festivities on Majority Rule Day, juniors along with adults participated at the third Front 9 Golf Tournament Series drive, chip and putt event at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Practice Facility. The one-day event was the third of ten scheduled in the series and the first Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy event for 2024. Fifty-six participants came out on the holiday to compete in friendly competition which was deemed a success by the club’s founder Georgette Rolle-Harris.

#“For our first drive, chip and putt event of the season it was awesome. Hosting it on a holiday allowed for a really great family atmosphere. We had 56 participants which was also great and it was really good to see parents competing in the same skill sets as their juniors. It allows a great opportunity for more conversations at the dinner table and the parents get to experience some of the highs and lows their juniors go through. All in all it was a really great event,” according to Rolle-Harris.

#On Majority Rule Day, Nathalee Tynes led all competitors in the adult female division while Johnathan Cunningham put out a top performance in the adult male category.

#Tynes totaled 73 points in the event, with her best performance in the putting exercise, to secure a win. Payton Haye trailed for second with a score of 61 and Lori Greaves took home third place with 35 points

#In the male event, Cunningham totaled 99 points after collecting scores of 65 (putt), 21 (chip) and 13 (drive) in the trio of events for first place. Elliot Harvey dropped to the second podium spot with his score of 81 points. Shaun Mahalis fell behind both competitors for third place with 69 points.

#Maddisson Carroll, left it all on the course in the 13-15 girls division. She rounded up a score of 74 in the various events to be crowned champion. Jacara Forbes was not too far away on the scoreboard with 68 for the second position. Anissa Robinson ended third a mere point behind Forbes with 67.

#Zachary Joseph did a number in the boys division of the same age group. He totaled 91 points for the victory and turned in his best performance in the putting exercise. Next up was Juan Wilson who finished up with 79. Rashawn Hanna settled for third best collecting a score of 61.

#Angelino Cooper was the lone competitor in the 16 and over category. He pulled out scores of 55 (putt), 24 (drive) and 16 (chip) to end with 95 in the competition.

#Moving along to the girls and boys 10-12 division, Haley Hall and Briland Cunningham took the reins in the respective age groups. Hall bested her competitors in dominant fashion putting up a score of 88. Kaleah Brown came second with 58 points and Kayleigh Rolle wrapped up third with 47.

#Cunningham racked up a score of 80 for the boys. Caleb Davis got the second spot after finishing five points behind the victor with 75. William Mahalis completed the trio with a score of 66.

#Advik Arora won the boys 7-9 category and Sarah Scheidecker got bragging rights for the girls. Liam Miller took control in the mixed 6-and under age group winning with a score of 35.

#After another successful drive, chip and putt event, the founder of Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy talked about its importance in having the juniors practice in an almost identical environment to that of the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals in Augusta, Georgia.

#“The Masters Drive, Chip and Putt event is a big event for junior golfers aged 7-15 to get to play on the final stage which is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We set up very similarly to what you see at any of their qualifying sites. For putting we have the same distances, three chip shots to the same similar grid and driving is set up in the same 40-yard grid”

#“If we could get our players competing and starting to match their scores with the scores that are actually winning those qualifiers and make it to Augusta they can see where they are excelling and where they need to improve. I think that this year we can have some players make it through the final qualifying stage and hopefully we can see some bright young Bahamian players on TV playing at Augusta,” Rolle-Harris said.

#The next event of the tournament series will take place on January 21.

An Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves on the ball against Dame Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins. Photo: Moise Amisial

As of Friday, January 12, 2024

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#IN two contrasting ends of the spectrum, the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves senior girls and boys pulled off a double dose of victory over the Dame Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins in the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s basketball action on Thursday at the CI Gibson Gymnasium.

#In the senior girls opener, Anatol Rodgers needed an extra three minutes in overtime to hold off Dames Doris Johnson 27-22. But in the senior boys’ feature contest, the Timberwolves routed the Mystic Marlins 92-24.

