As of Wednesday, October 12, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AFTER taking a break for the National Heroes Day holiday weekend, the New Providence Softball Association is all set to begin its 2022 best-of-five championship series in both the men and women’s divisions.

#The championships will begin on Thursday night at the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex with the defending champions Sunshine Auto Wildcats taking on the RAB Operators in the ladies’ series, while the defending champions C&S Hitmen will entertain the Cyber Tech Blue Marlins in the men’s encounter.

#League president Dwayne Stevens said just as exciting as the regular season was, they are anticipating a lot of fireworks for the finals, which should come down to a slugfest in the ladies’ series and a pitcher’s duel in the men.

#“I expect some very good series, especially in the men where we have two great pitchers on both teams,” Stevens said. “Thomas Davis and Eugene Pratt, the up and coming young stars (for the Blue Marlins) will be taking on the veteran crew of Edney ‘the Heat’ Bethel and Alcott Forbes (for the Hitmen).

#“I think it will be a pitching showdown, which should be very competitive in that men’s series.”

#As for the women, while Thela Stevens has been the workhorse for the Wildcats and Brendia Ferguson has carried the load for the Operators, Stevens said both teams have a lot of lumber, so it’s anticipated that Sunshine Auto and RAB will engage in some high scoring matches.

#“They could still come down to pitching in the ladies series as well because the Operators have some pitching to contend with,” Stevens said. “But both teams hit the ball very well, so I believe they will be scoring a lot of runs in that series.”

#While game one is set for Thursday, game two will be played on Saturday. The ladies will play the opener at 7pm, followed by the men in the nightcap at 8.30pm. They will return for game three next Thursday and if necessary, game four will be played on Saturday.

#Should they go to a fifth and deciding game, Stevens said they will announce then the time and date for the match or matches to be played.

#The Wildcats, managed by Anthony Bullard, clinched their berth in the ladies’ final over the Johnson’s Lady Truckers and the Operators, managed by Kelly Smith, earned their ticket as they eliminated the University of the Bahamas Lady Mingoes.

#In the men’s playoffs, the Hitmen, managed by Darren Stevens, ousted the Chances Mighty Mitts and the Blue Marlins, managed by Charlie Rolle, got by the Atlantis Titans. The NPSA last played in 2019 before sports in the country was halted because of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

#Without a national championship to be played for the winning teams, Stevens said the NPSA is gearing up to participate in the proposed Bahamas Softball Federation’s National All-Star Classic during the second weekend in November at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

#“As you know, New Providence is the only island association which had a full season. Grand Bahama and Exuma just started some fast pitch and slowpitch games,” Stevens said. “So what they are proposing is that each island send an All-Star team to represent the island.

#“After that, the NPSA will put on a tournament and we’re inviting teams from the islands to come in and participate against teams from the NPSA. So we are looking at having softball played through the rest of the year.”

#The NPSA, however, is expected to make a decision on whether or not they will take advantage of fielding two teams in both the men and women’s divisions for the BSF’s All-Star Classic, which would include the NPSA champions, or just select an All-Star team to represent the NPSA.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/oct/12/softballs-best-five-championships-set-begin/?news

 Home|Sports|Ayton records double-double in preseason actionSports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailOctober 12, 2022 174 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian post player with the Phoenix Suns DeAndre Ayton had arguably his best game of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) preseason on Monday night, recording a double-double in the Suns’ 107-105 loss to the Denver Nuggets.

In 27 and a half minutes of play, Ayton dropped in 19 points on 9-for-12 shooting from the field. He recorded his first double-double of the preseason as he added 11 rebounds. He also had three steals, an assist and a block. For the preseason, Ayton is averaging 16 points per game on 60.5 percent shooting from the field. He is also averaging 8.33 rebounds per game.

The Bahamian big man is looking for a more substantial role in the Suns’ offense this season, particularly after signing a new deal in the offseason. He said he is staying away from any suspected conflict with the team and will let his play do the talking.

In their game last Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers, playing on neutral ground at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ayton had seven points and a game-high eight rebounds in 25 minutes on the floor, in a 119-115 victory for his team.

