Home|Sports|Final two champions crowned in the GSSSASports

Royals junior boys hold off the Sharks; Rattlers senior girls beat the Knights

Simba FrenchSend an emailFebruary 20, 2023 117 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The D.W. Davis Royals junior boys and the C.I. Gibson Rattlers senior girls were able to repeat as champions in their respective divisions in the Government Secondary Schools Sporting Association (GSSSA) best-of-three basketball championships on Friday.

The Rattlers senior girls witnessed their senior boys lifting the championship trophy the night before and came back to the Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium looking to do the same. They took care of the C.R. Walker Knights, 45-41, to get the victory in the third and decisive game. The Royals avoided losing two straight games for the first time this season, taking down the S.C. McPherson Sharks, 47-43, in Game Three of their championship series.

Junior Boys

Royals 47, Sharks 43

After getting a wake-up call on Thursday, the Royals came back more focused but still had a tough battle against a pesky Sharks team on Friday. Led by Kami Davis, who had eight points in the second quarter, the Sharks went into halftime with a slim 24-23 lead.

Coming out of the intermission, the Royals played more aggressive on the defensive end and were able to dial-in on their shots. Led by Darius Hanna and Kamal Miller with four points each, they were able to put up 13 points in the third quarter while holding the Sharks to nine. The Royals went up 36-33 heading into the fourth.

In the fourth quarter, the Royals turned up their defense another notch, forcing Davis and the Sharks to earn their points. All four of Davis’ points in the final period came from the charity stripe.

After their Game One victory, Royals’ Head Coach Mark Hanna joked that his son, Darius Hanna, owed him a championship after he lost a championship game the day he was born. Darius scored five points in the final period including a three-point shot to lift the Royals.

The younger Hanna finished with 17 points to deliver his father a championship, and as a bonus, he won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy. Miller scored 11 points with seven coming in the second half.

Davis had a game-high 18 points for the Sharks.

For the Royals, it’s their sixth straight GSSSA junior boys basketball title.

Senior Girls

Rattlers 45, Knights 41

In this series, two evenly matched teams played their hearts out for a championship but only one could lift the trophy. That team was the Rattlers as they had a stronger second half in the third and decisive game, especially in the fourth quarter.

Rattlers’ Head Coach Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson was looking for his team to bring the same defense and intensity that they had in the second game on Thursday night.

However, early in the first quarter, it was the Knights who would take command. They led 13-8 at the end of the first quarter. The Knights withstood a challenge from the Rattlers in the second quarter and led 25-21 at the half.

At the end of the third quarter, the Knights held a slim 35-33 lead.

Johnson had to wait until the fourth quarter to see the defense he wanted to see from his team as they held the Knights two key players, Shenell Steward and Brianna Hanna, to just two points each in that stanza. The Rattlers scored 12 points in that final period and held the Knights to just six points.

Francis won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the Rattlers. She finished with a game-high 24 points, 10 of which came in the second quarter. Her teammate Phillpps Ferguson scored 14 points.

Stewart’s 19 points was not enough for the Knights as they fell short.

The Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic, featuring the best senior boys basketball teams in the country, gets underway today at the Kendal Isaacs gymnasium.

https://thenassauguardian.com/final-two-champions-crowned-in-the-gsssa/

 Home|Sports|‘Buddy’ falls by one point in three-point contestSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailFebruary 20, 2023 53 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian Chavano “Buddy” Hield fell just one point short of winning what would have been his second NBA (National Basketball Association) All-Star Three-Point Contest at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday night.

The Indiana Pacers starting two-guard finished the final round of the Starry Three-Point Contest with 25 points. He was edged by Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard who finished with 26 points. Hield’s teammate and fellow backcourt partner Tyrese Haliburton was third, finishing with 17 points.

Lillard was the second competitor and chased Hield’s 25 points down. He needed his last shot – a money ball that is worth two points to pass Hield, and he got it. Lillard made both of his shots from the “Starry” spot on the court that was worth three points while Hield missed both of those shots. That proved to be a key component in the victory.