#Anatol Rodgers’ 68-point rout over Dame Doris Johnson was the second largest, following the defending champions CI Gibson Rattlers’ 90-point, 106-13, massacre over the Government High Magicmen last week at the DW Davis Gymnasium.

AT the scorer’s desk are Rochelle Kemp and her new recruit Keiara McKenzie, a 12-year-old seventh grader at HO Nash Junior High, who started scoring since the GSSSA 2023-24 season started.

#Timerberwolves 92, Mystic Marlins 24

#Cavelle Ferguson, Xavier Thompson and Derek Francis all contributed 15 points to lead a balanced scoring attack for Anatol Rodgers as they made this one look so easy as they remained undefeated at 4-0.

#Also in double figures were Jefferson Bethel with 12 and Jasmen Rock with 11. Kirkwood Rolle scored eight and both Mario Nottage and Carlan Cleare added four apiece. Aiden Gustave, Jordan McKenzie, Rico Pierre and J’Vaughantrae Albury had two each.

#The Timerberwolves opened a 23-8 lead, sparked by six apiece from Ferguson, Thompson and Francis. They extended it to 38-15 at the half as Rock came through canning a pair of three-pointers and Thompson and Ferguson helped out with four and three respectively.

#By the end of the third, they pushed it ahead 68-19 as Bethel contributed eight and Francis had seven. Ferguson paced the fourth with six, but just about every player scored in the period as they cruised the rest of the way.

#“We played pretty well on both ends. We just need to be a little more consistent,” said Anatol Rodgers’ head coach Denykco Bowles. “But all in all, I think we had four solid quarters.

#“We just need to clean it up if we are going to allow ourselves to make a push at the end of the season for the playoffs and eventually the championship. We just need to be more disciplined on the defensive end.”

#The bright spot for Dame Doris Johhnson came from Sheldon Nelson with 10 points, He was the only player in double figures, Stephen Robiunson followed with four, while Jeffery Musgrove had three and Matthew Cezalien, Keron Walderon and Treyon Wilson all added two.

#It was the third straight loss for the Mystic Marlins, but coach Kevon Spence said his young squad will have to use this season as a learning experience.

#“We played against a very well seasoned team and they played extremely well,” Spence said. “We played as best as we could, but when you are so young, you can only expect so much from them. We will get better from the experience as the season progresses.”

#Timberwolves 27, Mystic Marlins 22

#Tied at 21-21 at the end of regulation, Anatol Rodgers went on a 6-1 scoring spree in the extra period, thanks to two consecutive baskets from Nazariah Taylor and another on the final buzzer from Halley Hall to seal the deal.

#“I think the girls played a lot more aggressive,” said Timberwolves’ coach Theodore Hanna as they won their first game in three outings.

#“I have some 11 graders and some 12 graders, but ther 11 graders are still learning when to dribble the ball and when to pass it and top attack the rim. We still have a lot of learning to do.”

#In getting their first taste of victory this season, Taylor, who produced eight in the first half and four in the fourth quarter, finished with a game high 16 points. Hall had seven and Tyesha Farrington and Diamond Newbold both had two.

#Suvhanna Adderley, Dionntay Roxbury and Elyssa McKenzie all had four in a losing effort for Dame Doris Johnson Bernelle Clarke, who scored the only point on a free throw in overtime, had three.

#“We have some inexperienced players. When it came down to the pressure moments with the game in the balance, the other team got away from us,” said Mystic Marlins’ coach Vandyke Bethel. “When they had a problem with the clock, we were down by one after coming back from being behind by six.

#“But we just let the game slip away from us. That showed the lack of experience on this team. We slacked up on the momentum. We should have put this team away, but they got away from us.”

#Dame Doris Johnson is still looking for their first win of the season.

As of Friday, January 12, 2024

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FROM left, top row, Gerald Gabriel, Ethan Burnside, second row, Jaycob Clarke, Archie Michelmore, bottom row, Aamir Rahming, and Madela Curry.

