As of Wednesday, December 21, 2022

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#PHOENIX (AP) — Kyle Kuzma scored 29 points and the Washington Wizards stopped their 10-game losing streak last night, beating the Phoenix Suns 113-110.

#Deandre Ayton scored 30 – five points shy of his career high – and grabbed 13 rebounds with a blocked shot in 32 minutes on the floor for the Suns. He had 12 points and five rebounds at halftime.

#Bradley Beal, held to two points in the first half, finished with 27 for the Wizards (12-20), including two free throws to make it a five-point lead with 14 seconds left. Deni Avdija had 16 points and 10 rebounds.

#Washington played without Kristaps Porzingis, sidelined with what Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr called a “non-COVID illness.”

#The Wizards won for the first time since November 28, when they beat Minnesota 142-128 in Washington.

#Landry Shamet led the Suns with a season-high 31 points, making a career-high nine 3-pointers. Deandre Ayton had 30 points and 13 rebounds.

#Devin Booker missed his second straight game with groin soreness after scoring 58 points against New Orleans on Saturday.

#Earlier Tuesday, mortgage executive Mat Ishbia agreed in principle to buy a majority stake of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury from the embattled owner Robert Sarver for $4 billion.

#Chris Paul, who scored 28 points against the Lakers on Monday, didn’t score Tuesday until midway through the third quarter and finished with 12 points and 10 assists.

#Duane Washington Jr., in his first game back from a hip injury, scored 10 for the Suns. Mikal Bridges also scored 10.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/21/ayton-has-monster-double-double-30-points-13-rebou/?news

As of Wednesday, December 21, 2022

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#WHEN they got the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby started in 2018, neither Todd Isaacs Jr nor Lucius Fox envisioned that the event would become such a spectacular for the world to see in the Bahamas.

#The duo not only assemble the best talent available in the professional baseball ranks in the Major League affiliations and now there’s a wide range of celebrities coming on board to participate in the week-long festivities.

#“This is just our fifth year, and the growth has been tremendous,” said Fox, who became just the eighth Bahamian-born player to make the Majors.

#“This was big come through. We dreamed about it being big, but this is even bigger than we had envisioned for it.

#“We’re thankful and grateful to all who have come on board and make it what it is today. Hopefully this won’t be the end of it, but we will continue to see the growth and development for it over the next five years. We are just glad to put on this showcase for the Bahamian people and to bring the world to our shores to view what we have to offer.”

#His partner Isaacs Jr said they took the home run derby week to another level this year when they invited a number of stars, including Major League Hall of Famers Andre Dawson and Dave Winfield, who blessed the participants of the Home Run Derby with their knowledge of the game.

#“The Players Alliance came down as well and they really showed us a lot of love by participating in a celebrity softball game, a golf tournament, the kids’ camp and of course the Home Run Derby,” Isaacs Jr said. “It was truly a week in Paradise for all of our visitors who came in for the event.”

#When this year’s curtain came down on the first All-Bahamian finalists, it was Chicago Cubs’ minor league infielder BJ Murray who was left standing as the champion after he outdueled Trent Deveaux 9-8 in the keenly contested showdown.

#As the first Bahamian to hoist the conch-shell shaped trophy, the 21-year-old Murray joined an elite field that includes initial back-to-back champion Bo Bichette in 2018 and 2019, Lewis Brinson in 2020, MJ Melendez in 2021 in the much-anticipated head-to-head competition.

#Prior to that victory, Murray joined his Team Fox team-mates in carting off the team title in a 146-126 decision over Team Isaacs.

#Also in attendance, although he didn’t participate in the Home Run Derby, was Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm, the seventh Bahamian to play in the Major League.

#Chisholm had to sit out the latter part of the season because of an injury but hopes to be back to the form that had the entire Florida area rocking with Jazz at the beginning of the season.

#Isaacs Jr said just the presence of Chisholm at the event brought a lot of publicity to the Home Run Derby because the media came in from MLB to promote and showcase what the Bahamas has to offer, not just in sports but from the people who have helped to form and shape the lives of the many players in the pipeline in baseball, either in the minors or in college.

#“To be able to host this event, we really look forward to it,” Isaacs Jr said. “It’s over now, but we’re looking forward to what we are going to do different next year. We’re always chasing growth and we want to do something as we give our family, friends and fans something special to watch.”

#For Fox, it was a double dose of victory, firstly for the success of the entire week and secondly as his team got the win over Isaacs’ team. “My guys said they were going to perform and I’m so glad that they did,” Fox said.