The previous game, Ayton had 22 points on 11-for-14 shooting from the field and added six rebounds and two assists in 22 minutes of play in a 134-124 loss for them to the Adelaide 36ers.

Ayton and the Suns will host the Sacramento Kings at 10 o’clock tonight. That game will be played at the Footprint Center, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield and the Indiana Pacers experienced action on Friday.

Hield finished with 13 points on 5-for-10 shooting from the field, and was 3-for-5 from deep, in 20 minutes of play. The Pacers’ shooting guard added four assists, a rebound and a steal as the Pacers fell to the New York Knicks, 131-114, at Madison Square Garden, in Manhattan, New York.

For the preseason, Hield is averaging 10 points on 44.4 percent shooting from the field. He is also shooting 44.4 percent from distance.

Hield and the Pacers host the Knicks at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, tonight. That game will get underway at 7 p.m.

Kai Jones experienced action for the Charlotte Hornets on Monday.

The Hornets’ second-year forward/center had two points, two rebounds, an assist and a block in about nine minutes of play. The Hornets fell to the Washington Wizards, 116-107, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

For the preseason, Jones is averaging 3.67 points on 37.5 percent shooting from the floor. He adds three rebounds per game.

The Hornets play the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, tonight. That game gets underway at 7 p.m.

The Suns have a 1-2 win/loss record in the preseason, the Pacers are 1-1, and the Hornets are winless at 0-4.

The NBA regular season tips off on Tuesday, October 18.

https://thenassauguardian.com/ayton-records-double-double-in-preseason-action/

 Home|Sports|Bahamian collegiate swimmers experience actionSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailOctober 12, 2022 239 4 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian collegiate swimmers Lamar Taylor, DaVante Carey and Keianna Moss experienced time in the pool competing for their respective schools this past weekend.

Taylor and the Henderson State University Red Wave continued their season with back-to-back meets on Friday and Saturday. Taylor was able to swim seven races on the weekend but his school lost both meets.

On Saturday, Taylor and the Red Wave went up against the Drury University Panthers. They lost 194-104. The collegiate junior, who had a busy summer swimming for The Bahamas, locked up a victory in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 49.51 seconds with splits of 24.08 seconds and 25.43 seconds. The Panthers duo of Nathan Bighetti and Andrew Rodriguez were second and third, respectively. Bighetti swam 51.05 seconds and Rodriguez posted a time of 51.16 seconds.

The Grand Bahama native was a part of the Red Wave trio that swept the podium finish in the 50-yard freestyle. He placed second in 20.75 seconds with Jack Armstrong winning that event in 20.48 seconds. Jase Pinckney swam 21.21 seconds to place third.

The trio teamed up with Jaren Tippett in a hotly contested 400-yard medley relay race against Drury. In the end, it was the Red Wave who touched the wall first after swimming 3:20.04. Drury swam 3:21.08 to finish second while their ‘B’ team was third in 3:28.20.

In the 200-yard free relay, the Red Wave swapped out Tippett for Patryk Dabrowski and won in 1:21.86. Taylor anchored the team and was the only swimmer in that race to go sub-20 seconds on his split with a time of 19.86 seconds.

The previous day, the Red Wave hosted the Oklahoma Christian University Eagles at the Wells Natatorium in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. They lost 117-114. The highlight of that meet, particularly for the Red Wave, was the 200-yard free relay team swimming a 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) qualifying time of 1:20.19. This time, Taylor swam a 19.34 seconds split on the final leg. They held off the Eagles team who clocked 1:21.78. The Red Wave ‘B’ team was third in 1:26.60.

Taylor won the 100-yard back after posting a time of 50.07 seconds. The Eagles’ Reese McIlroy touched the wall in 52.52 seconds to place second. McIIroy’s teammate Noah Rabb placed third after touching the wall in 53.11 seconds.

The Red Wave’s 400-yard medley relay team placed second this time with a time of 3:22.74. The team was the same as squad which swam on Saturday. The Eagles won that race in 3:22.20. The Eagles ‘B’ team was third with a time of 3:29.67.

