As of Tuesday, December 12, 2023

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RISING tennis star Sydney Clarke.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#EVEN though she’s pre-paring for a hectic year to complete her collegiate career as a member of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blaz-ers women’s tennis team, Sydney Clarke is still all excited about giving back to the less fortunate here at home.

#Clarke, home for her Christmas break and a chance to defend her title at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s Giorgio Baldacci Tennis Tournament next week, is appealing to the public for their assistance in her food and clothing drive for the Children’s Emergency Hostel.

#This is the fourth consec-utive year that Clarke has spearheaded the initiative and just like she did in the past, she’s hoping to once again bring some cheer to the faces of the young resi-dents of the home.

#“I just continue to do it every year because not only is it a great feeling to give back, but I just like helping out in the commu- nity and I’m very fortunate to have a family and to be able to have a Christmas with them and with a lot of food to eat.”

#The eldest daughter of Shayvon and Bernard Clarke and sibling of Sarai said she’s just thrilled to know that she can help in any way she can, whether it’s through a big or small donation.

#“It’s just nice to be able to also bring the awareness to people to help because they are always in a con-stant need of donations all year round,” Clarke stated.

#“So there are needs by the Children’s Emergency Hostel and other orphan-ages around our country who need our help and donation all year round. I’ve chosen the Children’s Hostel, but if I can help the others, I would gladly. But the Children’s Emergency Hostel is quite small and I can heed their needs right now.”

#For those who wish to assist Clarke in this venture, she’s asking that they provide whatever they can, even if it’s just one item.

#“Just one can or item from your cupboard or your pantry will help,” she said. “One thing turns into others and they all add up. So I just want people to know that anything that they can give would be appreciated, from non-perishable food to cleaning products, toiletries and new clothing and shoes, nothing used.”

#Interested persons can e-mail Clarke at sydney-clarke07@icloud.com or WhatsApp her at 395-0801. If they cannot reach her, they can drop off the items to the Children’s Emer-gency Hostel before or after Christmas.

#The presentation to the Children’s Emergency Hostel is expected to be made on Saturday,

#December 22. An offi-cial time has not yet been determined, but it will be before 4 pm. While she’s been home since Friday, Clarke said she’s pleased to have gotten through her first semester in her senior year at UAB where she s majoring in broadcasting with a minor in marketing.

#“Overall it was alright. It started off slow as I’ve had to organize some things because this is a turning point for me,” she pointed out, “I’m graduating next year, so I had to organize some things.

#“So it’s been tough at the beginning, but I’ve been able to make the neces-sary adjustments. Overall, I could say school and tennis have been awesome. I even went to the Pan Am Games, which was really a surprise for me. But it was really good. I couldn’t ask for a better semester.”

#The 22-year-old Clarke was a member of Team Bahamas that was selected by the Bahamas Olympic Committee to compete in the games.

#“Pan am very an exper-ence I will never forget, I was really honored to be able to represent the Bahamas at the event,” Clarke said. “Just being able to be in the presence of professional and college players like myself at that high level of tennis, was a great experience for me.

#“It was all about getting the experience and the exposure, talking to people and I did that. It really helped me with my tennis, just getting a chance to see where I’m at and things that I need to improve for my upcoming season at school. So i used it as a scale to see where I’m at.”

#When she returns to school in January, Clarke is expected to play from the number one spot for the Blazers as they move from Conference USA to the American Athletic Conference.

#“I’m hoping that it turns out well and that I’m able to be recognized in our conference. It’s going to be pretty exciting playing in the American Athletic Conference for the first time.

#“It would be nice if we can make history and be able to advance as far as we could and even if it’s pos-sible to win the conference title.”

#Before all that unfolds, Clarke has to take care of some business at the BLTA’s Georgio Baldacci Open Tournament that is expected to start on Monday at the National Tennis Centre.

#“I’m really excited because my sister is play-ing. I hope I don’t have to play her,” said Clarke said. “It’s going to be awkward, but I’m looking forward to it. I’m hoping that I would be able to retain my title.”

#Her sister, Sarai, is just 14-year-old, but considered to be one of the top riding young players. The two have never played against each other, but teamed up for the first time to play doubles for Andros during the sixth Bahamas Games in July.