In the final round, the Grand Bahama native got off to a hot start on the first rack, coming away with five points. As mentioned, he missed both “Starry” shots and had 13 points after the second one. He put in four of five money ball shots on his last rack which was in the corner. It was a great strategy as he had just 17 points before reaching it. He hit the first four shots in the corner but his final money ball shot clanked on the back of the rim and missed as he finished with 25 points.

Hield was going for his second three-point title after participating in the 2020 NBA All-Star edition.

The Bahamian finished the first round with 23 points to advance to be one of the three finalists. 

Haliburton had the most points with 31. Lillard scored 26 points in the first round.

Eliminated in the first round were the Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, the Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen, the Miami Heat’s Tyler Herro, the New York Knicks’ Julius Randle and the Sacramento Kings’ Kevin Huerter.

Hield has made 230 made three-point shots this season and leads the league at the all-star break. His closest competitor is Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons who has 196 and he is followed by Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson with 194.

Hield is averaging 3.8 made three-pointers per game and is on pace to eclipse his own single-season record in made three-pointers which is 282. If he continues making three-pointers at a high clip, he will likely go over the 300-made three-pointers mark. If he does that, he will join only two other players in NBA history – the Warriors’ Stephen Curry and the Philadelphia 76ers’ James Harden. Curry did it four times and Harden did it once.

Before the break, Hield was able to set a franchise record for made three-pointers in a season. He did that last Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls. He surpassed Pacers legend Reggie Miller who had 229 made three-point shots during the 1996-1997 season.

The Pacers (26-34) return to action on Thursday, taking on the Eastern Conference and NBA leading Celtics (42-17) at home, at Gainbridge Fiedhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.

https://thenassauguardian.com/buddy-falls-by-one-point-in-three-point-contest/

 Home|Sports|Taylor puts on show at conference championshipsSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailFebruary 20, 2023 140 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian collegiate swimmer Lamar Taylor wrapped up action for the Henderson State University Red Wave at the New South Intercollegiate Swim Conference (NSISC) Championships at the Ronald G. Mayers Aquatic Center in Cleveland, Mississippi, over the weekend. Taylor and the Red Wave placed second overall.

Action got underway on Wednesday and wrapped up on Saturday. The Red Wave finished with 917 points while Delta State University won with a total of 1,007.50 points.

Taylor got an automatic qualifying time for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II (DII) Championships in the 100-yard freestyle on Saturday. He finished second in the final behind his teammate, graduate student Jack Armstrong. Taylor clocked a blistering 42.81 seconds, improving on his preliminary time of 43.44 seconds. He had splits of 20.66 and 22.15 seconds. Armstrong won with a time of 42.55 seconds. Delta State’s Tucker Schroer was third after swimming a time of 43.94 seconds.

Taylor, a junior, picked up an individual victory on Friday night and also a win in a relay event. He got the victory in the 100-yard backstroke when he touched the wall in a blistering 46.88 seconds to swim a NCAA DII Invite time, improving on his preliminary time of 47.78 seconds. Taylor’s splits were 22.39 and 24.49 seconds. His closest competitor was last year’s winner, Delta State’s Berk Ozkul who clocked 48.24 seconds. Finishing third was Delta State’s Emanuel Fava who posted a time of 48.48 seconds.

Later that night, Taylor anchored the Red Wave’s 200-yard free relay team to victory in a pool and conference record time, and also a NCAA DII consideration time, of 1:18.89. The previous pool record was 1:19.52 while Taylor and the Red Wave held the previous conference record of 1:19.75. Taylor’s split on Friday night was the fastest on the team – 18.90 seconds. His teammates in that race were Armstrong, Jase Pinckney and Tim Holt.

Ouachita University was second with at time of 1:22.22 and they were followed by Delta State who were third in 1:22.98.

Taylor was also in the pool for the 100-yard fly, powering his way to an NCAA DII invite time of 47.21 seconds as he went below his heat time of 47.74 seconds. His third place finish helped complete a sweep for a Red Wave in that event. Armstrong won the race with a time of 46.39 seconds and Pinckney was second when he touched the wall in 47.21 seconds.

