As of Tuesday, December 20, 2022

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#PHOENIX (AP) — Chris Paul scored a season-high 28 points, Deandre Ayton added 21 points and 11 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns rolled past the Los Angeles Lakers 130-104 last night.

#The game was almost more notable for who wasn’t playing instead of the action on the court. The Lakers were missing their All-Star trio of LeBron James (left ankle soreness), Anthony Davis (right foot soreness) and Russell Westbrook (left foot soreness).

#The Suns were missing six players, including three-time All-Star Devin Booker (right groin soreness), who scored a season-high 58 points in Saturday’s win over the Pelicans.

#Paul had his best scoring game of the season in Booker’s absence, shooting 9 of 18 from the field, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range. The 12-time All-Star had a slow start to the year, coming into the game averaging a career-low 11.1 points per game, but he’s been more productive over the past few weeks since returning from a heel injury.

#The Suns have won three straight games, bouncing back after dropping five in a row. All five starters scored at least 15 points.

#Phoenix also has a six-game winning streak over the Lakers during the regular season.

#Phoenix led by 26 points early in the third quarter, but the Lakers cut that advantage to 91-77 late in the third.

#The Suns responded with back-to-back 3-pointers from Ish Wainright and Landry Shamet and took a 99-77 lead into the final quarter.

#Dennis Schroder led the Lakers with a season-high 30 points. He shot 12 of 19 from the field.

#The Suns jumped out to a 38-24 lead, shooting 66.7% in the first quarter. Paul scored 14 points. Torrey Craig made a wide-open 3-pointer just before the halftime buzzer to give the Suns a 68-44 advantage.

#TIP-INS

#Lakers: G Austin Reaves (right ankle sprain) and G Juan Toscano-Anderson (right ankle sprain) were not available.

#Suns: Ayton returned after missing two games. … Along with Booker, F Cameron Johnson (right meniscus tear), F/C Jock Landale (concussion), G Cameron Payne (right foot strain) and G Duane Washington Jr. (left hip muscle strain) were not available. … Hosted a 43rd consecutive sellout crowd. … Craig scored 17 points on his 32nd birthday.

#UP NEXT

#Lakers: Travel to face Sacramento on Wednesday.

#Suns: Host Washington tonight.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/20/ayton-has-double-double-suns-roll-past-lakers-130-/?news

As of Tuesday, December 20, 2022

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#THE Bahamas’ five-member team at the 16th FINA (World Swimming Federation) Short Course (25m) World Championships in Melbourne, Australia, posted five national records with Lamar Taylor inking his name on three and Luke-Kennedy Thompson got a pair.

#The team, coached by Travano McPhee, also featured Rhanishka Gibbs and Victoria Russell as they competed at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

#Thompson, 21, closed out competition for Team Bahamas on Saturday when he placed 40th overall in the men’s 200 metre freestyle in a time of 1:51.31 to shatter Jeremy Knowles’ national record of 1:53.34 that he posted in 1998.

#Thompson’s other national record came in the 400m free.

#Also on Saturday, Russell clocked 32.54 for 39th overall in the women’s 50m breast.

#One of Taylor’s three national records came on Friday in the men’s 50m free when he finished 28th overall in 21.45 to erase Allan Murray’s record of 21.97 that he established in 1996.

#Also on Friday, Gibbs was 35th overall in the women’s 50m free in 26.16, improving on her personal best time of 26.68. The team of Taylor (in a split of 21.65), Thompson (23.30), Gibbs (25-79) and Russell (26.30) was 16th overall in the mixed 4x50m free relay.

#Taylor also broke Chris Vythoulkas’ national record of 26.10 from 2006 in the 50m backstroke on Thursday when he clocked 23.58 for 20th overall.

#Thompson got his first national record in the 400m freestyle in 3:56.22 for 28th place overall, removing Jeremy Knowles’ previous time of 3:57.

#Tariq Kelly, who served as a member of the medical staff for Team Bahamas at the 2022 CARIFTA Swimming Championship in Wildey, Barbados, attended the meet as well as a massage therapist/athletic trainer for Team USA.

#Kelly is a former competitor for The Bahamas in swimming and water polo.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/20/fina-5-national-records-posted/?news

As of Tuesday, December 20, 2022

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#After knocking off collegian Donte Armbrister in a three-set thriller, high school sensation Michael Major Jr didn’t have anything left in the tank as he went down in two straight sets to number one seed Kevin Major Jr.