#It was even sweeter as Murray got the win over Deveaux in the All-Bahamian final in the Home Run Derby.

#“We couldn’t ask for a better ending,” Fox stated. “The trophy will stay right here in the Bahamas where it should be.”

#As they look ahead to next year, Fox said they are looking for some more funding so that they can continue to improve on the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby project that they have introduced to the Bahamas.

#“We just want to see it get bigger and better,” he summed up.

#Even as he looks at the growth of the event, Fox is hoping that he personally will get another crack at playing in the Major League and hopefully this time it will be to stay as he joins Chisholm and the sixth Bahamian to play, Antoan Richardson, who is now the first base coach for the San Francisco Giants.

#“I just have to stay healthy and stay on the field. Once I can do that, I will be alright,” Fox stressed. “I want to be able to play in the Major League. I would love to there for the 162 games, so we will see how it goes.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/21/dont-blink-home-run-derby-continues-grow/

As of Wednesday, December 21, 2022

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#ORGANISER Glenn Smith was so impressed with the initial staging of the Hoopfest in Paradise High School Basketball Tournament over the weekend that they are already looking at returning for the second edition in 2023.

#Smith, who serves as president of Hoopfest in Paradise Basketball Incorporated, said they were able to display some top-notch basketball competition with some of the top stars coming in from the United States.

#“The fans who came out got to see the number one and number two top teams in the United States play against each other,” said Smith of the opening day matchup on Friday night that saw Duncanville High knock off Roselle Catholic School 73-58.

#“We had a lot of outstanding talent on display here.”

#Smith said having first visited our shores as a tourist, he was so impressed that when he returned to the United States, he began to form the framework that has produced the Hoopfest in Paradise.

#“I wanted more people in the United States to experience what I did,” Smith said. “In return, I thought with the history of basketball in the country, what better way to give them that exposure than by bringing the basketball talent from the United States for them to see.”

#Jerome Gomez, who along with Jeff Rodgers served as the local organisers, said they were delighted to join Smith in bringing the tournament to the Bahamas.

#“We got to see some high-level basketball competition from these high school players who will go on to become the next stars in college and even in the NBA,” Gomez said. “So, we’re looking forward to next year.

#“We’re looking forward to an even bigger draw and hopefully we will get more fans to come out and watch the action because you can’t get no better than this when it comes to the high school competition in the United States.”

#Smith said he was so impressed with what transpired that he has already made the commitment to return next year for the second edition of Hoopfest in Paradise.

#And to add to the level of competition, Smith said they are looking at bringing some of the girls’ high school teams to participate in the tournament as well.

#This year’s tournament also featured two Bahamian All-Star teams.

#The New Providence All-Stars lost 71-36 to the Miami Northwestern High School on Friday and the Grand Bahama All-Stars lost 66-47 to Miami Northwestern High on Saturday.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/21/hoopfest-paradise-were-looking-forward-even-bigger/

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Grand Bahama to kick off 50th Independence celebrations with ‘Road to 50’ Race on Saturday, December 3

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Bahamas Information Services

unread,Nov 28, 2022, 5:41:14 PMtoFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 28, 2022By ANDREW COAKLEYBahamas Information Services

Grand Bahama to kick off 50th Independence celebrations with ‘Road to 50’ Race on Saturday, December 3