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#Reloaded Baseball celebrated its first year in existence last year and after surpassing most of their goals they intend to knock it out the park with regards to development in 2024. Since day one, Reloaded Baseball has been committed to furthering the development of the youth within their programme while elevating their level of play to be on par with international standards. After a successful start for the relatively new baseball club, the plan for 2024 is to kick it into high gear and check off more objectives on the way to their ultimate goal.

#Peron Burnside, president of the Reloaded Baseball programme, was proud of the steps made towards the right direction in 2023 and wants to take it up a notch locally, nationally and internationally in 2024.

#“In 2023 we surpassed our initial objectives which was to host at least one invitational and take the kids to international competition. We actually were able to host two invitationals one around Easter and later in October which we had over 30 teams compete in including some Family Islands. It was very successful from a development standpoint; the kids got a lot of reps in. We did our travel ball and hammered down development every week of the year,” Burnside said.

#The programme saw their kids compete at their first international event in July at the 10U Perfect Game Florida Summer Select Championship Open in Sanford, Florida. Additionally, Reloaded Baseball had 24 players selected to compete at the Perfect Game 2023 Series Texas Challenge last December.

#“In 2024 we want to surpass that because the ultimate goal is to take the kids to international standards. We are now gonna tap into a lot of international entities who are interested in engaging us in developing which comes with camps, training and competitive play. You are going to see Reloaded doing a lot of international engagements to take it to the next level,” the Reloaded Baseball president said.

#Some of the international interests on the radar for the programme will include the team traveling to United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) tournaments in Georgia and South Florida this summer. Also, Jovon Edwards, of Palm Beach Select, will join the Reloaded team to conduct a pitchers and catchers camp following the third Reloaded Invitational set for March 29 to April 1. The programme has also garnered attention from high school scouts and coaches abroad who intend to play at the open invitational.

#The four-day event will not only see international teams in competition but also clubs from the Family Islands. Reloaded Baseball has made it a point of emphasis to partner with Family Islands to aid in their development and establish more opportunities for interactive play.

#“We went into Freeport and spoke with both leagues and we are now planning a weekend tournament between Reloaded teams and the teams in Freeport. They wanted to see how we can interactively come to Freeport to help with the training of the kids. They have been following our programme and are impressed with what we have done in such a short time,”

#“We donated some equipment to Abaco to Troy Feaste and his crew and we are also building a pitching mound to send over there to them because pitchers are at a disadvantage. We have Long Island, Exuma, San Salvador, Cat Island, Andros, Bimini, Freeport, Eleuthera and Abaco and we are trying to see how we can enhance and help them with their development initiatives in conjunction with what we are doing,” Burnside said.

#Another initiative carried out by Reloaded Baseball was the addition of softball to their programme late last year. The sport is being spearheaded by Stephen “Bishop” Beneby and is set to experience great progress in 2024.

#“We had an overwhelming response for softball and have now added a few more coaches to assist Stephen “Bishop” Beneby. The registration for our softball programme involves high school teams coming on board. Also; the coach of the Venezuela national team will be coming down to do some camps with our kids to reach our ultimate goal. A lot more is coming for Reloaded Softball,” he said.

#The Reloaded Baseball/Softball executive team members are ready for a prosperous 2024.

As of Thursday, January 11, 2024

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The International Elite Sports Academy 2024 signing class will feature Bohan Adderley and Javado “JT” Bain Jr who are both looking to take the next step on their baseball journeys. Adderley has committed to the New York Mets, while Bain will sign with the Toronto Blue Jays. The two I-Elite prospects will make their signings official with the respective teams next week Monday and Tuesday.

#Adderley, who plays as a centre fielder and shortstop, is grateful to embark on his new path with the Mets.

#“It feels great because I know that the team is invested in me and they have a plan for me. I feel safe going there because it feels like it is not just any pick but they actually like me and want to see the best version of me,” he said.