Taylor and the Red Wave’s 400-yard medley relay team of Mark Eberhard, Pinckney and Armstrong had no competition in the pool and so they had to chase records and the NCAA DII Championships qualifying time. In the end, they clocked 3:12.13 which was a new pool record and an NCAA DII ‘B’ consideration time. It was also a new school record as Henderson State repeated as champions in that event.

The University of Montevallo was second with a time of 3:18.18. Delta State was third as they swam 3.18.34.

Taylor started his performances at the meet, swimming in the 50-yard free. The shorter sprints in the freestyle is what he excels in the most. He did not disappoint as he powered his way to win that event in a time 19.24 seconds. He had a better swim in the preliminaries in which he swam 19.10 seconds to set a school, conference and pool record, and also went under the NCAA DII qualifying time. He lowered his own school and conference record and has the fastest time in that event in NCAA DII rankings.

Finishing second to Taylor was his teammate Armstrong who clocked 19.57 seconds. Placing third was Delta Sate’s Tucker Schroer who clocked 20.05 seconds.

Next up for Taylor and the Red Wave is the NCAA DII Championships, set for Wednesday March 8 to Saturday March 11, at Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

https://thenassauguardian.com/taylor-puts-on-show-at-conference-championships/

As of Friday, February 17, 2023

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UB guard Dave Lindsey advances the ball against Florida Palms University at The Scott Galvin Community Center. He scored 25 points. (UB ATHLETICS)

University of The Bahamas forward Justin Burrows is knocked by a Florida Palms University Owls player.

University of The Bahamas guard Theodore Grant advances the ball against Florida Palms University.

#THE University of The Bahamas Mingoes stayed close with the Florida Palms University Owls and led by as much as nine points in the Skinner Classic action Wednesday in North Miami.

#But a late surge by The Owls stopped The Mingoes from picking up a win in the tournament with the 77-71 loss.

#Dave Lindsey led the Mingoes with 25 points in the loss. Guard Theodore Grant put up 15 points to go along with five assists and five steals. Timothy Grant contributed 10 points for The Mingoes.

#The Mingoes and The Owls tied the game five times, including halftime at 42-42, and the game had 11 lead changes.

#The Skinner Classic brings together host Fort Lauderdale University, Atlantis University, Florida Palms University and The University of The US Virgin Islands in action at The Scott Galvin Community Center in North Miami.

#“It was a very good game for us and it really came down to possession,” assistant coach Lavar Johnson said.

#“Anytime you have 20 turnovers in the game it’s usually a problem for us. This game was very much in reach for us. Dave Lindsey came out with 25 points and played pretty well. The game pretty much came down to one free throw.”

#With 37 seconds left in the game and The Owls up 73-70, Edgecombe drove baseline and got fouled and sent to the line to shoot two free-throws.

#He missed both and The Owls were able to extend the lead to win the game.

#The Mingoes outscored The Owls in the paint 42-38 but were out-rebounded 42-36 in the close game.

#The Mingoes second game is set for Thursday night against Atlantis University and finish the tournament against Fort Lauderdale University Friday night…

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/feb/17/owls-stop-ub-mingoes-77-71-north-miami/?news

As of Friday, February 17, 2023

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#OVER the weekend of love the Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC) is pleased to partner with the St Valentine’s Day Regatta at Fort Montagu.

#The team will be on site both days supporting the regatta through samplings, games and a chance to win prizes.

#CBC recently launched The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup at the Best of the Best Regatta in December 2022.

#The competition is open to all A-Class vessels, the winner of which will be determined by cumulative points totalled from three major regatta events (Best of the Best, National Family Island and Long Island Regatta).

#The victor will be announced upon the completion of the Long Island Regatta in Junethis year and will receive a $5,000 cash prize, a $8,000 stipend towards advancing the sport for their island’s junior sailing club, and exclusive congratulatory Goombay cans from September until January 2024.

#“Bahamas Goombay Punch is a Coca-Cola Bahamas heritage brand. The face on the can is tremendously popular across The Bahamas and is synonymous with our Nation,” said CBC brand manager, Karla Wells-Lisgaris.

