The Bahamas men’s national basketball team pulled off a hard fought 82-75 win over Argentina to win the FIBA Americas Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament title, earning their berth in the 2024 Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament.

As of Monday, August 21, 2023

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Team Bahamas celebrate their win over Argentina. Photos: FIBA Americas

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#ERIC Gordon came up big down the stretch as the Bahamas pulled off a hard fought 82-75 victory over Argentina to win the FIBA Americas Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament title yesterday to earn their berth in the 2024 Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament next year.

#Before a jammed pack Argentina crowd in the National Sports Arena on La Banda, Argentina, the Bahamas proved their 101-89 win over the world’s number fourth ranked Argentina in their Group A round robin play was no fluke as lightning struck for the second time.

#After Sunday’s victory, the team was presented with their boarding pass after taking down Argentina as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg was on hand to join in the celebrations.

#The team, coached by Chris DeMarco, an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors in the National Basketball Association, produced its best showing ever in international basketball competition.

DeAndre Ayton gets in a two-handed slam dunk.

#It came from arguably the best team assembled by the Bahamas Basketball Federation, team manager LJ Rose and assistant coaches Moses Johnson and Mikhail McLean as the Bahamas is now on the verge of having its first appearance in any team competition at the Olympics.

#Bahamas 82, Argentina 75

#Gordon, the latest addition to the collection of NBA players to participate on the team, provided the spark as he canned a game high 27 points, including three clutch three-pointers down the stretch, to go along with three rebounds and as many steals in the championship game on Sunday.

#Travis Munnings, who plays professionally in Europe, took advantage of his starting role with 16 points and two assists, Indiana Pacers’ guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield, who got into foul trouble down the stretch, had 15 points with five rebounds, three assists and three steals and centre DeAndre Ayton, who will be suiting up with Gordon with the Phoenix Suns this season, added 10 points and 21 rebounds.

#Collegian Franco Miller Jr contributed nine points and two rebounds off the bench, while fellow Grand Bahamian Kentwan Smith, who also plays professionally in Europe, had five points.

#After using a 5-0 lead to start the game, the Bahamas responded to even the score at 5-5. It stayed close until Argentina went on a mini run to pull away from a 12-12 tie for a 17-12 lead. The Bahamas drew within two, 24-22, but Argentina stayed ahead 26-22 at the end of the quarter.

#With 6:58 left in the second quarter, Travis Munnings canned his second consecutive three-pointer that equalised the score at 30-30, forcing Argentina to call a timeout.

#The Bahamas then went up 39-32 as both teams went into a scoring drought and although Argentina trimmed it down to a 39-39 tie with just over a minute left, and they ended the first half tied at 42.

#The Bahamas saw some delight in the first two minutes of the third as they went up 47-44 on a lay-up from Munnings on a pass from Lourawls Nairn, who returned to his starting role after going down with an injury the night before.

#But Argentina pulled away from a 51-49 lead with 6:28 left in the period and they went up by four, 60-56, at the end of the third quarter. As they opened the fourth, Gordon hit a jumper for a 63-63 and Smith canned a three-pointer for a 66-65 lead with 8:21 left. A minute later, Hield scored on a three-pointer for a 69-65 lead.

#Argentina converted a pair of baskets to go up 72-69, but Ayton got an offensive rebound for a two-handed jam to equal the score at 71-71 with just over three minutes left in the game.

#Gordon stopped a brief run by Argentina with a three-pointer for a 74-73 lead in the next one. With 1:31, Gordon popped another three-pointer as the Bahamas again went up 77-75 with 1:32 on the clock.

#And with 20.2 on the clock, Gordon crashed the final digger in the heart of Argentina with his third consecutive three-pointer for an 80-75 advantage after he got a steal and Ayton got a key defensive rebound on two possessions by their opponents.

#Bahamas 78, Uruguay 62

#Buddy Hield led a balanced attack on both ends of the court to lead Team Bahamas into the championship game on Saturday night.

