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TOURNAMENT CANCELED – HOYTES’ Labor Day Tournament has been officially canceled by the organization’s founder, Coach Gladstone “Moon” McPhee. (PHOTO: TFN FILES)

 July 24, 2020 

 FN Sports Reporter

Shayne Stubbs

With The Bahamas under lockdown due to COVID-19 Emergency Orders set in place by the Government of The Bahamas, back in June, the HOYTES (Helping Our Youth Through Education and Sports) Labor Day Basketball Tournament was earmarked to take place during the days leading up to the Emancipation Day holiday weekend this coming August. 

However, since the orders were lifted and the international borders were opened earlier this month, The Bahamas, particularly Grand Bahama, has seen a drastic spike in COVID-19 cases. That prompted the Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis to place the island under a two-week lockdown.

As a result, HOYTES Founder Gladstone “Moon” McPhee made the decision to officially cancel the tournament. 

The Labor Day Tournament is the organization’s biggest AAU style tournament of the year, which invites basketball program from around the country for five days of non-stop action.

“We have to cancel it. There’s no if, ands or buts about it,” he said.

“We spoke to some coaches and the money is hard to come by and everything else. We just have to deal with it. 

“We know the kids want to play and all sorts of other things, but sometimes you just can’t do it. You just can’t let it get you down. I sent a text out to some of the kids I work with in the morning time. 

“I told them if you have a ball and a yard or somewhere you could dribble, just work on your ball handling. Get out and run, and, just don’t get out of shape It’s easy to get out of shape, but it’s hard to get back into shape. Of course, I told them just to stay positive,” McPhee stated further.

The two-week lockdown, which commenced this past Thursday evening (July 23) has been a setback for many on the island. However, McPhee believes now it’s just something he and many will just have to endure until there is a clear way forward.

“It put us as coaches in a funny situation but what can we do about it? You can cry, but it is what it is. It’s more than just about the kids in Grand Bahama. This (COVID-19) is all over.

“All we can do is hope for the best.”

McPhee also sent out encouraging words to the number of athletes from the island who were set to travel to the United States to play basketball for their respective collegiate program. He urged them, also, to remain positive. 

“Stay positive and keep working. The way the situation is now, their only option at the moment is for them to workout at home. They can only hope to get some time and find some coaches who can work with them and get them ready to go off to college. 

“It’s a situation we didn’t expect but all we can do is deal with it,” he concluded.

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MAKING A NAME FOR HIMSELF INTERNATIONALLY – Trevor Bain hoists the Zacatecas Basketball League championship trophy and championship Most Valuable Player award after Las Ranchos became champions in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. (PHOTO COURTESY OF TREVOR BAIN)Basketball, Sports  July 15, 2020  FN Sports Reporter Shayne Stubbs

Grand Bahamian basketball player Trevor Bain has been a household name locally, competing in various basketball leagues on the island, including the Grand Bahama Basketball Association (GBBA) and the YMCA Commercial League.

The former guard for the New Era Gym Rats, one of the top local teams in the GBBA, wowed a lot of fans with his speed and athleticism, while helping the team succeed locally and nationally. 

However, more was awaiting the local star. In September 2019, Bain participated in a G-League try-out in Orlando in an attempt to make one of the National Basketball Association’s Developmental League’s teams. While he did not make any of the teams, a scout from a team in the Zacatecas Basketball League of Mexico, promptly offered Bain a spot on the team. 

He actually landed on the Las Ranchos team. Despite missing most of the regular season due to injury, Bain helped the team win its first championship upon his return to the line-up, later in the season. 

The Freeport News caught up with Bain, recently, who shared the experience of playing for the foreign team. 

Of course, there was a steep difference in the styles of play between The Bahamas and Mexico. Nonetheless, according to Bain, he was able to make the adjustments necessary, which bared fruit for him and the team.

“I played in Puerto Escondido (a Municipality in Mexico). The experience was amazing and the city showed me a lot of love. 

“It was very different for me. I had to switch up the way I play and I had to learn to get my teammates more involved because I wasn’t surrounded by star players. So that was kind of difficult but in the end, it was all worth it,” he said.

Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic going on during the season, Bain informed they did not have to shut down as that city had no cases. 

