As of Wednesday, May 10, 2023

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POWER forward/centre Richard Lowe.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AFTER leaving his fingerprints on Western Oklahoma State College for the past two seasons, Bahamian Richard Lowe has committed to taking his talent to Northwood University to play for the Timberwolves men’s basketball team.

#Lowe, a 2020 graduate of Doris Johnson Secondary High where he played for the Mystic Marlins senior boys basketball team under coach Denycko Bowles, will be graduating on Friday with his associate’s degree in liberal arts.

#After coming home to celebrate with his family and friends this summer, Lowe said he’s eager to return to the United States to begin his final two years of eligibility with Northwood University in August.

#Lowe, however, admitted that he was surprised during COVID-19 that coach Bowles reached out to him and informed him that he had gotten a deal for him to play at Western Oklahoma State.

#His freshman season was not what he anticipated as the Pioneers went 1-12 as he averaged 13 points and nine rebounds per game.

#But the 6-foot, 8-inch Lowe, who plays power forward and centre, said during the summer, his coach Rolando De La Barrera took him to an All-American Junior College showcase where he played against the top 20 division II players in the USA. That enabled him to sharpen his game as he helped Western Oklahoma to improve to 6-9 as they advanced to the conference final where they lost. Lowe, who averaged 12.5 points and 10.9 rebounds, joined two other members of the Pioneers in making the NJCAA Region II Third Team All-Conference honors.

#In comparison to Western Oklahoma, Lowe said he liked the small atmosphere Northwood University, and it came with a full two-year athletic scholarship, so there was no way that Lowe was turning down the offer.

#“They gave me an opportunity, so I took it,” Lowe said. “I sat down and I talked to my coach, Lonnie Griffin, and he said when I come in, he expects me to be one of the leaders because of my maturity as a player.

#“They have recruited a lot of young players out of high school and they don’t know what it takes to play at the collegiate level yet, so he wants me to help lead the young guys, keep them on the right track and provide the leadership to push the other players along.”

#Northwood University, based in Canton, Ohio and they play out of the G-MAC where they finished the season with a 2-26 record, so the 22-year-old Lowe will have his work cut out for him when he suits up for the Timberwolves.

#Lowe, by the way, will be the first in his family to graduate from college and when he heads to Northwood Academy, he intent to pursue another degree in sports management and entrepreneurship.

#As the son of Dellareese and Richard Lowe Sr, Lowe Jr has three sisters, but none of them have participated in sports. He said he also hope that his graduation will inspire other members of his family to pursue their higher education.

#On making the transition to college, Lowe admitted that he was nervous at first because he didn’t know what to expect.

#“Most people when they leave here for school, they go to areas where it’s highly populated, but I kind of enjoyed being in the environment that I found myself in,” he said.

#“I learn more about life and taking care of myself because I found myself in a totally different environment being away from my family and friends. But it was a good learning experience for me.”

#He thanked his family, coach Bowles, Doris Johnson Secondary High, his friends and especially Keith Sands and Ms Hanna from JS Johnson for their support in getting him to the level he’s at right now.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/may/10/basketball-standout-richard-lowe-commits-northwood/?news

As of Wednesday, May 10, 2023

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Diamond Basketball’s third annual basketball tournament for girls will be held in memory of Jonique ‘Mini’ Webb.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#“MISSED, but not forgotten” is the theme that coach Terrance ‘Red-Eye’ McSweeney is using for the third annual basketball tournament for girls as the Diamond Basketball development programme honours the late Jonique ‘Mini’ Webb.

#McSweeney, the founder and director of the Diamond Basketball Development Programme, will hold the memorial basketball tournament for Webb, who died on January 19, 2020.

#The tournament, according to McSweeney, is being staged during the month of Webb’s birthday – May 10, 1989.

#But instead of being staged at the Hope Center, McSweeney said they will be moving to the Charles W Saunders High School on Jean Street.

#“This is an opportunity for young girls who are still in school, who came through the Diamond Basketball Development Programme,” McSweeney said.

#“Jonique passed away on January 19, 2020 and ever since, we have been putting on the basketball tournament around her birthday,” he added.

#McSweeney is calling for all aspiring, young female basketball players from grade five in the primary school to grade 11 in the high school to come out and participate in the free for all basketball camp that will run from 9am to noon.

#“We want to continue to honour one of our very own, the late Jonique ‘Mini’ Webb,” McSweeney said.

#“This is a small token of our appreciation of her involvement in the programme over the years. “From as early as 1995 up until she graduated from Jordan Prince Williams in 2006, she has been a part of our programme and she continued to support her even after she graduated.”