#In their semifinal match against Uruguay, Hield finished with 17 points, three steals and a pair of rebounds and assists, while Gordon had 13 points and two rebounds and assists and Miller Jr came off the bench and finished with 13 points as well.

#Ayton, in limited action, had nine points and nine rebounds and Juraun ‘Kino’ Burrows also came off the bench and contributed nine points with two rebounds and as many assists. Team Bahamas got a scare early in the game when Nairn left with an injury. By then, the Bahamas managed to open a 15-5 lead that they extended to 23-14 at the end of the first break.

#After building their lead in the second quarter, Garvin Clarke Jr canned a three-pointer with 4:56 on the clock for a 31-17 margin to force Uruguay to take a timeout.

#The Bahamas pushed their lead to 43-23 at the half, thanks to a number of defensive stops and some miscues from the three-point arc by Uruguay.

#As coach DeMarco switched up the line-up, using more players off the bench, the Bahamas opened a 59-34 advantage at the end of the third quarter.

#Using a 1-2 punch from Burrows and Bridgewater, the Bahamas took a 68-42 lead, forcing Uruguay to call a time-out as Bridgewater hit an air ball on a three-point attempt.

#Uruguay rallied to cut the deficit to 68-51 and on a timeout with a little over five minutes left, the Bahamas went back to Hield and Gordon to help control the tempo of the game.

#With 3:06 on a foul on Miller Jr, tempers started to flare as the referees and players tried to calm the situation down. Both teams were assessed technical fouls.

#When the dust was settled, the Bahamas kept its composure and held on for the win.

As of Monday, August 21, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Bahamas continues to prove their dominance in swimming after emerging victorious at the Goodwill Swimming Championships in Kingston, Jamaica.

#Team Bahamas finished the Goodwill Games first overall with a combined score of 1,418.50. Jamaica, the host country, placed second with 1,143.50 and last year’s victor, Trinidad and Tobago, amassed 970.50.

#Over the course of three days, the 40-member team collected 55 gold medals, 45 silver medals and 29 bronze medals for a total of 129 overall to culminate the swimming experience.

#Team Bahamas not only made waves but also broke records at the National Aquatic Centre in Jamaica.

#Tiah Seymour turned in a strong showing at the championships, winning three silver medals and two bronze in individual competition. Seymour dipped under the meet record with a time of 1:05.99 in the 11-12 100m freestyle. She placed second in the 100m backstroke finals, touching the wall at 1:18.43.

#Additionally, the swimmer earned bronze in the 50m breastroke finals and the 50m backstroke finals.

#Tia Adderley earned two individual gold medals along with a silver medal. She got the gold in the girls 15-17 50m breaststroke finals, stopping the clock at 38.30 seconds. In the 100m breastroke finals, she notched 1:22.45 which was under the meet record of 1:28.37.

#Alyssa-Christin Clarke left the Goodwill Swimming Championships with four individual gold medals.

#The swimmer emerged victorious in the 11-12 50m freestyle with a time of 29.53. She also earned first place finishes in the 50m butterfly finals, 200m freestyle and 50m backstroke finals. Samirah Donaldson wrapped up competition with two individual gold medals and one bronze. In the 11-12 age group she won the 50m breastroke finals with a time of 38.12. She clocked 1:27.27 in the 100m breaststroke finals.

#Grace Farrington dipped under the meet record in the 100m backstroke finals. She came in with a time of 1:14.91. In the 200m freestyle finals the 17-year old ended the swim in 2:20.52.

#Siann Isaacs earned four gold medals in the 100m freestyle finals, 100m backstroke finals, and the 200m finals. The 12-year old also came away with a 100m butterfly final.

#Kymani Cooper came away with a gold in the 8 and under 50m breaststroke finals with a time of 42.99. Cooper broke the previous meet record of 45.07.

#Caleb Ferguson came away with new records and gold medals in the 15-17 100m and 50m freestyle finals.