#“As we move towards our 50th Independence, we’re thrilled to celebrate all things Bahamian and felt Goombay was the ideal brand to partner with Bahamian regatta sailing.”

#The organising committee of the regatta has expressed their thanks for the continued support of CBC in their efforts to keep the regatta culture alive not only in New Providence but across the Bahamas.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/feb/17/bahamas-goombay-punch-supports-st-valentines-day-r/?news

As of Friday, February 17, 2023

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#ANOTHER junior tournament has successfully closed on the island of Freeport, Grand Bahama.

#The GBTA’s Bahama Pure Water & Ice tournament featured some good competition amongst the junior ranks in the U12, U14, U16 and U18 categories. The winners are:

#Boys

#U12 Winner – Chase Newbold. U12 Runner Up -Kingston Rees.

#U14 Winner – Patrick Mactaggart. U14 Runner Up – Reeves Mahelis.

#U16 Winner – Jerald Carroll. U16 Runner Up – Khai Rees.

#U18 Winner – Jerald Carroll. U18 Runner Up – Jackson Mactaggart.

#Girls

#U12 Winner – Danielle Saunders. U12 Runner Up – Londyn Mortimer.

#U14 Winner – Kaylah Fox. U14 Runner Up – Millie Beukes.

#U16 Winner – Jalisa Clarke. U16 Runner Up – Tatyana Madu.

#U18 Winner – Jalisa Clarke. U18 Runner Up – Saphirre Ferguson.

#The BLTA congratulates the tournament participants and organisers and also extends special congratulations to the double crown winners – Jerald Carroll and Jalisa Clarke.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/feb/17/junior-tennis-players-face-bahama-pure-water-and-i/?news

As of Friday, February 17, 2023

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#VOLLEYBALL

#NPVA CHAMPIONSHIPS

#THE New Providence Volleyball Association will begin its best-of-five championship series at the Anatol Rodgers Gymnasium on Sunday.

#At 5:30pm, the ladies match-up will be played between the Johnson Spikers and the Panthers.

#The men’s feature contest will pit the Defenders against the Warhawks at 7pm.

#CYCLING

#KING OF THE HILLS

#THE New Providence Cycling Association will stage its King and Queen of the Hills Cycling Championships at 8:30am on Sunday on top of the hill in front of the Medical Arts building on Marcus Bethell Way.

#All categories will be contested in the men and women divisions and for boys and girls.

#TRACK

#BAAA RELAYS

#THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations will return its popular Relays Championships to its calendar on Saturday at the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

#The event will kick off at noon and will feature relays for both clubs and schools. There will also be the open men and women’s 100m, men and women elimination mile and on the field, shot put and discus for under-17 and under-20 boys and girls.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/feb/17/sports-notes/?news

As of Friday, February 17, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#LONG after he’s retired from playing, Richard ‘the Lion-Heart’ Johnson is still receiving the awards of his accomplishments as a pitcher, both locally and internationally.

#After being inducted into the International Softball Federation’s Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Bahamas Softball Federation’s Hall of Fame in 2009, Johnson was invited back to Houston, Texas on January 28 when he was enshrined into the Fast Pitch Legends Hall of Fame of the Greater Houston Area.

#Johnson’s latest accolades came from his participation in the league from 1986 to 1988 with the Houston Flyers. He remembers vividly how they played in the ISC World Championships where they lost 1-0 as they got eliminated from making it to the final.

#James Ward, the president of the Houston Softball League, was honouring persons who made their contributions to softball, and he included Johnson in this year’s enshrinement.

#“Every year they have an induction thing, and I just went over there to be with him and the next thing I know he told me that I was being inducted,” Johnson said.

#“I am happy, I am honoured, and I am surprised that they even thought about me in that light.

#“But I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed my time playing with them. We played with some semi-pros. The shortstop actually played Triple A in baseball. He played shortstop, but he was giving signs to the outfielders from short. I learned a lot of things playing with them.”