#Webb was a versatile player who participated in basketball, softball, volleyball and track and field during her tenure at Jordan Prince Williams where she was listed as one of the top athletes to represent the Falcons. She also served as a secretary for the Baptist Sports Council.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/may/10/girls-basketball-tourney-be-staged-memory-jonique-/?news

ON THE FIELD: The senior girls of the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins go up against the CI Gibson Rattlers yesterday at the CV Bethel soccer field. Photos by Tenajh Sweeting

As of Wednesday, May 10, 2023

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PLAY ACTION: The Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) soccer season continued for the junior and senior divisions yesterday at the CH Reeves, DW Davis and CV Bethel soccer fields. Above, the senior boys of the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins matched up against the CI Gibson Rattlers yesterday at the CV Bethel soccer field.

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) soccer season continued for the junior and senior divisions yesterday at the CH Reeves, DW Davis and CV Bethel soccer fields.

#On the day, the seniors of the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins took on the CI Gibson Rattlers. Also, the RM Bailey Pacers matched up against the CC Sweeting Cobras.

#For the juniors, DW Davis faced off against the HO Nash Lions and TA Thompson kicked things off with the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves.

#Seniors

#The senior girls of the CI Gibson Rattlers comfortably defeated the Mystic Marlins 3-0.

#The Rattlers opened the bout 1-0 after Louisette Jean-Baptiste zipped past her opponents to score a goal. Her work was not done yet as she once again scored a goal to help her team advance to a 2-0 lead before halftime.

#The team scored the final goal to increase the score by one to win 3-0 against the Mystic Marlins.

#Michael Smith, head coach of the Rattlers, talked about how it felt to get the senior girls’ win.

#“It’s a good win, the girls are young in the game, they are learning so this is going to boost their confidence going forward,” Smith said.

#He added that Jean-Baptiste constantly attacks the goal in practice and, as the ball came to her in-game, she did her job and kicked it to the back of the net.

#The Mystic Marlins returned the favour as their senior boys took down the Rattlers 3-2. In a game that was more competitive than the score reflected, the Mystic Marlins opened up the game 1-0. However, the Rattlers quickly countered after scoring a goal shortly thereafter to tie things up 1-1. The Mystic Marlins mounted another attack to sneak a goal past the goalie to go up 2-1. Both teams had two points apiece going into the halftime to make things exciting in the second half. The Mystic Marlins scored the final goal of the day to not only defeat the Rattlers but secure their first win of the GSSSA soccer season.

#Vandyke Bethel, head coach of the Mystic Marlins, said he is happy to get their first win of the year as the boys are now learning how to play together and work collectively as a team. He said the team has a long term plan to build on the things that they have done this year going into next year. The coach added that one of his biggest coaching strategies was to teach the boys how to play possession soccer rather than just kicking the ball all game.

#In more senior action, the RM Bailey Pacers’ senior girls toppled the CC Sweeting Cobras 2-0. Meanwhile, their senior boys dominated against the team winning 11-1.

#Juniors

#The HO Nash Lions defeated the DW Davis Royals juniors girls 2-0. The matchup between the junior boys ended in a tie with both teams only scoring one point each.

#The Timberwolves’ junior boys wrapped up the Scorpions 6-0. Meanwhile, the girls matchup ended in a draw with both teams going scoreless.

#Today’s GSSSA soccer action will kickoff at the DW Davis soccer field between the CH Reeves Raptors and AF Adderley Tigers. At the CH Reeves soccer field the LW Young Golden Eagles will take on the DW Davis Royals. For the seniors, the RM Bailey Pacers will take on the CR Walker Knights and the CC Sweeting Cobras will face off against the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/may/10/gsssa-soccer-season-rolls/?news

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/may/10/gsssa-soccer-season-rolls/?news

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TWO STRAIGHT WINS: Team Bahamas players celebrate last night after defeating Belize 6-2 on day two of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship and World Cup Qualifier in the national beach soccer stadium. Photo by Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

As of Wednesday, May 10, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#Coach Alexandre Soares liked the intensity level that the Bahamas men’s national team brought to game two of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Tournament and World Cup Qualifier.

#After going to sudden death for a 2-2 (5-4) win over Guatemala in game one on Monday night in the Beach Soccer Facility at Malcolm Park, the Bahamas knocked off Belize 6-2 yesterday to remain undefeated with four points.

#“We played better than yesterday. Yesterday we were probably nervous because of the start of the tournament,” Soares said. “The tournament is difficult, but we played very well and we won the game.”

#James Thompson scored the initial goal and was followed quickly by another from Jean Francois to snatch a 2-0 lead before Belize answered with their first goal from Kenton Martinez to trail 2-1 at the end of the first period.