#Relays

#Team Bahamas added more medals to their overall total in the relays. The team of Clarke, Donaldson, Isaacs, and Seymour clocked 5:11.87 shaving time off the previous meet record of 5:22.26 in the girls 11-12 400m Medley relay. The girls 15-17 400m medley relay team of Bianca Johnson, Adderley, Farrington, and Lauren Bridgewater completed the race at 5:01.18. Team Bahamas broke the previous record of 5:02.12.

#The team of Zion Gibson, Ayrton Moncur, Ferguson, and Tristin Ferguson completed the boys 15-17 400m Medley Relay breaking the previous meet record after stopping the clock at 4:13.40.

#The girls 8 and under 200m medley relay team featuring Caliyn Dean, Rinia Johnson, Kirsten Rolle, and Samaiya Coleman also achieved a new record with their time of 2:52.12.

#The Bahamas also came away with gold in the mixed 8 and under 200m freestyle relay, girls and boys 9-10 400m medley, 13-14 girls 400m medley relay, boys 8 and under 200m medley relay, boys 11-12 400m freestyle relay, and girls 8 and under 200m freestyle relay.

Terrence Jones in Budapest.

As of Friday, August 18, 2023

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BAAA president Drumeco Archer addresses Team Bahamas in Budapest with head of delegation Laketah Charlton and her assistant coach Tito Moss.

Devynne Charlton is seated with Bahamian delegation including Foster Dorsett, Pharez Cooper and Keir Miller in Budapest.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#Coach Tito Moss said the Bahamas’ delegation to the World Athletics Championships has arrived safely and settled in at the Games Village in Budapest, Hungary.

#The team held its first team meeting yesterday in preparation for the start of the week-long competition on Saturday when Grand Bahamian Terrence Jones will be the first competitor to compete in the heats of the men’s 100 metres.

#The opening ceremonies also take place on Saturday.

#• Here’s a look at the schedule of events (our time) for Team Bahamas in Budapest – six hours ahead.

