As of Friday, December 16, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#WHILE Xavion Johnson continues to make a name for himself on the international judo scene, he’s not forgotten by the Bahamas Judo Federation for his achievements.

#During a reception at Cocoplum Bistro & Bar organised by his mother, Ordain Moss and family, as well as the federation on his return home from competing in a series of events in Canada, Johnson was presented with a plaque for the Junior Athlete of the Year by BJF executive Reno Culmer.

#Additionally, his member of Parliament for Fox Hill, Fred Mitchell, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, presented him with an undisclosed amount in a cheque after Moss showed a video presentation on her son’s journey from his introduction to the sport to the present day.

#Johnson, who noted that he had a passion for the sport from the time he got started, has moved from the US Open junior champion to the Ontario Open champion. He hopes to resume his training in January for his next tournament in Denmark in February.

#But, in the meantime, he said he’s just delighted to be able to return home and get the reception that he got.

#“I’m pretty happy,” he said.

#He thanked everyone who came out and supported him, but for everyone who played a part in his development, including his parents, grandmother, great-grandmother, family, friends, the federation, Andrew Munnings, whom he looks up to as his role model and Cynthia Rahming, who has been there assisting him from day one.

#In making his presentation to Johnson, Mitchell said as he listened to his commentary, he remembered how as a 10-year-old, his only interest was being a politician and that is what he is today. He said he’s thrilled to see how passionate Johnson is about competing in judo.

#“You have to decide early in life that you will side with the good guys, or you will side with the bad guys,” Mitchell said. “Come what may, if you decide to be one of the good guys, that’s where you are. No matter what the pain, the difficulties, the trials and the ups and downs, if you are on the side of the good people, you are on the side of the good people.”

#In commending Moss, Mitchell said he remembers his former friend Al Dillette, who along with his wife, Kathryn, raised three children and supporting them in all of their sporting endeavours and he emphasized that as one of the good guys, the community is expecting great things from Johnson and while he’s proud of what he has done, he will be there to continue to support him.

#Oria Wood, the deputy director of sports at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, represented Minister Mario Bowleg. She commended Johnson on his accomplishments and even his aspirations to go on to compete at the Olympic Games.

#As the officer for judo at the ministry, Wood said he was able to develop a bond with federation president D’Arcy Rahming when he came to register the sport at the ministry, and she has been able to assist the BJF financially and will continue to do so, especially to the point where Johnson becomes the next judoka to get on the government subvention.

#“Xavion, we know that we have a diamond (in the rough) because if an athlete can achieve world-class status as a teenager, then we know that you are going to go far,” Wood said.

#“In your dreams, as long as you persevere, push hard and remain disciplined, you will get to the Olympic Games, and you will do well.”

#In addition to family and members of the Ministry of Sports, also present were Munnings and Cynthia Rahming, the top two senior judokas and Kent Bazard, one of the top martial arts instructors and personal trainers in the island nation.

#During his latest appearance in Canada, the 16-year-old Johnson won the Quebec Open at the Claude Robillard Sports Complex in the under-18 boys’ division of the 60-kilogram class over Luka Tsatsalashvili with a 3-0 decision in just two minutes and 49 seconds on the clock.

#In the process, Johnson qualified for the Cadet World Championships.

#Prior to that, Johnson claimed the bronze in 18-and-under 66kg class in October at the Manitoba Open at the Dakota Community Center in Manitoba, Canada where he lost to Peter Velonas. He also won the bronze medal in the senior division 66kg division after he lost to Ashton Debruyne.

#Johnson, who revealed that his first name Xavion means “Warrior,” represented the Bahamas earlier this year in the Sarajevo World Championships Cadets, Panamerican – Oceania Junior Championships and the Panamerican – Oceania Cadets Championships.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/16/xavion-gets-warm-welcome-home/?news

As of Friday, December 16, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#After losing to Ohio in their initial appearance here in 2017, interim head coach Bryant Vincent said there’s still no better place for his University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers men’s football team to be than here at the HomeTown Lenders Bahamas Bowl.

#“This is the bowl game that our team wanted to go to. We were excited to be here. I don’t know if there’s another bowl in the country that our team would rather be at,” Vincent said. “To come to the Bahamas and play a really good Miami (Ohio) team is an opportunity that they’re excited about.

#“Where else can you come to paradise and also play a football game against a good football team and end the 2022 season and a lot of great careers here? It’s the opportunity of a lifetime and our players realise that, and they’re excited about that. They’re ready to go out there and play one last game together.”