The Red Wave will take a break this weekend and will host Ouachita Baptist University on October 21.

Carey and Moss were in action for the McKendree University Bearcats who opened its 2022-2023 season. Carey and the men’s team only had one dual meet while Moss and the women’s team had two duals.

Carey and Moss were in action on Friday when they hosted the NCAA Division I Southern Illinois University Salukis. Carey and the men won their matchup 146-134. Moss and the women’s team fell 229-69. The second meet was on Saturday against the Illinois State University Cardinals, but Moss and the Bearcats fell 218-81.

Carey placed second in the men’s 100-yard butterfly with a time of 50.76 seconds. Winning the event was his teammate Jack Lustig who clocked 47.95 seconds. The Salukis’ Nicolas Barri Lanuza was third with a time of 50.92.

The Bahamian was also in action in the 100-yard backstroke in which he finished third. He swam a time of 50.12 seconds. Winning that race was Ruard Van Renen who recorded a time of 47.87 seconds.

In the relays, Carey was in action in the 200-yard medley relay and the 400-yard free relay. He and his teammates Lustig, Caleb Law and Arthur Souza placed third in the 200-yard medley relay when they clocked 1:30.72. Their ‘A’ team won with a time of 1:29.83. The Salukis was second after recording a time of 1:30.20.

In the 400-yard free relay, Carey was on the ‘B’ team again but with new teammates. He teamed up with Kirk Brotherton, Nick Khatkovyy and Filip Cigic. They finished fourth with a time of 3:09.96.

Moss swam in her first collegiate meet on Friday. She started her collegiate career with a swim in the 200-yard medley relay in which her team placed third. The team included Grace Credit, Aurora Abbruscato and Karley Sonnenberg. They clocked 1:49.04. Winning that race was the Salukis ‘A’ team with a time of 1:43.85. The Salukis ‘B’ team placed second with a time of 1:47.05.

Moss came away with a third-place finish in the 100-yard fly, recording a time of 58.67 seconds. She finished behind two Salukis athletes. Jasmine Rau won that race in 56.27 seconds. Moss finished fifth in the 100-yard back after touching the wall in 59.94 seconds.

In the 400-yard free relay, Moss and teammates Abbruscato, Natka Kralova and Sarah Gormley placed fourth. They recorded a time of 3:39.91.

Moss and the women’s team traveled to Normal, Illinois, to take on the Cardinals on Saturday. Moss finished second in the 100-yard fly after swimming her way to a time of 59.94 seconds. The Cardinals’ Giulia Basco won in 58.22 seconds. Basco’s teammate Lauren Naeger was third with a time of 1:00.79.

Moss had a tough race in the 100-yard back, but managed to place fourth in 1:01.11. She and her 200-yard free relay team of Gormley, McKenzie Fazio and Jocelyn Zgola finished fourth in 1:42.29.

Both Moss and Carey get this weekend off. The Bearcats will host a tri-meet against Oklahoma Christian University and Saint Louis University October 21-22 at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex in O’Fallon, Illinois.

https://thenassauguardian.com/bahamian-collegiate-swimmers-experience-action/

 Home|Sports|Martial artists put on a showSports

Scores of skilled fighters show up for Black Lotus Empire Tournament

Simba FrenchSend an emailOctober 12, 2022 259 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Anatol Rodgers High School Gymnasium was loud and active on Saturday as martial artists took center stage at the 2nd Black Lotus Empire Martial Arts Tournament.

Black Lotus Empire was the host club and last held that tournament in 2019. It was not held in 2020 and 2021 because of the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was well-attended with 11 schools competing in support of the event that accommodated over 120 participants.

Lead instructor at Black Lotus and organizer Antoniez Higgs said he was happy with how the day went as the students and instructors put on a show.

“It was successful not just in attendance, but also in the results and how persons felt based on their enthusiasm,” Higgs said. “Those persons were very happy and pleased and it felt like everything was pretty much treated fairly for the most part. I got a lot of responses from both parents and instructors. They were happy with much of what we featured. We displayed the many different dimensions of martial arts, which were in forms or katas and we were able to do weapons. There was fighting as well – point fighting and there was also continuous fighting or what they call kickboxing. It didn’t call for persons to be subjected to just one thing.”

