As of Friday, September 8, 2023

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Dr Kent Bazard

#A growing trend in the realm of sports nutrition involves the use of natural supplements to boost athletic prowess naturally. In this article, we’ll explore the world of natural supplements, their potential benefits, and considerations for athletes aiming to optimize their performance the healthy way.

#Understanding Natural Supplements

#Natural supplements encompass a broad spectrum of substances derived from nature. These can include vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, amino acids, and more. Unlike synthetic counterparts, natural supplements are sourced from real foods and plants, aligning with a holistic approach to nutrition.

#The Benefits of Natural Supplements

#1 Enhanced Recovery: Natural supplements like tart cherry extract and curcumin have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in post-workout recovery. Reduced inflammation means less downtime between intense training sessions.

#2 Improved Endurance: Some supplements, such as beetroot juice and cordyceps mushrooms, have shown potential in boosting endurance and oxygen utilisation, crucial for endurance athletes.

#3 Joint Health: Ingredients like collagen and glucosamine can support joint health, essential for athletes susceptible to wear and tear.

#4 Mental Clarity: Natural supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, are known to support cognitive function, helping athletes stay sharp during competition.

#The Importance of Quality and Safety

#While natural supplements offer potential benefits, athletes must exercise caution. Not all supplements are created equal, and quality varies significantly among brands. Not only that, for many compounds, what is called the “therapeutic dosage”, meaning the daily amount necessary to most safely and effectively treat disease, is not known. Therefore manufacturers do not hold any liability for any adverse effects or reactions. Lastly, many products that are banned either during competition or at any time by the World Anti-Doping Agency. It’s vital to research thoroughly, consult with a sports nutrition specialist, and choose supplements certified for quality and safety.

#The Role of a Sports Nutrition Specialist

#Sports nutrition is a nuanced field and personalised guidance is invaluable. A qualified sports nutrition specialist can assess an athlete’s unique needs, tailor supplement recommendations, and monitor their impact on performance and overall health.

#Conclusion

#Natural supplements can be a valuable addition to an athlete’s nutrition regimen, providing a natural and safe way to enhance performance. However, their use should be approached with careful consideration and expert guidance. As athletes strive for excellence, the incorporation of natural supplements, in conjunction with a well-balanced diet, can help them achieve their athletic goals naturally and sustainably.

#Dr. Kent Bazard, is a Bahamian Sports Medicine Physician, Sports Performance Coach Sports Nutrition Specialist, and Founder of Empire Sports Medicine. Our mission is to empower athletes to reach new heights while safeguarding their health and well-being. We understand the unique demands of sports activities, and we are dedicated to helping athletes prevent injuries, overcome challenges, optimise nutrition and performance.

As of Friday, September 8, 2023

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Antonio Beckford

Wood Julmis

Nathan Wells

Junior Kelly

#THE University of The Bahamas will have four players on the Bahamas national soccer team for upcoming CONCACAF Nations Leagues matches against Puerto Rico and Guyana.  

#Striker Wood Julmis, midfielders Nathan Wells and Junior Kelly, along with goalkeeper Antonio Beckford, have been named to the national team for the CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Nations League two-match series.  

#UB men’s soccer head coach Alex Thompson said the four players being called up to represent the country speaks volumes about the programme at the University of The Bahamas and the work each player has put in to improving their game.   

#Wells is representing The Bahamas for the first time and is expected to make his presence known. Thompson said Wells is hoping to make his first international start during this series.  “He has come a long way from being a prodigious young player three to four years ago to one of the top midfielders in the country.” 

#Wells said he’s excited to be representing The Bahamas. “This is all my work coming to fruition and it gives me incentive to keep going,” he said. “It is a really big thing to represent the country.” 

#Julmis’ scoring prowess is well known but he’s been hampered by a recent injury. “I think he can overcome that injury and should be a focal point for the team,” Thompson said.  

#Thompson said he’s incredibly impressed with Kelly’s improvement. “Kelly has worked harder than almost anyone in the squad this year and has completely transformed his body,” he said. “As he continues to mature, I believe he can be a national starter.” 

#As for Beckford, who only recently started playing soccer, Thompson pointed out his work ethic and desire to be the best player he can be. “One year ago, he had played a year of high school soccer,” he said. “And now after missing maybe 0.5% of training sessions and being an absolute sponge, he is making a national team. That’s both crazy and amazing at the same time.” 