#“It was a surreal experience. Definitely being able to display the many things we worked on in training, one being my responsibility to score some goals,” Thompson said. “It’s a good feeling to know that the hard work is paying off.”

#Thompson added another in the second quarter and Martinez responded as they completed the second period. The Bahamas went on cruise control in the third period and highlighted by back-to-back shots inside the goal post from Kyle Williams and Evelt Julmas, who added his pair, the first on a penalty kick and the other on a defensive play to seal the deal.

#“”The first goal was a penalty. The second one, I didn’t know what happened. I was just blocking and I turned around and saw everybody celebrating,” Julmas said. “It was an awesome break for me. I’m proud of it.”

#Considering that he didn’t play in the first game, Julmas said he went out and put his best foot forward. Hopefully as the tournament progresses, he hope that he can continue to be effective.

#In other games played, Panama def. the Dominican Republic 8-1; the United States def. Trinidad & Tobago 6-2; Costa Rica def,, Turks & Caicos 10-2; defending champions El Salvador def., Guadeloupe 10-1 and Mexico def. Guatemala 6-3.

#The Bahamas will play out play in Group B when they ply their third match tonight at 7:30 pm against Mexico. Today’s action will get started at noon with Trinidad & Tobago taking on the Dominican Republic, followed by the USA vs Panama at 1:30 pm; Guadeloupe vs Tucks and Caicos at 3 pm; El Salvador vs Costa Rica at 4:30 pm and Guatemala vs Belize at 6 pm.

#The teams will have a break on Thursday and will begin the playoffs on Friday. The finals will be played on Sunday with the two participants advancing to the World Cup.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/may/10/bahamas-tops-belize-6-2-stay-undefeated/?news

 Home|Sports|The Bahamas beats GuatemalaSports

Home squad prevails in sudden death penalty shootout

Sheldon LongleySend an emailMay 9, 2023 103 5 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

After coming up short in its previous two matches against Guatemala, the third time proved to be the charm, on Monday night, as The Bahamas rallied to turn back the visiting squad in a sudden death penalty shootout to wrap up the first day of action of the 2023 CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Beach Soccer Championships.

The regional beach soccer tournament is ongoing and will run through Sunday at the Beach Soccer Stadium at Malcolm Park, at the foot of the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge.

After a 2-2 deadlock at the end of regulation, The Bahamas and Guatemala played a scoreless extra session and was once again tied at the end of the penalty shootout, with both sides scoring on four of their five opportunities. On its first opportunity in sudden death, Gary Joseph came through for the home squad, pushing a delayed shot to the upper right portion of the goal to put The Bahamas on the brink of victory.

A save from Team Bahamas’ goal keeper Michal Butler would give the host country the opening victory and three points in the qualifying process, and he came through, as he stopped a shot from Berny Marroquín, to seal the win for The Bahamas. Butler said it is a sweet feeling, particularly after he felt he conceded a goal to the Guatemalans earlier in the match. Miguel González stole the ball from Butler in the open field, with no other player around, and powered a shot to the goal to give the Guatemalans a 2-1 lead with 9:09 to go in the final third. Less than three minutes later, Wood Julmis responded for The Bahamas, heading a ball off a shot that ricocheted off his teammate and pushed it past Guatemalan goal keeper Hendrick Córdova.

The match stayed at 2-2 for the remainder of regulation and through the extra session. 

“It’s an honor and pleasure to come out here and help the team pull off a win. To be here in my home country and be a part of a victory like this is a good feeling,” said Team Bahamas’ goalie Butler. “Yes I had to get it back. I gave them a free one and had to get it back,” he added about the miscue he had earlier and then saving the day at the end. “I just cleared my mind and relaxed. I just forgot about the fans, the hype and focused on what I needed to do. It’s an amazing feeling, to be here at home and to come out on top is a good feeling.”

Butler was named the Man of The Match for The Bahamas. It doesn’t get any easier for the host nation, as the team will face Belize this evening at 7:30 p.m. and then four-time CONCACAF Beach Soccer Champions Mexico on Wednesday at the same time. The Bahamas is in Group B of the tournament with Guatemala, Belize and Mexico.

“The first game is always difficult. For us, the victory is amazing,” said Team Bahamas’ Head Coach Alexandre Soares of Brazil. “The goal is to get to the next stage, to finish in the top two of the group and get to the quarterfinals. Once we get there, then we’ll try to get to the next step. Maybe tomorrow, we’ll play a better game and pull off another win. That’s the important thing, to pick up a win and earn three points. The team spirit is high.”

Despite having a lot of speed on the team, Soares said they didn’t want to play too fast because that would have worked in favor of the Guatemalans.

“Guatemala is a very good team, and if you play too fast, that will work in their favor. They are a very dangerous team, but we won and it was a good victory for us,” he said.