#Now retired as a long-time banker and former heralded pitcher for the perennial kingpins Budweiser Eagles in the New Providence Softball Association and was the mainstay for about two decades on the Bahamas men’s national team, Johnson said he’s appreciative of this latest honour just as he was of the previous two.

#Johnson is best remembered for pitching all 19 innings of a 2-1 victory for the Bahamas over New Zealand at the 1980 ISF Men’s World Championships.

#He also struck out 12 batters in a no-hitter in nine innings over Mexico for the bronze medal for the Bahamas.

#The 65-year-old Eleuthera native is now basking in his glory at home and enjoying life to the fullest.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/feb/17/richard-lion-heart-johnson-gets-third-induction/?news

CHRIS “Fireman” Brown making a sales pitch to the Bahamas Games as Harrison Thompson and Keith ‘Belzee’ Smith look on.

As of Friday, February 17, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#WITH just about five months left before the return of the Bahamas Games, the Games Secretariat is putting the finishing touches on the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the games.

#Over the weekend, the Games Secretariat, commissioned by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, hosted another conclave for its 10 Island Council representatives and 14 sporting disciplines during the sixth edition of the games, scheduled for July 7-15.

#The games, which was first staged in 1989, are making a return after a 21-year hiatus with the fifth edition taking place in 2001 with a projected budget of $1.3 million under the theme: “Challenges are chances for the Courageous.”

#During the conclave at SuperClubs Breezes, which was chaired by Games Secretariat chairman Martin Lundy, one of the biggest issues that provided some healthy discussion was the drafting of athletes for the various teams.

#Additionally, there were some discussions on whether or not New Providence athletes will be allowed to stay in the designated Games Village with their Family Island counterparts, a change in name for the Abaco and Long Island Sports Councils and uniforms being provided for sale by Golden Boy Chris “the Fireman” Brown.

#Keith ‘Belzee’ Smith, who serves as the secretary/treasurer for the Games Secretariat, noted that after meeting with the finance committee of the Bahamas Government, he was in a better position to answer some of the queries that came up during the conclave.

#“We anticipated this before the conclave and so we tried to present a clear picture of what the draft entitled,” Smith said. “Unfortunately, it didn’t go over that well because some of them came with their own interpretation of what they expected.

#“At the end of the day, we decided to revisit the draft so that we can include some of the requests of the council because several different scenarios were brought up, one of which is that if an athlete is selected by New Providence and he is offered something better playing for his home team or the birthplace of his parents, he or she will play for that island.”

#Smith said the Games Secretariat will not condone such actions and they will have made the necessary amendments to the draft before it goes into effect on April 15.

#By then, New Providence would have already selected its team and those athletes who are not on the team will be eligible for the draft, but will only be selected if they are from the respective island that drafted them.

#“We will have our final conclave on April 14-15, which will allow us to complete all of the things that we needed to gather from the sports councils and the federations. So, I believe that the conclave over the weekend was successful, and we have agreed to continue to dialogue with them to deal with any matters that may arise before they come back for the final conclave.”

#Living accommodations

#While the final decision has not been made as yet, Smith said he still has further discussions with the Bahamas Government’s financial committee to iron out their budget so that they can determine the accommodations and travel arrangements for the games.

#“So, the jury is still out on whether or not we would allow New Providence Sports Council teams to live in the Games Village,” Smith said. “Unfortunately, we haven’t designed a Games Village as yet because we are still trying to gather data for accommodations.

#“When that is determined and after my negotiations with the finance committee is completed, we will be in a better decision to make a determination on what we will do for New Providence teams. Hopefully by the next conclave, we will have a definite decision on that.”

#One suggestion that was put forth was that the athletes stay in the Games Village on a rotational basis, which would allow them to remain there while their discipline is taking place. Smith said they have put forth that suggestion as well to the finance committee and is waiting on their final decision.

#Name changes

#While a petition was made by the Abaco Sports Council to change their names from the Loyalists to Survivors and Long Island, who have asked to use Sheep Runners as their names, Smith said they have agreed to go along with the name changes.

#“With the outcome of what they went through with Hurricane Dorian, we have agreed to go along with Abaco and grant them their name change,” Smith said. “This is their strongpoint and their rally time, so we have decided to accommodate them and Long Island.