#DAY ONE –

#Saturday, August 19

#6:15pm – Opening Ceremony

#7:43pm – Men’s 100m Heats – Terrence Jones

#DAY TWO –

#Sunday, August 20

#Morning Session

#9:35am – Women’s 400m – Shaunae Miller–Uibo

#10:25am – Men’s 400m – Steven Gardiner and Alonzo Russell

#10:35am – Men’s high hump qualification – Donald Thomas

#11:25am – Men’s 400m hurdles – Shakeem Hall-Smith

#Day 2 – Sunday, August 20, 2023-

#Afternoon Session

#4:35pm – Men’s 100m semi-final – Terrence Jones

#7:10pm – Men’s 100m

#final – Terrence Jones

#DAY THREE –

#Monday, August 21

• Afternoon Session

#7:35pm – Men’s 400m hurdles semi-final – Shakeem Hall-Smith

#9:10pm – Women’s 400m semi-final – Shaunae Miller-Uibo

#DAY FOUR –

#Tuesday, August 22

#Afternoon Session

#6:40pm – Women’s 100m hurdles heats – Devynne Charlton

#7:55pm – Men’s high jump final – Donald Thomas

#9pm – Men’s 400m semi-final – Steven Gardiner and Alonzo Russell

#DAY FIVE –

#Wednesday, August 23

#Morning Session

#10:20am – Women’s javelin qualifying. Group A – Rhema Otabor

#11:15am – Men’s long jump qualification – Laquan Nairn

#11:55am – Women’s javelin qualifying Group B – Rhema Otabor

#12:05pm Women’s 200m heat – Anthonique Strachan

#Day 5 – Wednesday, August 23, 2023- Afternoon Session

#7:10pm – Women’s triple jump qualification – Charisma Taylor

#8:40pm – Women’s 100m hurdles semi-final – Devynne Charlton

#9:35pm – Women’s 400m final – Shaunae Miller-Uibo

#9:50pm – Men’s 400mh final – Shakeem Hall-Smith

#DAY SIX –

#Thursday, August 24

#Afternoon Session

#7:30pm – Men’s long jump final – Laquan Nairn

#7:45pm – Women’s 200m semi-final – Anthonique Strachan

#9:25pm – Women’s 100mh final – Devynne Charlton

#9:35pm – Men’s

#400m final –

#Steven Gardiner

#and Alonzo Russell

#DAY SEVEN –

#Friday, August 25

#Afternoon Session

#7:35pm – Women’s triple jump final – Charisma Taylor

#8:20pm – Women’s javelin final – Rhema Otabor

#9:40pm – Women’s 200m final – Anthonique Strachan

As of Friday, August 18, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#BAHAMAS Baseball Association president Sam Rodgers welcomed the support of the World Baseball Softball Confederation and its affiliated member COCABE on the suspension of father and son Greg Burrows Jr and Sr for 15 and five years respectively.

#The duo were issued the suspensions by the BBA for the role they played against visiting home plate umpire Edaine Cannister from Curacao during the placement game in the under-16 division between the Bahamas and Puerto Rico in the Babe Ruth Caribbean Baseball Tournament in July at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.

#Burrows Sr, the Commissioner for Babe Ruth Caribbean, served as the tournament organiser, but he was penalised for how he tried to get his son, Burrows Jr, who served as the manager of Team Bahamas, to be reinserted into the game after he was ejected by the umpire for his constant agitation for the Puerto Rican pitcher to be removed from the game for a headband he was wearing,

#In a letter written to Rodgers and signed by COCABE’s Curacao general president George de Lira and secretary Manuel Fries from the Dominican Republic, COCABE said they “share the membership of your institution and by sharing this membership between both entities, we understand any decision that the BBA assume after a violation of a regulation in a tournament, we have to support that decision.”

#Rodgers said COCABE has indicated that they have read the report and they agree with the suspensions for Burrows Sr and Jr.

#“We just wanted them to see the reports that came in and what went down, and if they agreed with the penalties that we issued,” said Rodgers, who noted that their decision was made following the investigation by a four-man panel to review all of the eye witness reports that were submitted to the BBA. After the Babe Ruth League became a private entity, Rodgers said the BBA has the right to intervene when there are international components involved such as visiting teams and officials from different countries.

#He noted that Babe Ruth League, who indicated in a letter to Prime Minister Philip David that they will continue to utilize the service of Burrows Sr as their commissioner, will simply have to look at someone else, other than Burrows Sr coordinating the tournament if they return next year.

#Burrows Sr also serves as the founding president of Freedom Farm, the private youth baseball league, which was involved in the organizing of the Babe Ruth Caribbean League tournament.

#“We have no problem with Babe Ruth bringing the tournament back,” Rodgers said. “It’s just that Greg Burrows Sr and Jr will not be allowed to participate,” Rodgers said.

#“The BBA have no affiliation with the Babe Ruth League in bringing the tournament tpo the Bahamas. But the Babe Ruth League just got confirmed as an affiliate of World Baseball Softball Confederation and the Bahamas is a full member. So they don’t have to answer to the BBA, but as a member of the WBSC, I can file a complaint against the Babe Ruth League with the tournament being held in the Bahamas.”

#As a result of the umpire being a member of the International Umpires Association and as a visitor to the Bahamas, the BBA was asked to get involved to protect the Bahamas and its future involvement in COCABE and WBSC.

#COCABE, in its letter to Rodgers, said they support the five years suspension of Burrows Sr and the 15 years forf Burrows Jr.

#The letter is read as follows:

#After a special Caribbean greeting, we are writing this communication to support the Bahamas Baseball Association on the decision recently submitted of suspending Mr Greg Burrows Sr and Mr Greg Burrows Jr for violating the rules of the Caribbean Babe Ruth Baseball Championships.

#Despite the Cocabe and the Babe Ruth League events are not related in their activities, we share the membership of your institution and by sharing this membership between both entities, we understand that any decision that thed BBA assumew after a violation of a regulation in a tournament we have to support that decision.

#Having said that, the COCABE supports the five years suspension of Mr Greg Burrows Sr and the 15 years of Mr Greg Burrows Jr from all baseball activities regarding our Caribbean Institution and all our superiors like the COPABE/WBSC Americas and the WBSC.