The grand champion in kata was Taye Adderley. Malik Rolle was the grand champion in the fighting division and Shawn Roache was the kickboxing lightweight champion. Phillip Smith was the kickboxing heavyweight champion. Alexander Cadet was the women’s kickboxing champion.

Winning kata in the black belt division was Demetrius Robinson. Gino Bowe got the top position for the instructors division. Stanford Oliver nabbed the top spot in the senior adult division while the women’s division was secured by Antoniece Higgs. D’Angelo Francis secured the title in the men’s division.

“The win was good. I was a little nervous. I thank God that I was able to come out with the gold medal,” Francis said.

Francis, who is from Black Lotus, used the sudden wind technique to impress the judges.

Black Lotus’ Raven Young ended up capturing the 13-15 girls beginners using the sudden wind technique too.

“I placed third in the last tournament I competed in, so I was very happy when I placed first,” Young said.

In the 13-15 boys division, Terrell Barrett and J’Vyon Brennen finished with the gold medal, tying for the top spot. The 11-12 girls division was won by T’mea Munroe and Lavardo Butler and Juan Hilson shared the gold medal in the 11-12 boys division.

Higgs was impressed by the performances put on by the participants.

“I saw one did a drunken form which was beautiful. Another did a monkey form which was awesome. There was a lot of athleticism along with a lot of flipping going on inside some of the rings. I think one of the best performances I saw, was the gentleman who used the sword inside the ring,” Higgs said.

The weapons grand champion was Treyvin Brown. Some of the fighters who secured first place finishes were Demi Sargent, Rayvon Burrell, Elkaya Rolle, Kyrie McCoy and Diego Sands.

Black Lotus Empire has been around since 2009 and has over 50 students. The school is the only one in New Providence that teaches Kung Fu and uses the Four Winds style. It has its base at the Holy Cross Anglican Church.

Higgs is looking to put on an event next year around this same time.

The schools that were in attendance were Black Lotus Empire, Bai Sung 26, Bahamas Tong Dojo, Bahamas Karate Academy, 5 Star Karate, Society of Shotokan Stylists, Bahamas Center for Martial Arts, Bahamas Urban Karate, Boys to Men Karate, Four Winds 20 and the National Academy of Martial Arts.

https://thenassauguardian.com/martial-artists-put-on-a-show/

As of Tuesday, October 11, 2022

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Fredrick King Jr

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#HIGHLY touted prospect Fredrick King Jr has joined a veteran Creighton Bluejays basketball programme expected to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

#Head coach Greg McDermott said King and the incoming class of fellow freshmen and transfers bolster the depth of a roster many pundits expect to be one of the most talented in all of NCAA Division I basketball.

#“No question. I’m really excited about that,” McDermott said of the team’s depth following the first official day of practice ahead of the upcoming season. “We’ve got some new pieces so we have to get those new pieces accustomed ot the way that we are going to play. We want to get back to playing a little bit faster. Last year because of the injuries we were really forced to slow things down and control things a little bit more because we didn’t have any depth. But I think we can get back to playing the way we did before which was a little bit more quicker and a little bit free flowing.”

#The Bluejays finished last season 23-12, fourth place in the Big East Conference regular-season standings, and runner-up in the league tournament.

#After receiving an at large bid to the NCAA Tournament, they defeated San Diego State in the first round before they lost in the second round to eventual national champion Kansas Jayhawks.

#They will return five of the top seven scorers from that tournament run and many pundits have targeted them as the favourites to win the Big East.

#“Fredrick is a versatile and an athletic front line player,” McDermott said at the time of his signing. “Having played at NBA Academy Latin America, he has been coached and trained at a high level. His motor and competitive spirit will allow for an immediate impact on our programme.”

#King, a 6’10” frontcourt player out of the NBA Academy (Latin America), decided on the Blue Jays over the BYU Cougars, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and Utah Utes.

#“They stayed connected to me,” King told the Omaha World Herald of his recruitment, “We started to get a bond, and I had a good relationship with the coaching staff.”