#Beckford agrees. “For me it’s just amazing to be able to be out there and practicing and learning everything from the other players,” he said. “There are a lot of veteran goalkeepers and goalkeeper coaches out there who are helping me a lot.” 

#The Bahamas plays Puerto Rico at 6pm Saturday at The Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium and then takes on Guyana at 6pm on Wednesday, September 12 in Lenora, Guyana.

As of Friday, September 8, 2023

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Tarran Knowles and Dr Kent Bazard.

Tarran Knowles working out.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#Getting in to the gym to develop more mass as a football player has earned big dividends for Tarran Knowles, who now has the distinction of being one of two Bahamians to hold pro cards in bodybuilding in two organisations.

#Tired of being knocked around as a small fullback for the Jets in the Commonwealth American Football League, Knowles ventured into the gym to train. 

#The Infrastructure Support Analyst at the Royal Bank of Canada was then encouraged to get into one of the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation’s bodybuilding shows.

#“Me being the arrogant person that I was at the time, it was like the kid in me that took it to heart,” said Knowles about making the transition. “I decided to put in the work.”

#His debut was in 2014 at the National Performance Arts Center, where he placed last in his category. Undeterred, he wowed to everybody that he would be back.

#A year later, after putting more time and energy into his preparation, Knowles began to see his improvement on stage, and it was in 2016 that he won his category, and then made the commitment to go for his pro card.

#“At that time, the opportunities became more available to venture out onto the international platform,” said Knowles, who also went on to achieve his certification as an ISSA Personal Trainer and Nutritionist and Exercise Therapy. 

#“I would encourage anybody who has the means and the urge to compete in bodybuilding to not just leave it to compete locally.”

#In 2019 in Montreal, Canada, Knowles made his international breakthrough, earning his Pro Elite card. That inspired him to continue to pursue the sport and, last month, he captured Pro League cards in two organisations.

#“I made this venture personally. I didn’t share any information or tell anybody what I was doing,” said Knowles, of what he called the best kept secret. “Nobody knew what I was doing until last week when I was going into the competition.

#“I didn’t want to share any information because the little that they knew, the less they could interfere with your plans.”

#Knowles travelled to Tampa, Florida where he captured the overall title and because of the feedback from the judges, who encouraged him to take it further, he entered the Pro League show in Pittsburgh, where he reigned supreme in two of the three categories he entered in.

#“I was grateful that I got the pro cards considering that I can advance to the Pro League side of the competition and leave the Pro Elite side,” he said. “I went pro physique twice, which I think on record in the Bahamas, has never been done.”

#As a certified personal trainer, Knowles said he wanted to find a gym that would be suitable for him to operate with his TKTHABRAND training programme and Empire fitness Center turned out to be the ideal place.

#“Dr Kent Bazard welcomed me with open arms,” Knowles said. “The atmosphere here is cool, there’s no micromanagement and you tend to do what you have to do. It allows my brand to live. That is what I want.”

#Bazard said he’s proud to be able to have Knowles associated with his Empire Fitness Center, located in the Sea Grape Shopping Center.

#“This gym has always been home to great bodybuilders such as Joel Stubbs back in the mid 90s when we first opened,” Bazard said. “So, we’ve always had great bodybuilders here and Tarran is just carrying on the tradition.”

#Based on what he saw from the competition, Bazard said he was impressed with Knowles’ presentation. He noted that it will only serve as an inspiration for those who are watching him train in the gym.

#“We have two more professional bodybuilders who work out in this gym, and we have a few more aspiring professionals, including females, who work out here,” he stated.

#“But the sport in general is one that we have not really tapped into and there is a lot of potential for it.

#“We have a lot of talented athletes who do a lot of work, and they perform very well. So, it’s great to see competitors like Tarran earning a living from what he loves doing. We are just happy to help facilitate that for him at Empire Fitness Center.”

#After earning his first pro card at the age of 37, Knowles said he felt that he was nearing the end of his career as a bodybuilder. But now at the age of 40, he’s even more inspired to go on.

#“This lifestyle, once you get involved in it, becomes a passion,” Knowles pointed out. “You always want to elevate yourself and challenge yourself. It’s hard to separate that life especially when you are in that environment when you are helping me to transform their lives.

#“You always want to go back to yourself and be an example. I had the people behind me. When you are looking to do things, when you have a circle of people who can help you, you can’t fall. This has been a great year for me, and I intend to make my pro debut and see how far I can go with it.”