#Vincent will be leading the Blazers this time around as they take on the Miami RedHawks in today’s bowl game at 11:30am on ESPN at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

#Vincent said after giving his Blazers a chance to enjoy themselves during the week, they are ready to face their opponents with the same intensity that they did all season long.

#“It’s really not going to change. What we do at UAB offensively is what we’ve done here the last six years. We’re going to establish the run, we’re going to play-action pass, we’re going to do what we do. To win championships, you’ve got to be able to run the football. We’re going to establish the run, that’s our rule every game, and then everything else feeds off the run.

#“Defensively, we’ve got to stop the run. I know that’s a cliché, but it’s proven true. We have the opportunity to win our 50th football game since our programme’s return. That’s 50 wins in six years, that’s pretty impressive.”

#That’s more wins than anybody in Conference USA. We’re going to stop the run, cover up the receivers, be great in the kicking game and find a way to finish it off in the fourth quarter. That’s really our game plan every game.”

#Miami head coach Chuck Martin, whose team is making their debut here, said they are just as eager about the game.

#“The biggest thing is UAB really likes to run the ball and they like to throw it over your head. They are fifth in the country in rushing this year so if we don’t stop the run it is going to play into their favour,” Martin said.

#“We also have to stop them getting big plays in the pass game. Offensively, we need to be able to run the ball and they have a very stingy defence. We need to have big chunk plays in the passing game. Our defence is excited for the challenge and our offence is excited to compete against a very good defence.”

#When asked what’s going to be the difference in their approach for the Bahamas Bowl compared to other bowls Miami has played in, Martin said they try to approach them all the same.

#“We get extra practices back home and have two and-a-half weeks to prepare for the game. We are going to do all the work at home. When we get on the plane to wherever we are going, we are prepared to win the game before we leave,” he said.

#“What we try to do when we get to the bowl site is to let everybody enjoy the experience. This is the best place I have been to, but we have enjoyed the other bowls we have been to. We let the kids and coaches and families enjoy being at a bowl and then starting two days before the game we get locked in.”

#Both teams are coming into the game with a 6-6 win-loss record. But for some of the players, it’s an experience here in the Bahamas off the field that they will never forget, win-loss or draw on the field.

#For Miami, on transitioning from the water slides at the Atlantis to the game on Friday, said freshman quarterback Aveon Smith:

#“It was pretty cool to get the experience, spending time with coaches and teammates whether it was on the slides or kicking it in the lobby,” he said. “At the end of the day we came here to win a bowl game. When it is time to lock back in, we will lock back in.”

#As for the game, Smith said it’s important to send the seniors out with a win.

#“It is pretty important. We have a lot of seniors on offence, and defence as well,” he said. “They have put in a lot of work from one season to another they have been grinding. It is only right to send them off with a victory.”

#One of those players are senior linebacker Ryan McWood.

#“I have been to other bowls before and this was definitely an awesome experience. When it is time to work, it is time to work but you need to do what you need to do to win the game,” he said. “The first two days were in kind of vacation mode and yesterday we had practice and got back into game mode.

#“It is about having that switch inside you that we have practice for two hours today and let’s lock into that and then we can get off our feet after.”

#The UAB players are just as ecstatic about being here for the Bahamas Bowl.

#“It’s been a really special week, especially for us and it being our last game here,” said redshirt senior linebacker Noah Wilder. “Coming here, being with the guys, especially at a place like this, it’s just really special to come here and be able to enjoy yourself and have that camaraderie, one last ooh-rah together.

#“There would be no greater feeling than to go out with a win. These have been some of the best years of my life. These guys – they’re friends that I’ll have forever, and this is just a great place to be with those guys.”

#On what the team needs to be successful, Wilder said they just have to get back to what got them here in the first place. “We think they play really hard. We play really hard,” he said.

#“Just like every week, as long as we stick to UAB football and do what we do, that’s what we’re going to do.”

#And redshirt junior offensive lineman Will Rykard said this will definitely be a trip he will never forget.

#“It’s been a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of us. There are a lot of guys that have never been out of the country, so this will be the first [international] place they’ve been. It’s pretty cool. “To spend it with all the guys and finish out the season with one last game, it’s just a great experience. We’ve all been able to relax the last few days with the lazy river, the pool, stuff like that, but we’ll be ready come tomorrow.”

#On balancing the off-field experiences with the game this weekend, Rykard felt they did a fantastic job.

#“A lot of us have played a lot of football. We know what it is. Back home there are a lot of distractions just like there are here. It’s just different – there’s school, other people,” he said.

#“We’ve gotten to enjoy the past few days, the coaches let us enjoy a lot and have some time off. Yesterday we started reeling it back in and we know what it is, we know it’s time to go.”