#Without further ado, we say goodbye on behalf of all Caribbean Baseball.

As of Friday, August 18, 2023

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Dr Kent Bazard

#WELCOME, athletes, to a journey of optimising your athletic prowess through the power of nutrition. This week we take an overview of the indispensable role that protein plays in your athletic journey.

#We will cover fundamental functions, recommended daily intakes and the effects of deficiency.

#So let’s delve into the realm of protein and its significance in elevating your performance and well-being.

#The Core Function of Protein

#At its core, protein stands as the building block of life itself. This macronutrient is not just crucial for muscle growth and repair, but it also orchestrates an array of essential bodily functions.

#As athletes, your muscles undergo continuous stress and strain during training, and protein plays a pivotal role in repairing and rebuilding these tissues. Beyond this, proteins serve as key components in enzymes, hormones, and immune cells, contributing to the optimal functioning of your entire system.

#Sources Abound: Unlocking Protein-Rich Foods

#Diversifying your protein sources is essential for reaping its benefits fully. Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish offer high-quality protein with minimal fat content. For vegetarians and vegans, plant-based sources like legumes, lentils, beans, tofu, and quinoa are excellent options. Dairy products, eggs, and nuts are also rich sources of protein. Incorporating a variety of these foods ensures a comprehensive amino acid profile that your body requires for muscle growth and repair.

#Recommended Daily Protein Intake

#Your daily protein intake is a critical factor in optimizing your athletic performance. As a general guideline, athletes should aim for approximately 1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. This range accommodates varying training intensities and goals. For instance, an athlete weighing 70 kilograms (154 pounds) might target an intake of 84 to 140 grams of protein daily. However, remember that individual requirements may vary, necessitating personalized guidance from a nutritionist.

#The Perils of Deficiency

#Insufficient protein intake can lead to detrimental consequences for athletes. Inadequate protein limits the body’s ability to repair and build muscles, hindering recovery and potentially impeding performance gains. A deficiency may also compromise immune function and increase the risk of injuries. Over time, chronic protein deficiency can lead to muscle wasting, fatigue, and impaired overall well-being. Therefore, prioritizing adequate protein intake is pivotal for both short-term performance and long-term health.

#In Conclusion

#As you step into another season of athletic pursuits, understanding the pivotal role of protein is your gateway to unlocking enhanced performance and sustained well-being. Embrace protein as your ally in muscle repair, immune function, and overall vitality. By incorporating a diverse range of protein-rich foods and aligning your intake with your training regimen, you’re setting the stage for a year of unparalleled achievement in your sport.

#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, optimize nutrition and performance.

GO TEAM BAHAMAS: The Bahamas men’s national basketball team can be seen above at the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2023 in La Banda, Argentina. Photos: FIBA Americas

As of Friday, August 18, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#COACH Chris DeMarco likes the “resilience” that he’s seen so far from the Bahamas men’s national basketball team in the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2023 in La Banda, Argentina.

#On Wednesday night, Team Bahamas rallied from as much as 19 points, while holding the same digit in their lead for a 101-89 win over the world’s fourth ranked Argentina in front of their large and loud spirited home crowd.

#With that win and an impressive 109-68 victory on opening day on Monday against Cuba, the Bahamas clinched the top spot coming out of Group A as they head into the semifinals on Saturday.

#“I was really proud of our performances and the resilience shown so far,” said DeMarco, the Golden State Warriors’ assistant coach, who heads the Bahamian coaching staff that includes Moses Johnson and Mikhail McLean in Argentina.

#“During the game, we both held 19 point leads, but we were able to pull together and managed to get the job done. It was tough because we played them in a very hostile environment with all of their fans cheering. It was a big win for us.”

#The Bahamas’ big trio of National Basketball Association players, Eric Gordon, in his first tournament for the country he’s a descendant from, provided the spark with 24 points, three assists and a pair of steals.

#Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers had another solid performance with 23 points, six rebounds and three assists, while DeAndre Ayton, who will be teaming up with Gordon for the first time this year with the Phoenix Suns, contributed 22 points with 15 rebounds, three block shots and two steals.