#King said he hopes to learn from and lend support to Bluejays starting centre and Big East Defensive Player of the Year – the 7’1” Ryan Kalkbrenner.

#“(Kalkbrenner) is a great player. He’s bigger than everybody else,” King said, “I’ll come in after Kalkbrenner,” King said. “I’ll be able to help inside while also working on multiple skills.”

#Creighton will open its preseason on October 30 against Drury and the regular season on November 7 against St. Thomas.

#King, a former DW Davis and CI Gibson standout became the first Bahamian to ever receive an invitation to an NBA Academy and made the most of his opportunity in a relatively short time span.

#ESPN listed him as one of the class of 2022’s top prospects emerging from the NBA Academy Invitational last September following his performance at the NBA Academy Invitational.

#He averaged 23 points and 12 rebounds per game on 77 percent shooting from the field at the event hosted by his NBA Academy Latin America programme in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/oct/11/king-and-bluejays-look-ahead-new-season/?news

As of Tuesday, October 11, 2022

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DOMNICK Bridgewater in action.

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#DOMNICK Bridgewater returned to pro basketball in the French Nationale Masculine 2 League on what seemed like a moment’s notice, but it took little time for the young point guard to display midseason form.

#Bridgewater finished with 23 points and nine assists for US Avignon Pontet Basket in an 88-83 loss to La Ravoire Challes on October 9.

#This marks the third season for the 22-year-old guard in France’s NM2 League. Originally a member of the FOS-Sur- Mer Byers of the Pro B League, the team placed Bridgewater on loan to Sapela Basket 13 for a late 2020 playoff run. Although his time with the team came to an early end due to COVID-19, he went on to receive a promotion in the Byers’ system with the Pro B team.

#He averaged 16.7 points and 10.4 assists per game with three double doubles in four games. He returned to Sapela for a full campaign the following season.

#The following season, Bridgewater led Sapela Basket 13 club to the Coupe de Provence title. He finished with 17 points and six assists in the finale. He led the team in scoring at 18.3 points per game and recorded three double doubles.

#The first Bahamian to sign a professional basketball contract straight out of high school, Bridgewater spent his first season as a member of the Byers’ Epoirs (Junior League – U21). In 28 games, he averaged 15.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game.

#After a promising start to his second season in the U21 ranks, he was made eligible to the A roster with a call up to participate in the LNB Pro B Leaders Cup. At the time of his call up, Bridgewater dominated the NM3 league at 23.7 points and 7.5 assists per game.

#“God has placed me in this route, so I’m pretty pleased about it,” Bridgewater told Tribune Sports. “I’m enjoying it because my ultimate goal is to get to the highest level that I can get, whether it’s here in France or wherever I end up playing. I have to learn the plays and get used to the guys on the team. I’m confident that I will be able to step right in and make my presence felt.”

#Over the course of the summer, Bridgewater made another appearance with the senior men’s national team at the FIBA World Cup ‘23 Qualifiers.

#He also joined Raw Talent Elite to help lead his club to a historic win to open the 2022 Summer of Thunder series against NCAA teams.

#He finished with 12 points and six rebounds but it was his trio of clutch free throws down the stretch that sealed a 66-64 win over the University of South Alabama Jaguars on July 31 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/oct/11/23-points-and-nine-assists-domnick-bridgewater/

As of Tuesday, October 11, 2022

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TRAVIS Munnings

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#TRAVIS Munnings has had an immediate impact in his promotion to the French ProB League with his Boulazac Basket Dordogne basketball club.

#Munnings has averaged 10.6 points, four rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game thus far as the team competes in the preseason Leaders Cup.

#Munnings, a senior men’s national team stalwart, signed with Boulazac last August for his fourth season of pro basketball.

#Since he joined the club, Boulazac opened with a 109-104 loss to Vichy-Clermont, followed by back-to-back 101-84 and 92-75 wins over St. Charmond. They will travel to face Vichy-Clermont in the finale of the Leaders Cup tonight at 8 pm.

#Pro B regular season league play begins on October 15 when Boulazac will face Lille Métropole in the opener.

#Last season, Boulazac finished 13th in league standings at 13-19.