#“If the opportunity comes, it will be awkward at first, but I know we both will be able to settle our nerves,” Clarke projected. “I know at the end of the day, the best player will win and it would be all love at home.”

#The tournament also serves as a qualifier for players wishing to repre-sent the Bahamas at the prestigious Billie Jean King Cup, the female version of the men’s Davis Cup.

#“It’s always a great opportunity to represent my country. I’m always up for the challenge,” insisted Clarke, who is vying for her fifth year on the team. “Just like Pan Am, it’s still a high level so I get to measure my game with girls from the different countries.

#“The competition is always fierce. It keeps me on my toes, so I’m always excited to be able to play in the Billie Jean King Cup.”

As of Tuesday, December 12, 2023

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#THE inaugural Harbour Island Doubles Tennis Tournament was held this weekend at the Pink Sands Resort in beautiful Har-bour Island.

#Artie Johnson, president of the Eleuthera Tennis Association, assisted in organising the event and was tournament director.

#Men’s Doubles Champions: Kevin Major & Kevin Cooper

#Runners Up: Philip Major & Neil Weithuchter

#Women’s Doubles Champions: Cameel McDonald & Chavonne Reid

#Runners Up: Lisa Penn & Sarah Brie

#Mixed Doubles

#Winners: Kevin Major & Sarah Brie

#Runner Up: Perry & Esther Newton

#Mr Timothy Dames and Ethel Dames were hon-ored for their commitment to Tennis in Eleuthera, the Dames have sponsored the Tim’s Refrigeration Tournament in Eleuthera for over 16 years. It was a well deserved award of recognition.

#Matthew Pryor and Pink Sands Resorts were instrumental in the tour-nament organization. Special thanks to Coco Vandeweghe and Bobby Mullarkey to Tingum Hotel for hosting the players from Nassau and Abaco. The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association congratulates the Harbour

#Island players and the Eleuthera Tennis Associa-tion on a great tournament. President Perry Newton who was attendance stated that “He was very excited to see the communities within Eleuthera come together to put on such a wonderful event. The sup-port from New Providence and Abaco was very good. The hospitality and compe-tition were amazing and we look forward to this event next year in Harbour Island as tennis develops and grows.”

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The first Bahamas Interscholastic Equestrian League (BIEL) show of the 2023-2024 season was a hotly contested affair. Spectators at Mariposa Stables were kept on the edges of their seats as it came down to the very last round of the day to determine the final placings, with just six points separating the first and fourth-place teams.

In the end, the Mariposa Monarchs finished in first place with a score of 40 points overall, just edging out the Camperdown Equestrian Centre Blue Marlins who finished with 39 points. The Mariposa Gold Drops finished in third place with 38 points, meaning just two points separated the top three teams. The Camperdown Equestrian Centre Sand Dollars finished fourth with 35 points.

Riders, trainers and parents also got a special treat when Canadian Judge Christine Reupke held an impromptu clinic and question-and-answer session at the end of the show. Judge Reupke gave the riders valuable advice and feedback on their performances, based on her extensive experience as a judge, Equestrian Canada official and competition organizer.

The BIEL competition circuit is a favorite among Bahamian junior equestrian riders because of the format, based on collegiate competition rules, in which riders and horses are matched by random draw. This provides riders with the exciting opportunity to show their skills in the ring while riding unfamiliar horses, preparing them for the rigors of intercollegiate competition. The competitions are sponsored by Equestrian Bahamas, the national federation for equestrian sport in The Bahamas.

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The Boxing Federation of The Bahamas held its first-ever Thanksgiving Boxing Tournament, from November 22-27, at the YMCA Gymnasium in Freeport, Grand Bahama. The Grand Bahama Boxing Association was the host association.

The All-Out Boxing Team represented Grand Bahama, the After Shock Boxing Club, came from New Providence and Long Island and the Cayman Islands were also represented.

Alex Lopez (Cayman Islands) defeated Jason Bethel (Grand Bahama) as the referee stopped the contest in the second round. They fought at the 156 pounds class (novice).

Also on opening night, Tyrone Humes (New Providence) defeated Julin Waldron (Grand Bahama) in a super heavyweight fight. The referee stopped the contest in the first round. Jariaya Francios (Grand Bahama) defeated Lionel Pinder on points in the youth category (147 pounds).