#While he continues to promote his training programme, Knowles said he will take the rest of the year off to spend some time with his family and friends and prepare for his pro debut next year,

#“The competition is going to be stiff going into the Pro League, so I want to make sure that I am ready,” he insisted. “I want to make a name for myself and the Bahamas.

#“I know there are people who are competing for the Bahamas now, but I don’t just want to say I am going to compete.

#“I want to go and compete to win. So, taking eight months to a year off will allow me to see if I can hold some mass before I get too old.”

#Knowles is currently trained by Loleta Riley and Chris Guttierrez, who are based in Pembroke Pines, Florida. They work hand in hand to get the job done online, but Knowles said through his own knowledge of the sport as a physical fitness instructor, he’s able to concentrate on the development of his body.

#Prior to working with the pair, Knowles credits Natasha Brown, the first Bahamian female fitness pro competitor, for the role she played in his genesis to the sport.

#He was also mentored by Kenny Mackey and Joel Stubbs, the federation’s first vice president and president respectively. Stubbs was also a former pro bodybuilder, who was lauded as having the biggest back in the world.

#As a trendsetter with his dual pro cards, Knowles said he will encourage anybody who wants to venture into the sport to establish a protocol for themselves and not to get lost into just having fun, but something that you have to maintain for the rest of your life. 

#“I speak to as many of the competitors that I can and of course a lot of them are doing very well,” Knowles pointed out.

#“But it’s always good to be grounded and humble in this sport.

#“One day you could be on top and the next day you could be down. I try my best to be out of everybody’s way, but I try my best to encourage everybody who I come in contact with because I don’t want them to feel like I can’t be approachable.”

#Knowles said he felt the whole sport, including the federation, missed the bar when the world went through the COVID-19 pandemic in trying to educate the people on how to stay fit and balancing their nutrition.

#“COVID wasn’t about the sickness. It was about getting better and that was what I focused on and that is why I was able to accomplish what I did once we came through it,” Knowles proclaimed.

#Although it’s considered an expensive sport, Knowles said if one markets himself properly, he can get the support from the general public. He noted that he compiled his profile, and he provided an expensive report for persons to assist him, especially when he got turned down from one corporate sponsor after another.

#He thanked the federation for allowing him to receive the financial stipend from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, which has enabled him to get through some of the emotional, physical and financial roadblocks that he’s encountered in the past.

#“God is very important. Without him, none of this was possible,” Knowles stressed. “I am not telling people that they need to go to Church, but I encourage them to have a personal relationship with God or whoever you feel is that significant person to give you the strength.

#“I want to thank my mom, Kim Bonaby, who is a big supporter. She cries more than I do.

#“You will need people like that to help you especially when things may not be going as you expected.” 

#Since earning his pro cards, Knowles admitted that it hasn’t sunk in yet for him.

#“It’s humbling. I didn’t announce that I was going to shows so people didn’t know what my plans were,” he said. “In the past, I would have told everybody, but this time it worked out for me. 

#“I was silent, and I allowed my destiny to work out for me. I don’t like to dwell on the past.

#“You would be surprised to know that I have a Rubbermaid container that I have placed all of my awards in.

#“The only thing I have out is the paper pro card because I don’t want it to get mashed up.”

#And after returning home, Knowles said he’s been shown a lot of love and appreciation.

#He said he knows he will encourage more people who may not like him to respect him and what he has accomplished.

As of Friday, September 8, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The St Augustine’s College (SAC) Big Red Machine continues to be a force to be reckoned within the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) sports and this season they are looking to continue their legacy.

#The secondary high school accomplished many successes in the previous season, hoisting championship trophies in softball (junior girls), the cross country championships, the high school nationals, flag football, and at the BAISS track and field championships.

#The Big Red Machine has dominated in sports for countless years and expectations remain the same for the new sporting season.

#Jason Edwards, SAC head coach, said the school is expecting another great sporting year.

#“For the Big Red Machine we expect the upcoming season to be another great one. We are going to do what we always do, work hard, stay committed, and try to motivate these kids and have them overcome certain things,” Edwards said.

#With practices already underway for the various sporting disciplines including softball and track and field, the head coach believes that training will get hard but motivation and discipline are key for athletes.