#With a couple players opting out of competition, Major Jr was the only player to have to play a pair of matches yesterday as the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association kicked off the 2022 Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals at the National Tennis Centre.

#The Open Nationals is the first step for the BLTA to select the team that will represent the Bahamas at the Davis Cup competition for men and the Billie Jean King Cup for women.

#Major Jr, coming off a trip to Jamaica to play in a series of matches over the weekend, pulled off a 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 win over Armbrister, who is home on a break from college. But in his later match, he suffered a 6-1, 6-0 defeat at the hands of Major Jr.

#Major Jr, back in the Open Nationals for the first time since he won the title in 2019, said while he had a lot of injuries, he found a new lease of life in the tennis world in Tampa, Florida, and he’s now back on the tour, having played in Colombia, Mexico and Bolivia as he learns how to be a professional tennis player on the circuit.

#“It’s bitter-sweet because I haven’t won in a while and there’s a lot of background pressure for me to win,” said the 27-year-old Major Jr. “This is something I always wanted to win. I always want to win at home. I love playing in front of the Bahamian people. “I’m looking forward to playing all of the guys in the tournament. The younger guys have blood in their eyes, but I just want them to know that I’m ready to take on any and all of them.”

#Before being the first player to lose to Major Jr in his return to the NTC, Michael Major Jr said he was delighted to have played such an amazing match.

#“I went out there with the mindset that if I have to be on the court all day, I will be on the court all day,” he said. “I’m happy that I pulled it off. Donte is a good player, He’s already been on the Davis Cup team, so I’m glad that I pulled this off.”

#For 21-year-old Armbrister, who is playing tennis at Hampton University, he said it was good to be back home.

#“He played good in the first set, and I was able to bounce back in the second set,” Armbrister said.

#“In the third, I started off shaky holding serve, but I was able to rally back. He just wanted it a little more than me.”

#Number three seed Marvin Rolle, who never won the event, but played in two finals in 2013 (losing to Devin Mullings) and last year (to Spencer Newman), returned and also had to go to a third set before he won 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) over Philip Major Jr, the runner-up when the tournament was first held in 2012.

#Rolle said as they were preparing for the tournament, they were hoping that they would have played some of the younger guys, but they also joked about the possibility of facing each other instead.

#“PJ is an experienced player. He’s been on the Davis Cup team, so I expected it would be a good match,” Rolle said. “Credit to him. It’s unfortunate that we played each other in the first round. But if I could do as well as I did against him, I feel I can play well against anybody out here.”

#Rolle, the veteran Davis Cupper as a player and captain, said at the age of 39, it’s surprising that he can perform as well as he’s doing.

#“I’m just out there to have some fun,” said Rolle, who is about 10 years older than most of the players in the tournament.

#“I love the game. I love beating these guys. I was hoping to play MJ, but maybe next time. I was getting ready to play guys like him.”

#For Major Jr, who made his return as well after a three-year hiatus, it was a moral victory in his defeat.

#“To play Marvin Rolle in the first round and to lose in three sets says a whole lot for me,” said Major Jr, who is now the director of tennis at Atlantis.

#“I feel pretty motivated to continue and if there’s another trials, I think I will be in better shape, playing a lot more matches.

#“But it was a lot of emotions out there, having not played in any competitive matches in three years. In the end for me, I felt like I won.”

#In two other matches played, Grand Bahamian Denali Nottage won 6-3, 6-1 over Sharano Hanna.

#Meanwhile, Dentry Mortimer pulled off a 6-0, 6-0 win over Cailan Bowe.

#Jacobi Bain won by walk/over against Baker Newman.

#Anthony Burrows won by W/O over Rudy Williams.

#And Rodney Carey got a W/O over Jody Turnquest.

#“My match was good. I was just trying to find my rhythm,” Nottage said.

#“I’m excited every year they have it. I was looking forward to playing some of the older guys because I’m no longer a junior, so I have to prepare myself to play these guys.”

#The tournament is scheduled to continue today at 9am.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/20/blta-nationals-major-rolle-advance/?news

 Home|Sports|Golf tournament exceeded fundraising goalSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailDecember 20, 2022 65 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

On Sunday, December 12, a total of 118 golfers played in the 2nd Annual Baark! International Potcake Golf Tournament on the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island.