Team Captain Gavin Christie scored one of the goals for The Bahamas in the penalty shootout.

“It always feels good to win, and to win at home. This was a very tough match. We didn’t play as well as we would have liked, but the important thing is that we got the victory,” said Christie, who had nothing but high praise for Team Bahamas’ goal keeper. Butler had a number of spectacular saves during regulation and added another one in the penalty shootout before sealing the victory with yet another save in the sudden death phase of the shootout.

“The goal keeper is most important and we believe we have a very strong goal keeper,” said Christie. “We knew that if we gave him a chance, he would save one or two for us and eventually he did that. He saved us in the end.”

Lesly St. Fleur, The Bahamas’ most prolific beach soccer goal scorer ever, said picking up a win over Guatemala was good start for the team and hopefully they can keep the momentum going. The team is looking for a win over Belize tonight. St. Fleur scored the first goal for The Bahamas on Monday, tying the match at 1-1 at the 1:21 mark of the second third.

“This feels good. It wasn’t a good start for us, but we fought to the end and came out with the victory,” said St. Fleur. “They (Guatemala) like to run and we had to be well-prepared for it. We played to the best of our ability and we came out victorious.”

St. Fleur was also complimentary of Butler’s effort in goal.

“You have to have faith in your keeper, that is why he is there. We knew that once he made one save, his momentum would have carried him and he would bring us through,” said St. Fleur. “Our level of confidence is very high for this tournament. We are at home and we have to feed off the fans. Without their support, we can’t play our game, so we just have to continue to feed off them and try to qualify for the world cup.”

The Bahamas is among 12 countries vying for one of two qualifying spots for the FIFA (International Association Football Federation) Beach Soccer World Cup, to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in November 2023. Just the top two teams from the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships will qualify.

As for the match on Monday, after a scoreless opening third, Juan Flores scored the first goal for Guatemala early in the second third, before St. Fleur tied the match at 1-1 with 1:21 to go before the start of the final third. González capitalized off Butler’s miscue to score the second goal for Guatemala, and Wood Julmis responded, tying the match at 2-2 with 6:59 to go in regulation.

The score stayed knotted at two for the remainder of regulation and through the extra session.

Julmis, St. Fleur, Christie and James Thompson scored the four goals for The Bahamas in the penalty shootout. Flores, Pablo Crocker, José González and Miguel González responded for Guatemala.

Finally, in sudden death, Gary Joseph came through for The Bahamas and Berny Marroquín was turned back for Guatemala.

This is the third time in 10 years The Bahamas is hosting the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships.

Following group stage play, the first and second place finishers in each group, plus the two best third-place finishers, will advance to the quarterfinals. That will be followed by the semifinals, third-place match and the final.

Admission is free for the entire tournament.

https://thenassauguardian.com/the-bahamas-beats-guatemala/

 Home|Sports|Duncombe, Roach win national triathlon titlesSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailMay 9, 2023 120 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Already set to represent The Bahamas at the Commonwealth Youth Games this summer, Launy Duncombe and Kami Roach powered their way to win the Bahamas Triathlon Association (BTA) National Triathlon titles at Goodman’s Bay on Sunday.

It was the final CARIFTA triathlon qualifier and the CARIFTA team will be ratified at a later date. The association also hosted its aquathlon championships on Saturday. The final CARIFTA qualifier for that event is set for later this month.

Duncombe, who trains on Grand Bahama, said he was happy to finally get the win. The Goodman’s Bay course is the same course that will be used for the upcoming CARIFTA Triathlon and Aquathlon Championships.

“It feels good. I am not used to it. I usually come second or third. It feels good because my training led me to victory,” Duncombe said. “I liked the cycling course the most and I did not like the swim course too much. I really enjoyed the cycling course because it was flat, fast, and technical, and I like courses like that. I was by myself, and I did not have to worry about anyone messing me up with turns and I was able to go at my own pace. The running course was good, and I was able to come out on top.”

Finishing second was Cameron Roach and coming in third was Simone Bertoldo.

It was a windy morning on New Providence and, according to BTA President Dorian Roach, they had to change the swimming portion of the course. He said he was proud of the accomplishments of the participants.

“It was great to see our younger guys like Duncombe, Malcolm Menzies, Ayden Bain, Kami Roach do well. I was very pleased with them, and it was the first time we had used the course. We have some kinks to work out. There is a lot of logistics to work out because there is traffic and other moving parts, but we will be ready for CARIFTA,” said Roach.

In the women’s category, Kami Roach came out on top to secure the national title.

“It feels great to get the victory. The swimming was rough, but the run was good,” she said. “Coming into the race, I just wanted to do my best and do good. I have CARIFTA and Youth Commonwealth Games for cycling, so it was a good to win.”