The team went 45-27 and once Bain returned to the line-up for the final 24 games of the season, he averaged 28 points, eight rebounds, six assists and 2.7 steals per game.

That set up a monumental playoff run for Las Ranchos, which ultimately won Puerto Escondido’s first championship. Bain averaged 32 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists and 1.5 steals nightly during the playoff. 

Team chemistry certainly played a role for the team this year as it was also the first playoff appearance. It was certainly a memorable occasion for Bain who was named the Most Valuable Player of the championship. 

“The most memorable moment was winning a championship for that city because they never won a championship before and they never even made it to the playoffs.

“Going there my first year, and, being a part of that was the most memorable moment for me. I won the MVP trophy after we won the championship and it was also cool signing shirts, hats and stuff and taking pictures afterward. It was amazing.

“It made me a better player because I used to play fast, but now I play with more control and I have a more consistent shot.”

Bain admitted that being away from his family and friends here at home was a bit depressing but since returning home last week, he has been enjoying himself.

Currently, he plans to work out here at home while enjoying as much time as possible with his family. Bain also plans to return back to Puerto Escondido in January, pending the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Anya James, BFA Executive Vice President

Sports  July 7, 2020 

 FN Sports Reporter Shayne Stubbs

The Bahamas Football Association (BFA) is hoping to get the ball rolling for the sport of soccer as soon as this week. 

On June 23, the national federation for soccer had a draft presented for a phased reopening. Minor details of that draft were presented by Executive Vice President Anya James this past Thursday, July 2 as soccer equipment items were presented to local soccer associations.

A date to activate soccer activity was not confirmed but James informed that the federation was in the process of finalizing the document and upon completion, it would be shared with stakeholders.

“We held a zoom meeting with a lot of our stakeholders and our executive team (BFA) to present a draft of our plans to re-engage our players and coaches into the game of football. We did this in conjunction with the Ministry of Health’s guidelines and also, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture. 

“We’ve gotten some feedback and we’re in the process of incorporating the changes of ideas into the document. As soon the document is finalized it will be sent out to the stakeholders, who will in turn share it with the coaches, clubs and players,” James said.

Chief among the details shared was the continued practice of social distancing. The idea is to host smaller competitions and encourage persons to have their own equipment. 

“Some of the issues were standard and some of the suggestions and protocols were standard protocols where we continue to encourage social distancing. Initially we’re going to start with small side games. We’ll encourage everyone to bring their own equipment, encourage the sanitizing and disinfecting of all areas and equipment.

“I know it’s a new normal but it’s something all of us will have to do to ensure that we stay COVID-19 free.

“The hardest part, as we discussed, will be getting the little kids out and keeping them safe. They’ve been in the house this whole time and they’re excited and will have a ton of energy and want to play. We’re going to have to focus on the little children to emphasize social distancing, sanitizing and not touching their faces,” added James.

James furthered that clubs will also be urged to establish their own safety protocols as far as practices, and training sessions and control the flow of players coming in and out of facilities, are concerned. Clubs must also keep a record of players coming in and out, in the event contact tracing would be needed if a case/s arise. 

“We’re also encouraging the clubs to have their own protocols as far as practices and training sessions. You’ll basically have to control the flow of players coming into the facility, taking names and contact tracing as well, in case there’s an issue, you will know and contact your clubs and coaches immediately,” said James.

As far as national teams competing internationally, she stated the association getting to that point will rely a lot on the various associations and clubs’ compliance with the protocols.

“Also, in the draft document we had a few dates. Wishful hoping, we’ve opened our borders to international travel now. A lot of us getting to phase five where we can compete internationally is going to rely on our compliance, as well as what’s going on in the rest of the world.

“We encourage you to keep your kids and players engaged. A lot of clubs have online training sessions and they encourage the players to record their training and the coaches would give their feedback. 