Michael Philistine lost to Keanu Greene in the youth category (180 pounds) as the referee stopped the contest in the second round. Both fighters are from Grand Bahama. Elijah Smith defeated Joni Vega on points in the juniors category (175 pounds). Both fighters are from Grand Bahama

Josiah Smith, from Grand Bahama, lost on points in the high school category (135 pounds) to Mario Goddard, of New Providence. Keano Cox, from Grand Bahama, lost on points to Anai Powell, from Long Island, in the juniors category (140 pounds).

Stanley Dorilus and Malcolm Sweeting, both from New Providence, won gold medals in the youth division (10-year-olds). Tyrone Humes defeated Luthinos McPhee Sr. on points. Both fighters are from Grand Bahama. Devano Dorsette lost to Kendrick Williams as the referee stopped the contest in the second round.

Among the 14-year-olds in the juniors division (121-125 pounds), Lionel Pinder lost by walkover to Elijah Smith, Benito Rolle lost on points to Jariaya Francios and Isiah Francios, from Grand Bahama, defeated Caden Higgs, from New Providence, as the referee stopped the contest in the second round. Josiah Smith defeated Keano Cox on points and Milano Knowles won by walkover against Anai Powell.

The overall winner of the tournament was Grand Bahama with 15 gold and seven silver medals. New Providence won eight gold medals and five silver medals. Long Island won one gold and one silver medal. The Cayman Islands took home one gold medal.

The final boxing event in Grand Bahama is slated for Boxing Day, December 26.

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 Home|Sports|Back to the 400m, Shaunae wins in MonacoSports

Bahamian two-time Olympic Champion cruises to victory; Thomas competes in the high jump

Sheldon LongleySend an emailAugust 11, 2022 200 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian two-time Olympic Champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo was back at the event she has run most of her career on Wednesday, and back to her winning ways, at the Stade Louis II in Fontvieille, Monaco.

Competing in the women’s 400 meters (m) at the 2022 edition of the Herculis EBS Meeting, the 10th stop on the Diamond League circuit, Miller-Uibo was graceful as ever, winning comfortably in 49.28 seconds. The time was just off her season’s best time of 49.11 seconds and strengthens her position as the number one female quarter-miler in the world. No other athlete has run under 49.49 seconds in the one-lap event this year.

In the absence of the Olympic and World Championships silver medalist Marileidy Paulino, of the Dominican Republic, Jamaican Candice McLeod rose to the occasion, taking the silver medal in a season’s best time of 49.87 seconds. Commonwealth Games Champion Sada Williams, of Barbados, finished third in 50.10 seconds.

For Miller-Uibo, she has indicated an intention to move away from the women’s 400m to focus on the shorter 200m race, and possibly do a heptathlon or two in the not too distant future, but she is in contention for the Diamond League title in the 400m and is certainly taking advantage of that.

In the Silesia Diamond League press conference over the weekend, Miller-Uibo said now that the world championships is over and she has finally won a world title, the goal for the rest of the season is just to let loose and have fun.

She certainly seemed as she was going after a fast time at the start of the race yesterday as she exploded out of the blocks and quickly caught up to the lanes ahead of her. By the midway point of the race, Miller-Uibo was already strides ahead of the rest of the field. She came into the homestretch about seven to eight meters ahead of the nearest competitor and cruised into the tape. Miller-Uibo appeared top ease up about 20-30 meters from the finish line and coasted to the sub 50-seconds clocking.

It might not have been the jaw-dropping time that Miller-Uibo was looking for, but there is still time for her break new barriers in the women’s 400m. It appears she will certainly go after the Diamond League title in that event and there is also the 4th North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Track and Field Championships, set for next weekend at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Miller-Uibo has been named to the 30-member team for The Bahamas and is listed for the 200 and 400m in that event.

The Wanda Diamond League Final is set for September 7-8 in Zurich, Switzerland.

Miller-Uibo said she is just trying to enjoy the rest of the season and will likely look to finish strong in what could be her last year running the 400m competitively. She has already stated that she will not attempt to be the first woman to go after a third straight Olympic title in the women’s 400m as her focus has shifted toward the 200m and possibly doing the multi events.

It remains to be seen how the transitional period will go.