“Our 50th year of Independence is a momentous occasion and it deserves a nationwide celebration because this little island nation called The Bahamas has made significant strides over the past 50 years,” said Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey, during a press conference on Monday, November 28, 2022, to announce the first event in what is expected to be a series of events, leading up to The Bahamas’ celebration of its 50th Independence.
In Grand Bahama, celebrations towards this historic celebration will begin on Saturday, December 3, 2022, with a run/walk marathon race, which will take place simultaneously in three separate locations in Grand Bahama.
“We are officially on the road to 50!” said Minister Moxey. “The countdown to The Bahamas’ Golden Jubilee on July 10th, 2023 is on! 
“Next year our nation will celebrate its 50th year of Independence. And this morning, we’re here to officially announce the first event that will kick-off the Pre-Independence celebrations on Grand Bahama, and lead up to the 50th Independence next year.”
On Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 the “Road To 50” Race will begin at 6 a.m. starting at the Ministry for Grand Bahama. The 5K route for Freeport will take participants from the Ministry for Grand Bahama, to the Grand Bahama International Airport and then back to the Ministry for Grand Bahama. 
Not only will there be three races in Grand Bahama taking place on the same day, but the fun/run/walk will be happening simultaneously with other “Road To 50” races on islands throughout The Bahamas. 
The event is free and residents can sign up at the Ministry for Grand Bahama. Each registrant will receive a commemorative package with a shirt, medal, and water bottle. 
“I appeal to Corporate Grand Bahama, government agencies, NGO’s, athletic groups and all residents to participate in this wonderful community building event,” said Minister Moxey. “Our 50th year of Independence is a momentous occasion.” 
Mrs. Leslie Dorsett-Lewis, Independence Committee Co-Chair, said the Committee will be responsible for the execution of a year-long list of celebrations of the milestone of fifty years of independence in the life of The Bahamas. 
“The Bahamas is turning fifty and we want Grand Bahamians from east to west to celebrate in grand style,” said Mrs. Dorsett-Lewis. “We are inviting Grand Bahamians to come out and show out for our island and country on Saturday, December 3, as well as for all the other activities that are planned by the GB Independence Committee and Bahamas Secretariat. 
It’s not too late to register for the Road to 50 Race on Saturday. Registration forms are available in the Customer Service department at the Ministry for Grand Bahama and you can register online at celebratebahamas.com.”
Pre-registration will be held at 5 a.m. on the day of the event for persons to receive their commemorative packages. 
With races expected to take place in Freeport, East and West Grand Bahama, the press conference quickly turned into a friendly verbal battle and taunting of which community would offer “the best” event on Saturday morning.
With Mr. Gilbert C. Kemp, Administrator for East Grand Bahama promising participants in the east the best food in Grand Bahama, including conch stew, fish stew and chicken souse and Jimmy Smith; Chief Councilor for West Grand Bahama promising not only good food, but a surprise guest artist from Nassau to spur on participants in the west, Minister Moxey is hopeful that Freeport would also offer some “good” surprises on Saturday for participants in the Road to 50 Race in Freeport.
The friendly rivalry during Monday’s press conference has helped to spark much interest among Grand Bahamians for Saturday’s road race.  “The Independence Secretariat in collaboration with the Grand Bahama Independence Committee plans to have a year of events in celebration of our golden jubilee. So, put on those walking and running shoes and let’s come together as a community for the “Road To 50” Race this coming Saturday at 6 a.m,” said Minister Moxey.
-30-

PHOTO CAPTION

GB ROAD TO 50– Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey (center) during a press conference, announced Grand Bahama’s kick off to the Bahamas’ 50th Independence in 2023, with a Road to 50 Race, set for Saturday, December 3, 2022 in three areas of Grand Bahama – Freeport, East GB and West GB. Also on hand for Monday’s Press conference were (from left) Jimmy Smith, Chief Councilor for West Grand Bahama; Mrs. Leslie Dorsett-Lewis, Co-Chair for the Independence Committee; Minister Moxey and Gilbert C. Kemp, Administrator for East Grand Bahama.
(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

BIS MEDIA

Conversations99+AboutMy membership settingsPrivacy • Terms

Grand Bahama to kick off 50th Independence celebrations with ‘Road to 50’ Race on Saturday, December 3

0 viewsSkip to first unread message

Bahamas Information Services

unread,Nov 28, 2022, 5:41:14 PMtoFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 28, 2022By ANDREW COAKLEYBahamas Information Services

Grand Bahama to kick off 50th Independence celebrations with ‘Road to 50’ Race on Saturday, December 3

