GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION SOFTBALL & BASEBALL

As of Wednesday, November 23, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#The Government Secondary Schools Sports Association will begin its best-of-three softball and baseball championship series today at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, although there’s still some unfinished business to be completed before it all unfolds.

#The GSSSA still has some matches in the sudden death playoffs to be completed today just before the finals get underway. Those games not completed had to be delayed because time expired before they were finished yesterday.

#Senior Boys Baseball

#Finals

#RM Bailey vs CR Walker

#After losing their only game of the season by default, the Pacers earned the rights to avenge the defeat at the hands of the undefeated Knights when they clash in the finals.

#RM Bailey, behind the clutch pitching of ace Ladanian McKenzie, held off the CV Bethel Stingrays 4-3 in their sudden playoff yesterday to secure their much-anticipated showdown against CR Walker.

#“Today, we came out and performed. We were missing one of our key players, Tajarie Wilson, but the guys stepped it up,” said Clifton Carey, the head coach for the Pacers.

#“Everyone counted us out at the beginning of the season. But we came together and we did it today to get into the championship. We’re looking forward to playing CR Walker. Red vs red.”

#McKenzie, a 15-year-old 10th grader, said he was willing and ready to carry the team.

#“We just need to make some adjustments for CR Walker, but we feel we can beat them,” he said. “I know I will be ready. I’m looking forward to the championship.”

#The Knights blanked the CC Sweeting Cobras 8-0 to earn their berth in the final. They started the game on Friday when they took a 6-0 lead, but it was delayed until Monday when they finished it off.

#Coach Tia Rolle said just as they did during the regular season, they are hoping to remain undefeated, having not lost a title in the past nine years.

#“We don’t know what RM Bailey has to bring. We know that they are a pretty good defensive team with a good pitcher,” Rolle said. “I have a deep line-up with pitchers. Out of my nine players on the field, six of them can go on the field and pitch. We’re waiting for RM Bailey.”

#Senior girls softball

#CR Walker vs Doris Johnson

#The Knights pulled off a 1-0 win over CV Bethel in their playoff yesterday, but Aikia Rose, who has been coaching the Knights since 2018, said if CR Walker wins another title, they will have to play much better than they did. “We had a pretty good start off, but we had a few errors. If we can get these errors together, we can win the championship,” Rose said. “We have to come with a strategy against them. I can’t tell my strategy out loud, but we will be ready for them.”

#The Mystic Marlins knocked off CC Sweeting 4-1 to get into the final.

#Junior boys baseball final

#AF Adderley waiting

#While the Fighting Tigers remained undefeated to get into the final, they are waiting on their opponents, who will come from the match-up between SC McPherson and HO Nash that will be completed today.

#The Sharks took a 4-0 lead into the bottom of the second when the game was halted due to darkness on Tuesday. For AF Adderley, head coach Vincent Sullivan said they are on a mission and it doesn’t matter who they get to face.

#“We are a pretty good team. We had a pretty decent season,” he pointed out.

#“We accomplished our first goal that we set at the beginning of the season, which was to win the pennant. We did that and now we’re set for the championship and the work begins.”

#Considering this as a new season after going 7-0 during the regular season, Sullivan said they will have to continue to play up to par, or they could lose it all against either the Sharks or the Lions.

#Junior girls softball

#HO Nash waiting

#After demolishing TA Thompson 15-3 in their playoff game yesterday, the Lions will have to wait until today to see who their opponents in the final will be.

#CH Reeves and LW Young played to a 4-4 tie until the game was halted due to darkness.

#For HO Nash, after winning the pennant with a 7-0 undefeated regular season, coach April Styles-Rolle said they have been preparing for the long haul and should be in good condition to go after the title.

#“We have a lot of cleaning up to do before we start the championship, but I know my girls are capable of doing it,” Styles-Rolle said.

#“I know what we are capable of doing and I’ve seen the other teams.