Meanwhile, also in action in Monaco on Wednesday was Donald Thomas in the men’s high jump.

The former World Champion failed to clear a height, knocking down the bar all three times at his opening height of 2.20m (7′ 2-1/2″). Just two days earlier, Thomas finished tied for sixth in the men’s high jump at the Gyulai István Memorial Hungarian Grand Prix Meet, in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, clearing 2.14m (7’ 0-1/4”).

Thomas has also been named to the NACAC team for Team Bahamas and is expected to come home to compete.

Volleyball 6/16/2022 9:00:00 AM

BOWIE, Md. – Edric Poitier has been named the head coach of the Bowie State women’s volleyball program, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Clyde Doughty, Jr. announced Thursday morning. Poitier comes to Bowie State after spending the past season as the head coach at a private high school in Jacksonville, Fla., where he guided the program to a 19-7 overall record and a quarterfinal appearance in the Florida State District Championship.

“After an intensive search it is with great excitement that Coach Edric Poitier has accepted the position as the next head volleyball coach for Bowie State University,” said Doughty, Jr. “Coach Poitier brings a wealth of experience in the field of volleyball.  He is a CIAA veteran and wholly understands what it takes to manage a quality program that will be competitive in the CIAA and NCAA.”

Prior to his high school tenure, Poitier did a one-year stint at Florida State College at Jacksonville in 2019, before serving as the head coach at Savannah State from 2016-2018; Bluefield State College (2013-2016) and Winston-Salem State (2010-2012).

“I would like to express sincere gratitude to VP for Athletics, Mr. Doughty, Jr. and President Dr. Breaux for the opportunity to lead the program at this time in its development,” said Poitier. “I look forward to trying to make the program a viable one within the conference.”

With over 23 years of experience coaching at the collegiate level, one of the most appealing factors about Poitier was that he is no stranger to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Conference. Poitier’s record of accomplishments emphasized on rebuilding programs as he started his head-coaching career with St. Augustine’s College (now St. Augustine University), posting a 113-34 record in five seasons at the helm.  In his first year, he went 14-13 overall, including a 14-6 mark in conference play.  The next four seasons (2000-2003), Poitier recorded 20-plus wins and a conference championship in each season. Poitier went 23-6, including a 19-2 mark in conference play, a conference title and CIAA Coach of the Year in 2000, followed up with a 22-7 overall record, including a perfect 21-0 conference record and CIAA Championship, first round appearance in the NCAA Regionals in 2001.

Poitier guided the Lady Falcons to a 29-3 overall record and 21-0 mark in CIAA action to go along with the program’s third-straight CIAA title while advancing to the second round of the NCAA Regionals in 2002. In his last season at the helm, St. Augustine’s posted a 25-5 overall record extending its win-streak to 63-straight wins over CIAA opponents (21-0), a CIAA championship and the 2003 CIAA Coach of the Year award. Overall,his five-year stint with the Lady Falcons, he compiled a 115-35 overall record and a 99-8 record. He is a three-time CIAA Coach of the Year and is still the only CIAA coach to ever win an NCAA Tournament First Round match.

The Nassau, Bahamas native coached the Bahamas National Women’s Team for nine years from 1992-99 and led the team to two gold medals and three silver medals at the Regional Caribbean Volleyball Championships and was the assistant coach from 1989-92.  Poitier played on the Bahamas Men’s National Team as a setter for 13 years from 1979-92 and won the bronze medal at Commonwealth Volleyball Championship in London in 1981.

Poitier is a 2003 graduate of Saint Augustine’s College with a degree in Criminal Justice. He is married and the father of three children.

The Bowie State women’s volleyball program is slated to begin the 2022 campaign on Sept. 6 at Delaware State.

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State University Athletics and its 13 varsity sports teams, please visit www.bsubulldogs.com.Print Friendly Version

INDIANA Pacers guard Buddy Hield reacts after hitting a clutch three-pointer during an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls on October 26 in Chicago. Hield signed a multi-year shoe deal extension with Nike yesterday. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

As of Thursday, November 10, 2022

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#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#Chavano “Buddy” Hield has had an endorsement deal with Nike for the duration of his NBA career and that partnership will continue for the foreseeable future.