What started off as a rainy day turned into a glorious day for a round of golf and fun for all. Loyal golfers and Baark!’s 38 volunteers were not dismayed by the weather and the event exceeded this year’s fundraising goal.

In addition to the players, the new Baark! mobile clinic was on-site at hole six, performing 19 spay and neuter surgeries for local cats, allowing players to witness the great work being done in the clinic in real time.

Alexander Peterkin and Jarad Nixon, winners from this year’s tournament, won a three-night stay in Hope Town, Abaco, at Firefly Sunset Resort with airfare for four people on Bahamasair to Marsh Harbour and a golf cart rental from Hope Town Cart Rental.

Finishing second was David Knowles and Patrick Arthur. Darren Roberts and Patrick Stevenson came in third.

Other prizes included an iPhone 14 from Aliv, rounds of golf at Ocean Club, Albany, Baha Mar and Lyford Cay, gift certificates to Kyma, Sapodilla, Titan Hospitality, Social House and Chives, overnight stays to Kamalame Cay, McDuffs in Norman’s Cay, Island House, Atlantis, and Comfort Suites, plus fabulous gifts from Hope Town Canvas, Bahama Handprints, Goodfellow Farms, Coin of the Realm, Morley for Men and more.

The tournament was headlined by the title sponsor Aliv for the second year in a row and Aliv President John Gomez committed to sponsoring next year’s tournament as part of the company’s continued mission to support local programs that contribute to the overall betterment of society.

Baark! thanks all who came out to support this great event and looks forward to next year’s being even bigger and better.

The year 2022 has been a record year of spay and neuters for Baark! and the funds raised will go toward Baark!’s mission to end the unnecessary suffering of dogs and cats in The Bahamas through spay/neuter and education.

https://thenassauguardian.com/golf-tournament-exceeded-fundraising-goal/

 Home|Sports|Giorgio Baldacci nationals get underway at national tennis centerSports

Giorgio Baldacci nationals get underway at national tennis center

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailDecember 20, 2022 79 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Giorgio Baldacci Open National Championships got underway on Monday at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) National Tennis Centre and will run through Thursday.

Picking up wins on the opening day of competition and advancing to the quarterfinals in the men’s draw were Kevin Major Jr., Marvin Rolle, Anthony Burrows Jr., Jacobi Bain, Denali Nottage, Savano Hanna, Rodney Carey Jr. and Dentry Mortimer Jr.

Advancing to the semifinals on the women’s side were Sydney Clarke, Elana Mackey, BreAnn Ferguson and Jalisa Clarke.

Among the men, Kevin Major Jr. turned back Michael Major Jr. in straight sets, 6-2 and 6-0. Marvin Rolle defeated Phillip Major Jr. in a tough three setter, 2-6, 6-3 and 7-6(4). Anthony Burrows Jr. prevailed over Rudy Williams by way of walkover, Jacobi Bain prevailed over Baker Newman in the same fashion, Denali Nottage took care of Sharano Hanna in straight sets, 6-3 and 6-1, Savano Hanna won by walkover over Spencer Newman, Rodney Carey Jr. prevailed by the same way over Jody Turnquest and Dentry Mortimer Jr. took out Cailan Bowe in straight sets, 6-0 and 6-0.

In the quarters, Major will take on Mortimer, Rolle will battle Burrows, Carey will take on Bain and Nottage will battle Hanna.

On the women’s side, in the quarters, top seeded Sydney Clarke took down Simone Pratt in three sets, 6-4, 3-6 and 6-4. BreAnn Ferguson won over Caila Bowe, 7-5 and 6-1. Jalisa Clarke took out Genesis Missick, 6-2 and 6-0, and Elana Mackey defeated Saphirre Ferguson, 6-0 and 6-0.

In the semis, Sydney Clarke will take on Ferguson and Jalisa Clarke will battle Mackey.

Overall, there was reported to be great competition on the first day of the open nationals. The tournament is being held in a single elimination format, played to a best-of-three tiebreak sets and the finalists in both the men’s and women’s draws will qualify to compete in the 2023 Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup competitions.