“This is a partnership and wherever the BFA can assist if as a club you feel as though you don’t want to recreate the wheel, we can assist in establishing your protocols. And this is a floating document, so there would be changes and God forbid if there is an outbreak, we would have to go back to phase one. We’re all looking forward to getting things going and getting the best sport going again,” James concluded

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HEADED TO FGC – Grand Bahamian collegiate basketball player Franco Miller Jr. is ready to demonstrate confidence when he suits up for the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (FGC) in the fall.Grand Bahamian collegiate basketball player Franco Miller Jr. is ready to demonstrate confidence when he suits up for the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (FGC) in the fall.  The former Tabernacle Falcons’ star decided to end his tenure at Ole Miss (University of Mississippi) and enter the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) transfer portal back in…

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SHORT SEASON – The West Grand Bahama (WGB) Community Basketball League will commence its now shortened season, beginning Tuesday (June 30).Sports  June 29, 2020  FN Sports Reporter Shayne Stubbs

With the recent announcement for re-openings of parks by the Prime Minister Dr. Hubert A. Minnis, the West Grand Bahama (WGB) Community Basketball League will commence its now shortened season, beginning Tuesday. 

Moving into its 12th year of ‘Summer League’ action, the WGB League’s schedule will run from Tuesday, June 30 until August 8, at the Fritz Forbes Community Park in Pinedale, Eight Mile Rock. 

League President Ross Burrows spoke with The Freeport News and informed that this year’s games were almost cancelled due to the global pandemic known as COVID-19. The summer basketball season is no doubt a fixture for residents of West Grand Bahama and Burrows expressed gratification that the season could resume. 

“With the sporting world shut down due to the global pandemic we were considering not having the league on this year. But, with the kids asking about the league every day, that lets you know that you were doing a good thing and they anticipate the league every year.

“Going into our 12th season of hosting this league, we decided to play this season after the prime minister announced that parks are to. This keeps the kids off the streets and keeps something positive going in the community,” Burrows shared.

With the season shortened, Burrows disclosed that games will have to be played daily, Monday – Saturday, weather permitting. Safety protocols and social distancing will also be enforced for players and fans. 

“We’re going to try and control the crowds, whereby only the teams that are playing at the time will be allowed to be on the court. For the fans we will use the bleachers to keep the six-feet social distancing enforced,” he said. 

Teams have already committed to playing in the Under 13, Under 15, Under 17 and Open Divisions. Four teams will be featured in the Under 13 Division; six teams each are registered for both the Under 15 and Under 17 Divisions; and eight teams are expected to compete in the Open Division.

The teams, likely, would also travel throughout the community of EMR. Burrows disclosed that plans are in motion to play games on the various parks in EMR.

“It’s a relief for us (executives) as well as the players and fans. Everyone’s been asking about it and everyone’s been anticipating doing something for the summer months.

“The community is very excited. We were thinking of going from park-to-park on Saturdays. Hopefully, we can still use that avenue. Once we can get some commitment from the communities where the parks are located, we’ll bring the games to them.”

Parks anticipated to be used along with the Fritz Forbes Park are, the ones in Hannah Hill, Sea Grape and Jones Town.

With players already choosing which teams they are joining and teams having equal time away from practicing, Burrows predicted that this season will be very competitive. 

“We expect a very competitive league, because players have the option to leave one team and enhance another. We’ve already seen where some players have switched teams, but we’re going to keep the league as competitive as possible, whereby one team won’t dominate by having all the good players.

“In the end, the team in the best shape, or which has the best chemistry, will probably win. Anything can happen because rosters on paper don’t determine whether you win or lose,” he concluded. 

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WORKING – Ritchie Adderley (with ball) working with HOYTES players at the Gladstone “Moon” McPhee Park.  (PHOTO: TFN FILES)Sports  June 18, 2020  FN Sports Reporter Shayne Stubbs

Legendary point guard Richie Adderley is now a coaching fixture in the HOYTES program.

The Helping Our Youth Through Education and Sports (HOYTES) program, founded by the great Gladstone “Moon” McPhee, is documented as one of the island’s fundamental pillars in developing young men and women through basketball, also with a strong focus on education. 

Many renowned figures, like Sacramento Kings’ guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield, Connecticut Sun center Jonquel Jones, and Stephen F. Austin University’s Nathan Bain, have spent weekends developing their basketball skills during the adolescent years, in the HOYTES program.