#For the 2023 graduate year, SAC saw up to 12 of their student athletes transition to the collegiate level to continue their studies in the USA. Some of the top Class of 2023 graduates included Amari Pratt, Johnathon Fowler, Tumani Skinner, Ezthia Maycock, Clinton Laguerre, Alexis Brown Jr, Jadyn Demeritte and D’Angelo Collie.

#According to Edwards, the secondary school’s ultimate goal is to develop students and create collegiate level student athletes.

#“We want to create collegiate student athletes, when you come to SAC our goal is to get you to the next level and we believe winning is a byproduct of that,” he said.

#He added that the coaches focus on the individual athletes because the goal is not simply to win but to ensure that athletes try and get better everyday.

#Despite losing some top senior athletes, Edwards is confident in the school’s quest to win their fourth consecutive BAISS track and field title.

#“This happens every year and is nothing new, kids leave kids come . . . we expect it to be a good one and expect it to be a competitive meet against the other opponents,” the head coach said.

#The coach added that the school is focused on the development of their students rather than recruitment, which helps them to maintain sporting success.

#The BAISS sporting season will commence with softball on September 18. Softball will be followed by the cross country championships in October, and the swimming and basketball disciplines begin in November.

 Home|Sports|Davis voted as GSSSA president for fifth straight termSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailSeptember 8, 2023 7 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Varel Davis was voted back into office for a fifth consecutive term, serving as the president of the Government Secondary School Sports Association (GSSSA). The members showed their confidence in her during the elections at C.H. Reeves Junior High School on Thursday.

Davis was overwhelmingly voted back into office, 14-1, over Shantell Rolle who opposed her. She said she is thankful for the members for supporting her and her team.

“They supported me and my team’s plans in what they want to see accomplished. We are very grateful for them for supporting me. They know that this job is a lot of work and they know I put my all into what I do and that is why they supported me,” Davis said.

Also being elected were Kendal Campbell as first vice president, Thurman Johnson as second vice Keesha Pratt-Johnson as secretary, Fiona Tucker as assistant secretary, Neketa Sears-Knowles as treasurer and Tyrice Curry-Davis as assistant secretary.

Davis, who has been at the helm since 2015, was happy to get another victory and she said they will be celebrating their 30th anniversary this year.

“It feels good to get another victory. I am excited to be back as president. We have a lot of things planned as it is our 30th year. I am excited that I have some persons around me who want to be a part of this and see us continue to do the work that we set out to do,” Davis said.

She and her team want to have a retiree banquet for persons who gave their time to coaching or teaching and have now retired. She said there is no date set for the retiree banquet as yet.

One of the goals Davis has is to see more of the student-athletes receive scholarships to go off to college.

“We want to see if our coaches can get more of our kids off to school, especially when they graduate. We have some very athletic children in the high school sector so we need our coaches to give more effort into training so more athletes could get more scholarships,” Davis said.

She added that the Ministry of Education & Technical & Vocational Training Sports Unit is looking to put on nationals in all of the core sports this year. Davis said they will be switching a few sports around this year. They are starting the year off with volleyball, and then cross country, basketball, track and field, softball, baseball and then soccer. There is the possibility of bringing on sports like golf, sloop sailing and rowing, she said.

Davis said they are looking to bring back a cheerleading competition. She also said they will look at the possibility of providing championship rings for the various winners, but that depends on the funds they are able to raise.

 Home|Sports|Jones, Liberty keep rollingSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailSeptember 7, 2023 36 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

After a rocky start to their season, Bahamian Jonquel ‘JJ’ Jones and the New York Liberty have picked up steam and are still rolling as they recorded their seventh straight win on Tuesday, holding off a feisty Dallas Wings team, 94-93, at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.

Jones came away with seven points, eight rebounds and five assists in 30 minutes on the floor.

The night was a historic one for Jones’ teammate Breanna Stewart as she set a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) single season record for most points with 861. She reached that milestone with her 15th point of the night, and finished with 40 points and 10 rebounds. She finished the game with 885 total points in 38 games on the season. There are still two games remaining. Diana Taurasi set the mark of 860 points back in 2006 in 34 games. Stewart’s numbers also gave her the most games with 40 or more points and 10 or more rebounds in a single season at three.

The win was the Liberty’s seventh straight and ninth in their last 10 tries as they look to end the season strong. They have a 31-7 win/loss record, and pulled to within one game of the league-leading Las Vegas Aces (32-6). This was Liberty’s final road game. They finished with a 17-3 road record, recording the best road record in the league.

