Category: TRACK

July 2, 2023July 2, 2023

Bahamians hold their own in singles, doubles at ITF tournament

As of Thursday, June 29, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#BAHAMIAN tennis players got their feet wet at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junkanoo Bowl tournament which started this past Monday.

#A total of 19 juniors have competed so far at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) National Tennis Centre (NTC).

#Athletes are competing from 11 different countries, including The Bahamas, Hong Kong, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, US Virgin Islands, Canada and the United States of America.

#Yesterday at the NTC, Bahamians competed in both singles and doubles competition leading up to the quarterfinals.

#The singles competition wrapped up, meanwhile, some of the doubles matches got delayed due to some rainy weather conditions on the tennis courts.

#SINGLES

#In the second round of the boys singles competition, The Bahamas’ Jackson Mactaggart took down the USA’s Ayden Fraire in two sets 6-2, 7-5.

#However, he followed up his second round singles win with a loss to the USA’s Alexander Farias in two sets 6-1,6-0.

#Michael Major Jr, dropped his singles second round match in a competitive three sets to the USA’s Ezequiel de la Plaza.

#The USA’s competitor won 6-3, 7-6(6) and 6-3.

#After punching her ticket to the girls’ singles quarterfinals, Sarai Clarke took a loss to Natalie Oliver of the USA 6-0,6-1.

#Sierra Rodgers got the best of her USA opponent Sophie Alarcon in the second round of the girls singles. She defeated Alarcon in a three-set battle, 6-2, 5-7, 6-0.

#However, after booking her ticket to the quarterfinals, she fell to Dain Lee of Korea in two sets 6-3, 6-2.

#Rodgers talked about her experience at the competition.

#“This morning I felt like it was very well, it was pretty good honestly. I was pretty consistent and had a positive attitude which helped me a lot,” she said.

#Despite the loss in the quarterfinals, Rodgers is enjoying the ITF tournament so far.

#“So far it has been really good. I got to make a lot of new friends and I love the competition and it is really good to see other people from different countries play with us instead of playing against each other to give us more variety,” she added.

#DOUBLES

#Rodgers also competed alongside Saphirre Ferguson in the first round of the girls doubles.

#Although the duo lost to the USA’s Natalie Oliver and Alexandra Wolf 6-0,6-0 in both sets, Ferguson said they could have been more focused in the match but in the end they just decided to have fun and enjoy the experience despite it not being the result they wanted.

#The Freeport doubles team of Jalisa Clarke and Rachel Thompson represented the Bahamas well.

#The girls beat the USA’s Alarcon and Bahamas’ Kaylee Kanuka 7-6(3) and 6-0. Both girls were excited to talk about the win.

#“It was funny, hectic, and very nerve-wracking but I have a good partner so that helped me,” Thomspon said.

#She added that the competition had her very nervous but she made it through the experience nonetheless.

#Clarke, her teammate, said her strategy was to set up her serves and take over in moments when her teammate needed her most. Overall, she said her first time at the tournament was good and it felt great to experience new players and meet persons that played exactly like her.

#In more doubles action, The Bahamas’ team of Cohen Knowles and Dentry Mortimer came up short against the USA’s Christopher Condoianis and Ayden Fraire in two sets. The USA doubles team won 6-1,6-3.

#With the semifinals for the singles and quarterfinals for the doubles beginning today at the NTC, The Bahamas’ best chance of advancing to the finals lies with the doubles competitors.

#Matchups start today at 9am.

July 2, 2023July 2, 2023

Western Warriors soccer club achieves quadruple BFA championship titles

As of Thursday, June 29, 2023

#THE Western Warriors Football (Soccer) Club celebrated an epic season of success in the 2022-2023 Bahamas Football Association leagues, receiving four 1st place trophies in last Saturday’s BFA awards ceremonies. They won titles in the boys under-15 division, under-18, men’s league and the prestigious Men’s Hummel Cup.

#This extraordinary achievement by one soccer club has not been seen in the Bahamas for decades, and is even more remarkable given the impact that COVID-19 had on soccer in the Bahamas, with the BFA leagues cancelled for two whole years.

#But the Warriors developed special fitness programmes and drills that were sent to players every week by Whatsapp, so that players could develop their skills and stamina at home.

#Once some group exercise was permitted by the MOH, the club started small group fitness sessions which observed all required COVID-19 protocols.