#“Once we can keep our head in the game, we can come out victorious. We have an outstanding pitcher and she will be a star in the future. So I want to the public to look out for her.”

#Jerniah Frazer, a 14-year-old ninth grader at HO Nash, said she’s looking forward to taking the Lions to the promised land.

#“I am very pleased and very happy that I was able to pitch against every team and still come out victorious,” Frazer said.

#“I’ve been practicing with my team, making sure that I am in shape. I know we can win it all this year.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/23/best-3-championship-series-begin-today/?news

As of Thursday, November 24, 2022

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#By AARON BEARD

#AP Basketball Writer

#PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas (AP) — Santiago Vescovi scored all 13 of his points after halftime and sparked the clinching run that helped No. 22 Tennessee beat Butler 71-45 on Wednesday night in the first round of the Battle 4 Atlantis.

#Vescovi hit three 3-pointers during a 17-1 run that blew the game open for the Volunteers (3-1), who shot 53% after halftime. Tennessee led 28-23 at the break, then responded when Butler got within a basket with the big run that pushed the Vols to an 18-point lead midway through the second half.

#Julian Phillips added 11 points for Tennessee, which had to go without leading scorer Josiah-Jordan James (13.7) due to soreness in his left knee. He had an offseason procedure on that same joint.

#Jayden Taylor scored 18 points with four 3s to lead the Bulldogs (3-2), who shot just 31.9%. That also included a pair of costly droughts, first by going the last 5:05 of the first half without a field goal and then the seven second-half minutes as Tennessee made its move.

#Leading just 36-34, Phillips got the run started with a driving basket, then Vescovi followed with a 3 from the left wing off an inbounds pass.

#That got Vescovi going. He followed with another 3 from the right corner off a kickout feed from Zakai Zeigler, then hit a third from the right wing off another feed from Zeigler.

#By the time Vescovi jumped Eric Hunter Jr.’s pass and scored on a runout, Tennessee led 53-35 with 9:15 left.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/24/tennessee-beats-butler/?news

As of Thursday, November 24, 2022

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#PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas (AP) — Boogie Ellis scored 21 of his 27 points after the break to help Southern California beat BYU 82-76 in yesterday’s first round of the Battle 4 Atlantis.

#The 27 points tied a career high for Ellis, who made all five of his shots and 11 of 13 free throws after halftime for the Trojans (4-1). With the guard leading the way, USC made 18 of 29 shots (62.1%) after the break, turning a 31-30 halftime lead into a double-digit margin by the 13-minute mark and ultimately an 18-point bulge with about five minutes left.

#From there, the Trojans had some trouble protecting that cushion — and the ball — as the Cougars tried to rally.

#BYU got a 3-pointer from Rudi Williams followed by an immediate one from Jaxson Robinson after a 5-second violation on USC, then Robinson struck again from the right corner to suddenly cut the deficit to 75-67 with 1:38 left.

#But the Cougars, while continuing to keep the pressure on, got no closer until the final 15 seconds when the outcome was largely decided.

#Drew Peterson added 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for the Trojans.

#Spencer Johnson scored 18 points to lead BYU (3-2), which missed 13 of 18 shots to start the second half as USC made its move out of the break.

#Robinson added 16 while Williams had 15 points for BYU.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/24/ellis-usc-beat-byu/?news

ROSAMUNDE Carey and her 21st Century Athletic team of officers are pictured above.

As of Thursday, November 24, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#WHILE the others did it through social media, Rosamunde Carey and her 21st Century Athletic team had an official launch on Friday to introduce their slate of officers to the public for the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ general elections.

#With the elections set for 10am on Saturday, December 3 at Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, Carey and her team were introduced at the Canon Neil Roach Center at Holy Cross Anglican Church on Soldier Road.

#She indicated that after making history as the first female to be elected as president of the BAAA in 2017, she’s eager and ready to serve again.

#“We, the candidates of 21st Century Athletics, align ourselves with the trajection of the upward mobility witnessed in 2017,” she said.