“Our 50th year of Independence is a momentous occasion and it deserves a nationwide celebration because this little island nation called The Bahamas has made significant strides over the past 50 years,” said Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey, during a press conference on Monday, November 28, 2022, to announce the first event in what is expected to be a series of events, leading up to The Bahamas’ celebration of its 50th Independence.
In Grand Bahama, celebrations towards this historic celebration will begin on Saturday, December 3, 2022, with a run/walk marathon race, which will take place simultaneously in three separate locations in Grand Bahama.
“We are officially on the road to 50!” said Minister Moxey. “The countdown to The Bahamas’ Golden Jubilee on July 10th, 2023 is on! 
“Next year our nation will celebrate its 50th year of Independence. And this morning, we’re here to officially announce the first event that will kick-off the Pre-Independence celebrations on Grand Bahama, and lead up to the 50th Independence next year.”
On Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 the “Road To 50” Race will begin at 6 a.m. starting at the Ministry for Grand Bahama. The 5K route for Freeport will take participants from the Ministry for Grand Bahama, to the Grand Bahama International Airport and then back to the Ministry for Grand Bahama. 
Not only will there be three races in Grand Bahama taking place on the same day, but the fun/run/walk will be happening simultaneously with other “Road To 50” races on islands throughout The Bahamas. 
The event is free and residents can sign up at the Ministry for Grand Bahama. Each registrant will receive a commemorative package with a shirt, medal, and water bottle. 
“I appeal to Corporate Grand Bahama, government agencies, NGO’s, athletic groups and all residents to participate in this wonderful community building event,” said Minister Moxey. “Our 50th year of Independence is a momentous occasion.” 
Mrs. Leslie Dorsett-Lewis, Independence Committee Co-Chair, said the Committee will be responsible for the execution of a year-long list of celebrations of the milestone of fifty years of independence in the life of The Bahamas. 
“The Bahamas is turning fifty and we want Grand Bahamians from east to west to celebrate in grand style,” said Mrs. Dorsett-Lewis. “We are inviting Grand Bahamians to come out and show out for our island and country on Saturday, December 3, as well as for all the other activities that are planned by the GB Independence Committee and Bahamas Secretariat. 
It’s not too late to register for the Road to 50 Race on Saturday. Registration forms are available in the Customer Service department at the Ministry for Grand Bahama and you can register online at celebratebahamas.com.”
Pre-registration will be held at 5 a.m. on the day of the event for persons to receive their commemorative packages. 
With races expected to take place in Freeport, East and West Grand Bahama, the press conference quickly turned into a friendly verbal battle and taunting of which community would offer “the best” event on Saturday morning.
With Mr. Gilbert C. Kemp, Administrator for East Grand Bahama promising participants in the east the best food in Grand Bahama, including conch stew, fish stew and chicken souse and Jimmy Smith; Chief Councilor for West Grand Bahama promising not only good food, but a surprise guest artist from Nassau to spur on participants in the west, Minister Moxey is hopeful that Freeport would also offer some “good” surprises on Saturday for participants in the Road to 50 Race in Freeport.
The friendly rivalry during Monday’s press conference has helped to spark much interest among Grand Bahamians for Saturday’s road race.  “The Independence Secretariat in collaboration with the Grand Bahama Independence Committee plans to have a year of events in celebration of our golden jubilee. So, put on those walking and running shoes and let’s come together as a community for the “Road To 50” Race this coming Saturday at 6 a.m,” said Minister Moxey.
-30-

PHOTO CAPTION

GB ROAD TO 50– Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey (center) during a press conference, announced Grand Bahama’s kick off to the Bahamas’ 50th Independence in 2023, with a Road to 50 Race, set for Saturday, December 3, 2022 in three areas of Grand Bahama – Freeport, East GB and West GB. Also on hand for Monday’s Press conference were (from left) Jimmy Smith, Chief Councilor for West Grand Bahama; Mrs. Leslie Dorsett-Lewis, Co-Chair for the Independence Committee; Minister Moxey and Gilbert C. Kemp, Administrator for East Grand Bahama.
(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

 Home|Sports|Clarke, Mackey reach final againSports

Women’s championship set for Thursday; men’s semis to be held today

Simba FrenchSend an emailDecember 21, 2022 102 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Sydney Clarke and Elana Mackey will face each other for a second consecutive year in the women’s final of the Giorgio Baldacci Open National Championships. They easily won their semifinal matches yesterday at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) National Tennis Centre. The men’s quarterfinals also took place with four players winning their matches to head to the semifinals which are set for today.

By advancing to the final, Clarke and Mackey secured their spots on Team Bahamas’ roster for the Billie Jean King Cup that is set for sometime in 2023. Both said they are happy to be back on the team where they intend to represent The Bahamas to the best of their abilities on the regional stage.

After a three-set match in the quarterfinals against Simone Pratt on Monday, Clarke was locked in against BreAnn Ferguson in the semis as she won 6-0 and 6-0. Clarke, the defending national women’s champion, said her composure was different yesterday.

“Today (Tuesday) I felt I played really calm,” Clarke said. “I could have added a bit more energy, but overall I felt that I improved on mistakes that I made yesterday (Monday) and I just practiced some new things in preparation for today. The match Monday put me in a mindset to be in go mode and not take anyone for granted.”

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) student-athlete said it is good to be in another matchup against Mackey.

“It’s always good playing Lana. We grew up together. We are always back and forth with each other, so it’s nice. When we get on the court, there’s always a fight, so I’m very excited. I just have to bring just like I’ve been doing it for each round and just not take anybody for granted.”