Jones finished the night shooting 3-for-7 from the field, 42.9 percent. She had five defensive boards and three offensive boards for her eight rebounds. The Grand Bahama native also had two blocked shots.

It was a tough game for the Liberty as the Wings put up a fight, but in the end, they fell short to a battle-tested team. The Wings went up 92-91 with 2:04 left in the game. Both teams were unable to score a point until Stewart sunk two free throws to put the Liberty up 93-92 with just over a minute remaining in the game.

Teaira McCowan split a pair of free throws to tie the game at 93 at the 59-second mark of the fourth quarter. Stewart was fouled with 42 seconds remaining in the game and stepped up and split a pair of free throws to give the Liberty a 94-93 edge. Both teams tried scoring down the stretch but did not find the bottom of the net as time expired and Liberty held on to the slim lead to win again.

Satou Sabally led the Wings with 27 points.

The Bahamian made most of her impact in the first half, coming away with four points, three rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots.

It was a competitive game as it had 16 lead changes, 19 ties and both teams’ biggest lead was just eight points.

Jones’ offense was active last month but she slowed down at the end of the month heading into September. This season, she is averaging 11.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. She is shooting 52.4 percent from the field and has 1.3 blocked shots per game. She is shooting a career high 85.9 percent from the charity stripe. Her numbers took a dip this season.

The Liberty will return to action tonight when they take on the Los Angeles Sparks at home at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. That game tips off at 7 p.m. and will be the first of a two-game homestand for the Liberty. It is a key game for the ninth-seeded Sparks as they are battling for a playoff spot with the Chicago Sky.

 Home|Sports|Stuart returns to Europe for pro volleyballSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailSeptember 7, 2023 45 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian Eugene Stuart is returning to Europe to continue his professional volleyball career after a one-year hiatus. He heads to Portugal to play for the Vitória Sport Clube based in Guimarães, Portugal, for the 2023-2024 season.

Stuart will be playing in the Portuguese Volleyball League A1 – the premier volleyball league in Portugal. It was a tough year but he just kept working, and his agent was able to find him a good contract.

“I just want to go to Europe to do my best,” Stuart said. “Obviously, the team saw certain characteristics and certain qualities in me and they have expectations. I generally want to be able to maintain that standard that they are looking for. I know my caliber and strength of play, so I just want to be able to bring my level of play to them and give my best for the season.”

Vitória finished the season with a 6-7 win/loss record, placing seventh out of 14 teams. Stuart wants to take them to a higher finish this upcoming season. The season gets underway on October 7.

“I know that they’re looking for a stronger team to make it in the playoffs or maybe even to the championship. I’ve already spoken with some of the staff and that’s what they told me. They have bigger goals than they would normally have. Like I said, I want to go there and bring my strength and my expertise,” Stuart said.

Although he was inactive last season, Stuart had a busy year playing volleyball as he helped New Providence win the Bahamas Games title and also helped the Tour Daddy Defenders win the New Providence Volleyball Association (NPVA) men’s title. He also represented The Bahamas on the senior men’s national team at the 18th Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) Senior Championships in Paramaribo, Suriname, over the summer.

“It was a good experience this year. We had a good caliber team (national team) this year. We just fell short of our goals, but nonetheless, it’s still a learning experience. I’m always happy to play and travel with the national team. It’s always great to have your country on your back and represent the country because many people don’t get the opportunity. To be able to play and represent the country is always a great experience. We will come back firing on all cylinders the next time we play,” Stuart said.

In beach volleyball, Stuart teamed up with Jon Isaacs and the two played on two stops on the 2023 NORCECA (North, Central American and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation) Beach Volleyball Tour.

“When I started in beach, I was a bit shaky on my feet, but it wasn’t like I was transitioning to a whole new sport – it was still volleyball,” Stuart said. “It’s just slower timing, smarter and more hard work, but nonetheless you get the hang of it. I think with the transition from beach to indoor, I’m able to still jump. I feel like my jump has gotten higher and I could pass better. It’s smarter in terms of blocking and in terms of attacking. I could be able to use those qualities that I learned from beach and transition them over into indoors.”

The middle attacker has played in Finland, Romania and more recently in Croatia. He said they take volleyball more seriously in Europe than on this side of the world.