#“We have already changed their logos and they will be displayed at the next conclave. So, everything is a go for them.”

#Finances for Councils

#Although he can say that the finance committee has given verbal approval to the Games Secretariat, they are still working out the minor details before they provide the seed fundings to the island sports councils and federations, who will be responsible for staging the various disciplines for the games.

#“I’m in constant negotiations with members from the finance committee and a lot of it is centred around finances,” Smith revealed. “We have allocated a proposal for both island councils and federations to be increased by more than 50 percent for each entity from 2001-2023.

#“The total payout would come to about $600,000, but I’m not going to say who will get what. We have 10 island councils and 14 federations and so we are still looking at that. The way the decision is going, I believe we will get the funding because the games have to go on.”

#Smith, however, said they are still waiting on the projected budgets from both the island councils and federations, and they are slowly trickling in. He said as soon as they have all of them in, they will be in a better position to get the finances that they need from the finance committee.

#“We have incorporated a zone connection with the Family Islands so that we can better communicate with them and to deal with any matters that might arise,” he said. “We will be having weekly meetings with the sports councils and the federations so that we won’t have any further hiccups when we meet for the final time in April.”

#But Smith warned the island councils not to rely solely on the seed money that will be provided by the government, but to do their part as well in securing their own funding to help with their team’s participation in the games.

#Uniforms for competition

#Smith also noted that the Games Secretariat invited Chris Brown to the conclave over the weekend so that he could present uniform products for the games.

#“I’ve seen his presentation and I believe it will go well because he’s a Bahamian and as a Family Islander, we believe that he will get some support,” Smith said. “He’s made contacts with the various island councils and so they are in the process of doing their own negotiations.”

#Torch Run

#During the conclave, Lundy and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg talked about the importance of the Torch Run that will travel throughout the length and breadth of the archipelago in time for the start of the games.

#The torch will leave New Providence and travel all the way to Inagua in May and will move up to Grand Bahama and Bimini in the north before it returns to New Providence just in time for the opening ceremonies for the games.

#Valley Boy Doyle Burrows, a former long-time employee of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, has been commissioned to construct the torch along with Stephen Bain.

#“Each island and their councils will have a direct part to play in hosting the torch as it makes its way through the Bahamas,” Smith said. “What we suggested to them is to have a mini-fair or fundraiser while the torch is on their island to benefit the funding they need for their team.”

#Competitions for Bahamas Games

#The island councils from New Providence, Andros, Grand Bahama, Long Island/Rum Cay, Abaco, Bimini & The Berries, Exuma/Ragged Island, Eleuthera/Harbour Island/ Spanish Wells, Columbus Isles (Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador) and MICA (Mayaguana, Inagua/Crooked Island/ Acklins/Long Cay) will be competing in the following sporting disciplines during the games:

#Softball, basketball, track and field, lawn tennis, swimming, soccer, beach soccer, volleyball, beach volleyball, bodybuilding and powerlifting, boxing, cycling, baseball, youth Olympic sailing, regatta sailing, golf.

#There will also be exhibitions in rowing and Edu Karting moto sports.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/feb/17/finishing-touches-bahamas-games/?news

CI GIBSON RATTLERS SENIOR BOYS VICTORIOUS, CH REEVES RAPTORS JUNIOR GIRLS WIN TITLE

GSSSA CHAMPIONS: The CH Reeves Raptors junior girls with their trophies after winning the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s best-of-three basketball championship series last night.

As of Friday, February 17, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#The CI Gibson Rattlers and CH Reeves Raptors have regained bragging rights as the senior boys and junior girls champions in the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s best-of-three basketball championship series.

#While the two schools wrapped up their divisional titles with two game sweeps over their rivals Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves and HO Nash Lions yesterday at Kendal Isaacs Gym, the senior girls and junior boys will go down to the wire in the third and deciding games, scheduled for today.