#On what he knows about Miami, Rykard said they play hard defensively, and they are a good, sound football team.

#“They’re disciplined up front. We know we’re going to have to come out as an offensive line and play hard, play well,” he noted.

#“At the end of the day, just like every game, we think it’s about us. If we go out there and handle what we’re supposed to handle and do what we’re supposed to do, we’ll be alright.”

#The game will be carried live on ESPN with Steve Levy handling the play-by-play duties, while Joey Galloway will serve as the colour analyst. Kris Budden will cover the sidelines.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/16/its-gameday/?news

As of Friday, December 16, 2022

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#NASSAU Bahamas (AP) — Jermaine Brown Jr. rushed for 116 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns, Trea Shropshire had 183 yards receiving and a score, and UAB held off Miami (Ohio) 24-20 on Friday in the Bahamas Bowl.

#UAB (7-6) won its second bowl game in a row — beating No. 13 BYU 31-28 in the Independence Bowl last season — and third in programme history. The Blazers won their 50th game since returning in 2017 from a programme shutdown.

#Shropshire dominated the first half with 120 yards, and his second catch after halftime went for 50 yards to set up Brown’s 12-yard rushing touchdown on fourth-and-1 for a 24-20 lead with 1:31 left.

#Miami converted two fourth downs on its final drive and a 15-yard penalty set up the RedHawks on the 15 with one second left. Aveon Smith completed a pass over the middle to Jalen Walker but the UAB defence came up with a huge stop as Reynard Ellis made a tackle at the 2 as time expired.

#“It really comes down to everything this team stands for: we’ll fight til the very end, we’ll never give in, we’re tough, we’re rugged, we play for each other and we never give up,” UAB interim coach Bryant Vincent. “No matter what we’ve been through this year, it’s just the UAB way.”

#After Miami took a 20-17 lead with 6:52 left in the fourth quarter, Brown fumbled it and the RedHawks took over at the UAB 28 before missing a 47-yard field goal. Then Brown redeemed himself on the next drive.

#Brown carried it 24 times to eclipse 100 yards for the fifth time this season for UAB. Shropshire finished with six catches for 183 yards and a touchdown.

#Shropshire had a 46-yard grab on UAB’s first offensive play and he capped the opening drive with a 10-yard touchdown. He added a 48-yarder on third-and-19 with 5:57 left before halftime to total 120 yards, while the Miami offence had 68 total yards at that point.

#Dual-threat QB Aveon Smith passed for 162 yards and two touchdowns for Miami (6-7). He also carried it 22 times for 50 yards.

#PLAYERS OPTING OUT

#The nation’s leading rusher, DeWayne McBride, was not active after opting out of the bowl game. His 1,713 yards this season for UAB included 10 100-yard games and 19 touchdowns. The Conference USA’s player of the year was coming off a 272-yard game against Louisiana Tech.

#COACHING CHANGE

#The Blazers played their finale under Vincent, who led the team all season. Former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer has been hired as head coach and was in attendance. The 50-year-old Dilfer won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens in 2000 during a 14-year NFL career. He’s making a big leap to the college ranks after leading Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, to three state title games in four seasons as head coach.

#“I’m going to tell our players that I love them and I’m proud of them,” an emotional Vincent said after the game. “I’m proud of our coaches and I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished.”

#PIRATE FLAGS

#Miami players and coaches were wearing patches and stickers of a pirate flag to honor Mike Leach, who died suddenly of a heart condition earlier this week.

#WEATHER

#Friday’s forecast was for a high of 85 degrees in Nassau, compared to 37 in Oxford, Ohio and 43 in Birmingham, Alabama.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/16/browns-two-touchdowns-lead-uab-past-miami-oh-24-20/

 Home|Sports|Taylor finishes 36th overall in 100m freeSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailDecember 15, 2022 156 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Team Bahamas wrapped up the second day of competition at the 16th FINA (World Swimming Federation) Short Course (25m) Championships, currently ongoing at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) in Melbourne, Australia.

All four Bahamian swimmers were in action yesterday with two swimmers being featured in individual races.

Lamar Taylor was in action in the men’s 100 meters (m) freestyle. Swimming out of lane four in the fifth heat, Taylor posted a time of 47.76 seconds to win his heat. However, in the grand scheme of things he did not qualify for the semifinals as he finished with the 36th fastest time overall. His winning time was faster than his entry time of 50.25 seconds, and marked a personal best time for him.

Clocking the fastest time in the heats was the Cayman Islands’ Jordan Crooks, who posted a time of 45.61 seconds.