Mackey went up against Grand Bahamian Jalisa Clarke and won 6-2 and 6-1 to advance to the final. The Mars Hill University student-athlete looked comfortable in the victory.

“The match was a little bit rougher than the one I had yesterday, and also it was very windy today, so I had to play more consistent and go less for power,” Mackey said.

Looking ahead to the final against Sydney Clarke, Mackey said she will be looking to cut down on her mistakes. The final is set for Thursday.

“I think that it will be a very good match. I just have to play my game and not let her dictate the points. I think it will be very competitive,” Mackey said.

Over on the men’s side, Denali Nottage made light work of Savano Hanna, winning his match 6-0 and 6-0. This is his second consecutive year in the tournament. He was knocked out of the semifinals last year and is happy to be back in the semifinals this year.

The number one seed on the men’s side, Kevin Major Jr., easily took care of Dentry Mortimer, winning 6-0 and 6-0. Veteran Marvin Rolle dominated Anthony Burrows, 6-1 and 6-1. Rodney Carey secured the other semifinal spot when he won a three-setter over Jacobi Bain, 1-6, 7-5 and 7-6(6).

The men’s semifinals will be played today. The first matchup starts at 9 a.m.

https://thenassauguardian.com/clarke-mackey-reach-final-again/

 Home|Sports|Ayton records double-double in his returnSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailDecember 21, 2022 98 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian DeAndre Ayton returned from a two-game absence and notched a double-double to help the Phoenix Suns easily take down the Los Angeles Lakers, 130-104, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, on Monday night.

Ayton finished the night with 21 points and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes of play after missing the previous two games with a left ankle injury. He was scorching hot from the field when he finished 9-for-11 including knocking down his only attempt from deep. Ayton suffered that ankle injury last week Tuesday against the Houston Rockets. Fortunately, the Suns were able to win both of the games he missed.

The win on Monday  gave the Suns a 19-12 win/loss record on the season while the Lakers, who did not have forward LeBron James and center Anthony Davis, dropped to 13-17 on the season.

The Bahamian was a menace in the first quarter as he put the Lakers frontcourt on notice that the injury is behind him and that he was ready to get to work. He got the Suns on the scoreboard with 11:18 left in the first quarter with a four-foot hook shot. The Lakers led 3-2 at that point. Ayton then made his next two field goals. On this fourth and final attempt of the quarter, the center went into his bag of tricks and showed off his footwork with a 10-foot turnaround fadeaway jump shot. That put the Suns up 32-18 with 3:15 left in the first quarter. He finished the quarter with nine points.

The Suns went up 38-24 at the end of the first quarter after shooting at a 66.7 percent clip from the field. They had a 16-1 scoring run in the first quarter that moved the score from a 10-13 in favor of the Lakers to a 28-14 Suns lead.

At the half, the Suns led 68-44, taking control of the game. Ayton had a good chunk of his points in the first half as he finished with 14 in the first 24 minutes of play. He also had 10 rebounds in 16 minutes on the floor.

Ayton played just under 10 minutes in the third quarter and did not log any minutes in the final quarter as the result was a foregone conclusion.

It was a great game statistically for the Suns. They have now won three straight games after dropping five in a row. They shot the ball at a 50 percent clip and made 20-of-39 three-point shots, shooting a sizzling 51.3 percent from the deep. The Suns turned the ball over eight times compared to 16 turnovers for the Lakers.

Veteran point guard Chris Paul led the Suns with a season-high 28 points. All the starters scored at least 15 points. They were missing six players including guard Devin Booker.

The Suns were back in action last night, taking on the Washington Wizards at home, but the result was unavailable up to press time. They will return to action Friday when they host the Memphis Grizzlies at 9 p.m. That game will be televised live on ESPN.

https://thenassauguardian.com/ayton-records-double-double-in-his-return/

 Home|Sports|Mariposa Gold Drops wins BIEL showSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailDecember 21, 2022 99 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Bahamas Interscholastic Equestrian League (BIEL) swung back into action last weekend, holding a show at Mariposa Stables. A total of four teams comprised of 20 young riders from different schools participated in the competition, which was won by the Mariposa Gold Drops.

Finishing second was the Mariposa Monarchs. The Camperdown Equestrian Centre (CEC) Sand Dollars and the CEC Blue Marlins, both hampered by the fact that they were short a rider, placed third and fourth, respectively.