#“Our vision is immersed in ensuring the continual success and resurgence of athletics within the Bahamas.”

#Over the past several months, Carey said she and her team of competent, dedicated, energetic and innovative individuals, have canvassed and engaged, but more importantly, they listened to the athletic community and the stakeholders.

#“Similar to our parent organisation, World Athletics, who have engaged in an investigative initiative called the Global Conversation, we too, have taken that approach,” Carey said. “We have and will continue to engage coaches, athletes, the athletes’ representatives, parents, officials and corporate sponsors.

#“Our engagements with you were international and were designed for us to hear your concerns, ideas, suggestions, and recommendations. As a result of these conversations, we have gained a deeper appreciation and greater understanding of the challenges you face, furthermore, they helped to identify opportunities to the effect needed changes.”

#Her executive team include Olympian Carl Oliver for first vice president, Grand Bahamian Sandra Laing for second vice president of finance, former athlete/coach Cedricka Rolle, vice president of business operations, Verna Bonaby, vice president of public relations and marketing and coach Bernard Newbold, vice president of technical operations. Vying for council members are the following:

#Patrick Adderley, entrepreneur

#Stephen Murray, veteran coach and current councillor

#Nurse Jackie Rolle – medical team

#Ramon Miller – Olympian

#Nickito Johnson – veteran educator and coach

#Jason Larimore – veteran coach

#Daphne Saunders – former CARIFTA standout

#Carey listed the 10 core themes that her 21st Century Athletics Team have identified is needed to be addressed immediately once they are elected.

#The list is made up of the following:

#Strong Administration/ Good governance.

#Effective Communication with all stakeholders.

#Improved stakeholders relations – both public and private.

#Rules and regulations (policies and processes)

#Branding.

#Procedural adherence in all meetings (Roberts Rule).

#Faire and equitable selections of athletes and coaches for teams.

#Clearly defined roles for administrators.

#Standardisation of measurable plans for talent identification and development programmes and strategic forecasting.

#Revitalisation of relay teams and relay camps. Carey said if they can achieve those things, they can take the BAAA and track and field to the next level, not just in the Bahamas but on the international scene.

#She charged that her 21st Century Athletic Team remains a team united and consistent in their vision and belief for a better BAAA.

#She invited the rest of the track and field fraternity to support and collaborate with them on this journey.

#This weekend, the 21st Century Athletic Team will be taking their campaign to Grand Bahama where they will hold a brunch and mingle from 11am to 1pm on Saturday at the Bishop Michael Eldon School on Beachway Drive and East Sunrise Highway.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/24/rosamunde-carey-and-21st-century-athletic-team-int/?news

THE UNIVERSITY of Mississippi Rebels lost to the number 17-ranked Utah Utes last night in the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championships. Photo: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

As of Thursday, November 24, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#IN what turned out to be a dramatic finish to a great Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championships last night at Baha Mar, the number 17-ranked Utah Utes held off the University of Mississippi Rebels 69-67 on a three-point play with just six seconds left on the clock.

#As Utes’ Kennac McQueen attempted to shoot the basket, she was fouled by Rebels’ Angel Baker. McQueen went to the line and missed the first charity shot, but converted the next two to seal the deal.

#Ole Miss, coached by Bahamian Yolett McPhee- McCuin, attempted one last shot by Snudda Collins, but she missed as the buzzer sounded. Utah remained undefeated to win the title, while the Rebels dropped their first game of the season to finish as the runners-up.

#“I shot a million free throws, so it was moments like these that you live for,” said McQueen, who was 4-for-5 from the foul line as she ended up with a total of 10 points. “I missed the one, but I knew I was only to hit the next two. I had confidence on the line.”

#Utah’s coach Lynne Roberts said it was a hard-fought game, but while Ole Miss played a physical game, she’s just happy that they won.

#“We didn’t play the style we liked to play. We didn’t shoot well and we got out-rebounded but we still found a way to win,” she said. “So I’m really proud of our team. Very impressed with Ole Miss, but it was a great win.”