Suzy Eneas placed second in that division and Sylvia Bateman was third.

In the 16-19 boys division, Barron Musgrove Jr. came out victorious. Enea Gervasini and Jason Cates were second and third, respectively. Sienna Culmer-Mackey won the title in the 16-19 girls division.

Malcom Menzies held off Ayden Bain and Lenin Hamilton to win the 13-15 boys division. Bain was second and Hamilton was third. On the girls side, Issa Bournas won that division. Taylor Knowles was second and Emma Barigelli finished third.

Lauchlan Menzies came out on top in the 11-12 boys division. Sibby Potter was second while Mathis Bournas was third. Naia Belton won the 11-12 girls division. Taylen Nichols finished second and Veranique Strachan finished third.

In the 9-10 division, only the boys were in action. Winning that division was Fraser Menzies. Stafford Sweeting and Lyall Menzies were second and third, respectively.

The final qualifier for CARIFTA Aquathon is the Beautiful Bahamas Aquathon on May 20 at Betty Kelly-Kenning National Swim Complex.

 Home|Sports|Sts. Francis & Joseph win eighth straight archdiocesan track titleSports

track title

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailMay 9, 2023 92 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

After a three-year hiatus, as a result of the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, the biggest Catholic Board of Education (CBE) primary school sporting event, the Archdiocesan Track and Field Meet, made a triumphant return. The 2023 Archdiocesan Track and Field Meet was held over the course of two days, starting on Thursday, May 4.

Young athletes from Sts. Francis & Joseph School overcame competitors from three other CBE New Providence primary schools to win the competition. This was the eighth consecutive win for the Sts. Francis & Joseph Shockers. They prevailed with 768 points. St. Cecilia’s School was a close second with 752 points and St. Thomas More came in third with 701 points. Xavier’s Lower School finished fourth with 603 points.

“Hard work, determination, resilience and heart yields great results,” exclaimed Ricardo Freemantle, coach of the Shockers.

In addition to their overall win, Sts. Francis & Joseph School won the primary division. They scored 509 points to take that title. St. Cecilia’s School was a close second in that division with 494 points and St. Thomas More finished third in that division with 400 points. Xavier’s Lower School was fourth in that division with 364 points.

The Shockers lost the junior division to St. Thomas More School. St. Thomas More prevailed in that division with 301 points. Sts. Francis & Joseph finished second in that division with 259 points, and St. Cecilia’s School was third with 258 points. Xavier’s Lower School finished fourth in that division with 239 points.

The annual meet offers CBE primary school students an opportunity to exhibit their skill, dexterity and endurance in track and field events. CBE schools are dedicated to the education of the whole child through development of the intellectual, physical and spiritual dimensions of every CBE student. Athletics is an integral part of the total education program of CBE schools.

“For the Catholic Board of Education, sports provide an outlet through which students can channel their energy in organized and objective activities,” said Freemantle. “Sports allows opportunities for several kids whether scholarships or representing their country and may lead to a professional career path. Sports is sometimes the only way out for some kids while for others, it is just recreation. Balancing sports and academics is key in developing a rounded individual.”

CBE primary schools have a sporting legacy, which is evident in the number of alumni who have gone on to achieve success in athletics both nationally and internationally.

As with all CBE sporting competitions, the Archdiocesan Track and Field Meet fosters school spirit, healthy competition and provides a fun environment for students, parents, teachers and administrators.

https://thenassauguardian.com/sts-francis-joseph-win-eighth-straight-archdiocesan-track-title/

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, third from right, can be seen during his visit to Jordan Prince Williams Baptist School.

As of Monday, May 8, 2023

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#WITH only 10 weeks leading up to the 50th Golden Jubilee Celebration of Independence, The Bahamas has been celebrating with a number of events.

#Included in these activities was the celebration of Jubilee Day, May 5 when all Bahamians were encouraged to celebrate and do something that was uniquely Bahamian. This could have been the expression of our colours, dance, music or food.

#As a part of these celebrations, schools throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas were also encouraged to put on activities to remind our young persons of their cultural heritage.

#Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture Mario Bowleg visited Jordan Prince Williams Baptist School, during Jubilee Day, to encourage the young students to cherish their Bahamian culture and remind them of how important they are to carrying on what is uniquely us as a people.

#According to Minister Bowleg, “50 Years ago, our then leaders of the Bahamas under the leadership of Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling had a dream for our nation. A dream of an independent people. A people who could decide their own direction and set a course for their future.”

#Minister Bowleg reminded the students of the importance of cherishing the independence they now have, that was hard fought for by those who came before and to know that each of the students represented a brighter future for themselves as individuals, families and nation. “This year we celebrate 50 years of Independence. A Golden Jubilee as a nation, and independent people.