#In the boys under-15, the Western Warriors team won all six of its matches, scoring 43 goals for the season, and only three goals scored against the team.

#Many of the goals were scored by forwards and midfielders Rolph Gervais, BFA under-15 MVP, Chevchenko Mesidor, Wilson Jasmin, Dylan Archer, Djouwentzky Desronvil, Nathan Walker and Denali McCarthy.

#Exceptional goalkeeping by Dhechen Gibson and Malique Kelly ensured that Warriors dominated the age division.

#Other noteworthy team players include John Brize, Hakeem Forbes, Jude Russell, Robens Lhomme and Joshua Burrows.

#This age division is coached by Paul James and Ezzard Charles.

#In the boys under-18 division, the Warriors played 12 total matches, won 10 matches, drew one, and lost one, with a final goal tally of 62 goals for and 10 goals scored against.

#Principal goalkeeper Deron Ferguson, who has been named to several men’s national teams, kept goal counts low.

#Key players in this age group include Kenaz Swain, BFA under-18 MVP, McKenzie Chery, Benjamin Cole, Dillon Ferguson, Jermaine Joseph, Leonardo Fertil, Sylvester Brize, Canton Jules, Jaxon Bethel, Matthew Holst, Reuben Edgecombe, Wisdom Ngaobidi, Djino Bazaan and Matyus Duncanson. This age division is coached by Paul James, Ezzard Charles, and Romel Cime Augustin.

#In the men’s senior league, the Warriors played 18 matches, won 15 games and drew three games.

#In the Hummel Cup, the Western Warriors men’s team played tirelessly, beating out Dynamos FC 5-0 in the semi-finals and United FC 2-0 in an exciting final.

#The men’s team includes many loyal players who have been with the Club since they were youngsters, including Troy Pinder, Jamar Townsend, Jamaal Nicolas, Sheltin Edmond, Lekenson Chery, Cameron Hanna, Edson Dorleant, Jacksony Agenor, Javan Missick and Peterson Kevin Joseph. Other notable players include Paxon Jean, Dason Estimable, Terry Delancey (Hummel Cup MVP), Kelly Bolivar, Romel Cime Augustin, Erold Thelusma, Ronald Brave, Similien Roose, Jean Francois, Amos Myrtil, and indomitable goal keeper Thaj Jay Asquith, winner to the BFA Golden Glove Award. The Men’s team is coached by Head Coach Benjamin Blanc, assisted by Paul James and Ezzard Charles.

#The Western Warriors Football Club also has a grass roots program for boys and girls aged 7 to 11, which it has also rolled out to Uriah McPhee Primary School. The Club has competitive girls teams in the U15 and U18 divisions, and a women’s team, coached by former national team player and coach Cherlindria Thompson. The Western Warrior Boys U13 team, which was winning the division when the remainder of the season had to be cancelled due to BFA scheduling conflicts, looks forward to the next season.

#The Western Warriors Football Club was founded in 2008 by Saskia D’Aguilar and Michael Hooper. The Club is committed to creating a wholesome environment where players of all nationalities, from all schools and neighborhoods, are welcome. The Club has a rigorous training program, with mandatory training for every age group 3 to 4 times per week. Superwash Ltd. sponsors the Club, and also provides support for players who need assistance with registration fees. For more information, visit the Club’s website: www. WesternWarriorsBahamas.co

July 2, 2023July 2, 2023

RITA sets sail with resounding success and the support from Mount Gay Rum, Sands Beer

WINNERS show off their awards at the Regattas in The Abacos 2023, which officially set sail on Sunday.

As of Thursday, June 29, 2023

RITAS JP with first race winner were Spinnaker, ‘Rockstar’, Non-Spinnaker, ‘Contrails’ and Multihull, ‘Catabatic’.

Lonesome Dove – 1st Place.

First PHRG non-spinnaker fleet.

#ABACO, The Bahamas – The art of sailing took centre stage as the highly anticipated Regattas in The Abacos (RITA 2023) officially set sail on Sunday, June 25.

#The return of the annual summer regatta has attracted various racing sailing boats to compete in five races being staged throughout the Abacos, after a nearly three-year hiatus following the passage of Hurricane Dorian.

#“Unlike the traditional Bahamian sloop regattas which take place in one settlement,” explained RITA committee organiser Dwayne Wallas, “each race in this regatta starts on one cay and ends on another cay.”