#McPhee-McCuin, who had a large cheering squad in the gym, said it was not what they anticipated, but she’s still super proud of her Rebels.

#“It felt like an NCAA Tournament game. That’s a NCAA team. I feel like we have a chance to be the same,” she said. “I was super proud of my team. Everybody counted us out. We lost a draft pick and we had a lot of new pieces.

#“But just to watch them step up and make big plays and being home in the crowd having our back. That was why we were in the game and got to take the lead. It was a lot of teaching moments in November. We got better, so for that I’m proud.”

#Alissa Pili was simply sensational for the Utes as she powered inside for a game high 21 points with nine rebounds.

#Jenna Johnson had 16 points and 10 rebounds, while McQueen and Gianna Kneepkens both had 20.

#In a losing effort, Ole Miss got 18 points with eight rebounds from Marquesha Davis, Collins had 16 points, Baker contributed 13 points with five rebounds and four steals and Myah Taylor helped out with 10 points, five assists and four rebounds.

#Before the drama unfolded at the end, Collins hit a jumper for a 67-67 tie with 19.5 left.

#With 1:24 to go, Pili got a reverse lay-up to give Utah a 67-63 lead after Dasia Young canned a three-pointer, but Baker converted a pair of free throws for a 67-65 Ole Miss deficit.

#Utah took a 56-55 lead on Dasia Young’s three-point play, but Collins canned a three-pointer and Baker added another to push Ole Miss out front 61-56 with about six minutes to go. Two minutes later, Utah came within one, 61-60.

#In the third quarter after the Utes drew even at 39-39, the Rebels went up 46-39, only to watch as the game was tied again at 48-46. Ole Miss maintained the lead as they held onto a 52-50 advantage at the end of the third quarter.

#With 1:06 left before intermission, Collins completed a three-point play as Ole Miss went up 35-31, but Utah’s basket at the other end cut the lead in half (35-33) at the half.

#Collins and Davis both had nine points to pace the Rebels in the first two periods. Taylor had seven and Scott six.

#The Rebels had to rally from a seven-point, 26-19 deficit, with about seven minutes to go before they took the lead at the half.

#Despite falling behind, Johnson had 11 for Utah.

#In the first quarter, Utah opened an 11-8 lead at about the four-minute mark, but Ole Miss managed to trim the margin down to one (20-19) at the end of the first break.

#Three other games were played prior to the final with a summary of each one listed below:

#Kentucky 70, Dayton 44: The Wildcats had three players in double figures, led by Robyn Benton with 15 points with two rebounds, Ajae Petty had 12 points, six rebounds sand two steals and Jada Walker had 11 points and three steals.

#In a losing effort for the short-handed Flyers, who were winless in their two games, Mariah Perez scored a game high 16 points with 10 rebounds and three blocks. Maliya Perry added nine points with five rebounds.

#Kentucky led 17-12 at the end of the first quarter and they never relinquished the lead.

#Virginia Tech 73, Missouri 57: Kayana Taylor led three Hokies players in double figures with 18 points, six rebounds and four assists. Elizabe Kitley added 17 points and 20 rebounds and Georgia Amoore chipped in with 15 points, six assists and three rebounds in their second win of the tournament.

#Haley Troup scored a game high 21 points with three rebounds and Hayley Frank had eight points with four rebounds in a losing effort for the Tigers.

#Alabama 61, Wake Forest 58: Megan Abrams paced the Crimson Tide’s attack with 14 points as they got their first win the of the tournament. Brittany Davis had 12 points and seven rebounds and Jada Rice added 11 points.

#Demeara Hinds scored a game high 18 points with 10 rebounds to lead the Deacons, who leave winless.

#Jewel Spear had 26 points and seven rebounds and Kaia Harrison added 12 points and four assists in the loss.