#The front office has been optimistic about the impact they expect Munnings to have.

#“Munnings is a small forward that is very versatile. He is able to evolve and play shooting guard but also a power forward. He will bring volume to the team,” they said in a team issued press release. “Munnings is an athletic player by his physicality. He plays on both sides of the field with a lot of intensity and he knows how to adapt and put himself at the service of his team. A real Swiss army knife in the attack, he can post, attack in dribble, or even shoot threes from long distance.”

#Munnings previously played in France when he made his pro debut with La Rochelle Stade Rochelais of France’s NM1 League. He averaged 17.5 points, eight rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in his brief stint with the club.

#The following year, he moved to Portugal’s Liga Portuguesa de Basquetbol (LPB) and averaged 12.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game for UD Oliveirense. He helped lead the club to a 19-7 regular season record and quarterfinal berth. The following offseason he made the move to Benfica.

#Munnings spent last season with Sporting Lisboa Benfica and helped the club complete a dominant season in Portugal’s Liga Portuguesa de Basquetbol (LPB) with the 2022 championship title.

#Benfica completed the regular season as the top overall seed at 24-4 and had an 8-1 run throughout the playoffs.

#In 30 games, Munnings averaged 7.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 60 percent from the field and 30 percent from beyond the arch.

#In FIBA EuroCup play, Benfica finished just short of the quarterfinals in Group K. In 14 EuroCup Games he averaged 8.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.

#At the national team level, Munnings helped The Bahamas advance to the second round of FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers for the first time in history.

#In six games of the three qualifying windows, Munnings averaged 10 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/oct/11/munnings-makes-impact-french-prob-league/?news

As of Tuesday, October 11, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AFTER a two and a half year hiatus that was hampered by the non-payment of fees to coaches and officials, the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association is all set to resume its afterschool activities with softball and baseball as they celebrate their 30th anniversary this year.

#GSSSA president Varel Davis said they agreed to start with those two sports because they were the ones that were not staged in 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic halted all sporting activities in The Bahamas.

#When the GSSSA start their dual sport on Monday, November 17 at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, it will bring them on par with the other major high school sporting body – the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools – who have already begun their softball season.

#Davis said she’s grateful to Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training Glenys Hanna-Martin for her intervention to ensure that high school sports is back in the public schools as they provide some wholesome after school sporting activities for the high school students.

#“After not playing any sporting activities for the past two and a half years, we are glad that the kids can now come out and enjoy themselves,” Davis said. “Sports has been missing for so long, so we are all excited to get it up and running again.

#“We’re excited to get softball and baseball started because we didn’t get to play those sports in 2020 before the pandemic hit. We have been preparing for those sports since September, so most teams are ready to go. We’re very excited to get sports up and running again.”

#With the issue of non-payment of fees to the coaches and officials, Davis said it wasn’t for a lack of trying to get the matter resolved with the Ministry of Education. She noted that promises were made, but they never came to fruition.

#Davis commended Hanna-Martin, who instructed her that the matter is being resolved and the monies owed will be paid in short order. She noted that they have brought the coaches and officials up to date and have advised them of the latest developments.

#“We had a little issue about what sport we would start with, but we got that sorted out,” Davis said. “So the kids are excited, the coaches are excited, the officials are ready to go and so we’re just waiting to get the fans all excited about the return of high school sports in the public schools,” she noted.

#“We’re happy to get things going with softball and baseball. Then we will go into cross country and then basketball before the end of the year. This is our 30th year, so we have a lot of exciting things planned for high school sports. We’re very excited and just hope everything goes well.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/oct/11/gsssa-set-resume-sports-softball-and-baseball/?news

CHAMPION David Harris in action. Photos: Austin Fernander

As of Tuesday, October 11, 2022

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RICCARDO Davis makes a cheque presentation to REACH Bahamas board member Greer Symonette- Bain. The event was sponsored by Hillshire Farm with proceeds going to REACH Bahamas.

CHAMPION David Harris receives his award from Harrison Collins. Nickie Davis looks on.

RUNNER-up Keno Turnquest receives his award from Nickie Davis. Harrison Collins looks on.