#As a people we are proud of the many accomplishments we have made, but one of our greatest accomplishments is making a nation where our young people are able to dream and determine their own destinies as individuals and collectively as a nation.Today, we celebrate Jubilee Day, which is the continuation of our celebrations leading up to our 50th Independence celebration this year.”

#One of the many activities planned to celebrate the upcoming Golden Jubilee is a return of The Bahamas Games. The Bahamas Games, dubbed The Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games, was first held in 1989.

#The Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games will be held from July 7-15 this year.

#With its Olympic-style and multisport discipline, The Bahamas Games was initially created to give Bahamian athletes throughout the archipelago an opportunity to showcase their athletic prowess while providing each sporting discipline’s federation with an occasion to discover new talent.

#The games showcased the world-class talent possessed by Bahamians throughout our varied and unique islands, each known for being proficient in one sporting discipline or another.

#According to Minister Bowleg, this is the 6th rendition of the games and is an opportunity for our people to come together in a spirit of competition, camaraderie and courage. “The Bahamas Games baton, which represents a symbol of hope, friendship, and unity has already begun its journey, beginning in Exuma and will end here in New Providence.

#Once lit, the flames announce the commencement of the Games and spread the message of hope, friendship and unity throughout the archipelago.”

#Minister Bowleg encouraged the young students if they had the confidence and courage to participate to sign up and represent their island of descendance.

#This year’s Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games will include 16 disciplines with athletes representing 10 islands.

#Some of the events will include track & field, basketball, soccer, swimming, boxing, golf, sailing and several other sporting disciplines.

#According to Minister Bowleg, the theme for this year’s games is unity under the slogan, “Our Nation, Our Islands, Our Games.”

#For more information you can check out the website on thebahamasgames.org or WhatsApp 809-1242 or follow The Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games on Tik Tok, and YouTube at @thebahamasgames and Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @thebahamagames.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/may/08/ten-week-countdown-bahamas-golden-jubilee-games/?news

As of Monday, May 8, 2023

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Coach Gavin Christie, who is responsible for beach soccer in the Bahamas Football Association.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#THE Bahamas, with their home court advantage and playing out of Group B, has selected a solid, 12-man team that the Bahamas Football Association is confident will be able to compete against its peers in the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships (CBSC) World Cup Qualifier.

#“I think we are very confident in the team that we have put together,” said Gavin Christie, who is responsible for beach soccer in the BFA.

#“We have some very experienced players along with some young, vibrant players, so we feel we should be able to perform very well in the tournament.”

#On Friday, in the lead up to the tournament, Christie and the coaching staff released the names of the 12 players who will carry the Bahamian flag.

#The list includes Michael Butler, Julmis Evelt, Daron Beneby, Jean Francois, Kyle Williams, Gary Joseph, James Thompson, Creven Ferguson, Julmis Wood, Lesly St Fleur, Gavin Christie and Torin Ferguson. The Bahamas will be playing alongside Mexico, Guatemala and Belize when the week-long tournament gets underway today (free of charge for spectators) at the beach soccer stadium at Malcolm Park.

#Group A will comprise El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe, Turks and Caicos Islands, while Group C includes the United States, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic.

#A series of stage games in each group will be played starting at noon with the Bahamas playing the feature games at 7:30pm each day through Wednesday.

#Following the group play and a day of rest on Thursday, the first and second place finishers in each group, plus the two best third place finishers (eight teams in total) will advance to the quarterfinals on Friday, followed by the semifinals, third-place match and the Final.

#The two finalists will qualify for the 2023 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. El Salvador pulled off the last CONCACAF Beach Soccer Tournament played in Costa Rica in 2021 with a 6-4 victory over the United States in the Final.

#“This is always a very hard fought tournament because there’s a lot at stake and a lot of the teams will be using players who play all around the world,” Christie said. “This is a qualifier for the World Cup in beach soccer and everybody wants to get that opportunity to qualify.

#“So we know that every game played will be of a high level. We just have to go out there and play our best. It’s going to be competitive, but we feel we have a team that could play with these teams.”

#Christie said the biggest advantage Team Bahamas has is home court.

#“We normally play on the road where the stadium is filled with the fans waving their flags for their home team,” Christie said. “So with the tournament being home, we feel like we have the sixth man so to speak on the pitch.

#“We don’t normally get to play at home, so this is a good time in a high level tournament for the Bahamian public to come and see what we are made of. So we’re hoping that the fans will come out and support our team.”

#The Bahamas will be playing in their eighth CBSC and has made it to three straight quarterfinals in the 2015, 2017 and 2019 championships. The question is: Will Team Bahamas surpass those feats this year?