#Missouri Tigers def. Wake Forest Deacons 69-47, University of Utah Utes def. the Alabama Crimson Tides 93-68 and the Virginia Tech Hokies def. Kentucky Wildcats 82-74.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/24/ole-miss-rebels-lose-two-points-pink-flamingo-cham/?news

As of Thursday, November 24, 2022

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#BSAA Volleyball Champions Crowned

#THE Bahamas Scholastic Athletic Association completed its best-of-three volleyball championships on Tuesday at the Tom “The Bird” Grant in Yellow Elder.

#Junior Boys

#Teleos Christian School Cherubims def. the Believers Faith Christian Academy 21-12, 21-14 to complete a sweep of their series. Joshua Bernadin of Teleos was the most valuable player.

#Senior Girls

#CV Bethel Stingrays def. Teleos Christian School 26-24, 20-25, 15-13 to win the series 2-1.

#Pasha Johnson and Danielle McCoy of CV Bethel were the MVPs.

#Senior Boys

#CV Bethel Senior High def. Teleos Christian Academy 25-9, 25-20 to win the series 2-1. Sadeki Hendricks and Rochi Desamours of CV Bethel were the MVPs.

#BCA General Meeting

#THE Bahamas Chess Federation has announced that the annual general meeting will take place at 3pm on Sunday at the J Whitney Pinder Building next to Colina and Doctors Hospital on Collins Avenue.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/24/sports-notes/?news

As of Thursday, November 24, 2022

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#THE excitement is building for the upcoming launch of the 50th CARIFTA Games 2023, to be held here in the Bahamas from April 7-10, 2023.

#As the region looks to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Caricom and The Bahamas, its 50th Golden Jubilee Independence Celebrations, the 50th Anniversary of the CARIFTA Games is a welcomed addition to the planned celebrations.

#Governing organisations such as NACAC, led by Mike Sands, president, BAAA, led by Drumeco Archer, president, and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, led by the Hon. Minister Mario Bowleg, are excited with the preparations and potential of this latest rendition of the Carifta Games. The Carifta Games, since its inception from 1972, has been an incubator that has created Olympic and World Class athletes throughout the region. Many of which have taken to the world stage and awed the global family by their illustration of dedication, passion, discipline, and love for their respective events.

#The 50th Carifta Games Local Organizing Committee (LOC), led by CEO, Lynden Maycock, has designed the events leading up to next year’s occasion to highlight, present and past athletes that have contributed to the development of the Carifta Games all-encompassing history. A part these events include an International Press conference, scheduled Wednesday, November 30th, at 10:00 am with a Pre-show streaming live at 9:30 am.

#Additionally, the Official Launch will occur the following day at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium at 6pm, with a Carifta 50 Live, preshow at 4:30 pm, hosted by local media personality, Shenique Miller. The pre-show events will include entertainment that includes, the Royal Bahamas Defense Force Band, the All-Star Band, the World-Famous Bahamas Brass Band and a Junkanoo Rush Out.

#The Official Launch will include the re-launch of the Legend’s Walk, where Olympian and World Athletic champions, Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Stephen Gardiner and Anthonique Strachan, will be honored and added to the Legend’s Walk.

#The event will also highlight the past athletes who have been Austin Sealy Award recipients for The Bahamas.

#The event is free to the public and will have food sold on site.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/24/excitement-building-50th-carifta-games-2023-bahama/?news

THE LW Young Golden Eagles in action against the HO Nash Lions in junior girls softball action yesterday. The Lions won 18-2.

As of Thursday, November 24, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#The CR Walker Knights, Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins, AF Adderley Fighting Tigers and HO Nash Lions all prevailed with game one victories in their respective Government Secondary Schools Sports Association best-of-three baseball and softball championship series.

#Game two in all series will continue today at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

#Senior boys baseball

#RM Bailey 1,

#CR Walker Knights 0

#In the much anticipated pitcher’s duel, Ladanian McKenzie got the win after Iverson Laguerre scored the only run of the game in the fourth inning.

#McKenzie, holding on for the win, had nine strikeouts, the same as losing pitcher Kendal Brown.