The other swimmer to compete in an individual race was Victoria Russell, who was in the 100m breaststroke event. She swam out of lane five in heat two and won her heat when she touched the wall in 1:11.56. The 22-year-old placed 40th overall with that time. She improved on her entry time of 1:14.97.

The fastest swimmer in the heats was Lithuania’s Ruta Meilutyte, who posted a time of 1:03.01.

The mixed 4x50m medley relay team consisted of Taylor, Russell, Rhanishka Gibbs and Luke-Kennedy Thompson. The quartet placed 22nd overall with a time of 1:46.93. They swam out of lane seven in the third of four heats.

Taylor swam the first leg and split 24.19 seconds on the backstroke leg. Russell was on the second leg, in the breast, and clocked a split of 32.28 seconds. Thompson was on the third leg and swam a split of 24.50 on the butterfly stroke. Anchoring Team Bahamas with the freestyle was teenager Gibbs who had a split of 25.96 seconds.

The United States of America (USA) had the fastest time in the heats of 1:36.83, and went on to win the gold medal in the final in a new world record of 1:35.15.

Taylor returns to action today in the 50m backstroke event. He heads into the heat with an entry time of 24.38 seconds and will be swimming in the third heat in lane three. Making his debut in an individual race at this meet is Thompson. The 21-year-old distance swimmer will be swimming in the 400m free. He enters the race with a time of 4:04.90, and will be swimming out of lane seven in the first heat.

The head coach of the team is Travano McPhee.

Also making the trip but not for The Bahamas is Tariq Kelly. He is a Bahamian who is serving as a massage therapist/athletic trainer for Team USA. Kelly served as a member of the medical staff for Team Bahamas at the 2022 CARIFTA Swimming Championship in Wildey, Barbados. He is a former competitor for The Bahamas in swimming and water polo.

https://thenassauguardian.com/taylor-finishes-36th-overall-in-100m-free/

 Home|Sports|Ayton suffers ankle injurySports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailDecember 15, 2022 147 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

As if the Phoenix Suns needed any additional concerns, Bahamian center DeAndre Ayton left their game on Tuesday night, suffering from an ankle injury. The Suns (16-12) fell to the last-place Houston Rockets (9-18), 111-97, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The Rockets bring up the rear in the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Ayton picked up the injury just before halftime on a Suns’ fastbreak opportunity. He was streaking down the middle of the paint when he collected a pass from Torrey Craig and was about to make a layup. It was at that point when he collided with Rockets guard Kevin Porter and rolled his left ankle on Porter’s right foot. Ayton grabbed that ankle right away and got on the floor and shook his head in pain. The big man limped off the court and into the locker room. He was ruled out for the rest of the game.

The Rockets was up 52-33 with 1:07 left in the first half when Ayton exited the game. The extent of the injury was not known up to press time, but he is listed as day-to-day. Ankle injuries have prevented him from playing on three previous occasions.

The Suns also lost backup point guard Cameron Payne in that game. Coming into the game on Tuesday night, they were without All-NBA guard Devin Booker and forward Cameron Johnson. Ayton’s, Payne’s and Booker’s injuries came after they got veteran point guard Chris Paul back, who was out for 14 games.

Ayton left the game after playing just 15 minutes. He scored five points and grabbed five rebounds. It was an abnormal night for him, percentage wise, as he made just two of his 10 shot attempts up to that point. He made his only attempt from the free throw line.

Ayton has played 26 games this season and has started all. He is averaging 17 points per game to go along with 9.5 rebounds while shooting at a clip of 61.9 percent from the field and 72.2 percent from the charity stripe. He is averaging 28.9 minutes per contest.

Coming into the game Tuesday night, Ayton had scored 20 or more points in seven of his last 10 games. He also grabbed 10 or more rebounds in seven of the last 10.

The Suns have lost five straight games and six of their last seven. They lost back-to-back games to the New Orleans Pelicans, twice to the Rockets and once each to the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics.

The Suns will play their final game in their four-game road stretch today when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers (16-13) at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. That game is set for 10:30 p.m. and will be televised on NBA TV.

https://thenassauguardian.com/ayton-suffers-ankle-injury/

 Home|Sports|Warriors dominate first round of soccer competitionSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailDecember 15, 2022 134 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The first round of competition is completed in the Bahamas Football Association’s (BFA) Men’s Soccer League and the Western Warriors are off to a flying start.

After the first round, featuring several weeks of intense competition, the Warriors have amassed 25 points to lead the standings, totally dominating play.