Founded in 2017, the BIEL have staged competitions that have been a perennial favorite among junior riders because of the team emphasis and the unique format, based on collegiate competition rules, in which riders and horses are matched by random draw.

“The horse draw is exciting,” said Hannah Ritchie, a member of the CEC Sand Dollars team. “It’s a challenge to ride a totally unfamiliar horse in the show ring.”

Equestrian Bahamas President Cathy Ramsingh-Pierre expressed relief that the BIEL shows are continuing to draw interest from riders.

“BIEL was formed as part of our mandate to provide affordable competitions on a leveled playing field for all riders. Last year we partnered with the US-based Interscholastic Equestrian League (IEA) with great success but, unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, this partnership is in hiatus. So, we are continuing to hold the shows at the local level only, but with the same spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship. It’s nice to see that the trainers and athletes continue to buy into the concept.”

Last year, 14 riders qualified through BIEL competitions to ride at the IEA Zone 4 Finals in Tryon, North Carolina, with four riders winning ribbons and one – Ella Saidi – qualifying to ride at the National Finals in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, ultimately placing second.

“We hope to be able to work with the IEA again at some point,” Ramsingh-Pierre said. “In the meantime, the federation continues to actively explore opportunities to expose our athletes to international competition.”

The Bahamas Interscholastic Equestrian League stages a series of three competitions, culminating in a national championship. The next BIEL competition will be held at Camperdown Equestrian Centre in February, 2023.

https://thenassauguardian.com/mariposa-gold-drops-wins-biel-show/

As of Tuesday, December 20, 2022

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#THE Bahamas Interscholastic Equestrian League (BIEL) swung back into action last weekend, holding its first show of the year at Mariposa Stables.

#Four teams comprised of 20 young riders from different schools participated in the competition, which was won by the Mariposa Gold Drops.

#Second place went to the Mariposa Monarchs.

#The Camperdown Equestrian Centre (CEC) Sand Dollars and the CEC Blue Marlins, both hampered by the fact that they were short a rider, placed third and fourth respectively.

#Founded in 2017, BIEL competitions have been a perennial favourite among junior riders because of the team emphasis and the unique format, based on collegiate competition rules, in which riders and horses are matched by random draw. “The horse draw is exciting,” said Hannah Ritchie, a member of the CEC Sand Dollars team and a 10th-grader at Saint Augustine’s College.

#“It’s a challenge to ride a totally unfamiliar horse in the show ring.”

#Equestrian Bahamas president Cathy Ramsingh-Pierre expressed relief that the BIEL shows are continuing to draw interest from riders.

#“BIEL was formed as part of our mandate to provide affordable competitions on a level playing field for all riders.

#“Last year we partnered with the US-based Interscholastic Equestrian League (IEA) with great success, but unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control this partnership is in hiatus.

#“So we are continuing to hold the shows at the local level only, but with the same spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship. It’s nice to see that the trainers and athletes continue to buy into the concept.”

#Last year 14 riders qualified through BIEL competitions to ride at the IEA Zone 4 Finals in Tryon, North Carolina, with four riders winning ribbons and one – Ella Saidi – qualifying to ride at the National Finals in Harrisburg, ultimately placing 2nd.

#“We hope to be able to work with the IEA again at some point,” said Ramsingh-Pierre.

#“In the meantime, the federation continues to actively explore opportunities to expose our athletes to international competition.”

#The Bahamas Interscholastic Equestrian League is a series of three competitions, culminating in a National Championship.

#The next BIEL competition is scheduled to be held at the Camperdown Equestrian Centre in February, 2023.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/20/mariposa-gold-drops-win-first-horse-show-year/?news

Yearhttp://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/20/eagan-neely-crowned-athlete-year/?news

As of Tuesday, December 20, 2022

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#ALL of the sacrifices and hard work paid off for Eagan Neely as he was crowned the Red-Line Athletics Club’s 20022 Athlete of the Year.

#The honour was bestowed upon the 14-year-old sprinter during the club’s Christmas party and awards ceremony that was held at the National Training Agency on Sunday.

#After receiving the biggest trophy presented during the ceremony, Neely said it was something that he envisioned after running a lifetime best of 22.94 seconds in the 200 metres and 52.17 in the 400m.

#“I worked hard and practiced as much as possible,” said the 13-year-old eighth grader at St Augustine’s College. “I just wanted to put God first because he’s everything to me.