#Travis Munnings, who is playing overseas in Europe, also had a big game with 20 points, four rebounds and a pair of assists and steals while Kentwan Smith had five points and five rebounds. Lourawls Nairn had four points and seven assists and Franco Miller Jr chipped in with three points.

#DeMarco said the team is starting to click on all cylinders, despite the fact that he only had less than two weeks with everybody to run their plays for the tournament. “I still think there’s a ton of work to be done,” he said. “One of the goals is to build our chemistry and that is not just on the court but off the court. We’re working on our strengths and weaknesses and so we’re building on it every day and every game we play.”

#Having now advanced to the semifinals on Saturday, DeMarco said they are waiting to see the outcome of the games played last night to determine who their opponent will be coming out of Group B that includes Chile, Uruguay, Colombia and the Virgin Islands.

#“Without knowing who it is, we can’t properly prepare for them until we know who they are,” DeMarco said. “But we are working every day to make sure that whoever it is we face, we will be ready.

#“This game against Argentina, who is ranked number four in the world, has really pushed us to get where we want to go. We just hope that we can continue to build on that going into the semifinals. Once we find out, we hope that we can carry this momentum over from this win against Argentina.”

#DeMarco said it’s going to be important with the makeup of the team, assembled by the BBF and through the coaching staff along with general manager LJ Rose, their big men can play off the pick-and-roll and their guards can take care of the ball. “We had two vital moments in the game against Argentina that could have gone either way with the outcome of the game,” DeMarco said. “But we were able to get the job done by beating a really good team.”

#DeMarco said they have to continue to work on “everything” in order to accomplish their goal. If they win their semifinal game, they will advance to Sunday’s championship game.

#The winner of the championship will go on to participate in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament next year with the chance to advance to the Olympic Games in Paris, France.

#With what could be considered the best team assembled so far in international play for the Bahamas, DeMarco said the players are all committed to booking their ticket to Paris next year. They just have to take care of business in Argentina this weekend.

New York high school players are ready for Caribbean Hoopfest

As of Friday, August 18, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#WITH the Caribbean Hoopfest 19-and under (19U) tournament scheduled for this weekend, the high school players from New York are excited to compete against the Bahamian teams.

#Following their arrival on Wednesday, Team New York, Canarsie NYC, and Molloy-NYC all are ready to leave it all on the court August 19-20 at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium. The teams are presently staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach ahead of their tourney.

#Josh Powell, a 6 foot 5 guard from Archbishop Molloy High School, is looking forward to competing against the six Bahamian teams.

#“I am just looking to win and grow as a player while helping my team to grow as well,” Powell said.

#He added that the team’s preparation ahead of the tournament has been great because the players have been bonding together.

#Although they are having fun they are being mindful as well because the goal is to handle business.

#Sincere Folk, point guard of Archbishop Molloy, echoed the sentiments of his teammate in regards to this weekend’s tournament.

#“My expectations are to just keep growing as a team to come out, win and to just dominate,” Folk said.

#Overall, aside from basketball he was excited to enjoy the weather, culture and beaches in The Bahamas for the first time.

#The Caribbean Hoopfest tournament’s Bahamas debut will see the three New York teams play against the CI Gibson Rattlers, Street Legends All-Stars (A and B), Raw Talent, and the 242 Ballers (Black and Blue).

#Chase Beasley, point guard from Canarsie high school, will be looking forward to competitive matchups.

#“I am looking forward to playing against good teams, great players, having fun, and winning…we play a little differently in New York because we play gritty and get right to it,” he said.

#The point guard has had a delightful experience on the beaches and partook in some recreational activity at a local waterpark.

#JP Maaba, of Archbishop Molloy high school, is looking forward to the exposure and improving his game in the 19U tournament.

#“I feel like it is going to be different competition than I am used to which will help me to grow and improve my game and learn as a player,” he said.

#Skyler Hopkins, one of the top ranked players from the Bronx, is looking to bring the best he has to the court this weekend.