Positioned in second place in the standings is United FC with 19 points. The University of The Bahamas (UB) Mingoes are third with 18 points, and the Insurance Management Bears and Seventeen FC are tied for fourth with 15 points.

Positioned in sixth in the standings is Dynamos FC with 14 points. The Future Stars are seventh with 11 points, the Renegades are eighth with 10 points, the Baha Juniors FC are ninth with three points, and Cavalier FC bring up the rear with zero points.

The league now breaks for the Christmas holidays and will return in the new year.

The BFA extends holiday wishes to the general public and thanks all players, coaches and staff for their support of the league during this period. The men’s soccer league resumes its regular season on January 15, 2023. On that date, the Renegades FC will battle the Baha Juniors FC. That game will take place at 4:30 p.m.

 For more information, interested persons are asked to visit the website www.bahamasfa.net.

https://thenassauguardian.com/warriors-dominate-first-round-of-soccer-competition/

FUN TIME: Players from UAB and Miami get ready to participate in a dance off on the beach at the Atlantis resort.

As of Wednesday, December 14, 2022

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FUN DAY OFF: Players from UAB and Miami participate in a dance off on the beach at the Atlantis resort.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#It was a day of fun and relaxation for the college football teams yesterday after they arrived in town on Monday for the HomeTown Lenders Bahamas Bowl.

#Both the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers and the Miami RedHawks took advantage of yesterday’s free day by participating in a beach bash that was held at the Atlantis resort ahead of their big NCAA football match-up at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium on Friday.

#The two teams come in evenly matched at 6-6 but are confident that they will hoist the trophy as the new champions in the match-up between the Mid- American Conference and Conference USA in the longest running international bowl game in college football history.

#This is the seventh edition of the bowl, which got started in 2014, but was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

#While UAB, coached by Bryant Vincent and representing Conference USA, is back for its second appearance after finishing as the runners-up in 2017, it’s the first trip here by Miami, coached by Chuck Martin and competing for the Mid- American Conference.

#The majority of the players are making their maiden voyage here and have been pleasantly surprised by what they saw so far from the time they arrived at the Lynden Pindling International Airport to their home destination at Atlantis.

#“It’s been a wonderful experience so far, coming out here and kicking it with the guys,” said UAB quarterback Mac McWilliams. “It’s a lifetime experience, so we’re happy to be able to enjoy the breeze and the sea.”

#The 5-foot, 10-inch, 185- pound McWilliams, who hails from Pensacola, Florida, said he’s been eating and going to the casino, having some fun. But he’s eager to get on the field and help the Blazers pull off the win.

#“We had our ups and downs all season, but we just came here to win,” he said.

#“We know they (Miami) are a good team, but we’re not concerned about them. We just came here to win.”

#Tight end Bryce Damous, who stands at 6-2 and is 230lbs, said he’s loving everything about the Bahamas.

#“Honestly, when you see the pictures, it doesn’t really do justice,” he said. “Compared to when you are here, it’s so much different than what I saw in the photos. I’m really loving it. It’s beautiful. I’m enjoying myself.”

#Like McWilliams, Damous, who hails from Huntington, West Virginia, the goal is to win the game.

#“That’s our main objective. We want to have fun and enjoy the trip, but it’s a business, at the end of the day,” he stated. “We’re trying to win this game for sure.”

#Once they can come out and play “hard” and display their traditional “aggressiveness,” he doesn’t see why they can’t win the game.

#Of course, he admits that Miami will be tough because they made it to the bowl game, but they just want to take care of the reason why they came here and that is to win.

#Miami’s linebacker Matt Salopek begs to differ.

#“You can expect a very good, exciting team that will come out here and play,” said the 6-1, 220lbs Salopek. “We have a very good team with a lot of gritty guys, who just love to come out and play football and want to win.”

#Salopek, however, did admit that UAB has a solid team and are well coached, so he’s anticipating a very good, hard-fought game.

#For Salopek, this is his second trip here.

#He was here when he was about 11 or 12 on a cruise ship, but never envisioned the island was as “beautiful” as it is.

#“The people are awesome, the hospitality is awesome, and the scenic view is just beautiful,” as he described his experience here so far. “Overall, this is just a great place.”

#Ja’Von Kimpson, a defensive back, said while this is his first time here, it’s the “best trip” that he’s ever been on in the Caribbean.

#“Atlantis is really nice. It’s a lot better than I really expected it to be,” he quipped. “We’ve been walking around taking pictures of everything because everything looks so beautiful.

#“We’ve been looking at all of the fish and doing the water rides. It’s just been good. It’s a lot of fun.”

#Come Friday, Kimpson said they hope to take care of the job at hand.