“They (Europe) have more resources, more financing, more leagues and so there’s more ability and more availability to play. My teammates play in season, then the volleyball nationals, then the world championships and in Euro leagues, so they have different opportunities to play unlike us. When we go to these countries and we play, we play for eight months and then we come back home and then we possibly have national team play. My teammates continue playing. From this side of the world, we have to work harder to maintain our form, our ability, and our strength. It is put on a higher pedestal in Europe,” Stuart said.

It was a good year for Stuart at home, but he is excited to be heading back to Europe to play the sport he loves. He is looking forward to representing The Bahamas on the big stage again. For him, it is a blessing to continue to play the sport professionally.

 Home|Sports|‘Jazz’, Marlins continue torrid stretchSports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailSeptember 7, 2023 72 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian professional baseball player Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr. and the Miami Marlins continue to roll, now in sole possession of the final wild card spot in the National League of Major League Baseball (MLB).

They blasted the National League West leading Los Angeles Dodgers, 11-4, last evening, picking up their sixth straight win and seventh in their last nine games. The Marlins have a 72-67 win/loss record, percentage points ahead of the Cincinnati Reds (73-69) and Arizona Diamondbacks (72-68) for the final wild card spot in the National League playoff race. The San Francisco Giants are two and a half games back at 70-70.

Chisholm himself has been on fire, slamming a home run for the second consecutive game on Wednesday. He had a solo upper deck shot that traveled 436 feet on Tuesday and then blasted a three-run shot to highlight a nine-run fifth inning for the Marlins on Wednesday, blowing the game open at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida. It’s the fourth time this season and fifth time in his career that he has gone deep on consecutive days.

The Marlins will face the Dodgers again this evening, looking to complete a three-game sweep.

Batting clean-up on Wednesday, Chisholm finished 2-for-4 with the home run, three RBIs (runs batted in) and a run scored. On his home run ball, he went after the first pitch he saw from Dodgers’ starter Lance Lynn and carried it the opposite way over the left field wall. Chisholm got the barrel of the bat out front on a 91.9 miles per hour (mph) sinker and lifted it the other way for his 16th home run of the year. That shot gave the Marlins a 5-1 lead and they never looked back, going on to win comfortably.

The Marlins used five pitchers on Wednesday. Right handed pitcher Edward Cabrera hurled four innings of one hit ball and recorded the win. Lynn suffered the loss for the reeling Dodgers who have now lost five of their last six games.

Chisholm has now hit safely in six straight games and eight of his last nine. For the season, the Marlins’ center fielder is batting .260 with 16 home runs, 40 RBIs and 39 runs scored. He has 73 total hits and 19 stolen bases and is just four home runs and one steal short of what would be his first 20-20 season in his four-year career in the majors.

The Marlins poured it on in the fifth inning last night, drilling three home runs and scoring nine runs. On Tuesday, they doubled up the Dodgers, 6-3, and were in total control on Wednesday.

It doesn’t get any easier for the Marlins as they travel to Philadelphia to play the Phillies this weekend. The Phillies (77-62) is one of the teams ahead of the Marlins in the standings. That three-game set against the Phillies starts on Friday and will be played at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Following that, Chisholm and the Marlins will go to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to play the National League Central leading Milwaukee Brewers (77-62) for four games before hosting the league-leading Atlanta Braves (90-48) in three games next weekend.

In his last six games, the 25-year-old Bahamian baseball star has 11 hits and is batting .407 (11-for-27) with three home runs, nine RBIs and seven runs scored. Going into the stretch run of the season, Chisholm and the Marlins intend to remain torrid in chase of a playoff spot in the National League.

The playoff race remains tight in the National League as a number of teams are battling for wild card spots and the Marlins are right in the mix. They are looking to advance to the postseason for the second time in four years, following up on their appearance in the bubble in 2020. It would also be just the fourth time in the playoffs in their 31-year existence.

Nashad Mackey joins the University of Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks men’s basketball team as an assistant coach.

As of Thursday, September 7, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#Bahamian Nashad Mackey will now join the University of Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks men’s basketball coaching staff as an assistant coach. The former senior national team player will transition from his previous role as the assistant coach of the Daytona State Falcons.

#He will now be the newest Bahamian to join the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) division one coaching ranks.

#Mackey was grateful for his newest opportunity to coach the division one basketball squad.

#“I am extremely thankful and excited to be in the great city of Martin and working with Coach Ridder and the rest of the staff. I look forward to representing such a proud programme and helping to elevate the Skyhawks,” Mackey said.