THIRD place finisher Riccardo Davis receives his award from his wife Nickie Davis. Harrison Collins looks on.

FOURTH place finisher Stephano Stuart receives his award from Nickie Davis.

BGF president Lynford Miller receives the fifth place award for Lemon Gorospe from Nickie Davis as Harrison Collins looks on.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#FOR the second tournament in a row, David Harris emerged as the champion of the Bahamas Professional Golf Tour.

#Harris shot three-under-par 69 to win Sunday’s second tournament at the Royal Blue Golf Course at Baha Mar. It was the Signature Golf Classics, sponsored by Hillshire Farm with proceeds going to REACH Bahamas, an organisation that brings awareness about Autism in the Bahamas.

#Keno Turnquest was the runner-up with an even-par 72, while tournament organiser Riccardo Davis was third with a three-over-par 75. Stephano Stuart was one shot behind at 76 for fourth and Lemon Gorospe rounded out the top five with a 77.

#In the first tournament in August, Harris won with an even-par 72. He said he was just delighted to duplicate the feat in the second tournament.

#“I had a good time. The course is in good condition. I came out to beat the golf course. Once the golf course is in good condition, it’s going to be hard to beat me,” Harris said. “I like the fact that the Bahamas Professional Golf Tour is giving us this opportunity to come out and continue to develop and continue to have fun as we enjoy the game.”

#In preparation for the tournament, Harris said he didn’t want to let the “secret” out of the bag, but he admitted that he’s been practicing on his game.

#“Don’t tell no one, but I’ve been working on my game,” he insisted. “I found a new motivation to get in shape and I’m on a journey to lose 80 pounds, so I’m doing all of the things that I need to do to get it right.

#As he prepares for the next tournament, Harris said he will be out to pull off a three-peat and he’s not concerned about any of his rivals because “they have to do what they have to do to get better and I have to do what I have to do to stay on top.”

#Turnquest said he had a good day.

#“I haven’t played competitive golf in a while so it was good to get the juices flowing and to see where I’m at and what I need to work in practice,” he said. “It wasn’t great, but it was respectable, so I can live with that.”

#With just a handful of pro golfers in the country, Turnquest said anytime they can assemble together they play, they are grateful. He thanked Davis and his team for organising the tour and is looking forward to the next tournament in November.

#“The competition was good and so I’m looking forward to improving on my performance in this one,” he proclaimed.

#For Davis, his performance was not where he wanted it to be.

#“It was a little rough,” he declared. “I haven’t been playing as much and because I don’t like to lose, I am going to start practicing so that it doesn’t happen again.”

#The tour normally runs from March to November every year since its inception in 2018 to provide an opportunity for the pro golfers to compete in a series of events every month. However, Davis said they had to postpone the tournament in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic.

#“This year, we started very late, again because of the restrictions with the pandemic,” he said. “We didn’t start until August, but we had to call off September’s tournament and now we’re back on track. We will have two more in November and December.”

#“This tour is what I call the stepping stone or the building block to get to the next level,” Davis said. “This is an opportunity for our local pros and our top amateurs to hone their skills and get their game to the next level where they gain an athletic scholarship or they get to compete on the international pro scene.”

#Davis expressed his gratitude to Hillshire Farm for being the sponsor for Sunday’s tournament.

#“Without them, the event would not have been able to happen,” he said. “We had a great turnout with most of the top players in the country competing.

#“We were missing two, one in Houston and one in Exuma, but next month, we’re expecting the same type of field, but at a different golf course with some great competition again.”

#Harrison Collins, a representative for Hillshire Farm, said they were excited to be able to assist the BPGA.

#“It was a tough day out there on the course, I can assure you that,” Collins said. “But we have some great golfers here and we’re just happy to see that and to have the winner shoot under par is just remarkable.”

#Proceeds from the event went to REACH and board member Greer Symonette-Bain said they are humbled and grateful for the gesture by the BPGA Tour because they need all of the assistance they can get to provide information, services and tools for children who are on the spectrum.

#She said they are now challenged trying to get more children with autism into the school system.