Quite a number of current local executives have also spent weekends training under Moon McPhee and in the HOYTES program. McPhee’s coaching resume is a lengthy one, earning him the recognition as a pioneer of Bahamian basketball. The HOYTES Founder spent years as the head coach of the Grand Bahama Catholic Academy (GBCA) Crusaders, and played a role in the creation of the Hugh Campbell Basketball Tournament, founded the Crusaders’ Christmas Basketball Invitational, and the Geneva Rutherford Girls’ Basketball Tournament.  

Now, McPhee has begun the phase of handing over the HOYTES program to a trusted source. That source is one of the many players McPhee coached over the years. He’s none other than Adderley. Locally, Adderley is revered as a “living legend” among basketball enthusiasts.

Arguably the country’s best point guard during his playing years, Adderley has been described by many of his peers as one who easily could have made it to the National Basketball Association. 

Adderley made it as far as the collegiate ranks playing Division-I Basketball at Indiana State University. Later, he transitioned to coaching girls high school basketball at Terre Haute South in Indiana. He was the school’s first black coach.

After spending years coaching high school basketball in Indiana, Adderley returned home last year and began assisting with HOYTES. He shared with The Freeport News that teaching is something he loves and finds great joy in helping young people progress. 

“This is a blessing. This is what keeps me going. I love teaching and I wouldn’t trade it for nothing. Just to see the improvement in the kids from when you first start working with them- not that I want credit – you just want to make sure when you work with a kid that he/she gets better. “

Adderley returned to The Bahamas back in April, 2019. Since that time he admitted that it has been difficult landing a job but working with the young talent here on the island has helped to keep his mind at ease.

Chief among the knowledge Adderley wants to share is the dedication to hard work, and he pointed out that work ethic will be what separates some players from others around them. 

“Nonetheless, this is home. There is nothing like it. I’ve been away for 33 years and a lot has changed since I came back. I have skills I know that could be an asset to somebody. Any opportunity I can get, they (prospective employers) would not be disappointed.

“I want these kids to understand work ethic. I know what it takes to get to that next level and it’s the fundamentals. We try to gloss over the small things and I always tell players the small things will show you whether they’ll make it or not.

“They may think they have it down pat, but just keep repeating to the point where you react naturally, opposed to a coach always having to say when to do it.”

Growing up playing basketball in his era, Adderley credited a number of players for making him elevate his skills. He admitted he always had talent but it was not until he began playing for McPhee, that he started to see his truest potential. 

“Playing against guys like Basil “The Kid” Sands, Derek “Bookie” Nesbitt, Denzil “Inch” McGuire, those are some of the players that made me a better player. I knew if I wanted to take my talents to another level I had to do it against those guys,” he said.

He then shared that the experiences he had playing Division-I basketball and coaching in America made him an even better person.

“Those guys pushed me to where I had to get. Even in high school against Milo Greene, Duncan Hines, “Cheese” Pinder, those individuals pushed me to a point where I had to compete hard. I’m a competitor. I’m not the type to get embarrassed so I always stepped my game up.

“Playing under coach McPhee was a blessing. I had talent when I went to Catholic High, but he helped me to take my talent to another level. A lot of people don’t understand that. He’s an excellent coach and he didn’t take it easy on me because he knew if I wanted to get to the next level I would have to be tough.

“That helped with college, playing at Indiana State University, which was where the great Larry Bird played college ball. I got to play with this brother, Eddie, but getting the exposure at the Division-I level was a blessing.

“My experiences from all those different programs not only helped me to be a better coach, but a better person,” Adderley concluded. 

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WORKING – Ritchie Adderley (with ball) working with HOYTES players at the Gladstone “Moon” McPhee Park.  (PHOTO: TFN FILES)Sports  June 18, 2020  FN Sports Reporter Shayne Stubbs

Legendary point guard Richie Adderley is now a coaching fixture in the HOYTES program.

The Helping Our Youth Through Education and Sports (HOYTES) program, founded by the great Gladstone “Moon” McPhee, is documented as one of the island’s fundamental pillars in developing young men and women through basketball, also with a strong focus on education. 

Many renowned figures, like Sacramento Kings’ guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield, Connecticut Sun center Jonquel Jones, and Stephen F. Austin University’s Nathan Bain, have spent weekends developing their basketball skills during the adolescent years, in the HOYTES program.