#“This is my first time competing internationally and I am looking to play my best and bring my skills and show what I got,” Hopkins said.

#He added that the first couple days being in Nassau has been good and being on the trip with teammates is fun because it helps with on and off the court chemistry.

#The first game of the 19U tournament will feature Team New York, NYC versus the Street Legends All-Stars B in Pool A at 1:45pm.

#The championship game will be played at 8:30pm on Sunday.

#The tickets are priced at $15.

Wins Group A to advance to semifinals

DEANDRE Ayton and Eric Gordon celebrate a made basket against Argentina in the FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers last night. Photos: John Marc-Nutt/10th Year Seniors

As of Thursday, August 17, 2023

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Twitter

PM’s message for Team Bahamas

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The Bahamas senior men’s national basketball team continued their winning ways last night, defeating Argentina 101-89 on their home turf to move on to the semifinals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers.

#Team Bahamas advanced following stellar play from Indiana Pacers shooting guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield, Phoenix Suns centre Deandre Ayton, Suns shooting guard/forward Eric Gordon and Travis Munnings in the Group A match.

#The team wrapped up Group A with a 2-0 record in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, following a 41-point drubbing of Cuba in the tournament opener on Monday and last night’s win against the fourth ranked host nation.

#With four of the five starters all scoring at least 20 points by the final buzzer, Team Bahamas handled business against Argentina.

TRAVIS Munnings provided 20 points and four rebounds.

#The national team got out to a sluggish start in the opening period, trailing Argentina 25-9 at the 5:17 mark in the quarter.

#However, behind the sheer dominance of Ayton to start the game, The Bahamas proved why they were ranked atop the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament power rankings.

CHAVANO Buddy Hield scored 23 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished out three assists last night against Argentina in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers.

#The centre, who pumped in his second consecutive double double with 22 points and 15 rebounds, led the charge and helped the team narrow the lead to 35-27.

#The national team climbed back into the driver’s seat in the second quarter. Despite Hield struggling from the field at this juncture of the game, Gordon joined Ayton to stuff the stat sheet with 13 points on 4/6 field goals in the second period.

DEANDRE Ayton posted 22 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks.

#He ended the night with a game-high 24 points on 50% shooting. The Bahamas cut down the double digit Argentina lead to six (46-40). With less than one minute remaining, the national team took a one-point lead over the host team and closed out the quarter leading 55-53.

#Munnings was huge for The Bahamas in the third quarter as he was up to 14 points on a perfect 5/5 shooting. Ultimately, he capped off the night with 20 points and remained flawless, going 8/8 from the field and splashed five-three pointers to lift the national team.

#Team Bahamas closed out the third quarter of play with a 15-point lead (82-67), outscoring Argentina 27-14 in the quarter.

ERIC GORDON, dunking, contributed 24 points and three assists.

#The fourth ranked team mounted a comeback behind the brilliant game of Nicolas Brussino, who ended his night with 21 points, narrowing The Bahamas’ lead to a mere six-point differential.

#However, the comeback was too little too late and The Bahamas advanced to a double-digit lead again to book their ticket to the semifinals.

#Hield ended the night with 23 points to pair with 6 rebounds and 3 assists following a rocky start to the game.

#The national team shot 58.7% on two-pointers and 47.62% from behind the arc.

#The Bahamas dominated Argentina on the glass, outrebounding the host team 40 to 28.

#After notching two straight double-digit wins, The Bahamas will next play in the semifinals on Saturday. The finals are scheduled to be played on Sunday with the winner advancing to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments to compete for a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

As of Thursday, August 17, 2023

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JAYSON CLARKE, programme director of the Bahamas Youth Flag Football League.

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) season is scheduled to begin next week Saturday.

#The co-ed league makes it return for athletes aged 6-18 interested in playing flag football. Upon the closure of registration next week, 15-20 teams will be formed and the league’s games will begin after early training and conditioning of players

#Jayson Clarke, programme director of BYFFL, said expectations are sky high for the 2023 season following the strides they made in the previous one.