#The Indiana Pacers guard signed a multi-year shoe deal extension with the sneaker and athletic apparel giant yesterday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

#Hield, who has been represented by Icona Agency since November 2021, has become known in NBA circles for his series of Kobe Bryant “Player Edition” sneakers in the Bahamian flag colourway.

#Hield originally signed with Nike in 2016, just weeks ahead of the NBA Draft. In his first full season as a member of the Pacers, he is averaging 18.7 points, a career high 5.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.

#He is also shooting 46 percent from the field, 42 percent from three-point range and 92 percent from the free throw line. Through 10 games, Hield has made at least four three-point field goals in six of those games.

#The early veteran extension deadline passed on October 17 without Hield and Pacers reaching an agreement to extend his current contract. Hield has been the subject of trade rumours for much of the offseason and had the sides agreed to an extension, he would have been ineligible to be traded for at least six months if the deal included a more than five percent raise. Hield will now be ineligible for an extension until next offseason. “It’s the business of basketball. No matter what happens I love playing basketball,” he said in training camp. “Once I have a job, and I’m able to play in this league for a long time it doesn’t matter where I go, I’m happy, I’m still here I’m just glad to play basketball at a high level with the best basketball players in the world.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/10/buddy-hield-signs-extension-nike/?news

CREAM OF THE CROP: Breyias Dean, 18, became the second consecutive Bahamian to keep the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby title at home. Photo: Dante Carrer

As of Monday, December 11, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#A year ago, Breyias Dean was walking around in awe as the stars came out to perform in the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise on Montagu Bay. On Saturday, the Miami Marlins’ minor league affiliate rookie had the stars watching him.

#After getting off to a slow start, the 18-year-old Dean got really hot to become the youngest Home Run King and the second consecutive Bahamian to keep the title at home.

#BJ Murray Jr, an infielder with the Chicago Cubs’ minor league affiliate, got eliminated in the first round of his title defence. Dean, in a real close encounter, edged out Will Benson of the Cincinnati Reds minor league affiliate 8-7 in the final showdown. Dean, a 6-foot, 2-inch infielder admitted that there was a lot of pressure, but the crowd cheering him on helped to propel him over the top. “It feels great. It’s good to get the title placed around my neck,” Dean said. “I just wanted to put on a show, perform and do my best.”

#Dean said once he was told how many he had when he tied Benson, he knew with about three shots left, he had a chance to eventually secure the title. “I can’t wait for next year,” said Dean, as he vowed to defend his title in 2024.

#Prior to the back-to-back feat by Murray Jr and Dean, the title left town with MJ Melendez in 2021, Lewis Brinson in ‘20 and Bo Bichette, the only two-time winner in 2018- 19. With every cheer he got from the fans, Dean said he was inspired to hit another long ball over the home run boundary in the water in Montagu Bay.

#As for any celebrations for this year’s feat, Dean said he doesn’t know what he will do, but he’s eager to enjoy whatever his family and friends have planned for him.

#Albert Cartwright, a former minor league player turned coach, pitched the balls to Dean. He was appreciative of the opportunity, just as he was to congratulate his long-time friends Isaacs Jr and Fox for putting on another successful event.

#“It was a pleasure to come here and pitch for the Home Run Derby and to do it for the champion,” Cartwright said. “It puts the Bahamas in the spotlight, especially with another champion being crowned.

#“But Todd and Lucius and Todd Sr did a tremendous job in keeping this event alive. It was a lot of fun. We had so many people out here watching an event that they would only get to see on TV with so many stars participating.”

#A disappointed Benson, in his only comments after his defeat, noted that “they cheated. I was supposed to win, but it was a hometown decision,” but the 25-year-old native of Atlanta, Georgia opted not to elaborate.

#Sebastian Walcott, another 18-year-old rookie, who signed with the Texas Rangers – a 6-3 shortstop – said he really wanted to get his shot at the final, but while his time to shine was delayed, he rejoiced with Dean.

#“Just being in this atmosphere is really exciting. This is my first time being in it, so I really enjoyed it,” he said.

#“But Breyias is my boy. He had to bring it home for the 242. We couldn’t let the team title and the individual title leave the 242.”

#Despite falling short in the preliminary rounds, Murray Jr said it was all about having fun.