#“I’m satisfied with how they played,” said RM Bailey’s coach Clifton Carey. “We got the pitching match-up that we expected, but we were better prepared for this game than they were.”

#Carey, however, said he knows that it will not be a walk in the park as they go for the sweep today and he indicated that he expects to have his team firing on all cylinders.

#Senior girls softball

#Doris Johnson 16,

#CR Walker 2

#In the continuation of their perfect season, the Mystic Marlins didn’t hold anything back as they slaughtered the Knights, producing a pair of eight runs in the first and second innings. CR Walker could only muster two runs in the first inning. Grace Chea, who provided some of the offensive spark, was the winning pitcher.

#Vanessa Sawyer was tagged with the loss. “They did very well. In the past few weeks, our batting was a little shaky, but we worked on that and they came out and batted very well today (yesterday),” said Zania Kemp, the head coach of CV Bethel. “I expect us to continue that intensity in game two. We’re looking to bring home another win. We have the potential to win. We just have to go out there and do it.”

#Junior boys baseball

#SC McPherson 5,

#HO Nash 1

#After pulling off a 5-1 victory in the earlier game to complete the playoffs, the SC McPherson Sharks didn’t have any steam left to face the undefeated AF Adderley Fighting Tigers in game one, scoring two runs in the first, one in the third and five more in the fourth.

#Mario Dean got the win in relief for Justin Colebrooke. Michael Lopez suffered the loss.

#“I feel pretty good. I’m satisfied with how we played. We had good pitching. Our first pitcher went about couple innings and then we brought in our next pitcher and he kept up the intensity,” said Fighting Tigers’ coach Vincent Sullivan. “We have to come back for game two. Our mission is not complete. We have to finish it off.”

#Sullivan said they will come out with the same intensity and hopefully that will enable them to secure another win. But he cautioned his players, reminding them that they have to play in order to win because SC McPherson won’t just give it to them..

#Junior girls softball

#HO Nash 18,

#LW Young 2

#The Golden Eagles survived the completion of their playoff game earlier in the day with a 6-4 decision over the CH Reeves Raptors. But they were simply no match for the Lions in game one of the final.

#Jermiah Frazer came through with another big performance on the mound for the win, while Brianna Knowles was tagged with the loss. “We played very well today,” said catcher Jada Frazer. “I didn’t expect my hit because I was getting walked, so when I got the inside of the parker, I was very happy.”

#She said they are confident that they will take game two today.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/24/gsssa-finals-underway/

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 Home|Sports|Prestigious Caribbean Baseball Cup set for NassauSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailNovember 23, 2022 276 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Within days, the prestigious Caribbean Baseball Cup will stage its fourth annual competition on Bahamian soil, thanks to the Bahamas Baseball Association (BBA).

Senior league baseball action returns to Nassau in a big way on Sunday December 4 when Team Bahamas faces Caribbean powerhouse teams from Cuba, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and Curacao – the tournament’s defending champions.

During the week-long competition, there will be three games per day at the new Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium in the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre. This is the fourth annual Caribbean Baseball Cup, but it’s the first time it’s being held here in The Bahamas.

After addressing the media during the Office of the Prime Minister’s weekly briefing, members of the BBA’s local organizing committee (LOC) paid a courtesy call on Governor General Sir Cornelius Smith, who expressed appreciation for their voluntary work to the success of the Caribbean Baseball Cup.

Led by BBA President Sam Rodgers and the association’s secretary general Theodore Sweeting, the LOC members included Lyrone Burrows, Jennifer Isaacs, Mario Ford, Judy Charlton, and chief umpire Martin “Pork” Burrows.

The courtesy call was organized by Tommy Stubbs, member of the Governor General Volunteer Bahamas (GGVB) Committee, who is also spearheading the promotion for the upcoming baseball tournament. GGVB members in attendance were Arthurnique Jones, Anthony “Ace” Newbold and Sandena Neely, also of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

The governor general told the group that The Bahamas can never compensate them for their contributions to this and other efforts over the years, and encouraged them to train the youth to follow in their footsteps. He said he envisions baseball returning as the No.1 sport in The Bahamas.