The event is sponsored by RMS Insurance Agents & Brokers and Fidelity Bank & Trust.

https://thenassauguardian.com/giorgio-baldacci-nationals-get-underway-at-national-tennis-center/

 Home|Sports|Jones averaging double-digit minutesSports

Bahamian experiencing increased playing time on the court

Sheldon LongleySend an emailDecember 20, 2022 96 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian Kai Jones has settled into the regular rotation for the Charlotte Hornets, seeing extended minutes over the past month of the season.

During that time, the second-year forward has played the most minutes of his career for the Hornets. After being taken with the 19th overall pick on the 2021 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft, Jones entered his rookie season with high hopes, but experienced limited minutes on the floor.

This season, the Bahamian is averaging 10.1 minutes per game after just three minutes per game in his rookie season. In his last 11 games, Jones has averaged 14.8 minutes per game.

As a result of increased minutes, his production level on the floor has gone up. He is still looking for his first double-digit scoring game of his career, but remains confident in his ability and knows that the sky is the limit.

In a recent interview, 21-year-old Jones said it’s just a matter of showing up on the court and doing what he knows he is capable of doing. He has been plugged into the center spot as well as both forward positions during the past month of the season.

“It’s not challenging at all,” he told the Charlotte Observer. “We go over it every day in practice so it’s just translating it from practice to the game. I know that coach will be watching, so just showing him that I know what I’m doing on the court when we practice to give him the trust in me when the game time comes. So, it’s just being consistent with that.”

The action on the court in his most recent games has been the most important stretch of Jones’ young career, but the Hornets has struggled as a team, losing eight straight and nine out of 10.

Jones had a season-high 28 minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 25. Since then, he has experienced double-digit minutes in nine out of 10 games. Against the Timberwolves, Jones scored a career-high nine points on 3-for-5 shooting from the field and had his first double-digit rebound game of his career. He tallied 12 rebounds and also had a block. Three nights later against the Boston Celtics, he matched that career-high in points on 4-for-11 shooting from the field including knocking down one out of three attempts from behind the three-point line.

Jones hasn’t scored more than six points since but has been consistent shooting percentage wise, going 50 percent or better from the field in six out of nine games.

The Bahamian player is maturing into an everyday player for the Hornets. It shows that Hornets’ Head Coach Steve Clifford has confidence in his ability.

“Coach told me, ‘Kai you’ve just got to show me the consistency in practice.’ So, it shows me he’s a man of his word, and I can trust him. It gives me that trust in coach just like he’s trusting in me. It makes the relationship more genuine because we are just being real about what we are doing here. So that’s the good part of it. Hopefully, we can continue to take those strides in the relationship and that will translate onto the court and make us a better team.”

So far this season, Jones has appeared in 21 games, already matching the output from last season when he spilt time between the big league Hornets and their NBA G League affiliate Greensboro Swarm. He is averaging 3.0 points and 2.3 rebounds per game this season while shooting 49.1 percent from the floor and 72.7 percent from the free throw line. Jones has knocked down three three-pointers in 11 attempts this season.

As a team, the Hornets are struggling, losing eight straight and nine of their last 10 games. They are dead last in the Eastern Conference of the NBA with a 7-23 win/loss record.

Jones and the Hornets faced the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, last night, but the result of that game was unavailable up to press time. 

https://thenassauguardian.com/jones-averaging-double-digit-minutes/

As of Monday, December 19, 2022

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#POWER hitting third baseman Bertram Murray III, coming off an impressive year in the Chicago Cubs minor league baseball organisation, capped off the first All-Bahamian final to become the first home grown player to capture the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby title.

#In a dramatic showdown as the fifth edition of the event returned from Paradise Island to the Montagu shores, Murray, better known as ‘Deeja,’ out-slugged Trent ‘T-Money’ Deveaux 9-8 in the final of the country’s biggest event that highlighted the majority of the players playing in the minor leagues or in college.

#The event, organised by the duo of Todd Isaacs Jr and Lucius Fox, came one week after the Bahamas Baseball Association hosted the Caribbean Cup Baseball Championships in the newly built Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.

#Some of the derby participants represented the Bahamas in a fourth-place finish. Murray III, who didn’t participate for Team Bahamas, came home and joined the list of Home Run Derby champions, which includes Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays – winner of the first two titles in 2018 and 2019 – Miami Marlins outfielder Lewis Brinson, the winner in 2020 and Kansas City Royals catcher MJ Melendez took the crown in 2021.