#– Here’s a look at the team rosters for this week:

#Costa Rica – Anothony Lopez, Arrieta Frandert, Prado Christian, Pena Daniel, Roger Mora, Rachith Gomez, Lponis Calero, Christian Sanchez, Greivin Pacheco, Jhonatan Sanchez, Deyber Villegas and Jeaustin Medina.

#El Salvador – Erick Najera, Andres Cruz, Heber Ramos, Melvin Gonzalez, Exon Perdomo, Jason Urbina, Elmar Robles, Darvin Ramirez, Abdres Osorio, Rogelio Rauda, Francisco Velasquez and Eliodoro Portillo.

#Guadeloupe – Steeve Mirabel, David Nicolas, Yannick Ruart, Ricardo Mezence, Gary Andre, Gael Geolier, Marvin Quinol, Stephane Amadiah, Gaetan Gailan, Sebastien Hell and Cesaire Amadiah.

#Turks $ Caicos – Pendieno Brooks, Leishawn Green, Ivenson Philogene, Ledson Jerome, Peterson Evariste, Emmanuel Martin, Billy Forbres, Henry Magny, Dornell Wiles, Sylvins Wilkins, Wildens Delva and Sebastian Turbyfield,

#Bahamas – Michael Butler, Julmis Evelt, Daron Beneby, Jean Francois, Kyle Williams, Gary Joseph, James Thompson, Creven Ferguson, Julmis Wood, Lesly St Fleur, Gavin Christie and Torin Ferguson.

#Belize – Jahym McKenzie, Sean Alexander, Jermain Jones, Brandon Jones, Kenen Castillo, Ken yon Martinez, Darnae Garcia, Devin Guzman, Jaheim Mena, Marlon Meza, Rahmond Ramos and Brenton Garcia,.

#USA – Christopher Toth, Alvaro Franco, Antonio Chavez, Ricardo Carvalho, Nicholas Perea, Cody Valcarcel, Nicolas Perera, Connwe Santiago, Tomas Canale, Gabriel Silveira, Christopher Albiston and Austin Collier.

#Panama – Jason Navarro, Aguilar Montero, Alberto Kelly, Jose Escobar, Nagdiel Del Rosario, Eliecer Garcia, Edgar Carvajal, Rafael Garcia, Alfonso Maquensi, Julio Watson and Jaime Londono.

#Trinidad & Tobago – Jabari Gray, Akinola Gregory, Jsayson Joseph, Shallun Bobb, Omri Baird, Kevon Williams, Jordan Riley, Jesse Bailey, Hakeem King, Shane Hospedales, Hakeem Perry and Zane Coker,

#Dominican Republic – Miguel Rojas, Jose Shanlatte, Yensyt Severino, Yorinson Noesi, Cesar Ramirez, Alfredo Baez, Miguel Moreta, Inoel Navarro, Miguel Rivera, Wander Medina, Yan Lluberes and Raybel Tejeda.

#Mexico – Gabriel Marcias, RJuan Morales, Jose Hernandez, Edgar Portilla, Hector Acevedo, Alejandro Garcia, Diego Martine, Enoch Lopez, Christopher Castillo, Jair Aleman, Jose Vizcarra and Antonio Echeverria.

#Guatemala – Anderson Crespo, Juan Flores, Berny Marroquin, Angel Saenz, Lem Jose, Wilson Gonzalez, Jose Gonzalez, Samuel Perez, Miguel Gonzalez, Pablo Crocker, Edwin Lopez and Hendrick Cordova.

#• Here’s a look at this week’s schedule:

#Today

#Noon – Panama vs

#Trinidad & Tobago

#1:30pm – USA vs

#Dominican Republic

#3pm – Costa Rica vs

#Guadeloupe

#4:30pm – El Salvador vs

#Turks & Caicos

#6pm – Mexico vs Belize

#7:30pm – Bahamas vs

#Guatemala

#Tuesday

#Noon – Dominican

#Republic vs Panama

#1:30pm – Trinidad &

#Tobago vs USA

#3pm – Turks & Caicos vs

#Costa Rica

#4:30pm – Guadeloupe

#vs El Salvador

#6pm – Guatemala

#vs Mexico

#7:30pm – Belize

#vs Bahamas

#Wednesday

#Noon – Trinidad

#vs Dominican Republic

#1:30pm – USA vs Panama

#3pm – Guadeloupe vs

#Turks & Caicos

#4:30pm – El Salvador

#vs Costa Rica

#6pm – Guatemala

#vs Belize

#7:30pm – Mexico

#vs Bahamas

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/may/08/bfa-selects-12-man-beach-soccer-team-represent-bah/?news

As of Monday, May 8, 2023

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The CI Gibson Rattlers are your 2023 Noble Preparatory Academy (NPA) Spring Classic basketball senior boys’ champions for the second consecutive year. Photo: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

The CH Reeves Raptors are your 2023 Noble Preparatory Academy (NPA) Spring Classic basketball junior girls’ champions.