Quite a number of current local executives have also spent weekends training under Moon McPhee and in the HOYTES program. McPhee’s coaching resume is a lengthy one, earning him the recognition as a pioneer of Bahamian basketball. The HOYTES Founder spent years as the head coach of the Grand Bahama Catholic Academy (GBCA) Crusaders, and played a role in the creation of the Hugh Campbell Basketball Tournament, founded the Crusaders’ Christmas Basketball Invitational, and the Geneva Rutherford Girls’ Basketball Tournament.  

Now, McPhee has begun the phase of handing over the HOYTES program to a trusted source. That source is one of the many players McPhee coached over the years. He’s none other than Adderley. Locally, Adderley is revered as a “living legend” among basketball enthusiasts.

Arguably the country’s best point guard during his playing years, Adderley has been described by many of his peers as one who easily could have made it to the National Basketball Association. 

Adderley made it as far as the collegiate ranks playing Division-I Basketball at Indiana State University. Later, he transitioned to coaching girls high school basketball at Terre Haute South in Indiana. He was the school’s first black coach.

After spending years coaching high school basketball in Indiana, Adderley returned home last year and began assisting with HOYTES. He shared with The Freeport News that teaching is something he loves and finds great joy in helping young people progress. 

“This is a blessing. This is what keeps me going. I love teaching and I wouldn’t trade it for nothing. Just to see the improvement in the kids from when you first start working with them- not that I want credit – you just want to make sure when you work with a kid that he/she gets better. “

Adderley returned to The Bahamas back in April, 2019. Since that time he admitted that it has been difficult landing a job but working with the young talent here on the island has helped to keep his mind at ease.

Chief among the knowledge Adderley wants to share is the dedication to hard work, and he pointed out that work ethic will be what separates some players from others around them. 

“Nonetheless, this is home. There is nothing like it. I’ve been away for 33 years and a lot has changed since I came back. I have skills I know that could be an asset to somebody. Any opportunity I can get, they (prospective employers) would not be disappointed.

“I want these kids to understand work ethic. I know what it takes to get to that next level and it’s the fundamentals. We try to gloss over the small things and I always tell players the small things will show you whether they’ll make it or not.

“They may think they have it down pat, but just keep repeating to the point where you react naturally, opposed to a coach always having to say when to do it.”

Growing up playing basketball in his era, Adderley credited a number of players for making him elevate his skills. He admitted he always had talent but it was not until he began playing for McPhee, that he started to see his truest potential. 

“Playing against guys like Basil “The Kid” Sands, Derek “Bookie” Nesbitt, Denzil “Inch” McGuire, those are some of the players that made me a better player. I knew if I wanted to take my talents to another level I had to do it against those guys,” he said.

He then shared that the experiences he had playing Division-I basketball and coaching in America made him an even better person.

“Those guys pushed me to where I had to get. Even in high school against Milo Greene, Duncan Hines, “Cheese” Pinder, those individuals pushed me to a point where I had to compete hard. I’m a competitor. I’m not the type to get embarrassed so I always stepped my game up.

“Playing under coach McPhee was a blessing. I had talent when I went to Catholic High, but he helped me to take my talent to another level. A lot of people don’t understand that. He’s an excellent coach and he didn’t take it easy on me because he knew if I wanted to get to the next level I would have to be tough.

“That helped with college, playing at Indiana State University, which was where the great Larry Bird played college ball. I got to play with this brother, Eddie, but getting the exposure at the Division-I level was a blessing.

“My experiences from all those different programs not only helped me to be a better coach, but a better person,” Adderley concluded. 

Coach Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson, second from right, is pictured with members of his CI Gibson Rattlers senior boys’ basketball team.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstiubbs@tribunemedia.net

#WITH a greater emphasis on exposing his players to the potential basketball scholarships, coach Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson has decided to skip the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic and will be going to Orlando, Florida, to participate in the Tip-off Classic (Super Regional) instead.

#Johnson and his Rattlers were scheduled to play their first game in the Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic, organised by the AF Adderley Junior High School, yesterday against the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves.

#But that game was never played as the Rattlers are preparing to leave town on Thursday.