#Although the 6-foot-3 shortstop, who is also right handed, will now enter a new arena, he has some expectations for himself as he prepares for his next sporting milestone.

#“My goals are to be a leader on the team, leading the team and just being the best teammate that I can be to my teammates. Also, I want to be the best player for all the other coaches and the organisation and of course make it to the big leagues,” he said.

#With the foundation set by the I-Elite Sports Academy, including the various opportunities for exposure via frequent traveling, allowing players to display their talent at showcases and placing emphasis on training, Adderley was thankful for their continued support.

#“It was continuous trips over the summer and sometimes in the fall which allowed for scouts to see us play in games and showcases. They definitely put a lot of effort into us whether it was food, gym and training. It was a lot of effort put into us so they helped a lot,” he said.

#The swift shortstop offered a special thanks to his family for their support over the years leading up to this momentous occasion.

#Bain, who is an infielder and outfielder, narrowed his list of teams, which included the St Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox, down to the Blue Jays. He was excited to start the new experience which not only involves baseball but more opportunities for travel and meeting new people.

#“It feels great I am very excited and waiting to see this new chapter of my life and where exactly it is going to take me. I wanted to sign with the Blue Jays because of their development and my teammates,” he said.

#The 5-foot-7 Class of 2024 prospect credited the work of I-Elite Sports Academy in helping him get to this next step.

#“They were consistent with the showcases and making sure the scouts saw me. They paid a lot of attention to me and they flew scouts down to see me. Because I come from I-Elite I like to push. I know I have to work harder and be consistent to continue to prove myself to everyone,” he said. The duo will complete their signings next week beginning with Bain at the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium on Monday followed by Adderley at the Charlottesville ClubHouse on Tuesday.

As of Thursday, January 11, 2024

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Dr Kent Bazard

#In the world of professional sports, injuries are an unfortunate and often inevitable part of an athlete’s journey. Whether it’s a torn ligament on the basketball court, a strained muscle during a game, or a debilitating stress fracture, these injuries can have profound physical and psychological implications. However, there’s an often-underestimated ally that plays a crucial role in the recovery process – sports psychology.

#Understanding the Psychological Impact of Sports Injuries

#When a high-profile athlete like Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets suffers a significant injury, the spotlight is often on the physical aspect of the damage. Yet, what’s equally impactful is the psychological toll. These athletes invest not just their bodies but their entire identities into their sport.

#An injury can evoke emotions like shock, anger, frustration, and even depression. The fear of losing one’s competitive edge or disappointing their team looms large, and uncertainty about the future can be daunting.

#Real-Life Resilience: Kevin Durant’s Inspiring Comeback

#Kevin Durant’s journey back to the basketball court after a devastating Achilles tendon injury is a prime example of the profound role that sports psychology plays in injury rehabilitation. In 2019, Durant faced an injury that had the potential to alter the trajectory of his career. The physical aspect was daunting, but the mental challenge was equally formidable.

#Durant’s recovery was not merely about the physical therapy and rehab; it was about fortifying his mindset. With the guidance of a sports psychologist, he adopted a growth mindset.

#He saw his injury as an opportunity to become mentally tougher, more determined, and resilient. Instead of fixating on setbacks, he focused on what he could control—his attitude and unwavering dedication to the recovery process.

#Goal Setting and Visualisation

#Durant worked closely with sports psychologists to set comprehensive and realistic goals for his recovery. These goals encompassed not only physical milestones but also critical mental attributes like confidence and resilience.

#Visualisation techniques helped him mentally rehearse his triumphant return to the basketball court, enhancing his confidence and alleviating anxiety.

#Managing Fear and Anxiety

#Fear of re-injury is a common concern for athletes returning from significant injuries. In Durant’s case, sports psychologists equipped him with a toolbox of techniques to manage anxiety and fear, allowing him to regain his competitive edge without hesitation.