#The third baseman returned to the stage as a champion, having helped his Tennessee Smokies clinch the Double-A Southern League title in September.

#“I’m glad to see Breyias win and people like Sebastian (Walcott) put on a show for the public,” Murray Jr said. “It was good to support the boys in the final rounds. Shout out to the Bahamas.”

#Here’s how they manoeuvred during the rounds:

#Preliminary round

#Team World – Will Benson (Cincinnati Reds) and Lewis Brinson (Yomiuri Giants) both with 11; Josh Palacios (Pittsburgh Pirates) 10; Lawrence Butler (Oakland Athletics) eight; Ritchie Palacios (St Louis Cardinals) seven; James Wood (Washington Nationals) and Akil Badoo (Detroit Tigers) both with six; Brennen Davis (Chicago Cubs) five; Termarr Johnson Pittsburgh Pirates) four;

#Bahamas – Breyias Dean (Miami Marlins) and Sebastian Walcott (Texas Rangers) – nine each; Ryan Reckley (San Francisco Giants) eight; Kristin Munroe (Los Angeles Angels) seven; Chavez Young (Pittsburgh Pirates) and D’Shawn Knowles (Texas Rangers) six each; Paris Johnson (LA Dodgers) five; Adari Grant (St Louis Cardinals) four and Toby Simmons (Miami Marlins) and Cheriff Neymour (Miami Marlins) one each.

#Semifinal

#Bahamas – Breyias Dean (Miami Marlins) 10 and Sebastian Walcott (Texas Rangers) six.

#Team World – Will Benson (Cincinnati Reds) nine; Josh Palacios (Pittsburgh Pirates) eight and Lewis Brinson (Yomiuri Giants) six.

#Final

#Bahamas – Breyias Dean (Miami Marlins) eight. Team World – Will Benson (Cincinnati Reds) seven.

LOS Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) grabs a rebound next to Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) and guard Buddy Hield (7) during the second half of the championship game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament on Saturday in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

As of Monday, December 11, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#CHAVANO “Buddy” Hield, who was linked to trade rumours with the Los Angeles Lakers, watched as LeBron James and Anthony Davis put on a show to dismantle his Indiana Pacers to claim the first National Basketball Association’s In-Season Tournament title.

#While both James and Davis said it was all about being the first to do it, the Lakers were all motivated by the hefty $500,000 that each player pocketed as a Christmas gift for their 123-109 triumph over the Pacers on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

#It was another cause for celebrations for the Lakers and their die-hard fans as they added the inaugural IST to the crown of the league’s first NBA “bubble” in 2020 during the shortened season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Los Angeles, coached by Darvin Ham, ended up with a perfect 7-0 win-loss record in the tournament, while Indiana, coached by Rick Carlisle, dropped to 6-1. Despite their loss, Hield and his Pacers, led by rising star Tyrese Haliburton, collected a credible $200,000 each for their efforts at the much-anticipated finale of the month-long tournament that the NBA hopes to make an annual addition to its schedule.

#If there was any consolation for Hield, he will be remembered for hitting the first shot on a three-pointer from an assist from Haliburton with just 38 seconds gone on the clock in the first quarter.

#However, Hield only managed to score eight points without hitting a three-pointer. The Grand Bahamian native finished with eight points, five rebounds and four assists as their starting shooting guard.

#Haliburton, who is projected to be a superstar in the league, had 20 points with 11 assists to pace the Pacers. Benedict Mathurin also had 20 points and Aaron Nesmith chipped in with 15.

#Indiana advanced to the final after they dismantled the Milwaukee Bucks 128- 119 on Wednesday in their semifinal match-up. They just didn’t have the energy to match against Los Angeles, who led from start to finish.

#Davis ignited the Lakers with an impressive 41 points and 20 rebound performance, but it was James who took the spotlight when he was named the tournament most valuable player.Throughout the tournament, in which the voting took place for the MVP honours, James averaged 26.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.6 steals and shot 56.8% from the field and 60.6% on 3-pointers.

#The Lakers won despite making just 2 of 13 3-pointers, but were 47 of 88 from the floor (53.4%).

#Using their size advantage, they also controlled the boards with a huge difference margin of 55-32.