#“Somebody had to do it. Whether it was me or Trent, someone had to keep it home in the Bahamas,” said Murray III about clinching the title. “I felt comfortable out there. I had a good thrower, so I felt comfortable.

#“From the time we were youngsters, me and Trent always had some friendly competition, so it was good going up against him. It feels good, though, to be the one to bring the title back to the Bahamas.”

#Although he fell short, Deveaux said he was just delighted to be able to make the All-Bahamian final.

#“We made sure that the trophy stayed here, so whatever we had to do, we did it,” Deveaux said. “I was supposed to win the tittle, but I came close, one step closer to winning it. So next year, I’m going all out to win it.”

#Deveaux, 22, admitted that after getting off to a sluggish start, he was able to make up enough grounds to put himself in contention for the title. Murray III just wanted it a little more and it showed when he followed Deveaux.

#“I have something coming for BJ. But he was amazing today. He deserved that one. He came here to put on a show,” Deveaux said. “That’s all we came out to do is to put on a show. But he did it this time.”

#After finishing the season in low A with the Inland Empire 66ers, Deveaux said he will continue working until he reaches his ultimate goal, which is to play in the major leagues, joining the latest Bahamians to do so, including injured Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm of the Miami Marlins and co-organiser Lucius Fox, who made a brief debut with the Washington Nationals.

#Murray Jr, 22, was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 15th round of the 2021 draft out of Florida Athletic University. After spending his first season with the Cubs affiliate in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League, Murray III was promoted to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Single-A affiliate of the Cubs before moving up to High-A South Bend this year.

#“The season was fun, but it’s over now, so I have to look forward to next year,” lamented Murray, who finished the season with the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League. “I just want to go out there and compete everyday and have some fun with it. I just want to do my best.”

#While Murray took home the individual award, Team Fox beat out Team Isaacs for the team title.

#Team Fox included Kashon Conliffe of the San Diego Padres, Dax Stubbs of the Baltimore Orioles, Keithron Moss of the Texas Rangers, Kristin Munroe and D’Shawn Knowles of the Los Angeles Angels, Anfernee Seymour of the Long Island Ducks, Dabiel Johnson, a free agent, Marcus Wilson of the Seattle Mariners, Murray Jr, Zion Bannister of the Texas Rangers, Warren Saunders of the New York Mets, Richie Palacious of the Cleveland Guardians, Khalil Lee of the New York Mets, Nick Gordon of the Minnesota Twins, Lewis Brinson of the San Francisco Giants, Dominic Smith, a free agent and MJ Melendez of the Kansas City Chiefs.

#Team Isaacs featured Paris Johnson of the Los Angels Dodgers, Cherif Neymour, Andre Arthur, Simmons, Steven Adderley and Ian Lewis of the Miami Marlins, Adari Grant of the St Louis Cardinals, Everette Cooper of the Houston Astros, Ryan Reckley of the San Francisco Giants, Deveaux of the LA Angels, Corey Julks of the Houston Astros, Ellison Hanna of the Lake Erie Crushers, Masyn QWinn of the St Louis Cardinals, Akil Baddoo of the Detroit Tigers, Joshua Palacios of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Will Benson of the Cleveland Guardians and Isaacs of the Lake Eric Crushers.

#The Home Derby was the culmination of a week of activities organised by Fox and Isaacs Jr as they brought the island nation’s minor league players home where they participated in a celebrity softball and golf and children’s clinic.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/19/home-run-king-bj-murray-iii-wins-home-run-derby/?news

As of Monday, December 19, 2022

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#THE University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers, the athletic programme that features Bahamian star Sydney Clarke on their women’s tennis team, came back to town on Friday and took home the 2022 HomeTown Lenders Bahamas Bowl football title.

#The Blazers, with the go-ahead touchdown from Jermaine Brown Jr on 4th-and-1 with one minute and 33 seconds left, held on as Rennard Ellis tackled Jalen Walker at the 1-yard line on the final play of the game that was sealed with kicker Matt Quinn booting in the extra point for a 24-20 win over Miami (Ohio) RedHawks at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

#“There’s no doubt, it’s just our philosophy,” said UAB’s interim coach Bryant Vincent on their decision to go for the play on 4th-and-1. “We believe if it’s ever a yard or less, we have the offensive line, we have the tight ends, we have the quarterback and running backs that can get that yard.