#“We are looking forward to an exceptional season. We expect our registration numbers to be at an all-time high considering the efforts we put in with the high schools last season and the high school tournament that we hosted,” Clarke said.

#Other goals for this season include international travel to tournaments in Orlando and Texas. Additionally, the BYFFL is hoping to include more high schools to participate in the sporting season.

#Upon the beginning of the 2023 season, the first two weeks are dedicated to helping the newcomers with training, flag football fundamentals, conditioning, and assessing their skills before the formation of the league’s teams.

#For the returning athletes, the two-week period will be used to improve their conditioning as well and acclimating them with new team members. Also, coaches will work on teaching them new plays.

#During this period of the early season, coaches will discuss the gameplan with their teams which will lead into the season’s gameplay getting underway.

#Clarke encouraged individuals that are not registered as yet to sign up as soon as possible due to the many benefits of the youth league.

#He said one of the biggest benefits is that this is the only form of youth football present at the time and the dividends have paid off for kids that have only played flag football since its start which translated to them receiving full or partial scholarships to play tackle football. The co-ed league also has its own advantages for the young ladies.

#Alexandra Deal, co-founder of BYFFL, talked about the importance of girls joining the flag football youth league.

#“Flag football along with many other sports is important for any young athlete male or female because it teaches discipline and structure… if a younger female gets involved at an early level rather than later they can build their technique and skills to then have an opportunity to take them off to school under a scholarship,” Deal said.

#She emphasized that although there are currently not a lot of young girls registered in the sport, she hopes to see that change in the future.

#“We currently have three girls in our league that are on co-ed travelling teams which compete in the US twice a year…because the US is very keen on getting girls scholarships in flag football these girls that travel and play will be exposed to coaches, schools and scouts looking for talent to add to their programmes,” she continued.

#The registration fee is $175 for individuals interested which includes a full sporting uniform and sports insurance coverage. For more information contact Byffl242@gmail.com

As of Thursday, August 17, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Bahamas continues to be a sporting hub for international tournaments this year, with the Caribbean Hoopfest being the latest set to take place next in the sporting paradise.

#The 19-and under (19U) basketball tournament’s first time in the country will feature the top ranked New York high school teams versus local teams from August 19-20 at the Kendal G L Isaacs gymnasium.

#Donald Francois, the event’s organiser, said although people are expecting a big difference in talent level in The Bahamas versus New York games, he believes that the talent of Bahamian players will be up to par.

#“A lot of people are not expecting the same skill level in competition but during my time here I saw some very talented Bahamian players and teams…I think it’s going to be some good competition and there may even be a surprise,” Francois said.

#He added that he believes the skill level will be the same as the teams from New York.

#The Big Apple teams will include Team New York, Canarsie High School Chiefs NYC, and Archbishop Molly NYC.

#The Bahamian teams competing in this weekend’s tournament are the CI Gibson Rattlers, Street Legends All-Stars (A and B), Raw Talent and the 242 Ballers.

#Francois noted the importance of the 19U tournament to provide Bahamian players with more exposure.

#“It is gonna be a lot of exposure for the Bahamian players because the New York teams are coming with some high ranked players that people are paying attention to so their following will follow the tournament,” he said.

#Among the highly ranked players are shooting guard Josh Powell and point guard Sincere Folk of Archbishop Molloy high school.

#Additionally, the top players from Canarsie High School include Skyler Hopkins, Chase Beasley and Xavier Burkett.

#The high school ballers made their arrival last night to prepare for this weekend’s hoops tournament.

#“They are excited to be in The Bahamas to soak up the culture, food and the people…New York is looking at this event and a lot of people are interested in seeing how this event does this year,” Francois said.

#The event’s organiser said Caribbean Hoopfest will be back next year as he has already received calls from the New York communities’ high level teams, Florida has reached out as well as teams from the Netherlands to express interest in the tournament.

#The basketball event was previously hosted in Jamaica the last six years and will make its Bahamian debut this weekend.

#The 19U Caribbean Hoopfest tournament will commence at noon and tickets are priced at $15.