#Social Support and Communication

#Throughout his rehabilitation journey, Durant highlighted the importance of open communication with his teammates, coaches, and support systems. This maintained his sense of belonging and prevented feelings of isolation during the challenging recovery process.

#Returning to Play: Beyond Physical Rehabilitation

#While physical rehabilitation is a critical aspect, sports psychology helped Durant prepare mentally for his triumphant return to the basketball court. It involved building unwavering confidence, managing performance anxiety, and gracefully handling the immense pressure to perform at the highest level.

#A Testament to Sports Psychology

#Kevin Durant’s remarkable journey serves as a testament to the indispensable role of sports psychology in injury rehabilitation. It exemplifies how the right mindset, goal setting, and mental resilience can heal not only the body but also fortify the mind. As athletes confront adversity, the guidance of sports psychologists becomes the bridge not just to recovery but also to reaching new heights in their careers.

#• 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 Thursday, January 11, 2024

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The Nassau Netball Club is looking to expand their membership in the upcoming months. Netball, a sport primarily played by women, can be considered a non-traditional sport in The Bahamas but the Nassau Netball Club is hoping to mount a resurgence not only in the sport but in various communities.

#Marisa Mustard, coach at the Nassau Netball Club, shared some of the benefits in joining the club which was established in 2021.

#“Netball is generally a women’s sport. It is similar to basketball but it has set positions, with seven people on the team, so it is very team based. A lot of what I want to do with the club is to have an opportunity for girls and women to get fit and active, have a bit of a social atmosphere, while being able to get back into sports and maintain their fitness,” Mustard said.

#The club is open to women 18 and over. They usually train on Wednesdays from 6.30 to 8pm at the Windsor School. For anyone interested, sessions are typically priced at $10 each week.

#Next Wednesday will be a special one for the Nassau Netball Club as members of the public have an opportunity to try out a free session along with a friend. Individuals with experience and those without are encouraged to join in on the camaraderie among women while getting active.

#With approximately 18 members in total since their start in 2021, a major goal of the Nassau Netball Club is to recruit more members in 2024.

#“I would like to keep building in numbers,” Mustard said. “Ideally I want to be able to have sessions in the West and in the East. However, it is proving to be challenging in terms of facilities in the East with lights so that we could train in the evening. I just want the club to continue growing so as many women as possible can get the opportunity to get in the sport and back to being active within a social atmosphere for a positive experience.”

#The Bahamas had a women’s national netball team which competed at the 1971 and 1979 World Netball Championships. The team was also in action at the 1976 and 1977 Caribbean Games, but since then, netball has been a sport of the past.

#Individuals interested in joining the experience with the Nassau Netball Club on Wednesday can contact 242-820-9767 for more information.

#As previously mentioned, next week Wednesday the club will host a free “Bring a Friend” session at the Windsor School.

As of Thursday, January 11, 2024

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: The Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) closed out their 2023 season with three teams competing at the USA Flag Youth World Championships in San Antonio, Texas. Ultimately, all teams came up short in the elimination round with one of the teams advancing to the semifinals.

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The new year is set to be a promising one for the Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) with lots of development initiatives on the horizon. After making great strides in 2023 including youth football clinics, an inaugural high school tournament along with international play at the USA Flag Football World Championship in December, the youth league is expecting to take things a step further in 2024.

#Jayson Clarke, programme director of the BYFFL, said they have wasted no time in starting their development exercises beginning with an offensive camp which got underway this month.

#“We have started the year off already with a free offensive camp during the month of January. We are gonna hit the ground running this year. Although we just returned from Texas last week there are a lot of things we have planned. We have a full year of activities and this is actually the fullest calendar we have ever had. To increase our development and level of play we already have two camps scheduled,” Clarke said

#Among some of the events expected to be on the 2024 BYFFL calendar will be the second edition of the high school flag football tournament. The event, which was introduced last year, saw St Augustine’s College High School take home the trophy for the under-14 division. Meanwhile, Kingsway Academy hoisted the first championship trophy for the inaugural tourney in the 14 and over division.