#Mackey got his first coaching gig in 2020 when he made his transition from playing basketball to coaching as a graduate assistant. He served on the coaching staff of the Embry-Riddle Eagles for the team’s NCAA Division ll Tournament debut at the time.

#After working two years as a graduate assistant he returned to his alma mater, the Falcons, as the men’s basketball assistant coach and worked alongside the team’s head coach Joey Cantens.

#Mackey has consistently proven himself not only on the court as a player but also on the sidelines as a coach which has led to this latest endeavour.

#“I am really grateful for the path I have journeyed to get this far,” he said. “I have an unbelievable support system in both The Bahamas and United States. I give all glory to God and I pray he continues to lead, guide and protect us as we continue on this journey,” he said.

#While a part of the Falcons coaching staff this year, the team finished with a 27-4 record in the Central Conference of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The team also wrapped up as Central Conference Champions and were ranked eighth in the national polls. Cantens, who served as the head coach, came away with coach of the year honours.

#Mackey will now join the likes of Yolett McPhee-McCuin on the NCAA Division one basketball coaching scene.

#“I am honoured to be amongst the few and the many more that will follow. The Bahamas has a wealth of great athletes and coaches and I am grateful to have an opportunity to represent the 242,” he said.

#The former Eagles all-time programme leader is ready to make his mark and pledged to do whatever the Skyhawks men’s basketball programme needs him to get done.

#He expressed thanks to the Ridder family and UT Martin for granting him the opportunity to advance his career.

As of Thursday, September 7, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The 2023 Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association (BGDBA) playoffs are scheduled to begin this Friday at the AF Adderley gymnasium.

#The regular season concluded with the eighth-seeded Police Royals defeating the Bahamas Department of Corrections Challengers in a 20-point blowout win. Additionally, the fourth-seeded Airport Authority Avengers ended their regular season on a two-game winning streak after dropping the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Rampage 82-77.

#With the regular season now in the rearview mirror, teams will now start their quest towards the 2023 BGDBA Finals. They will first have to get through the opening round of the playoffs where competition is expected to be stiff across all brackets.

#James Price, president of the BGDBA, believes that the playing field is even because there are no clear-cut favourites going into the 2023 postseason.

#“Right now we have no clear-cut team expected to go to the finals. I am expecting some upsets because some of the bottom teams have stepped up in the last few games and were playing pretty well,” Price said.

#In the spirit of competition, he warned top teams that regular season records are now out the window and in a best-of-three series on a bad night any of the lower-seeded teams can pull off an upset and get a win.

#Some of the league’s top teams will be in action this weekend, including the league leading Bain and Grants Town Cybots and the second-seeded Police Crimestoppers.

#The Cybots are no doubt on a mission with their sights set on the championships. The team’s head coach put the league on notice earlier in the 2023 BGDBA season claiming that his team will be in the finals. The Cybots backed up their lofty championship aspirations by ending the regular season as the only undefeated team – with a flawless 11-0 win/loss record.

#The team will face-off against the 5-6 Police Royals, who are riding a two-game win streak into the postseason. The latter will have their work cut out for them this Friday night at 7:30pm.

#The Police Crimestoppers ran teams off the court all season but were unable to stop the Cybots. The team dropped down to second seed in the regular season standings and are now matched up against the seventh-seeded RBDF Rampage. The RBDF team are going into the playoffs on a dismal four-game losing streak but will look to turn things around in the “second” season. The teams compete on Saturday at 7:30pm.

#Joining the league’s top teams in the playoffs are last year’s defending champions the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture (MOYSC) Panthers.

#The 2022 BGDBA champions have flown under the radar this season due to the dominance of the Cybots and Crimestoppers. However, the team is entering the 2023 playoffs riding five consecutive wins in their last five games right on par with the Cybots. The Panthers will battle against the 6-5 Real Deal Rangers on Saturday night.

#In Friday night’s action, the Avengers and Bamboo Shack Patrollers will compete in what might be the most tightly-contested match of the opening round. Both teams ended the regular season with identical 7-4 records and will look to take down each other in round one.

#Price urged the public to attend the 2023 BGDBA playoffs to witness competitive basketball across the various government departments.

#“It is going to be some exciting basketball and I know whichever teams are playing in the championship games it is going to be a fight to the end,” the president said.

#Games will be held on Friday and Saturday this weekend beginning at 7:30pm on both days.

#The event’s cost is $4 at the entrance