The Jordan Prince Williams Falcons are your 2023 Noble Preparatory Academy (NPA) Spring Classic basketball junior boys’ champions.

The CV Bethel Stingrays are your 2023 Noble Preparatory Academy (NPA) Spring Classic basketball senior girls’ champions. Photos: Tenajh Sweeting

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE sixth edition of the Noble Preparatory Academy’s (NPA) spring classic basketball tournament saw four new champions crowned.

#This year’s tournament featured basketball matchups between the varsity senior and junior girls and boys from Thursday to Saturday.

#With more than 30 teams registered to compete, the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) public schools represented well this past weekend.

#Three out of the four championship honours went to the junior girls of the CH Reeves Raptors, senior girls of the CV Bethel Stingrays, and the defending champions the CI Gibson Rattlers.

#After some long but exciting days of basketball showdowns, NPA president Geno Bullard talked about this year’s spring classic basketball tournament.

#“I am pleased and very happy because the tournament was overwhelmingly successful for me. I got to introduce students to a lot of different opportunities, not just for basketball but we had educational opportunities through our college counsellors, we had a little bit of entertainment, and we had a lot of basketball so it was a pretty good weekend,” Bullard said.

#The NPA president added that after this year, he will look to expand the tourney across more days and allow for more teams to compete after realising the interest is definitely there for basketball.

#Senior division

#After gameplay across 14 senior boys teams, only one champion could be crowned and those honours belonged to the NPA defending champions and GSSSA senior boys champions CI Gibson Rattlers.

#In a game that was hardly ever close, the Rattlers pummelled the CW Saunders Cougars 82-50.

#The defending champions got out to a 10-point lead in the first half, edging out their opponent 26-16. By the halfway mark of the fourth quarter, the lead had tripled as the team were dominating their opponent by 30 points en route to another championship win.

#Kevin Johnson, head coach of the Rattlers, talked about the big win.

#“It feels good to be back-to-back champions. These young men came out tonight determined that they were going to take it home and they did,” Johnson said.

#He said his overall strategy was to cause chaos in terms of forcing turnovers, disorganising things for the Cougars on the defensive end and, as a result, his team was able to score easy baskets.

#The senior girls of the Stingrays had an all out battle against the Lady Rattlers. The GSSSA senior girl champions were no match for the Stingrays as they defeated them 23-21 in a tightly contested game. The game got off to a slow start by both teams but basketball play picked up in the second half after a flurry of big buckets by both teams.

#The Stingrays looked to be done but a timely three by the team’s Most Valuable Player Trinity Bodie put them up. Bodie was involved in lots of big defensive and offensive plays down the stretch, including the game-clinching free throws to put the team up by two points for the win.

#Stingrays head coach Shantelle Rolle said it felt great to get the championship victory. She noted that after a slow start by both teams, she told her team to step up the defensive effort and offensively she made the adjustment to have them shoot more long twos and threes as the Lady Rattlers were clogging the paint.

#Junior divison

#The Raptors have been crushing the competition all season long. After coming off wins in the GSSSA basketball and track championships, their sports momentum continued this past weekend.

#The Raptors wrapped up the St John’s College junior girls 26-10 to become the 2023 NPA tournament junior girls champions. The team’s MVP was Tajhanique Morley.

#Varel Davis, head coach of the Raptors, said it feels good, especially as the GSSSA junior girl champions, she decided to use the tournament as an opportunity to get the team more exposure and experience.

#Despite a break due to COVID-19, Davis said the teams came back this year hungry and their efforts and hard work is definitely showing. For the boys, the Jordan Prince Williams Falcons closed out Clement Howell to claim the NPA junior boys championship hardware.

#The Falcons opened up the bout outscoring the team 24-16. By the final buzzer, the Falcons had comfortably secured their NPA juniors boys title win after toppling the visiting team 42-19.

#Falcons head coach Angie Nash said it felt great to get the win and she was confident that her team would bring home the victory in the championship round. She added this win meant a lot for the team as it could be one of their last championship wins together with some players potentially leaving, therefore, it was the perfect time for them to play together one more time.

#After three days of competition from the best of the best in local basketball across all divisions, an entertaining performance by Julian Believe, cheerleading competition and halftime shows, and educational opportunities provided by Niagara College, the sixth edition of the NPA Spring Classic is now in the books and will look to be even more exciting next year.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/may/08/we-are-champions/?news