#“Doesn’t matter who we’re against, if it’s a yard or less, we’re going for it because we believe in who we are, what we stand for, and the players that we have.”

#Brown Jr, who ended up rushing for 116 yards and two touchdowns, said what he did was an automatic play in any team’s book. He was just the one entrusted with the heroic effort after the Blazers completed five plays on a 70-yard drive.

#“First of all, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to show my talent,” Brown said. I knew it was 4th and 1, and I knew we needed to score in 1:50. So, I needed that, and my team believed in me.”

#While his performance will be the highlight of the game and one of the top plays on ESPN, which carried the game live, wide receiver Trea Shropshire and linebacker Michael Fairbanks II will be logged into the history book for their performances turned in on the two different ends of the field.

#Shropshire was named the game’s offensive most valuable player (MVP) having tied the Bahamas Bowl record with 183 yards receiving and Fairbanks II was the defensive MVP having posted seven tackles, 1,5 TFL, 0.5 sack and a blocked extra point.

#“It’s a blessing. It’s all thanks to God, my coaches, my teammates, and my family as well,” said Fairbanks as he shared his wealth on the honour received. “It’s a shoutout to me, and I’m very blessed to be honoured.”

#UAB claimed its third bowl victory in school history with back-to-back bowl victories as they marked their 50th victory since 2017 when they made their debut here for the fourth edition of the bowl, only to come highly disappointed in a 41-6 crushing defeat to the Ohio Bobcats.

#As they celebrated this time, UAB improved its Conference USA record to 7-6, dropping Miami to 6-7 in the Mid-American Conference after they got stopped when they marched down the field and attempted to score, but were stopped by Ellis on the final play of the game.

#Miami head coach Chuck Martin said it was a game they should have won. They had exerted 6:37 to execute 12 plays that concluded with running back Kenny Tracy running 10 yards on a catch for the touchdown and kicker Graham Nicholson nailing the extra point to give the RedHawks a 20-17 lead.

#That was at the 6:52 mark, which left more than enough time for UAB to mound their dramatic comeback as they were crowned the new champions, leaving a bitter-sweet taste in the mouths of Miami.

#“Obviously, they jumped on us 10-0. When we got it to 10-6 before the half, I felt like we were in really good shape,” he said. “We had a chance at the end. We had a lead and got a huge turnover, had a chance for the offence to end the game right there.

#“We don’t get it done. And credit to them they went 70 yards. Obviously [we are] really disappointed, not in our players, they always battle and fought to the end. We made a ton of plays made a ton of big plays and credit to UAB they made one more play.”

#For at least two of the RedHawks’ players, quarterback Aveon Smith and senior linebacker Matt Salopek, they admitted that they gave it their best shot, but it just wasn’t enough to propel them over the top.

#“We (have) been fighting through adversity all season, so it isn’t anything new to us,” Smith said. “We wanted to start it fast and make sure we finished but it didn’t go our way. Sticking together as a team is something we have been doing all year, so I’m proud of ourselves for sticking together.”

#Added Salopek: “It’s been something we have been hanging our hat on all year, playing through bad plays and keep on fighting through the game. I know the offence was sticking together and we were trying to get them the ball back and the defence was sticking together trying to get a stop for them. I’m proud of how hard we fought today and UAB was just a great team.”

#After receiving the prestigious Prime Minister Trophy, which was presented by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, coach Vincent said there’s no better place to win a bowl game than in Paradise.

#“The Bahamas is paradise. The way we were treated from the moment we got off the plane to right now has been first class. This is a first-class bowl game. The people here, the community here are all first class,” Vincent said.

#“I’ll tell you this right now and our players said it too, if we could go to any bowl game, every year we would come to the Bahamas Bowl. It’s beautiful. We’ve been treated first class like I said. It’s just special.”

#Vincent thanked the people and the organisation of the Bahamas Bowl.

#“I’d come back every year if it was up to me,” he summed up. “It’s paradise, the people are first class, we’ve been treated with open arms, and we put on one heck of a game. I can’t thank you guys enough.”