#“It’s going to be a good game. UAB is not a bad team. They’re pretty good with a nice offence and a nice defence,” said the RedHawks’ 5-11, 192-pounder.

#“So, we will have to be on top of our game. It’s going to be a great game. It should be high intensity, but we should win at the end.”

#The game is scheduled to start at 11:30am on Friday and will be carried live on ESPN. There will be free admission for the general public.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/14/college-football-teams-are-ready-bahamas-bowl/?news

As of Wednesday, December 14, 2022

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RODNEY JOHNSON

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#THE basketball community is mourning the loss of former long-time and smartly dressed coach and referee Rodney E.C. Johnson, who made his contribution to the game at every level.

#The former softball player with the Third Street Boys, Doc’s Pharmacy and the BDP Rattlers and an executive in the New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association passed away on Monday at the age of 76.

#He leaves behind his life long partner Belkis Moore, his children Rhodnia and Rodney Johnson Jr, grandson Garrett Johnson, former wife Jennifer M Johnson, sisters Francis Smith and Ruth Brown and a host of relatives, friends and basketball players whose lives he touched as a coach.

#Through his involvement in basketball, Johnson’s daughter Rhodnia followed in his footsteps by becoming a statistician. But she didn’t venture into softball which he ended up playing during his pastime. “I remember his commanding voice and love of sports and music. He loved basketball and softball,” she said. “I got my love of basketball from him. That’s why I am a statistician today. His last few years he was a part of a softball club.”

#Some of the top players in the country, either at high school with the CC Sweeting Cobras or in night league in the New Providence Basketball Association, benefitted from Johnson’s coaching including Carvey Ferguson, Frank Rolle, George Henderson, Warfield ‘Bugga’ Bain, Pat Moss. Jeff ‘Batchie’ Carey, ‘Joe Black’ Brice, Paul Brice, Freddy ‘Falcon’ McPhee, Patrick ‘Big Hands’ Henderson, Edrick ‘Dricks’ Poitier, Kenny Laing, ‘Nukka da Buck’ Nottage, Gary ‘Pindling’ Bethel, Oral Hudson, Kevin ‘Chick’ Rolle and Raymond ‘Rhymes’ Wilson and Terrance ‘Red-Eye’ McSweeney.

#Hudson, who along with ‘Chick’ and ‘Rhymes’ went on to excel in volleyball as well, recalled Johnson as being one of the best basketball minds in the country. “He had a way of motivating the most average player and the ability to get that average player to do things he could not see in himself. He was my coach from I was in SJC (St John’s College), playing small forward at six-feet, two-inches and when I told him that I got a basketball scholarship to go to Alabama he said ok well at your height you will need to play guard so he had me working on my ball-handling skills right away.

#“He would always motivate me to be more offensive-minded. He would say, ‘you are my best player and shooter. Shoot the ball.’”

#When he left for Lomax Hannon Jr College in Alabama before he ended up playing at St John’s University in Minnesota, Hudson said he always remembered the dribbling skills that he was taught by Johnson.

#“He said it should only take four dribbles to get from baseline to baseline and he showed us how it was done,” Hudson said. “In university I would grab a rebound and before the defence could react I was making a layup on the other end of the court.

#“Coach was very vocal and he was never afraid to get his point across to anyone including the referee. He wil be missed.”

#Johnson is also being remembered by McSweeney, who followed his mentor and coach in the coaching ranks and in his dressing style.

#“My years at CC Sweeting, which began in 1973 when I first got to know Rodney Johnson as a basketball coach in grade 10,” McSweeney said. “In my latter years in grade 11 and 12, he became my math teacher and was my homeroom teacher.

#“Mr Johnson also allowed a few of us from grade 10 to 12 to play on a division II team, the Methuselah Vikings, but in my senior year in grade 12, I was recruited by the late Randolph Swaby to play for his CIBA Warriors.”

#With his unique style of dressing, McSweeney said he got to emulate his coach, who was also a very stern disciplinarian.

#“People would always see me outside coaching with my shirt tucked in my pants with a necktie on,” McSweeney said. “Mr Johnson, my coach, passed that style of coaching on to me. I remember when I was coaching the Sunshine Park Gators, Mr Johnson and refereeing the game and he came over to me and said ‘You look sharp today.’

#“I said to him I got this style from you. He had this thing where he used his two elbows where he demonstrated to his players, this is how I keep myself neat. I returned the favour and reminded him what he told us. We both had a good laugh because he didn’t know that I remembered what he did.”

#McSweeney said Johnson made sure that they took care of their academics in school or they were not allowed to play on the team, especially when they were preparing to enter the 12th and final year.