#“I appreciate what the coaches saw in me because my mother always pushed me and she encouraged me to rely on God. She always told me to run for time and not to worry about anybody else. My season was very successful. I had a very good season and I hope to do it again next year and hopefully I can make the CARIFTA team.”

#Neely, the youngest recipient of the award, follows in the footsteps of previous winners Megan Moss, Shimar Bain and Lacarthea Cooper. He thanked coaches Tito Moss and Michael Armbrister, the rest of the coaching staff and his mother Tanya Gray for pushing him.

#The coaches’ award went to Morgan Moss, a 16-year-old grade 11 student at SAC. “I feel good. I didn’t expect it. But I’m glad that I won it because I worked hard this season,” Moss said. “I had a good season, although I missed CARIFTA. I just hope that I can do it again and this time make the CARIFTA team, especially since it’s going to be at home.”

#Winning the Michael Armbrister Leadership Award was 400m/400m hurdler Shimar Bain, who has his bags packed and ready to head out to Tiffin University in Ohio on January 4 where he wants to leave his mark as a record holder and a NCAA Division II champion in both the 400 and 400m hurdles where he has ran personal best times of 48.34 and 52.83 respectively.

#“Receiving this award means a lot to me,” said Bain, a 2022 graduate of SAC. “It shows to me that I’ve done my part as a senior member of the club, making the younger athletes look up to me as they show them the path to go.

#“I’m glad that coach Armbrister saw the leadership that I displayed and he saw it fit to name me as the recipient.”

#The female scholar of the year was Jade Hudson and the male scholar was Tyler Frazier, both 14-year-old ninth graders at SAC.

#“I’m excited, but I know I couldn’t do it without the help of my mommy and God,” said Hudson, who posted an accumulative grade point average of 3.98. “I just need to trust God and do my best. Hopefully next year, I can lower my times and keep my grades up.”

#For Frazer, who produced an accumulative GPA of 3.69 and has ran PRs of 11.7 in the 100m and 23.8 in the 200m, his efforts was inspired by his parents, who stuck with him through the whole experience.

#“They reminded me to do my work and just stay with the course. I couldn’t do it without them and with God’s help,” Frazier said.

#“It was really hard, but after practice, I go right home and get my homework done and just study.”

#Jazmyn Demeritte was named as the female newcomer of the year, while the most improved athlete was Sean Marshall.

#The female collegiate was Megan Moss and the male collegiate was Showalter Johnson.

#National Team Awards – Shimar Bain, Quinton Rolle, Tumani Skinner, Nya Wright, Adrian Curry and Megan Moss.

#Athletes honoured for being named to the Bahamas national teams were Shimar Bain, Quinton Rolle, Tumani Skinner, Nya Wright, Adrian Curry and Megan Moss.

#Outstanding athletes awards for the various categories included – Under-7 girl – Jazmyn Demeritte; under-9 girl – Jayda Butler and Kailee Knowles as honorable mention; Under-11 boy – Jaden Allen; under-13 girl – Deveigh Farrington and Demetria Major as honorable mention; under-15 girl – Madison Moss and Azarria Marshall as honorable mention; under-15 boy – Eagan Neely and Quincy Rolle as honorable mention; under-17 girl – Nya Wright and Kennedi Knowles as honorable mention; under-17 boy – Quinton Rolle and Tumani Skinner as honorable mention; under-20 girl – Ezthia Maycock and Shanai Sweeting as honorable mention and under-20 boy – Shimar Bain and Jaydin Plakaris as honorable mention.

#Male Newcomer of the Year- Quinton Rolle

#Athletes earning the scholar awards were Ezthia Maycock, Jade Hudson, Kennedi Knowles, Kaelen Knowles, Jonathan Fowler, Jayden Allen, Jazmyn Demeritte, Kennedy Hanna, Tyler Frazier, Jayda Butler, Kemora Gibson, Bayli Major, Nya Wright, Daveigh Farrington, D Angelo Collie, Xandria Williams, Kevan Saunders, Eagen Neely, Kailee Knowles, Armani Blanc and Jaden Clarke.

#Moss also awarded his coaching staff that inluded Earl Rahming, Kryshell Rolle, Kyle Higgs, Michael Armbrister and Rachante Colebrooke, while his wife, Nekeva Moss, Mark Knowles, Shanique Russell and Thalise Maycock were honoured as the support staff.

#And acknowledged for their contributions and support in receiving the parents awards were Desra Price, John Clarke, Anastacia Johnsoin, Jacquel Demeritte and Melissa Major.