#“We did introduce the first high school tournament and that is also on our calendar for this year in April. We have already reached out to all of the schools that participated last year and we have an additional two schools who have already said they want to participate. We are working on some promotional material to invite some other schools,” the programme director said.

#In the latter part of 2023, the BYFFL partnered with the Barracudas Flag Football Club in Harbour Island to host a youth clinic. However, in 2024, Clarke is expecting to expand their presence throughout the Family Islands starting with Eleuthera and Freeport with the long term goal of having nationals for the sporting discipline.

#“We started to work with Eleuthera and there is a team in Harbour Island right now working and we are partnering with them so they intend to be a part of the high school tournament. We have also reached out to Freeport as well as it relates to youth flag. We are looking to expand youth flag being played across more and more islands,” he said.

#Additional plans for the year will include the implementation of a spring and fall season due to high demand to allow the young athletes to play more and aid in their development.

#The 2024 BYFFL schedule of events is slated to be released in upcoming weeks.

The Rattlers during their huddle in the game against the Magicmen. Photos: Moise Amisial

As of Tuesday, January 9, 2024

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Coach Kevin “KJ” Johnson.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#COACH Kevin “KJ” Johnson and his CI Gibson Rattlers senior girls and boys’ basketball teams were simply too much for the Government High Magicmen to handle as the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s 2023/24 season swung into high gear following the Christmas break.

#While CI Gibson senior girls opened the double header at the DW Davis Gymnasium with a 49-19 rout, their senior boys didn’t have any mercy with a 106-13 massacre in the feature game.

#Both of the Rattlers teams, who are the GSSSA defending champions, are playing the season in memory of the late Craig “Rambo” Smith Sr, one of their assistant coaches who passed away last year. They all are wearing “Rambo” on the back of their jerseys and Smith’s son, Craig Jr, is helping to coach the team. in honour of his father.

#Rattlers 106

#Magicmen 13

#This one seemed to be over before coach Johnson switched the combination of players as fast as they went on a scoring spree as his defending champions simply dismantle the youthful Government High squad.

#The stats sheet showed Darius Hanna, one of the youngest players on the team, leading the way with a game high 18 points. And just about every player on the team, except for two, contributed at least one point to the victory.

#Tashon Butler and Dwayne Finley both had 14, Gerrad Rolle, Stevachko Jacques, Fernando Jean-Noel, D’Neo Smith and Charles Maynard all had eight, Stephon Johnson had seven and Prince Wheatley and Cordae Smith both added six.

#“I thought they would have put up a little more resistance than that, but it is what it is,” coach Johnson said. “Coaches have to understand the importance of practicing and preparing your team.

#“I’m sure the coach probably called practice and these guys just didn’t come out. But at the end of the day, I played most of my bench and rested most of our starters and we came out with a huge win tonight.”

#Johnson said although they won by a huge margin, they will not rest on their laurels because they will be back in the gym, correcting some things they did wrong, especially on the defensive end, so that they can be ready for their next opponents.

#The Rattlers opened a 27-2 lead behind Finley’s 12, Butler’s seven and Rolle’s four. They scored another 28 to push their lead to 55-6 at the half, thanks to seven from Johnson.

#With a consistent outpouring of 27 in the third, CI Gibson extended their lead to 81-7 and it was just a matter of whether or not they would hit the century mark in the fourth and if Government High would reach ten points.

#With four minutes and 41 seconds left in the game, Jeremiah Cadet got the Magic their 10th point number on a three-pointer. But Hanna came back at the other end and canned a three to put CI Gibson up 94With 3:32, Hanna scored another three to inch closer to the century for a 97-13 lead.

#Then with 2:47 on the clock, Hanna completed a three-point play that pushed over the mark for a 101-13 advantage. With 2:30 left, Maynard got a steal, drove down the lane on a fast break and finished off with a one-handed dunk, much to the delight of the bench and their fans.