#“Mr Johnson had his way, as all coaches, especially dealing with males, but he locked into what he wanted and he stuck to that in practice and you had to make it happen in the game or he would sit you down,” McSweeney reflected. “Then he would come to you and ask you if you are ‘ready to play do what I need you to do,’

#“I just saw Mr Johnson on Saturday. I was heading to make a run to pick my boys up on Paradise Island. He was on his front porch and we hailed each other. One mind said I should have stopped and hailed, but because I was in rush to get my kids, I said I will do it another time.”

#Through their interaction as player-coach, McSweeney said he was taught a lot from Johnson, who officiated during the era of the late Vincent Ferguson, who was known for his stern manner in which he conducted himself on and off the court.

#McSweeney expressed his condolences to Johnson’s family for the tremendous impact that he made on him at CC Sweeting and eventually into the coaching ranks. He said he will continue to wear his long sleeve shirt and necktie as he coaches in honour of his late coach and mentor.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/14/basketball-community-mourning-death-rodney-johnson/?news

COACHES and sponsors with their plaques on Saturday at the Roadrunners Track Club’s 22nd annual presentations and awards banquet for their athletes.

As of Wednesday, December 14, 2022

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#ON Saturday, the Roadrunners Track Club, led by president and head coach Dexter Bodie, hosted their 22nd annual presentations and awards banquet for their athletes.

#This event has been a staple for the club for several decades and each year they are happy to provide a space for the recognition and celebration of their athletes.

#The banquet occurred in Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom and was presented under the esteemed patronage of three of the club’s young female coaches Edvania Missick, Stephanie Stubbs and Krysten Black.

#These ladies have been dedicated to the development and growth of the athletes and have been an integral part of the track club from the time they were young athletes themselves.

#They have continuously given their time and talents for the betterment of the club and its athletes. The club was enthused to honour them and their hard work and dedication during the ceremony.

#The night began with a thoughtful prayer and blessing of the food by one of the club’s parents.

#The room was then filled with the melodic sounds of the national anthem sung by the talented Danielle Dorsette.

#She graced the audience with several selections throughout the night and received a standing ovation on each occasion.

#The keynote speaker, and long-time supporter, Timothy Ingraham, general manager of Summit Insurance, shared a captivating message filled with encouragement and wisdom.

#He motivated the athletes to stay focused, not only on their athletic endeavours, but also on their academic pursuits.

#He shared relatable stories about his own son when he was in a similar position to the young athletes navigating school, athletics, and future goals and dreams.

#Ingraham shared that while it is important to be confident in your abilities, it is also important to focus on your craft and continuous improvement.

#Demonstrating your capabilities rather than talking about them or talking less and working harder is the better route to success.

#He used the example of a certain American sprinter who was extremely boastful off the track but could never quite translate that to on-the-track performance.

#Following Ingraham’s uplifting message, the Mistress of Ceremonies, Mrs Vargas began the portion of the night that the athletes were all waiting for, the awards.

#There was an award for academic performance named after former Roadrunner, Jenero Knowles.

#The Timothy Ingraham Honour Roll Award recognised those student-athletes who achieved a GPA of 3.0 and higher. There were several awards such as most improved athlete, best male and female athlete and athlete of the year.

#As the student-athletes came up one by one to accept the awards they floated throughout the room wearing their Sunday best looking like ‘cool kids’ and showing off from head to toe.

#After the presentation of awards the attendees were happy to welcome Harrison Petty to give his remarks and encouraging words.

#Petty serves as the president of the Bahamas Parents Association of Track & Field Athletes.

#Another long-time supporter of the Roadrunners Track Club, Petty’s remarks were met with keen interest.

#One of the highlights of the night was the moment Roadrunners athlete Tellica Seymour presented a donation to the club on behalf of her father’s company One on One construction.

#She highlighted that her father, Tellis Seymour, and the company really appreciate all the work that the club puts into their athletes and how they give them a space to grow and develop.

#She also spotlighted the work that coaches Stephanie Stubbs, Edvania Missick and Krysten Black were doing and presented them with tokens of appreciation.

#Before the evening’s proceedings ended, pastor Diana Francis of the First Baptist Church shared remarks and prayed for the track club.

#Along with this year’s honorees, guests of honour included Mrs Patrice Adderley and guest, Mr Phil Smith, Mr & Mrs Timothy Ingraham, Mr Travee and Dr Shantel Missick, Pastor Diana Francis, Mr Terrance Arnette, Mr & Mrs Harrison Petty, Mr & Mrs David Higgins, Ms Madia Butler, Dr & Mrs Graham Cates, Mr & Mrs William Delancy, Dr Clive Gaskins and Mr & Mrs Tellis Seymour.