#“We’re trying to get the Bahamas government to provide more units, more classrooms, more teachers and more therapists because we have so many children who are now diagnosed with autism,” she stressed.

#“A lot of children are being deprived because they can not take advantage of the limited resources available.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/oct/11/three-under-par-harris-champion/?news

 Home|Sports|Exuma race to set ‘new record’ on Nov 12thSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailOctober 11, 2022 210 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Exuma’s tourism product is expected to receive a much-needed boost next month when the Exuma Half Marathon returns, with a record number of runners ready to depart from Regatta Park.

With the 8^th annual race fully in person, the event’s organizers say there has been unprecedented enthusiasm from tourists and locals alike.

“The last two years or so have been hard on everyone,” says Jeff Todd, who founded the Exuma Half Marathon, Featuring the Run for Pompey, with Kevin Taylor in 2015.

“It’s clear that people are excited to be back to in person for this outdoor event. We are expecting 300 plus runners, which would be a new record for us. Our sponsors have also stepped up in a big way, so this year we are just seeing a big outpouring of support from both the community and tourists eager to be back in Exuma. Meanwhile, as a non-profit, every dollar collected from registrations will go towards a great cause.”

Exuma Half Marathon raises funds for The Pompey Scholarship, awarded in June to one graduating student from LN Coakley High School in Exuma, so he or she can pursue post-secondary education that fall. Students must submit an application to a school committee, demonstrating a financial need and why this scholarship will make a difference in their lives.

Eairik Bullard, who received the award last summer, cited the death of his mother as his inspiration to succeed.

“She was a huge supporter of my academic endeavours and she helped to push me to greater heights,” Bullard writes. “Her wishes for my life are what pushes me to do better every day – going to college, graduating with a degree and living my dreams. I made a silent promise to myself that I would complete her dreams for my life and make her proud of me on that graduation stage.”

A total of eight scholarships have been awarded since 2015, Todd adds.

The Run for Pompey, a community run of just 2km around the pond in George Town, and annual The Pompey Scholarship, are named after Pompey, the slave who in 1830 led a rebellion on Exuma. Thanks to his courage and resilience, Pompey stopped the transfer of 77 men, women and children off the island.

This resistance is now considered a key precursor to emancipation in The Bahamas, which occurred in August 1938.

Fast forward to 2022, Exuma Half Marathon has become an anticipated date on the tourism calendar. On November 12^th, four races will leave from Regatta Park, including a 2K, 5K, 10K and half marathon.

All runners will receive a commemorative t-shirt, swag bag and the coveted “Piggie Medal”, a tip of the hat to the world-famous swimming pigs.

Pauline Davis, double gold medalist and The Bahamas’ original “golden girl”, will once again serve as event patron, draping a Piggie Medal around each and every neck that crosses the finish line.

“Returning to Exuma and being event patron was an easy decision,” the Bahamian icon explains, who released her memoir earlier this year, Running Sideways: The Olympic Champion Who Made Track and Field History. “This event ticks all the boxes, in my view. It supports the island and brings in tourism dollars. It teaches us history and supports a student every year. And it brings our communities together. I can’t wait to see everyone in November.”

This year, Exuma Half Marathon will feature a festival atmosphere in Regatta Park, Taylor adds, who also serves as Race Director.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is stepping up to provide live entertainment, food stalls, activities for children and other attractions once the race is over, with the celebration going well into the afternoon.

“Whether you are a runner or not, there will be something for everyone,” Taylor says.

The event is supported by a dedicated group of supporters, including: GIV Bahamas, BAF Financial & Insurance, Sands Beer, Caribbean Bottling Company Limited (Dasani and Powerade), Friends of Exuma, Glinton, Sweeting O’Brien, Diane Phillips & Associates, Aliv, Grand Isle Resort & Residences, Peace & Plenty, Exuma Markets, Chat N Chill, Cash N Go, BahamasLocal.com and Athletica.

To register, runners can visit the event’s website (runforpompey.com), or sign up in person in the lead up to the race.

https://thenassauguardian.com/exuma-race-to-set-new-record-on-nov-12th%ef%bf%bc/