Making up Team Bahamas will be some of the finest Bahamian players assigned to Major League Baseball (MLB) minor system and attending US colleges. The team manager is Geron Sands.

When the tournament ends on Sunday, December 11, two teams will qualify to compete at next year’s Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in San Salvador, El Salvador, to which the governor general asked: “Who will be the other team”? He certainly expects Team Bahamas to qualify.

https://thenassauguardian.com/prestigious-caribbean-baseball-cup-set-for-nassau/

 Home|Sports|St. Fleur scores winning goal for The Bahamas; improves to 2-0Sports

Simba FrenchSend an emailNovember 23, 2022 293 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Bahamas senior men’s national beach soccer team improved to a 2-0 win/loss record in the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Sea and Beach Games on Tuesday, coming from behind to take down Mexico, 2-1, at the Beach Soccer Stadium in Santa Marta, Colombia.

This is the inaugural year for the event, and there are 650 athletes from 26 countries participating. Also being contested are beach wrestling, open water swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, beach rugby, handball, skateboarding and tennis.

Head coach for The Bahamas Nesly Jean said they had to change formation after Mexico scored to take a 1-0 lead in the match.

“We wanted to high press man-to-man and try and get the keeper to do more of the kicking. When we went down, we basically changed formation and also personnel up top. Overall, we limited our mistakes and the team is improving. The players are starting to buy into the different system that we have created,” Jean said.

The Bahamas’ captain Lesly St. Fleur was left wide open on the far post and received a pass from Jaime Thompson. He beat two Mexican defenders on that possession in the final period for the game-winning goal. It seemed as if Mexico forgot to do their scouting report as St. Fleur did what he does best – find the back of the net. The veteran beach soccer player is one of the best in the region. He flicked the ball off his right heel and sent it rolling into the back of the goal at the 4:07 mark to complete the comeback victory for the Bahamian side. It was St. Fleur’s first goal of this tournament.

St. Fleur said that his goal was a result of the hard work they put into their craft in practice. He said it was a counter-attack where he got open and was rewarded on the back post.

“I was by myself. The ball came across and the only thing I had to do was put the icing on the cake and seal the deal. Nothing was going through my head – it was just on me to finish off the game,” St. Fleur said.

Thompson scored the equalizer for The Bahamas one minute earlier at the 5:04 mark. Thompson made a good defensive play and passed the ball to goalkeeper Michael Butler. Thompson ran down the right flank and Butler rewarded that run with an on-target pass that Thompson bicycle-kicked past the Mexican goalkeeper and into the back of the net to tie the game at 1-1. Thompson, who was injured last month and could not play in the Bahamas Beach Soccer Cup Tournament, netted his second goal of the tournament so far.

Jose Morales scored the opening goal for Mexico at the 1:12 mark of the first period.

St. Fleur said that it was good to come away with the win.

“We kept calm throughout the game, knowing that we would score so we played with confidence,” St. Fleur said. The Bahamas showed that their 3-1 win over Colombia in the Bahamas Beach Soccer Cup 2022 was not a fluke as they got a 4-3 victory over the host on Monday in their opening game. Scoring for The Bahamas in that game on Monday were Dwayne Forbes, Jean Francois, Gary Joseph and Thompson. Francois was not available for the game yesterday after picking up a red card against Colombia.

The win yesterday puts The Bahamas at the top of table with six points, having scored six goals and conceding four.

The Bahamas returns to action today when they take on El Salvador at 2:30 p.m. They are hoping to use the two victories from the first two days to give them the momentum they need against a tough El Salvador team.

The Bahamas will be going for its sixth straight win in the region, dating back to October of this year. Their last loss was May 2021 which was a 5-4 setback against Mexico.

https://thenassauguardian.com/st-fleur-scores-winning-goal-for-the-bahamas-improves-to-2-0/