#The week-long experience was a tremendous one for both teams as they bonded in the immense attractions at their home base at Atlantis and participated in a youth training camp for the Bahamian children, many of whom came out and showed their appreciation during the game.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/19/bahamas-bowl-blazers-take-title-uab/?news

As of Monday, December 19, 2022

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#WITH a little more time to work with their teams, coaches for both the New Providence and Grand Bahama All-Stars feel as if they could have had better showings against the Miami Northwestern High School in the Hoopfest High School Tournament at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium over the weekend.

#On Friday, the New Providence All-Stars got off to a slow start and ended up getting routed 71-36 by Miami.

#On Saturday, the Grand Bahama All-Stars got off to a good start, but couldn’t maintain their composure, losing 66-47 to Miami.

#The two-day event featured some of the top high school teams out of the United States of America. Although no champions were crowned, all of the teams, except those from the Bahamas, played two games.

#By virtue of having two teams, the NP and GB All-Stars only played once.

#• Here’s a summary of the games played in the tournament organised by American Glenn Smith and Bahamians Jerome Gomez and Jeff Rodgers.

#Duncanville High School def. Roselle Catholic 73-58, Duncanville High nipped Oak Ridge High 76-74, Sunrise Christians def. Oak Ridge High 58-53 and Sunrise Christians def. Roselle Catholic High 73-62.

#Miami Northwestern High 66, Grand Bahama All-Stars 47: After coming back from a 12-11 deficit at the end of the first quarter, the Floridians managed to surge ahead 28-23 at the half and they never looked back.

#Calvin Russell exploded for a game high 28 points with 11 points and five assists, Tristan Thomas had 12 points with eight rebounds and both PJ Paulk and Giovanny Desire both added 10 points.

#“I think we had a slow start and that was because of the way this team played us, but we managed to pick it up and started to play Bulls basketball,” said Miami’s coach Melvin Randall. “This is our first time in the Bahamas. We enjoyed it, so we will be back.”

#For the GB All-Stars, Tiano Roberts was the only player in double figures with 19 points and seven rebounds. Their next best scorer was Denage Kelly with six points.

#“It was a great experience. We did what we expected with the short time to work with these guys. I think we let it get away from us midway in the third quarter,” said Darrel Sears, who coached the GB team along with Jay Philippe and Kevin Clarke.

#“We were right there in the game, but we couldn’t rebound the ball. Our size hurt us a bit. They did what they wanted to do to us in the third quarter as they pulled away. Our guys just got discouraged. But it was a great experience.

#Miami Northwestern 71, NP All-Stars 36: Thanks to a 15-3 spurt in the first quarter, the next door neighbours didn’t have any mercy, extending their margin to 40-20 at the half and they were never in any trouble the rest of the way.

#Calvin Russell came up big with 21 points, 10 rebounds and five steals, Fatoma Faulk 15 points with 10 rebounds and Coru Lovett added 13 points.

#For the losing home based team out of New Providence, Laterro Young was the only player in double figures with 13 points and four rebounds. Jefferson Bethel was next with seven points.

#“We could have done a much better job in terms of closing out the shooters. But it was a good game, but we just needed more games to improve as a team,” said NP coach Denycko Bowles. “We started out pretty late preparing this team. It’s not fun when you lose, but they will learn from this experience.”

#Darshtyn Baker, who assisted Bowles, couldn’t agree more.

#“Most of our guys are not used to playing at this level, but they managed to settle down. It was a bit too late,” Baker said.

#“This was a test for them to see the level that they have to face. Most of the guys are 10 and 11 graders, so they still have some more preparation to go.”

#Duncanville High 76, Oak Ridge High 74: With just six seconds left on the clock, Ron Holland drove inside for the game winning lay-up to keep the Texas top ranked Duncanville High undefeated in their two games played as they improved their season’s record to 11-0.

#“I felt really good. My team-mates trusted me with the ball and I knew once I went for it, it was going to go,” said Holland, who finished with a game high 29 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block shot. “We just love being here. It was a great event for us to participate in.”

#KJ Lewis added 15 points with five rebounds and Kayden Edwards had 13 points for the Panthers in the win.

#“We knew it was going to be a hard-fought game because it was a quick turn around for us after playing the last game last night and the first one today,” said Duncanville’s coach Neiman Ford. “I knew we just needed to take it in striking distance.