#“I had coaches on my back because they wanted to see some of my players, so I just decided to take them to the Tip-off Classic this year,” Johnson said. “The objective is to give our players the exposure because there will be a lot of college coaches at the tournament.

#“I want to get my players to be seen and showcased because we have a few players who are eligible for college, both athletically and academically. We want to do whatever we can to try and help them to get sorted out with any college offers that they can get. Next year, I have a bunch of guys who have the potential to sign also.”

#Johnson, whose Rattlers fell short of winning the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association senior boys title after they lost out to the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins last week at Loyola Hall, said their decision had nothing to do with the GSSSA or the organisers of Hugh Campbell, but it was purely to get the exposure for his players.

#Since the inception of the tournament, CI Gibson has been the most dominant school in New Providence and Johnson has collected five titles as a head coach.

#In their departure this year, he said he wishes every team that participates a successful tournament, which is also expected to be played this week without Grand Bahama’s Tabernacle Baptist Falcons, who have also indicated that they will not be participating this year. “I pray that it goes well and whoever is the champion this year is a true champion,” Johnson said.

#“I hope that all of the teams play to the best of their abilities and may the best team win. You have Doris Johnson, the defending champions, who should make a good run for it. There are some other schools like Anatol Rodgers, CR Walker and Queen’s College.

#“And then there’s a number of schools coming out of Grand Bahama like Sunland, St George’s and Sir Jack Hayward, so I think it will still be a great tournament. I think it will boil down to who wants it the most, so we will see what happens. I think there’s a lot of teams that have the potential to win it this year.”

#Having last won the title in 2017, Johnson said he expects that his Rattlers will be back in the tournament next year.

#It all depends on how well things go for them when they participate in the Tip-off Classic this weekend in Orlando.

#The Rattlers will return on Monday as they complete their mid-term break and get ready to report to CI Gibson on Tuesday.

Thursday, August 20, 2020

WILKENSON “Kenny” Isnord has signed a three-year deal with Get Better Academy to continue his basketball career in Europe.

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#WILKENSON “Kenny” Isnord will officially join Get Better Academy (GBA) in Prague, Czech Republic, as he makes his transition to pro basketball.

#Isnord, a prospect of the Raw Talent organisation, signed a three-year deal with GBA to continue his basketball career in Europe.

#“I am very excited about this opportunity with GBA Academy,” he said. “It has been a very rough year but amidst all the adversity, I never lost my trust and faith in God. It is truly a blessing and I can’t wait to get to work and see what the Lord has in store for me.“

#According to the organisation, GBA is “a private international basketball academy which through effective training programmes specialises in maximising basketball potential of its players.” Their mission statement is geared towards helping players “individually develop players and based on their goals provide them with opportunities to either sign a professional contract or receive a full scholarship to American University.”

#GBA has facilitated over 25 players through its programme to NCAA Division I programmes and professional leagues throughout Europe in recent years.

#An athletic 6’9” forward known for playing above the rim on both ends of the floor, Isnord said his game has grown exponentially since he transitioned to the US and looks for even further development at GBA.

#Director of GBA Julien Betko looked ahead to what he expects Isnord to provide the programme. “We are tremendously excited that we signed a three-year contract with Bahamian prospect Wilkenson Isnord. He is bringing world class athleticism to our team and I think he will be a force for us on both ends of the floor,” he said.

#“Kenny spent three months with GBA last season and his improvement was incredible. It convinced us that he is not only physically talented but also extremely hard working, ambitious with great character. This combined with our developmental programme makes us thrilled about Kenny’s future.”

#In early 2019, Isnord was a fast-rising prospect in the Florida AAU circuit. He committed to join the Florida International University Panthers out of DME Academy in Daytona, Florida. Isnord chose FIU over Appalachian State, Florida Gulf Coast and Virginia Commonwealth University. He also drew interest from Virginia Tech, Masachusettes and Louisiana Tech.

#Eligibility issues prevented Isnord from taking the opportunity with FIU and he had to re-evaluate the next step in his career, prior to joining Raw Talent.

#During this time period, he was at home in Abaco and survived the ravages of Hurricane Dorian along with his family. Like many residents of the island, the Isnords lost their home in the storm.