#On the opposite end of the spectrum, Cadet ended up with six points, Rasheed Brennen had five and Dylan Taylor scored the other two points.

#After the loss, coach Elkin Sherman said they didn’t prepare for the game as they should have.

#“We played against CI. Once these kids hear they are playing the big teams like CI Gibson, they get scared,” Sherman said. “Plus, it’s a lack of practice.

#“We had practice over the weekend and only five guys showed up. I want them to compete. This is a young team. The oldest guy is about 16. I have one 12th grader; two 11th graders and the rest are all tenth graders. So, we’re rebuilding for the future, But we have to come out and compete, no matter who we play against.”

#Lady Rattlers 49

#Magicwomen 19

#Philippa Ferguson was almost a one-woman wrecking crew with a game high 24 points, followed by Jada Francis with 11. Brihanna Farrington helped out with seven, Ferelu Sterva had five and Daranique Mackey added two.

#In a losing cause for Government High, Trinae Brice scored 12 and Azariah Anderson got the other seven.

#Although coach Johnson admitted that it wasn’t his Lady Rattlers; best effort, they showed that they just wanted it a little more as they improved their record to 3-0 in their quest to repeat as champions.

#“We didn’t play over the Christmas break, so the girls were a little rusty and winded, they need to get in better shape,” he insisted, “We will definitely do a lot of running and suicides so that we can get to where we need to be.”

#While the Lady Rattlers got five from Farrington, four from Ferguson and three from Francis, the Magicwomen could only respond with four from Anderson in the first quarter as CI Gibson jumped out to a 12-4 lead.

#By the end of the first half, the Rattlers were up 31-6 as Ferguson reeled off 12 points. Ferguson came out of the break and continued her assault with eight and Francis added three in the third as CI Gibson extended their lead to 42-9.

#The question was what would be the final score and despite being down by a bundle, Government High made a gallant effort to reduce the deficit with 10 points as Brice came through with eight and Anderson had two in the final outcome.

#“I think we can make the playoffs. Our goal is to make the playoffs,” said Magicwomen’s coach Randy Cunningham. “We are making progress in the right direction.”

#They are currently 1-2 in the league standings.

Ole Miss Rebels head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin during the 2023 Boxing Day Junkanoo parade. Photo: Dante Carrer

As of Tuesday, January 9, 2024

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#DESPITE losing a big game to Louisiana State University Lady Tigers, Bahamian head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin said she’s still pleased with the way her Ole Miss Lady Rebels basketball team are playing this year.

#Coming off the Christmas break, the Lady Rebels split their first two games of the season, winning 55-45 over the Alabama Crimson Tide on Thursday, January 4 before they fell 84-73 to LSU on Sunday.

#The Lady Rebels, with a Bahamian connection in Rhema Collins joining the team this year as a freshman, fell to 1-1 in the Southeastern Conference and are 11-4 on the season, but McPhee-McCuin, a Grand Bahamian native, said there’s still a lot more basketball to be played.

#“We just lost a tough one yesterday to LSU, the number ranked team in the country,” she said.

#“We had some opportunities, but we fumbled and now we are focused on what’s next.”

#“What’s next is two more games this week on Thursday and Sunday. One is Auburn at home and then our in-state rivals Mississippi State on the road. We just have to get ready to play those two games to get us back to where we need to be.”

#McPhee-McCuin said the season is a journey and they just have to be prepared for the highs and the lows when they play. She admitted that it will only make her team better as they seek to get another crack at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Tournament at the end of the season in March.

#“It’s not always going to be just one particular week that we will succeed,” she pointed out. “We have to stay focused on trying to win more than you lose. So, if we can get that down pact. we will be alright.”

#With about 14 games left in the regular season, McPhee-McCuin said she expects that her team will continue to grow.