#Tito Moss, the head coach of Red-Line Athletics, said the awards presented was just an indication of the hard work turned in by their athletes during the course of the season on and off the track.

#“Last year we had an awesome season. We had a number of athletes like Shimar Bain, Nya Wright, Tumani Skinner, Quinton Rolle, Megan Moss and Adrian Curry all making the national teams,” Moss said. “Red-Line is the club of choice and we want to continue to build on what we started. This is going into our fifth year and we just want to continue to grow and have an even more successful 2022/2023 season like we did in the 2021-2022 season.”

#With the club grown by an additional 25 members, Moss said they want to continue to mold and groom them as they become acclimated with the old members.

#As a new member of the executive team of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations, serving as the vice president for technical operations, Moss said he has his work cut out for him, but he believes that the club is in good hands.

#Armbrister, who will be relied upon to pick up some of the slack left behind by Moss, said they have a solid coaching staff that will be able to weather any storm and to get the best out of the athletes.

#“We see the chemistry growing over the years and we hope that it will continue,” Armbrister said.

#“We know that coach Moss is a hard worker and although he’s now on the BAAA executive, he will continue to lead this club.”

#Clinton Laguerre, speaking on behalf of the class of 2023, stressed that while they have not yet “purchased a gift for him,” they “trust in coach Moss” to get the best out of them as they “trust the process.”

#After getting their season started on Saturday at the BAAA Odd Distance Track Meet, Moss said his Red-Line Athletics Club is looking forward to the 2023 season with the first of their two meets to be staged on January 28.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/20/eagan-neely-crowned-athlete-year/?news

As of Tuesday, December 20, 2022

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#COLLEGIANS Sydney Clarke and Elana Mackey, the top seeded players, led the charge for the ladies during day one of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals at the National Tennis Centre yesterday.

#Top seed Clarke, a senior at the University of Arlington at Birmingham, pulled of a hard fought 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 win over Simone Pratt, while Mackey, the No.2 seed, easily secured a 6-0, 6-0 triumph over Saphirre Ferguson.

#Today in the semifinals of the tournament, Clarke will be back in action when she faces Breann Ferguson, who won 7-5, 6-1 over Caila Bowe and Mackey goes up against Grand Bahamian Jalisa Clarke, who earned her berth with 6-2, 6-0 win over Genesis Missick.

#From the tournament, the BLTA will take the first step to selecting the team to represent the Bahamas at the Billie Jean King Cup for ladies and the Davis Cup for the men for 2023.

#In what turned out to be the toughest match played on the ladies’ side, Clarke said she was thrilled by the way she came through in the end.

#“I’m very happy with the way I played,” Clarke said. “I didn’t panic. I just went out there mentally to get the job done. When I was down and when I was up, I just kept my composure. I knew I had to press the gas and move on.”

#In facing Ferguson, Clarke said she’s looking forward to playing her.

#“With this tournament, it’s just me believing in myself,” said Clarke, the defending champion of the tournament. “I’ve been playing this for so long so once I believe in myself I will be alright.”

#Ferguson, a 14-year-old home-schooled student, said it was a tough match against Bowe and she felt she could have played a lot better.

#“The first set, I was shaky and then I was able to close it out. In the second set, I got my rhythm back and I was able to pull it off,” Ferguson said. “I’m looking to playing Sydney Clarke and to see how well I can play against her.”

#Pratt, who won the initial Open Nationals in 2012, said it was a good match for her to get her feet wet.

#“I wished I could have won so I could play a little more matches,” said the 26-year-old Pratt, who hopes that she still gets a chance to make the Billie Jean King Cup team. “I haven’t played in a competitive match in a long time, so I just wanted to have fun.”

#In a rematch with Ferguson in last year’s tournament when she won 6-1, 6-0, Mackey said she was prepared for the showdown, although she hasn’t played any match in college as yet as the season won’t start until February.

#“Last time I was a bit nervous, but I was looking forward to it,” said Mackey, who is also competing on their cross country and track team.

#“I was looking for more women coming out and participating like Kerrie Cartwright and even Larikah Russell, but they are not participating.”

#Jalisa Clarke, a 15-year-old ninth grader at Sunland Baptist Academy, said she felt she could have played better, but because she hasn’t played in a little while, she didn’t know what to expect coming into the tournament.

#“I will just go out and play my best,” said Clarke about taking on Mackey.

#The action is set to begin at 9am today.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/20/blta-nationals-sydney-clarke-elena-mackey-lead-cha/?news