#“I’m super excited for Kenny. He’s a laser focused young man and the sky’s the limit for him. My work with Kenny started about early 2019 when [Bahamas Basketball Federation] President Bowleg asked if I can assist because he was having issues returning to America for his D-I Scholarship. I invited him to my Raw Talent summer programme and he also competed with us in the Summer of Thunder Invitational,” Raw Talent founder, Kino Burrows, said.

#“He’s a high character young man and he’s a workhorse. First in the gym, last to leave. He can do everything on the floor. They have high expectations of him because they’ve raved about his growth over the past few months.

#Isnord received several tryout opportunities where Burrows currently plays professionally in the French LNB League.

#“I had coach Quentin Demeritte come to France to train with Kenny while we sought an opportunity. We found that opportunity in the Czech Republic,” Burrows said, “He was there longer than expected because of COVID but we were looking for a long term development based opportunity where Kenny could play high level basketball and grow at the same time.”

#Isnord first started to receive high major offers from Division I programmes, following his standout summer on the AAU circuit when he reclassified to the 2019 class and joined Showtime Ballers during his junior season.

#Isnord concluded his high school career with the Blanche Ely Tigers in Pompano Beach, Florida before transitioning to DME Academy for a prep season. He was named All-Broward Third Team for Boys’ 9A-7A Schools by the Sun Sentinel, and through 30 games he averaged 6.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game as the Tigers claimed the Class 8A state title.

THE BAHAMAS’ Byron Ferguson coming through for the kill in the victory over Trinidad & Tobago in five sets yesterday. Afterwards, the Bahamas played Suriname in the championship game.

As of Wednesday, August 15, 2018

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#The Bahamas men’s national volleyball fell short in their bid to regain the CAZOVA (Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association) Championships that they last held in 2012, losing to host Suriname in the championship game on Tuesday night at the Ismay Van Wilgen Sporthal in Parimaribo, Suriname.

#Team Bahamas, coached by Lloyd Davis and Kurkwood Greene Sr, suffered their second consecutive loss in the tournament to the gold medal winners, this time in the final, 25-20, 13-25, 25-22, 25-23, in a match that lasted one hour and 43 minutes as they settled for the silver.

#Two days ago Suriname handed the Bahamas their first loss in a marathon 42-40, 23-25, 21-25, 25-22, 15-11 match that took 2:29 to be completed.

#Renaldo Knowles was the Bahamas’ best scorer with 15 points, including 12 spikes. Byron Ferguson also had 12 spikes with two blocks, while Je’Vaughn Saunders also came up with a pair of blocks. Keven Sporkselde led the home team with 20 points as they secured the five setter that last for almost three hours.

#Other members of Team Bahamas were Princtanique Wilson, Kyle Wilson, Jamaal Ferguson, Donavan Wilmott, Eugene Stuart, Tonny Simon and Shonari Hepburn.

#Earlier in the day, the Bahamas advanced to the final by dethroning the defending champions Trinidad & Tobago, 26-24, 22-25, 22-25, 25-20, 15-12, in a match that was originally supposed to be played on the first day of competition. But, after the Bahamas were delayed in getting to the tournament because of financial difficulties, a decision was made to play the game on the final day of competition.

#Trinidad & Tobago, winners of the last two and three of the last four editions of the tournament, played Barbados for the bronze medal.

#In their playoff match-up, the Bahamas had to go through their second five setter in the tournament, but only trailed once, at 6-5, against Trinidad & Tobago before prevailing with a hard fought victory in 113 minutes.

#Wilson, the team captain, once again led by example with 19 points and said it was revenge for the Bahamas after losing to Trinidad & Tobago eight years ago in the semifinal. Trinidad went on to secure the gold that year.

#“We played an amazing game this morning,” added coach Davis. “I am so proud of this team in what we are doing down here. It’s us doing battle against the odds.”

#The Bahamas opened the tournament with a 25-20, 25-23, 25-22 sweep over Barbados. After losing the first encounter to Suriname, the Bahamas bounced back and knocked off Haiti in four sets 25-20, 22-25, 25-21 and 25-23 before closing out the round robin with their 26-24, 22-25, 22-25, 25-20, 15-12 win over Trinidad.