#“There are some things we need to tighten up on both sides of the court on the defensive and offensive end,” she stressed. “We have to continue to figure out ways to put ourselves in a situation to be successful against any team, to see different styles of play as we go through the SEC.

#“We are still young. We are still growing. So, every time we play, we are trying to be better.”

#Collins, the 6-feet, 2-inches forward from New Providence, didn’t play in the game because of a coach’s decision. But in the five games she’s played since coming off a concussion that prevented her from playing at the start of the season, McPhee-McCuin said she’s making some progress.

#“Rhema is back. She’s healthy and looking strong, so I’m excited about her,” said McPhee-McCuin, of Collins, who is averaging 2.2 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.2 assists per game. “She just needs to get minutes when there’s opportunities for her to get it.

#“Rhema’s best basketball is ahead of her. So right now my focus is to make sure that she continues to get better, nothing more, nothing less. She is just a freshman and due to her concession, she missed a great part of the pre-season where she would have gotten some tremendous reps.”

#Now that she’s back, McPhee-McCuin said she’s coming along slowly, but surely and as a freshman, she’s trying to figure it out as the season goes on. McPhee-McCuin, however, insisted that she has some work to do just as the Lady Rebels.

#But she’s confident that both Collins and Ole Miss will be a force to reckon with down the stretch.

LEFT: Female overall winner Eve Maycock-Dorsett receives her awards, including a cell phone from BTC, from Angela, Vandamae and Dr. Chavania Albury. RIGHT: Donald Pinder receives his award from Deaconess Vandamae Albury and Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Hartman Nixon.

As of Tuesday, January 9, 2024

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#EVE Maycock-Dorsett and Donald Pinder emerged as the overall female and male winners of the Macedonia Baptist Church’s annual Family Fun Walk Race.

#The event, held on Saturday, was staged as a part of the festivities for the Church’s annual Men’s Anniversary Month. It was held in memory of the late Charles Albury, a former treasurer and past Men’s President of the Church.

#His family, led by his wife, Vandamae Albry, his sister, Angela Albury, his daughter, Dr Chavania Albury, and adopted sons, Jamaal, Labron and Lucus, along with other family members, were on hand to support the efforts.

#Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Hartman Nixon, men’s president Rev. Brent Stubbs, secretary Dec. Eric Sweeting and treasurer Dec. Yelverton Williams, presented Dec. Albury with the proceeds from the walk race on Sunday during the divine worship service.

#Saturday’s early morning riser took a cross section of Church members and visitors through a course that left the Church grounds on Bernard Road and headed west all the way to the stop light at Soldier Road. The competitors turned around and headed east back to the Church.

#While they were waiting for the results to be tallied by chief statistician Ann Thompson, “Downtown” Natasha Brown took the competitors through a series of workout sessions to prepare them for the new year.

#Nursing officer Dec. Aleta Rolle, along with Nurses Brittany Brown and Dinae Johnson were also present to provide medical check ups for those interested.

#In winning the women’s division, Maycock-Dorsett received a cell phone from BTC, while Pinder was presented with a car stereo from The Hit Spot. Other prizes offered were gift certificates from Kelly’s, phone cards from BTC, gas vouchers from Porky’s and a membership from Empire Fitness.

#Among the female winners were Brittany Stubbs, Kizzieanne Butler, Latoya Sturrup, Sarah Burnside and Macedonia and Fox Hill Golden Girl sisters Lavern and Beryl Eve, who both were home from the United States for the Christmas holiday.

#As for the men, the list included Labron Minnis, Fredderick Williams Jr, Rev. Denero Rahming, Bryan Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Felix Rolle, Michael Dillet, Lucas Miller, Augustin Mott, Donato Adderlery and Aiden Simmons.

#Sponsorship for the event was provided by Global Sun, Philip Simon, BTC, Kelly’s, Gatorade, Member of Parliament for Fox Hill Fred Mitchell, Tony Gardiner and Ronesto and Helena Riley and The Hot Spot.