#• Winners of the various awards are as follows:

#Dominique Higgins Award

#Shaneka Sands, 4.00 GPA; Chanelle Hepburn, 4.00 GPA; Gabrielle McLean, 3.24.

#Most outstanding athletes

#Melody Thompson (u-7 girls); Logan Thompson (U-7 boys); Ariel Thompson (U-11 girls); Avery Johnson (U-11 boys); Azalia Henderson (U-13 girls); Ashley Demeritte (U-13 boys); J’Kaiyah Rolle and Teran Davis (U-15 girls); Trent Ford (U-17 boys); Raeyah Taylor (U-20 girls) and Desmond Harris (U-20 boys).

#Athletes of the year

#Chanelle Hepburn (U-7 girls); Christovia Moss (U-9 girls); Ronald Simon (U-11 boys); Cassidy Edwards (U-13 girls); Shawne Ferguson (U-13 boys); Jasmine (U-15 girls); Tamia Taylor (U-17 girls); Dana Rolle (U-17 boys); Sabriya Farquharson (U-20 girls); Malcolm Williams (U-20 boys).

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/14/roadrunners-track-club-hosts-22nd-annual-awards-ba/?news

As of Wednesday, December 14, 2022

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MICHAEL Albury Jr

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AFTER watching his big brother Deyton Albury leave Temple Christian to pursue his basketball career in high school in the United States, Michael Albury Jr has made the transition to Florida from Teleos Baptist Academy where he was a star player for the Cherubims basketball team.

#The 17-year-old Albury Jr is now enrolled at Florida Coastal Prep Sports Academy where he is playing as a six-foot guard.

#“It’s been good. I fit well with the school and the system that they run,” Albury Jr said. “I know I can score, but I’m just being athletic and trying to learn how to play defence to really help the team.”

#On Saturday, Albury Jr came through with a game high 17 points, including the go-ahead basket to help lift the team to victory over Life Christian High School. “I feel very good. They didn’t know that I would perform the way I did, but I went out there and I did my best,” Albury Jr said. “Our coach had a good game plan for us and my team really rallied behind me once they saw what I could do.”

#His father Michael Albury Sr said after watching the successful path that Deyton Albury took, he was delighted to set the stage for Albury Jr to follow suit. Deyton left Temple Christian where he shined with the Suns in 2019 to enroll at Sunrise Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas.

#Upon completion of high school, Deyton Albury went on to play one year for Prep. He’s now holding court at Chipola College in Marianna, Florida. The number four ranked Indians are riding a perfect 15-0 win-loss season going into their next game on Saturday against Enterprise State Community College.

#“I feel good about him leaving the nest. He always wanted to follow in his big brother’s footsteps,” Albury Sr said.

#“Now that he has the opportunity, he is going to shine. I know Mike is always ready to play when his name is called.

#“He was never afraid to play against the big boys. It all started on BFM (Bahamas Faith United) basketball park and from what I saw as he continued to develop, I think Mike is going to be an excellent basketball player.”

#Albury Jr said it was something that he waited so long to accomplish.

#“I would like to play basketball and see how far I can go with it,” Albury Jr said. “If I don’t go to the NBA, I would like to be able to go overseas and play so that I can help my family out. I just want to make a name for myself.”

#Albury Jr will be returning home for the Christmas break on Sunday before he returns to Florida on January 3 to continue his season. “School wise, its been good. They really enjoy me coming over,” Albury Jr said. “The principal loves me, the coaching staff loves me. That’s something I was hoping that I would get into because my education comes first before basketball.

#“I wanted to make sure that wherever I go, I would be able to concentrate a lot on my education and not just basketball. The basketball will come, but I want to be able to accomplish my education so that I can go on to play college basketball as well.”

#Albury Jr said he certainly misses home and is looking forward to interacting with his family and friends, especially those at Teleos.

#He remembers how Teleos hosted a day for him before he left and he cried like a baby because it was a heartfelt departure.

#“I am coming on Sunday and they are closing on Friday, so I won’t be able to return to school,” Albury Jr said. “I will just spend some time with my family and some of my friends from my old school at Teleos.

#“But I hope to get in some basketball as well because I need to stay physically fit because the season is just going to get started when I return to school in January.”

#Albury Jr thanked God for giving him the ability to achieve this transition with the support of his parents.

#He also thanked all of the players he played with and the coaches who worked with him in the past.

#FROM PAGE 11

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/14/albury-jr-following-his-brothers-footsteps/?news