#The first in a series of specially planned events kicked off with a vibrant launch party at Pete’s Pub in Little Harbour, Abaco.

#Boaters arriving at this picturesque location were treated to the sounds of calypso accompanied by the refreshing taste of Sands Beer and signature Mount Gay Rum cocktails.

#Mount Gay Rum has a global reputation for supporting sailing regattas.

#“The brand is providing exclusive merchandise to participating sailors as well as refreshments at all events. Sands Beer will also support all pre and after-event celebrations, according to a press release.

#“Sands Beer has also sponsored ‘The Lonesome Dove,’ a B-Class sloop from Hope Town, Abaco, that has garnered several multi-podium finishes at different regattas, including the recent National Family Island Regatta.

#“Sands Beer and Mount Gay Rum are proud sponsors of Regatta in the Abacos,” said Diane de Cardenas, Jimmy’s Wines and Spirits assistant general manager for Nassau and The Family Islands.

#“Sands Beer has always embraced sailing culture even in our branding, which features the iconic man in the boat,” she noted.

#“Our continued sponsorship of regattas and other sailing events reinforces the company’s commitment to its truly Bahamian roots.”

#On Saturday, organisers had both a welcome party and a skippers’ meeting held at the Jib Room Marina, which has been completely reconstructed after the devastation of Hurricane Dorian.

#Sunday saw the start of the five races, with 19 vessels taking to the water to participate, competing to win the three fleet categories – Spinnaker, Non-spinnaker and Multihull.

#Winners for race one on Sunday from Marsh Harbour to Hope Town; were Spinnaker, ‘Rockstar’, Non-Spinnaker, ‘Contrails’ and Multihull, ‘Catabatic’.

#Race two took place on Monday from Hope Town to Guana Cay and saw all new leaders in each category except in the Multihull category; winners for the second RITA races were Spinnaker, ‘NautOnCall’, Non-Spinnaker, ‘Lonesome Dove’ and Multihull, ‘Catabatic’.

#Already dubbed a roaring success, RITA 2023 is expected to continue delighting participants with three more exhilarating boat races.

#As the event unfolds, participants and spectators alike are anticipating the upcoming races and to see who will be crowned champions after the last race on Saturday, July 1.

#Results can be found on the RITAwebsite: regattasintheabacos.com. “Mount Gay Rum and Sands beer are proud to be Gold Sponsors of this annual favourite regatta,” said Gerry Summers, Abaco marketing executive for Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits.

#“The regatta has had a significant positive impact on local businesses already. Car rentals, villa rentals, marinas, restaurants andbars are experiencing a notable surge in patronage, benefitting from the influx of visitors and the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the regatta.”

#According to John Pinder, the Member of Parliament for Central and South Abaco, RITA 2023 is not only a catalyst for Abaco’s revival, but further opens the door to create greater opportunities for cultural tourism.

#“We’re not just bringing back Regatta In the Abacos” he noted.

#“But we’re looking to expand on the many sailing programmes that currently exist here and give Abaconians even more opportunity to showcase their skills as sons and daughters of the sea,” Pinder stated.

July 2, 2023July 2, 2023

Sand Wars flag football tourney begins in a month

SAND WARS: Flag football teams battle on the sand during last year’s Sand Wars Bahamas flag football tournament.

As of Thursday, June 29, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#SAND Wars Bahamas returns for their sixth edition of the beach flag football tournament in exactly one month.

#Following the end of the Bahamas Flag Football League (BFFL) season last weekend, teams will now take their talents from the Winton Rugby Field to the Nassau Beach Soccer stadium.

#The flag football tourney will commence July 29-30 with up to 14 teams, men and women combined, vying for a chance to win a $1,500 cash prize for their squad.

#The unorthodox flag football challenge will test the endurance and athleticism of the clubs, making for an exciting competition next month.

#Tito Bethel, co-founder and operations manager of Sand Wars Bahamas, talked about how they came up with the interesting element of playing flag football on the sand.

#“The tournament basically started around 2018 and is a combination of flag football and the one thing that The Bahamas offers – sun, sand, and sea – so we decided to put something together to allow both industries to come together to have something exciting,” Bethel said.

#Of the 14 flag football teams expected to compete will be clubs from Abaco, Grand Bahama, the Cayman Islands and New Providence.

#The flag football teams will feature the Abaco Sharks, Grand Bahama’s Zero Tolerance and Cayman Islands Anklebullies.

#The New Providence teams are last year’s defending champions Team Red Dot, the Hornets, Predators, Guardians of the Galaxy, the Dragons, Avengers, Lady Jaguars and others.

#Since their start in 2018, flag football competition has gotten better every following year, according to Bethel. Therefore, expectations are high for the showdowns between the teams in this year’s tourney.

#“Expectations for this tournament has always been great, now that we are on our sixth time around, this competition has always been stiff and exciting, now that we are comfortable and fully geared up, it is going to be even more exciting as the title is up for grabs,” Bethel said.

#Despite a difficult start to the tournament by some of the teams due to the beach soccer element, he believes that they have now adjusted and are becoming more comfortable with the concept of playing the sport on the sand instead of the field.

#“The difference would be more of the resistance and mobility on the sand in terms of trying to make the same plays that you would make on the grass so you would have to be more conditioned and extra focused to make plays on the sand, you have to be more of an athlete to play on the sand,” he added.

#The matchups will all get underway at the National Beach Soccer stadium. Interested individuals can get in at a cost of $10 for VIP and $8 for regular seating.

#For teams that have not yet signed up for the tournament, the cost is $350. For more information, contact 462-6973.

July 2, 2023July 2, 2023

Noah sweeps Chess Classic, Jayla emerges as top female

Albury wins second consecutive Warren Seymour Chess Classic

CHESS players clash during the Warren Seymour Chess Classic – an open tournament at which junior and senior players square off against each other.

As of Thursday, June 29, 2023

Noah Albury

Jayla Cargill

#THE results of the Warren Seymour Chess Classic demonstrate that the future of chess in The Bahamas is bright.

#The Warren Seymour Classic is an open tournament at which junior and senior players square off against each other.

#Open category in chess refers to a competition in which anyone can participate regardless of age or experience.

#The Warren Seymour Chess Classic is the first of four qualifiers in The Bahamas Chess Federation’s 2023 Open Chess Series.

#The Tournament took place over the weekend of June 24.

#Round 1 kicked off Saturday morning, followed by an intense three rounds of competition that afternoon. Rounds 4 and 5 continued on Sunday.

#The event was sponsored by The Sports Centre and Colina Insurance.

#Noah Albury seized the title of winner of the Warren Seymour Chess Classic, winning all his games. His win qualified him for the 2024 Bahamas National Chess Championship.

#Shawn Barker won second place, also qualifying for the 2024 Nationals. Curtis Pride Jr placed third.

#The Warren Seymour Classic is a five-round Swiss format, a game in 60 minutes plus five seconds per move.

#The Warren Seymour Classic is FIDE rated.

#The 2024 Bahamas National Chess Championship is scheduled to be held in January 2024.

#The 2023 Warren Seymour Chess Classic Tournament is also a qualifier for the Pan American Youth Chess Festival and the CAC Youth Chess Championship.

#The Pan American Youth Chess Festival is scheduled to take place in Chicago August 11–18.

#The CAC Youth Chess Championship will take place in Trinidad & Tobago and will feature leading junior players from Central American countries and the Caribbean.

#The 1st place finishers in the Junior Sections (Under 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 categories) qualify to attend these prestigious international global tournaments.

#The Warren Seymour Classic is named in honour of Bahamian hero Warren Seymourm who committed over 30 years of his life to growing the sport of chess in the Bahamas and contributing to the development of hundreds of young Bahamians.

#During his prime, Mr Seymour selflessly visited over thirty schools a month, training young men and women in critical thinking and helping them to develop good, decision-making skills. Without any financial gain, he also taught chess at correctional facilities and assisted in the rehabilitation of prisoners.

#“Congratulations to all our players!” said Curtis Pride, first vice president of The Bahamas Chess Federation and director of tournaments.

#He said: “It is encouraging to see so many of you come out to compete. There is a lot of work to do at the federation level but we are committed to hosting more local tournaments and also providing support for our players to travel to compete in international competitions. Travelling to international competitions is particularly important for local players as we have such a small pool of chess players locally. Our players have to travel in order to increase their ratings, compete for titles and move The Bahamas forward in the sport of chess.

#With the help of parents and corporate Bahamas, we will achieve our goals.”

#International arbiter Andre White served as chief arbiter for the 2023 Warren Seymour Chess Classic. National arbiter Angel Pride served as assistant arbiter.

#2023 Warren Seymour

#Chess Classic Results

#OPEN SECTION

#1st Place: Noah Albury 5 points

#2nd Place: Shawn Barker 4 points

#3rd Place: Curtis Pride Jr. 3 ½ points

#Best Female: Jayla Cargill 3 ½ points

#JUNIOR SECTION

#Top Junior: Noah Albury

#U8: Caerwyn Turnquest

#U10: Danica Rolle

#U12: Adrian Dean

#U14: Chika Pride

#U16: Avian Pride

#U18: Noah Albury

#Best Female:

#Jayla Cargill

July 2, 2023July 2, 2023

Sunday brunch treat at Fusion for Abaco Youth Baseball and Softball League

As of Thursday, June 29, 2023

#After completing four days of competition at the G-Ball Andre Rodgers National Baseball National Championships, the 50-member crew of Abaco Youth Baseball & Softball League was treated to Sunday brunch at Fusion Superplex by Buttons Formal Wear whose team once won four senior Bahamas baseball championships in the 1990s.

#“Tommy Stubbs, thank you for your support and hospitality at Fusion Sunday night. Our boys had a good time after participating in the Bahamas Baseball Association’s Nationals. We, in the Abaco Youth Baseball and Softball league, salute Buttons Formal Wear and we appreciate your support.”

July 2, 2023July 2, 2023

Sunday brunch treat at Fusion for Abaco Youth Baseball and Softball League

As of Thursday, June 29, 2023

June 29, 2023June 29, 2023

Special OIympians bring home medals

A TIME TO CELEBRATE: Special Olympics Team Bahamas returned home to celebrate yesterday after a great showing at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany. Photo: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff

As of Wednesday, June 28, 2023

PAIR OF WINNERS: Austin Green and Bronson Aranha receive silver medals in the bowling doubles at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany. Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Bahamas

ONE FOR THE BOOKS: Government officials welcomed the Special Olympics team home in celebratory fashion yesterday at the Lynden Pindling International Airport. Photo: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#Team Bahamas’ Special Olympics athletes received a warm celebratory welcome home after amassing four medals at the 2023 Special Olympics Summer World Games in Berlin, Germany.

#The seven athletes were greeted by government officials, including Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and Minister of Social Services and Urban Development Obie Wilchcombe along with a junkanoo group to celebrate their amazing feats.

#The athletes competed at the 2023 World Games in bowling, swimming and track events. They were successful in two out of the three, adding another proud memory to The Bahamas’ sporting year.

#Mr Bowleg complimented the efforts of Team Bahamas’ Special Olympics athletes as they returned from another continent (Europe).

#“Let me first say how proud I am and happy to be here and celebrate with you coming back home to your homeland where you have made all of us proud,” Bowleg said.

#He thanked each of the members of the Special Olympics team, including Caitlin Romer who left Berlin with a silver medal in the 100-metre finals and bronze in the 200m finals.

#Additionally, he congratulated Austin Green and Bronson Aranha, who returned home as silver medallists in the bowling doubles.

#Green also claimed a silver medal in the men’s bowling singles.

#Although the team had been undergoing physical training since October for the June 17-25 Special Olympics World Games, Green said it was a bit difficult to practice when they finally arrived in Berlin. However, he said the experience was excellent because he had never been to Europe but he got a lot of time to relax and enjoy the different cuisines, culture and arts, all while picking up the silver medals for Team Bahamas. Green added that persons that want to follow in his footsteps should believe in best, work hard, and continue to fight hard.

#Aranha, Green’s bowling doubles teammate, said the experience in Berlin was great.

#“It was great I loved the experience meeting new friends in a different part of the world,” he said.

#The silver-medalist added that he learned too much things while at the Special Olympics World Games to put into words but will use them to elevate and get better for when they compete again. He said the competition was also very challenging.

#“It was stiff competition the guys stepped up their game which made myself and my partner step up even more,” Aranha added.

#Members of the Special Olympics Committee thanked the officials and public for their continued support of persons with intellectual disabilities and Team Bahamas’ journey at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games.

#Gilbert Williams, director of the Special Olympics committee, had nothing but appreciation for his team and athletes.

#“Thank you all this movement is certainly a team of persons that are passionate about Special Olympics Bahamas and about special needs. Our coaches they work extremely hard I always say to people these are real athletes and they are coached by real people,” he said.

#He added that when their athletes compete they represent The Bahamas on the same level as everyone else and he thanked everyone for their support of the organization.

#Special Olympics Bahamas has competed at the Special Olympics World Games since 1979.

#Individuals that want to keep up with the organization as a volunteer or supporter can visit the Special Olympics Bahamas Facebook page.

June 29, 2023June 29, 2023

Baseball player Mateo Ferguson on the rise

Coach Andre Payne and Mateo Ferguson, right.

As of Wednesday, June 28, 2023

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#MATEO Ferguson, a product of Fox Hill who got started playing baseball at the age of 12, is still relishing the fact that his decision not to go to the professional ranks has paid off with his success as a member of the Florida Memorial University Lions,

#The Lions, which featured two other Bahamians, were crowned as the Black College World Series champions on May 13 at the Alabama’s Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama.

#Playing with second baseman Pheron Saunders and pitcher Aaron Knowles, the Bahamian connection helped the Lions to secure a one-run win over Albany State University in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) championship series for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II colleges. “I decided to take the college route and every college that I’ve been to, I’ve had a full ride on athletic scholarships,” Ferguson said. “I started at Darsbury College and now I’m at FMU where I will be getting a championship ring.”

#Ferguson, a transferred pitcher on the team, admitted that they got off to a rocky start as he adjusted to the new coach and players. But it wasn’t how they got started, but how they finished.

#“I did what I had to do in class and on and off the field,” said the 22-year-old junior, studying business as his major.

#“I stayed true to God and to myself and I was able to be the closer for Florida Memorial University as I earned my spot.

#“Like I said, we had a rough start, but we finished in first place. So in my head, that was all that mattered. We got the job done and I’m so glad that I made the decision to go to college.”

#During the season, the 6-feet, 4-inches Ferguson said the Lions stayed together as a team and supported each other. He said they still can’t believe that they clinched the title.

#“It’s unexplainable. This is my first ring. I was just happy to be a part of it,” he stressed. “We fought to get the invitation to the HBC World Series and we didn’t lose a game.

#“We won our NAIA brackett. We won the whole eastern brackett. We did our thing.”

#Ferguson, who got to play on the men’s national team that christened the new Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium during the COCABA Tournament in December, said he was delighted to be back home for a break as he also spent some time with his family and friends.

#He came home with Andre Payne, one of the coaches at FMU,who noted that he was delighted to be back in the Bahamas, especially when the Bahamas Baseball Association got to stage their National Baseball Championships this weekend at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.

#“I have two other players playing in the tournament, so it;s good to see them in action with their local peers,” Payne said. “All of these guys, including Mateor, work hard and they do what they have to do. So I’;nm happy to have them on the team.

#“I coached high school in Miami for about 13 years and I had several Bahamian players back then, so I knew what to expect and what they are going to do as far as work ethic. They are doing what they are supposed to do. They’ve passed all expectations of all.”

#Although Ferguson didn’t transfer to FMU until the spring, Payne said they didn’;t get to put in the work during the fall, but he was impressed how well he came around at the end of the year for the Lions.

#He said they have high expectations for him next year just as they do with Saunders and Knowles as they work towards getting into the starting rotation at FMU.

#Ferguson, who is now training in Covington, Louisiana in preparation for the Summer League in Cali, Houston, said he’s looking forward to reuniting with some of his old friends.

#“We all get together in Summer League Baseball and show off our talent in front of the Major League Baseball scouts,” said Ferguson, who one day aspires to become a pro player.

#However, he said he’s excited about returning to FMU where the Lions will get a chance to defend their World Series title next year.

#“The plan for me next year is just to get bigger and stronger,” Ferguson proclaimed. “I want to be more flexible so we can win another ring and even go on and win the Conference ring.”

#Ferguson is the son of Mary and Wellington Ferguson and he has a sister, Whitnety Ferguson, who is a medical doctor and two brothers, Deangelo and Jeremy Ferguson.

#While he’s the only member of his family who played college baseball, Ferguson said he’s excited when he sees so many young people look up to him because of what he has achieved.

#“It’s just good to see the young players playing in this stadium and they are getting the exposure,” he said. “They have their family members and friends watching them like they did when we played in December.

#“So I’m happy. I see them walk by and we stop and talk about their game. It’s so good to see their interest in the game. I think this is a good step for us. Hopefully we will see some of them go on to play college ball and ultimately in the pro ranks.”

#As for Ferguson, he said he has no regrets going to college rather than turning pro.

#“I actually feel this is the best route for me, I think this is a blessing disguise for me,” Ferguson said. “I’m able to get my degree for free and I have something that I can fall back on if anything goes wrong playing the sport.”

#While home, Fergjuson said he got the opportunity to work out with some of the pro players who are back here with.

#“It’s been a lot of training, putting in the hard work,” he insisted. “I have been throwing with Devaughn Knowles, a former player with the New York Yankees organization.

#“Don;t mind all of that. I had some fun as well. I haven;t been home in a while, but it’s been good. I just want to wish all of the local players every success as they look towards their future journeys, whether it’s in high school, college or the pros.”

#Hopefully one day, Ferguson said he will get to team up with some of them on the men;s national team as he’s doing now with his Bahamian teammates at FMU.

#In the meantime, Payne said he’s been so impressed with the facilities at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium, which was much better than the minor league facility they played their championship game in.

#He noted that he can’t wait to get back to the United States to start the conversation to not only get FMU to bring the Lions; team to the Bahamas, but also some of their rivals to get a real home cultural experience.

June 29, 2023June 29, 2023

Legacy Basketball Camp gets underway in Grand Bahama

Participants and instructors of the Legacy Basketball Camp.

As of Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Campers getting some tips from coach Robert Yonice.

Camp director Jay Phillippe assessing campers.

Coach Robert Yonice watches some of the campers in action.

Campers following instructions.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#THE Legacy Basketball Camp got started on Monday at the St George’s Gymnasium in Grand Bahama and coordinator Jay Phillippe was quite impressed with what he saw from the participants.

#The free-for-all camp, which features American coach Robert Yonice, is designed for boys and girls from the ages of five and up and will run through June 30 from 9am to 1pm.

#“We are working on the basic concept of basketball, which is dribbling, shooting and passing,” said Phillippe, a former outstanding basketball player turned coach, who is doing an incredible job with the Sunland Baptist senior boys’ basketball team.

#“We had so many kids who came out. We had over 120 kids coming over and so we had to get some of our local coaches and some of my players who are currently off to school to come out and help out.”

#Phillippe said the whole idea is to provide the basic fundamentals for the participants to learn so that they can become better basketball players.

#“We’ve had so much success coming out of Grand Bahama with Buddy Hield, Jonquel Jones and Yolett McPhee-McCuin, who is doing a fine job coaching US women’s college basketball. This is just another continued step in our growth and development.

#“We have a lot of kids who came out to work on their concept like I mentioned over the past two weeks. So, we feel that we will have some players who are better prepared for the future as a result of their involvement in the camp.”

#Yonice, who hails out of Knoxville, Tennessee, and has been coaching at the division one level for eight years, said he’s back for his second trip to Grand Bahama to help impact some of his knowledge to the participants of the camp.

#“My purpose here is to come down and help these kids learn the fundamentals of basketball,” he pointed out.

#“The game of basketball has helped me and coach Jay and all these other kids who have gone on to travel the world.

#“If you put in the work and you learn how to play the game the right way, you can get that opportunity too. So my job is coming down here and what I hope to accomplish is how do you play the game the right way.”

#If the participants develop an attitude of disciplining themselves, Yonice said it will help a long way in their progress.

#“If you can be disciplined on the field, you can be disciplined in life,” he stated.

#“If you learn how to be disciplined in sports that normally translates into life. As much as we all love to play sports for the rest of our lives, unfortunately that won’t happen.

#“So, you have to learn how to be disciplined, not only for yourself, but for your team-mates.”

#Although the camo was ongoing, it was the first day for Yonice, who was quite impressed with what he saw from the participants.

#“It reminded me of the last time I was here. There are a lot of guys with a lot of athletic talent, who can jump out of the gym and they have a lot of skills,” he said.

#“But like so many other players who left here to go to college, they learned that there’s a lot more to it playing basketball.

#“They had to find out that they need to play better defence, better team defence and they have to play much harder when they play different college players.

#“So, while they may have some success here, they have to realise that they have to do all of the little things to be great.”

#During his time at the camp, Yonice said he hopes to be able to enforce some of the things that the participants would have learnt from Phillippe and a number of the other instructors, who worked with them since the beginning of the camp.