#“We have a team that plays with a heart of a champion. These kids have already won three straight state championships, so there’s no quitting in us. This is our first time here, but we are in awe. We had such a wonderful time and to win both games we played was what we came here to do.”

#In a losing effort for Oak Ridge, Jordan Tillery had 20 points and four rebounds, Cameron Simpson had 12 points and three rebounds and Tyler Johnson helped out with 10 points and four rebounds.

#Duncanville High 73, Roselle Catholic 58: Ron Holland pumped in 18 points, Kayden Edwards had 17; KJ Lewis had 15 with 11 rebounds and Cameron Barnes finished with 13 points and seven rebounds in their opener.

#Sebastian Robinson had 14 points and five rebounds, Al-Terick Watson had 11 points with four rebounds and Akil Watson added 10 points with six rebounds in the loss for Roselle Catholic.

#Sunrise Christians 73, Roselle Catholic High 62: Matas Buzelis led a balanced scoring attack in the final game played with a game high 20 points with 14 rebounds, two block shots and a pair of assists as Sunrise, the alma mater of Bahamian players Chavano “Buddy” Hield (NBA) and Lourawls ‘Tum Tum’ Nairn, (college assistant coach), out of Bel Aire, Kansas, remained undefeated.

#Miro Ltle had 26 points, eight rebounds with three assists, Scotty Middleton had 12 points and both Layden Blocker and Mikel Brown helped out with 11 points.

#Al-Terick Watson scored 14 points with three rebounds, Simon Wilcher had 13 points, five rebounds and five assists Mackenzie Mgbako added 10 points and nine rebounds in the loss for Roselle Catholic from New Jersey.

#Sunrise Christians 58, Oak Ridge High 53: Matas Buzelis scored a game high 17 points with seven rebounds and Scotty Middleton provided a 1-2 punch with 10 points as Sunrise got the win.

#Jordan Tillery paced the losers with 16 points with six steals and four rebounds. Tyler Johnson added 14 points with six rebounds.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/19/hoopfest-tournament-blast-top-high-school-teams-us/?news

As of Monday, December 19, 2022

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#THE New Providence Basketball Association will complete the year with games on tap tonight and Wednesday at the AF Adderley Gymnasium before taking a break for the Christmas holiday. The league will return to action on January 4.

#• Here’s a summary of the games played over the weekend:

#TMT Giants 8, University of the Bahamas Mingoes 73: Randy Miller exploded for 23 points with 13 rebounds, two assists and two block shots in pacing the Giants to their first victory in three games played so far on Saturday night.

#Ujamaa Johnson helped with 19 points and three assists, Daniel Hall had 16 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals and Travaughn Nicholas added 14 points with seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.

#In a losing effort for the Mingoes, who dropped to 1-2, Dave Lindsay had 14 points, four rebounds and two steals, Glenderson Black had 12 points, two rebounds and two steals and Delano Armbrister chipped in with 11 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals.

#Cyber Tech 97, BIBT Great Whites: Daniel Bethel led six players in double figures with 24 points and seven rebounds on Saturday as they improved their record to 1-3, identical to the same mark as their opponents.

#Jayson McHardy had 16 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, Jermaine Mackey had 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, Warren Miller had 11 points, seven rebounds, seven steals and six assists and Devon Bonaby Jr added 10 points with seven rebounds.

#The Great Whites saw Lamont Miller score 20 points, nine rebounds and three assists, Darius Dean had 14 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals.

#Discount Distributors Liquors Rockets 82, Caro Contractors Shockers 74: Livingstone Munnings pumped in a game high 24 points with 11 rebounds, two steals, an assist and a block in securing their third consecutive win for the Rockets.

#Abel Johnson scored 18 points with six rebounds, six assists and two steals and Roosevelt ‘Chicken’ Whylly ended up with 11 points, 15 rebounds, three assists a steal and a block shot.

#For the Shockers, who suffered their first defeat in four games, William Rigby scored 22 points with seven rebounds and four steals, but it wasn’t enough.

#Shakwon Lewis had 14 points, five rebounds four assists and four steals.

#Tonight

#7pm – Rebels vs Your Essential Store (DII)

#8:30pm – Discount Distributors Liquors Rockets vs Tucker Boys (D1)

#Wednesday

#8pm – Rebels vs Zulu Media Marketing (D1)

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/19/npba-end-year-wednesday/?news