#Johnson will have a chance to go after his second title in the series as his Rattlers’ senior girls bounced back to hold off CR Walker 47-40 to even the series at 1-1. They will play after the 5pm junior boys’ matchup, also tied at 1-1, after the SC McPherson Sharks rallied to beat the DW Davis Royals 46-41.

#Senior boys

#Rattlers 78, Timberwolves 61: Head coach Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson said it was time for him to finally avenge two losses he suffered to his former student and player Denycko Bowles, who moved from Doris Johnson to Anatol Rodgers this year.

#“At the end of the day, I’m happy that we won,” said Johnson, whose Rattlers last won the title in 2016. “I’ve lost two times to my former student and so it was time for me to get one. These young guys were just hungry for it and they played for it.”

#Johnson got a balanced scoring attack from his Rattlers as most valuable player James Delia and Tashon Butler provided a 1-2 punch with 25 and 21 points respectively. Dieunel Joseph had 20, Stevahko Jacques had eight and Brian Cezalien chipped in with six. Gerrad Rolle and Jude Vil both had four.

#Jefferson Bethel scored 14, Xavier Thompson and Kirkwood Rolle had 13 apiece and Lavardo Saunders chipped in with seven in the loss for Anatol Rodgers.

#The Rattlers went up 23-10 at the end of the first quarter, thanks to 10 with two three-pointers from Butler and six from Delia. But they fell behind 36-34 at the half, sparked by Thompson’s seven points, including five-of-six free throws. Coming out of the locker room, CI Gibson turned it up a notch for a 50-39 lead at the end of the third, highlighted by Butler’s six. They continued to push the button, out-scoring Anatol Rodgers 28-22 in the fourth to clinch the victory as Delia connected on 12 and Joseph had 10.

#Junior girls

#Raptors 40, Lions 12: Riccara Beadle exploded for a game high 22 points, scoring for HO Nash by herself to earn the MVP honours as CH Reeves completed a two-game sweep to clinch the title. Tajhanique Morley scored 11 and Durya Poitier had five.

#“It feels great. Hats off to Patty Johnson and her HO Lions. They are always a team to reckon with,” said CH Reeves’ coach Varel Davis. “All season, we knew that we had the team to do it and so it really feels good that we won again. It’s been quite a while since we had this feeling. It’s so sweet to get it again.”

#The Raptors led off with a 10-7 lead behind six from Beadle and four from Morley as they took control. They went up 20-9 at the half. By the third, they were out front 22-9 as the Lions failed to score.

#Shanovia Moxey had six and Shaniyah Munroe added five in a losing effort.

#Senior girls

#Rattlers 47, Knights 40: Jada Francis and Phillippa Ferguson canned 20 and 17 points respectively to pace CI Gibson to a comeback win to even the senior girls’ series at 1-1 and force the decider today. Traineia Green helped out with eight. Shenell Stewart led CR Walker with 16 points. Shamaraja Cummings had seven, Kaiesa Johnson had six and Raynia Russell had four.

#The Rattlers polished off the Knights with a 16-6 advantage in the first quarter. At halftime, they built a 30-13 lead. The Knights, however, responded in the third to cut the deficit to 37-27. And they used a 13-10 spurt to make it close, but it was a little too late.

#“We came out and played excellent ball today,” coach Kevin Johnson said. “This is supposed to be over, but we came back after losing the first game. We played better defensively and we continued their two best players. Now all roads lead down here tomorrow (today). So we will see what happens.”

#Junior boys

#Sharks 46, Royals 41: LaQuare Collins and Kami Davis both scored 12 points to lead a balanced scoring attack as SC McPherson staved off elimination and forced a deciding game three today.

#“It feels good. We just one more game to go,” said the highly spirited coach La’Cricia Swain. “We expect the same intensity.”

#Emmitt Smith and Malachi Cadeam both added eight and Aljah Pierre added four points.

#The Sharks took a 12-5 lead at the end of the first quarter and went up 27-17 at the half. They stayed on top 39-29 after the third and held on as the Royals outscored them 12-7 in the fourth. Darius Hanna had a game high 18, Charles Delva and Wimdishy Paul both had seven and Khamani Davis had four.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/feb/17/gsssa-champions-crowned/