#The NBA’s fourth ranked Pacers from behind the three-point arc were simply cold as they connected on just 10 of 41 of their 3-pointers as a team.

#The game drew a lot of celebrities, including basketball Hall of Famers Julius Erving and Shaquille O’Neal, football Hall of Famers Tim Brown and Shannon Sharpe, former tennis star Steffi Graf, former boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr., chef Bobby Flay, rapper Flavor Flav and members of the two-time champion Las Vegas Aces, including WNBA Finals MVP A’ja Wilson.

#Hield and the Pacers will be in Detroit tonight to start a four-game road swing as they try to improve on their 12-8 fifth place standings in the Eastern Conference. The Lakers, who don’t play again until Tuesday when they head to Dallas to face the Mavericks, are also in fifth in the Western Conference at 14-9.

#Both teams are riding a three-game winning streak before taking a break for the IST.

THE Baha Mar Cup – annual tennis extravaganza – raised $120,000 which was the highest total amount raised for the event at the Baha Mar Racquet Club over the weekend.

As of Monday, December 11, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Baha Mar Cup returned to the sporting paradise for the fourth time at the Baha Mar Racquet Club over the weekend.

#Professional tennis players, including Victoria Azarenka, Jessica Pegula, Taylor Townsend, James Blake, Austin Krajicek and Mark Knowles took the courts at the three-day event in support of the Baha Mar Resort Foundation and Mark Knowles Children’s Tennis Initiative.

#The annual tennis extravaganza raised $120,000 which was the highest total amount raised for the event.

#Josh Herman, senior vice president of marketing at Baha Mar, was impressed with the fourth hosting of the Baha Mar Cup at the renowned resort. “We were thrilled to raise $120,000 to benefit the Baha Mar Foundation and Mark Knowles Children’s Initiative. That is the most we have ever raised at this event. It really is designed to work in connection with Mark and benefit the community here.

#“We resurfaced several courts last year and we are trying to figure out the best way to put the money to work here in the community and toward the growth of tennis,” Herman said.

#With the event completely sold out in its fourth year, Herman talked about the continued growth of the annual tennis event.

#“Sports tourism is a growing part of our business. We just hosted Baha Mar Hoops and are excited to do the Baha Mar Cup in its fourth year. This is the biggest one we have ever had, it was 100 per cent sold out this year with people coming from as far as Singapore to support us here. Our goal is to continue to expand a number of events we do and use them as a vehicle to drive visibility for The Bahamas and Baha Mar.

#“We want to provide a fun and exciting environment and look forward to its growth every year,” he said.

#The professional players participated in a Pro-Am tournament along with a pro exhibition on Saturday which was followed by a successful kids’ clinic on Sunday morning.

#Townsend, a four-time Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) doubles title holder, shared how pleased she was with her first time experience at the Baha Mar Cup.

#“It was super fun. I think I made it a little bit different than they have ever had it before. We had a lot of fun but after playing five hours my arm is a little sore but it was very exciting,”she said.

#The 2023 French Open doubles finalist commended the Mark Knowles Children’s Tennis initiative for its contributions to the tennis community over the years.

#“I love Mark and his whole family. I was always very intrigued by him being from The Bahamas and representing The Bahamas while always maintaining that throughout his career which I think is amazing because there are sometimes where people would switch but him keeping his Bahamian roots was always so important. It is just so nice to know him for so many years and be connected to this to see how his initiative and programme is growing. I am really so happy and proud to be a part of this,” she added.

#Pegula, who is currently the fourth ranked American in singles and eighth in doubles, made it to her second Baha Mar Cup and was very happy with the event’s success. “It has been amazing. I think this year there were more people involved which is great to see, hopefully that means we are raising more money for the community here, it’s been really fun and I enjoyed it this year,” the three-time major singles quarterfinalist said.

#Among the other first-timers were former no.1 ranked doubles player Krajiceck who thought the experience was second to none.

#“It is an absolutely beautiful place, my wife and I had a wonderful time and then to be able to help out for a cause like this and help Mark at this charitable event is really special for us so anytime we could give back and help its fun,”

#“It’s been fun from the beginning. We had a great pro am tournament yesterday morning and then a fun exhibition,” he said.

#The Baha Mar Cup concluded on Sunday with a kids’ clinic which included some players from the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA).