Home|Sports|Crusaders pummel SACSports

They win the BAISS senior boys title, taking the series two games to one

Simba FrenchSend an emailNovember 23, 2022 493 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

After dropping their first game of the season in game two, the Nassau Christian School (NCS) Crusaders senior boys team pummeled the St. Augustine’s College (SAC) Big Red Machine, 20-3, in game three to win the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) senior boys softball title yesterday. They won the best-of-three series two games to one, claiming their third softball championship in Crusaders’ history.

The Freedom Farm Baseball Fields was loud, in particular, by the 

Crusaders’ dugout for most of the night as the game was in their favor from the bottom of the first inning when they scored 12 runs to take a 12-0 lead. They never trailed. This was their most dominant performance in the series having won the first game 26-11 and losing the second one 19-18.

Coach for the Crusaders Ainsworth Beckford thanked his players and the Big Red Machine for a hard fought series.

“For us, last game we started off very poor and it was not Crusaders softball. This game we brought it back – the game we had all season. Tonight, I told them that we are going to play our game which is a patient game. The result was a championship,” Beckford said.

After the Crusaders scored 12 runs in that first inning, the Big Red Machine only managed to put two runs on the board in the top of the second and the game began to look like a runaway one in favor of the Crusaders. In the bottom of the second inning, the Crusaders added four runs to take a 16-2 lead, sending their fans into full celebration mode.

Crusaders’ pitcher and Most Valuable Player (MVP) Jahiem Davis and the Crusaders’ defense kept the Big Red Machine scoreless for four innings after they scored in the second. They gave up the other run in the seventh and final inning.

“When we lost that game last week it was our first loss of the season. That gave me the spirit to fight harder. Coach Beckford told me this is a must-win game and we responded,” Davis said.

Beckford said that Davis really wanted to win this game as his sister Apryl Davis had already won the senior girls title last week for the Crusaders.

“He came here with an intention to follow his sister’s success so he came to pitch a good game this evening. He is in grade 10 and he is going to be dangerous for the next two years. As you just saw, he is the future for us,” Beckford said.

The Crusaders scored three runs in the third inning to take a commanding 19-2 lead. They scored their final run in the bottom of the sixth.

In the junior girls division, SAC swept the Queen’s College (QC) Comets, winning 23-19 in game one and 15-9 in game two. In game two of that series, SAC scored 12 of their 15 runs in the last two innings to pull off the victory. QC could only muster three runs after the third inning.

In the junior boys division, QC swept the Temple Christian Suns two games to none, winning the first game, 11-8, and then completing the sweep with a 15-7 win in game two. The Comets lost their only game of the regular season to SAC, and went into the playoffs as the number two seed. They disposed of the Crusaders in their single elimination playoff game, and easily handled the Suns in the championship series.

In the senior girls division, the Crusaders swept QC two games to none, winning the first game, 14-10, and then completing the sweep with a 4-3 scoreline in game two. After comfortably taking the first game, the Crusaders relied on good pitching and strong defense to get the job done in game two. They finished a perfect 8-0 in the regular season and then disposed of the defending champions St. John’s College Giants in their single elimination playoff game.

It is now the end of the BAISS softball season. They will now turn their attention toward the basketball season that gets underway today.

https://thenassauguardian.com/crusaders-pummel-sac/

 Home|Sports|Providence Storm win basketball tournament on EleutheraSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailNovember 24, 2022 115 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The highlight of National Sports Month thus far has been the Hall of Fame inductions, but capping off the festivities was a basketball jamboree on the island of Eleuthera. The two-day tournament was held in Lower Bogue, North Eleuthera, November 4 and 5.

Taking part in a junior and senior boys basketball tournament, organized by the ‘Loving Basketball’ organization was a number of teams from Eleuthera as well as the Providence Storm junior and senior boys teams from New Providence.

At the end of the day, it was the Providence Storm teams, coached by Mark Hanna, that came out victorious, winning both divisions. The runner-up in the junior boys division was the Harbour Island All-Age School team, coached by Andrew “Tiny” Johnson, and in the open senior boys division, Central Eleuthera High was the runner-up.

The weekend tournament was staged by the ‘Loving Basketball’ organization in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Eleuthera Basketball Association.

Also taking part in the competition was Preston Albury High School, coached by Lucas Armbrister and North Eleuthera High School coached by former National Basketball Association (NBA) player Dexter Cambridge.

Organizers are extending special thanks to Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and his administrative team for their assistance, particularly the Department of Sports, the Eleuthera Basketball Association and its president Dereck Smith and all partners who would have assisted in the staging of the tournament. They are also extending thanks to Member of Parliament (MP) for North Eleuthera Sylvanus Petty and Island Administrator Stephen Wilson.

Lead organizer Ian Bethel said he will be preparing teams to travel to the ‘Bringing Back the Glory’ Boys and Girls Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Basketball Tournament, set for June 2023, in Port Arthur, Texas. He said it is all about getting our young basketball players more opportunities.

https://thenassauguardian.com/providence-storm-win-basketball-tournament-on-eleuthera/

 Home|Sports|NCAA champions Jayhawks tip off Battle 4 Atlantis with a winSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailNovember 24, 2022 111 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Men’s Basketball Champions University of Kansas Jayhawks held off a pesky North Carolina State University Wolfpack team, 80-74, in their opening game of the 11th edition of the Battle 4 Atlantis Men’s Tournament yesterday. The win places the Jayhawks in the semifinals, set for today at 11 a.m. They will take on the Wisconsin Badgers.

The win push Bill Self’s squad to a perfect 5-0 record on the season. Self’s return to the bench came after being suspended for the first four games of the season. This is the second time the Jayhawks are playing in the tournament, having done so in 2013. The Wolfpack was in the tournament in 2017.

Playing inside the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, the Jayhawks’ Gradey Dick was masterful, scoring a career-high 25 points in 35 minutes on the floor. The freshman was the catalyst for the Jayhawks in the first half, going 6-for-9 from the field – all from downtown to finish with 18 points. He flirted with a school record for most made three-pointers in a half which is seven. Dick was perfect from the free throw line going 5-for-5.

Dick, who was happy to have Self on the bench, said that the win showed that they can close out teams.

“I think it really just showed what our team is about and in crunch time, we can come out with tough plays when we really need it,” Dick said.

Both teams shot the ball poorly with the Jayhawks edging out the Wolfpack 41 percent to 39 percent.

Jalen Wilson had a double-double with 19 points and 11 boards while Dajuan Harris came away with 14 points and six assists to go along with three steals for the Jayhawks. Also finishing with a double-double was Kevin McCullar who had 10 points and 11 boards.

Casey Morsell scored 21 points to lead the Wolfpack (4-1), and Terquavion Smith added 19 points.

At the end of the first half, the Jayhawks led 39-31. The game had five lead changes and five ties in the first half. The Wolfpack came out of the intermission on a strong 8-0 scoring run to tie the game at 39-39 with 18:01 left in the second half.

The Jayhawks went up 55-47 with 12:46 left in the game after Wilson sank two free shots. They looked like they might have the separation that they needed but the Wolfpack came knocking on their door once more – this time tying it at 61 points apiece on two made free shots by Jarkel Joiner at the 7:42 mark.

Like they did in the first half, the Jayhawks went on a run and led by eight. They held a 76-68 advantage. The closest the Wolfpack got to them the rest of the way was six points.

Games continue today at noon, and action wraps up on Friday night.

https://thenassauguardian.com/ncaa-champions-jayhawks-tip-off-battle-4-atlantis-with-a-win/

Golden Girls from left to right are Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie, Savatheda Fynes-Coke, Chandra Sturrup, Eldece Clarke and Pauline Davis-Thompson.

As of Tuesday, November 22, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#It was a memorable night on Wednesday for the athletes, who shared centre stage with ‘Golden Girls’ Savatheda Fynes-Coke, Chandra Sturrup, Pauline Davis-Thompson, Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie and Eldece Clarke as they were inducted into the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s 2022 National Sports Hall of Fame.

#It was the 17th induction ceremony since the initial class was enshrined in 1989. After a break, the second induction took place in 2003 and have been held every consecutive year with this year’s ceremony staged at Baha Mar. Governor General Cornelius Smith performed the act.

#While the ‘Golden Girls’ went in as a group of five women who put the Bahamas on the map with back-to-back gold medals at the World Championships in Seville, Spain in 1999 and the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia in 2000, they were joined by 14 individual athletes, two of whom are deceased.

#Each of the inductees, including champion boxers Ray Minus Jr and Stevie ‘the Heat’ Larimore, boxer and executive extraordinaire Wellington Miller, squash player Ivern Davis, softballers Sydney ‘Bobby Baylor’ Fernander and Everette ‘Abe’ Johnson, martial artist Charles Franklyn Adderley, volleyballers Raymond ‘Rhymes’ Wilson and Dr Patricia ‘Patti’ Symonette, bodybuilder Maxine Darville, basketballers Perry Thompson, Fred ‘Slab’ Laing, the late John Terry Wildgoose and bowler Monique Leary, were introduced with an historic review of their past by Kendal Wright, the host of a sports talk show.

GOVERNOR General Cornelius Smith, right, presents Maxine Darville (Bodybuilding) with her certificate during her induction into the Class of 2022 National Sports Hall of Fame. Photos: Moises Amisial/Tribune Staff

#In his response on behalf of the entire group, Wilson took a spiritual perspective from Psalms chapter eight and verse which asked the question: What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? “What is the Bahamas that thou art so mindful of us,” Wilson countered, “and as sons and daughters of the Bahamians that thou visited us.”

#Wilson, a former outstanding basketball player who was honoured for his role as a volleyball player and as coach of the national men’s and women’s national teams that won medals at a number of international events, said their class is loaded with notable performances that included Minus Jr being crowned a champion and the ‘Golden Girls’ stopping the world with their gold medal performances. “We the class of 2022, we thank you, all of you who are here, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Minister Mario Bowleg, our Governor General Cornelius Smith, we thank you so much for what you have done,” he said. “We the class of 2022 leave this with you: ‘the journey continues. March on Bahamaland.’”

Charles Franklyn Adderley (martial arts) receives his induction certificate from Governor General Cornelius Smith. Photo: Moises Amisial/Tribune Staff

#His fellow inductees were all thrilled to have been honoured.

#While Symonette played just about every sport, like Wilson, she too went in for volleyball, but it didn’t matter. She knew she has accomplished enough to get inducted in any sport.

#“It’s humbling because I always tell people, when I was competing in sports, there was no Hall of Famer. You didn’t do it for that. You did it for the love of the game,” she said. “But you really feel good when you have contributed to something that is nation-building and you are recognised for it.”

#She thanked the sports media for providing the coverage that enabled her performance and those of the other honourees to be highlighted to the world.

#“It feels very good. I’m very honoured that the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture recognised me,” said Darville, one of the most prolific female bodybuilders who won numerous national and CAC Championship titles. “It was magical. Just to be recognised.”

#Darville, a personal trainer, said it made her want to get back on stage, but she dares not come out of retirement.

#As a bowler, Leary went around the world dropping the pins to cart off various international titles.

#“It’s a beautiful, beautiful feeling right now. It’s a humbling honour,” said the Grand Bahamian native, who served as president of the Bahamas Bowling Federation. “Sitting there with all of these great people, was just a great feeling.”

#Miller, the long-time president of the Bahamas Boxing Federation after he retired as one of the top heavyweight boxers before he ventured into the Bahamas Olympic Committee as a vice president and president, said he’s reached the pinnacle of sports in the country.

#“This is the highest that I can go into sports in the National Hall of Fame,” he said.

#“I’ve been inducted for administration so it gives other persons to work just as hard when they get involved. You never know what will happen for you.

#“It’s just great to be in this class with the Golden Girls, but especially with Ray Minus Jr and Stevie Larimore. We came up together through boxing. Now look at us. We are all inducted in the same class.”

#Minus Jr, accompanied by his long-time former sparring partner and arch-rival Quincy ‘Thrill-A-Minute’ Pratt, was unable to talk about his triumph as the WBC Continental Americas lightweight, WBA Inter-Continental super lightweight and British Commonwealth bantamweight titles as he was too overwhelmed in his physical condition.

#But Larimore, another boxer honoured, was thrilled. “It’s great to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. I was praying for years that this was going to happen,” said Larimore, who won a Commonwealth Games bronzes medal and held both the WBC Continental Americas lightweight and the British Commonwealth light welterweight titles. “It’s great to be a Hall of Famer for all of my accomplishments in my boxing career. Boxing did well for me.”

#After almost 50 years when he starred as a basketball player, Laing said he never envisioned this day would come.

#“It’s great. I really appreciate this,” he said. “I’m glad that they didn’t overlook me. I’m done playing, but I’m still doing some things in the sport and I will continue to do so.”

#Thompson, a former basketball player who went on to become the head of the perennial kingpins Commonwealth Bank Giants, said he had an awesome experience as a member of the class of 2022.

#“I’m just happy and elated to be here with my family and friends,” he said. “I wish I could suit up again. But God has been good and I’m glad that I was able to make it as a player and as a coach in the sport.”

#Fernander, credited with helping to organise softball in Grand Bahama, also charted the course for both the men’s and women’s national teams, guiding the latter to a third place finish in the World Games in Seattle, Washington, in 1981.

#“I waited a long time, but the one thing, I went down with the Golden Girls. I’m happy that I caught the Golden Girls,” he said. “It was a nice ceremony and I enjoyed it.”

#Also retired from playing fastpitch where he made a name for himself as a power hitting pitcher, Aber Johnson said he’s just glad that he’s still alive to receive his roses and to do it in what he dubbed the “best class” with the ‘Golden Girls.’

#“I’m very happy that I didn’t go in posthumously,” he said. “I really appreciate the fact that I got it. I’m very happy. It’s nothing like smelling your flowers and I’m glad that I got that opportunity. So I’m really happy.”

#For the ‘Golden Girls’, it was a reunion in person, although they stay in touch on social media. “It’s always a pleasure to be appreciated by one’s country, so I would like to thank the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for this honour,” said Clarke, considered the glamour girl of the crew.

#“We can’t wait to go back out to Fish Fry and hang out and do some of the things we did before and have a girls’ time.”

#The veteran of the crew, Davis-Thompson, concurred with Clarke, but took it a bit further.

#“It feels so great to share this honour with so many other distinguished Bahamians, who did so many great things for our country,” she said. “It’s hard to describe the feeling when you put on the Bahamian uniform to represent your country and that is what each of us did. It’s the Bahamas that matters the most.”

#Sturrup, still the women’s national 100m record holder at 10.84 seconds from 2005 in Lausanne, Switzerland, was limited in her reaction as she was remembered for her fast take off as the second leg runner on the relay team.

#“It’s great. My son, Shawn Jr, is here with me, so it’s even more fabulous,” said Sturrup, who now resides in North Carolina where she’s coaching at the high school level. “It was lovely to be back here with the rest of the Golden Girls.”

#Ferguson-McKenzie, now an assistant coach at the University of Kentucky under Bahamian head coach Rolando ‘Lonnie’ Greene, said it’s an honour for her because she remembers how most people got it posthumously. “It was special for us because Chandra and Savatheda and I got a chance to spend some time together reminiscing with your days travelling together to compete and then we got reunited with Eldece and Pauline,” said Ferguson, who anchored the Olympic gold medal relay team.

#“This was so special because we got to sit around with some great people who we watched on TV like Ray Minus Jr. It was just fantastic and give God all thanks for this opportunity and this moment to learn from a lot of them who came before us and hopefully we will have something to pass down to those who come after us.”

#And Fynes, the Abaco native known as one of the fastest starters in the world, said she’s always excited to be home, even this time as she got to celebrate with her former team-mates.

#“There’s always memories. I will always have memories from the time I spent with the ladies and coming here for this event, it’s kind of emotional because it’s a while since we had something to celebrate together,” said Fynes-Coke, who resides in New Jersey with her husband and family.

#Bowleg, in thanking his staff at the Ministry and Governor General Smith for carrying out the induction, said it was a great night for sports in the country.

#“This is one of the strongest representations of athletes we have seen in any of our classes inducted recently,” Bowleg said.

#“This is just my second induction, but when you look at the others, this one was very strong with international performances from the ‘Golden Girls’, bodybuilding, bowling, softball and volleyball.”

#He said he’s just delighted to be the sitting minister to celebrate the performances of the Bahamian athletes.

#Bahamas Olympic Committee president Rommel Knowles had some words of commendation, calling the inductees some of the finest sports icons in the history of the Bahamas as he noted that they all have a story that one would appreciate.

#“Their journeys are all diverse but you would find a singular most prolific thing as an athlete, which is adorning our national uniform and the rising of our Bahamian flag and hearing our national anthem gives one a sense of pride comparable to nothing else in the world,” he summed up.

#Former football player Obie Wilchcombe, the Minister for Social Services, was also on hand to offer his own personal words of congratulations to the inductees, noting how he covered many of their historic performances when he was a reporter at ZNS.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/18/golden-girls-inducted-national-sports-hall-fame/?news

UCF wins Bahamas Championship

As of Monday, November 21, 2022

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#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#THE Central Florida Knights began 10 days of NCAA Division I basketball at the Baha Mar Convention Centre by winning the “Bahamas Championship” tournament title.

#The Knights defeated the Santa Clara Broncos 57-50 last night in the finale.

#Taylor Hendricks was the lone UCF player in double figures with 19 points.

#In a low scoring first half, the Knights’ defence forced 11 turnovers and limited Santa Clara to just 21 percent shooting from the field.

#They took a 25-16 lead at the half and never trailed.

#In game one, the Knights overcame a 17-point deficit and defeated the Oklahoma State Cowboys 60-56 in overtime.

#Head coach Johnny Dawkins said it set the tone for the weekend trip.

#It was the second overtime game for UCF on the young season.

#“What a game, four games in and we have two overtime games,” Dawkins said. “Our guys really had to find a way to dig deep to find a way to win. I’m just proud of our guy’s effort.

#“I thought they played hard, it took us a while to adjust to their length and athleticism.

#“As the game wore on, I feel like we got a little more comfortable and we got back to playing UCF basketball. What a good win for our programme.”

#In the third-place game, Oklahoma State defeated DePaul 82-78 on Sunday afternoon.

#The Knights’ appearance at the Baha Mar Championship was its first time back in The Bahamas since their 2011 appearance at the Battle 4 Atlantis. The women take the floor next with the tip-off of the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship today.

#Five of the eight teams in the field were participants in last year’s NCAA Tournament, including Bahamian native Yolett McPhee-McCuin and her Ole Miss programme.

#The action concludes on Thanksgiving weekend with the eight-team Baha Mar Hoops Nassau Championship.

#The men’s tournament, which is designed strictly for mid-major NCAA Division I programmes, is in its fifth iteration after launching in 2017.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/21/ucf-wins-bahamas-championship/?news

As of Monday, November 21, 2022

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TO mark International Men’s Day under the theme, ‘Make Time for Mates,’ a men’s basketball game was held earlier this month.

#COMMONWEALTH Brewery Limited (CBL) joins the world in celebrating International Men’s Day under the theme, ‘Make Time for Mates.’

#To mark the occasion, a men’s basketball game was held earlier this month.

#Research shows that close friendships and social connections can promote good health.

#This theme aims to highlight the role mateship plays in helping men live longer, better, healthier lives.

#“We believe especially in these times, it is important for men to come together to connect and build each other through positive activities,” CBL said. “At present, males represent 52% of our total workforce. Inclusion, diversity and gender equality are top priorities for CBL.”

#International Men’s Day extends beyond one day. It is a movement of value that deserves celebration and honour.

#“As we forge ahead, CBL is committed to celebrating all men and boys and joining local conversations to support men’s rights, build equitable and inclusive communities and ensure that all men feel valued and respected throughout The Bahamas.”

CALEA Jackson signs her letter of intent to take her discus-throwing talent to the University of Miami where she will compete on the Hurricanes women’s track and field team.

As of Monday, November 21, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AN emotional strongwoman Calea Jackson made it official, signing her letter of intent to take her discus-throwing talent to the University of Miami where she will compete on the Hurricanes women’s track and field team.

#Surrounded by her family and members of the Blue Chips Throwers Club, Jackson inked her name on the dotted line during a ceremony on Saturday at the Empire Fitness Center in Yamacraw.

#The event was proceeded by a junkanoo rush-out from members of the Saxon Superstars.

#“It’s so surreal,” said Jackson after she had to hold back her tears as she thanked everybody in attendance for their support of her career at this point. “I can’t believe that this has happened. I waited so long for it.”

#When asked why she decided to settle on Miami, which is located in Coral Gables and is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division One, she said it was the best choice for her to pursue her academic aspirations in the medical field.

#“It’s kind of surreal, something that I would definitely have to think about, over and over again,” Jackson said. “I have to convince myself about it because it’s still unbelievable.”

#Jackson is a former student of Queen’s College where she got started in the sport under coach Corrington Maycock of the Blue Chips Athletics track club.

#The 17-year-old is a former big time performer for the Queen’s College Comets before she transferred to Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, a private co-educational day and boarding school located in Atlanta, Georgia.

#This year’s CARIFTA Games’ fourth place finisher in the under-20 girls in Kingston, Jamaica with a heave of 147-feet, 3-inches or 44.90 metres, has achieved a personal best of 150-11 (46m) in preparing for lofty goals when she begin her enrollment as a Hurricane at the University of Miami in August, 2023.

#“I definitely want to become an ACC champion at one point, I want to get at least two PBs (personal best) in my first year and I would like to make it to the NCAA Championships, hopefully in my first year,” she said.

#“I’m not satisfied with where I am right now. I know I have a lot to do, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction for me to improve on my collegiate career just as I did in my high school career.”

#Her long-time coach Corrington Maycock, who got her started in the sport rather than getting into dancing, was just as enthused about her commitment to attend UM.

#“Beyond the accolades that they would receive from competing as a track athlete, our goal is to ensure that these athletes get to pursue their dreams of earning an athletic scholarship.

#“We were just here a few months ago for Keyshawn Strachan and now it’s Calea Jackson’s time.

#“Over the next few years, we have quite a number of athletes who have the potential to also get their scholarships, so we just want to make sure that they are ready when their time comes. We know that Calea is definitely ready.”

#On hand to congratulate Jackson was Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations president Drumeco Archer, who took the time out to acknowledge Maycock for helping to revive the throwing events in the field of track.

#“It is something that is noteworthy and remarkable,” said Archer of Maycock, who assisted in the development of throwers like Laquell Harrison, now a coach in Blue Chips Athletics, national record holder and CARIFTA champion Keyshawn Strachan and CARIFTA gold medallist Dior Scott.

#On Jackson’s historic day, Archer said he remembers when she did her first interview and she began to cry. Now looking at her development, he noted that she’s still crying as she moves into another important aspect of her life.

#“She’s not just an amazing athlete, but an amazing individual,” Archer pointed out.

#“She’s not just a world-class athlete, but a world-class student, who has achieved and maintained a 4.0 grade point average and a student who has been sought after by so many universities large and small.

#“The University of Miami has inherited a good woman.”

#Her mother Carla Jackson said she got a video from the coach at the University of Miami in 2017 when her daughter was in grade seven.

#She said she can’t believe that they did it for that long, but the fruit of their labour has finally paid off.

#“I’ve been really hard on her to the point where to this point this year, I started to feel the guilt where she actually started to do what she had to do to get to the point where she needed to be,” mother Jackson said.

#“So I’m so proud of you. You’ve surpassed what I expected. You were just so far beyond that I felt the guilt for what I’ve done to you. There’s nothing else that I can do. You’ve done it all.”

#Jackson expressed her gratitude to all who showed up to support her and even those who were there from the beginning of her career.

#Dwayne Mackey, her stepfather, said he’s just as proud of Jackson’s achievement because he knows the struggles that she went through.

#He said he’s just glad that she chose the University of Miami because having spent some time in Florida, he knows how to get around and she’s going to be in the right place to enhance her career further.

#Looking back at where she came from, a teary-eyed Jackson soaked it all in by expressing her gratitude to her parents, her coach, her team-mates and anybody else who would have supported her from her start to her current stage in her development as one of the top throwers in the island nation.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/21/calea-jackson-signs-university-miami/?news

As of Monday, November 21, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#ON opening night when they didn’t receive their New Providence Basketball Association men’s championship rings, the Discount Distributors Rockets took their frustration out on the runners-up Commonwealth Bank Giants.

#And while they were awarded their division II championship trophies, the Your Essential Store (YERS) Giants knocked off their arch-rivals Produce Express Rockets in the opening game played in the twin bill on Saturday night.

#Before a fairly good crowd inside the AF Adderley Gymnasium, both games were interrupted as a result of the leaky roof as the pouring rain came down on the outside. But that didn’t prevent the two championship teams from shining.

#The Rockets, who were hoping to show off their championship rings that are awarded only to the division one teams, blasted the Giants 105-78 and the Giants, in displaying their championship trophies, knocked off the Rockets 96-76.

#Rockets 105, Giants 78

#For three quarters, the game was relatively close, but once they got into the fourth quarter, Discount Distributors Liquors continued to apply the pressure, turning a 76-68 lead into a lopsided affair.

#The Rockets, adding some more firepower to their line-up, had four players in double figures, led by two members of the recent men’s national basketball team in Abel Joseph with 21 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists and Livingstone Munnings with 20 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two blocks.

#Christoff Stuart had 13 points, three assists and two rebounds, Cordero Pinder helped out with 10 points, three rebounds and two assists, Bertrum Minns and Dion McPhee both had eight points with six and four rebounds respectively.

#Devon Ferguson added seven, Ryan Turnquest six, Crispin Gibson five and although he only scored four points, Roosevelt ‘Chicken’ Whylly pulled down 10 rebounds with eight assists.

#“If I knew we were not going to get our rings, I wasn’t coming out for this game,” said Rebels’ head coach Deven Johnson.

#“Since we didn’t get the rings, we took it out on the Giants. It started off a bit rough, but we made some defensive adjustments in the second half and we came out with a huge win.”

#The Giants actually opened up a 30-23 margin at the end of the first and they held onto a 56-45 advantage at the half. But the Rockets came storming back in the third and the Giants didn’t have any answer for their attack.

#“We feel good about this team. We moved up a few pieces from our division II team and brought in one or two players from other team, so we feel good about our chances this year,” said Johnson, who is assisted by Moses Johnson. “We feel we can defend our title this year.”

#Michael ‘Ferley’ Bain had a game high 22 points, but after landing awkwardly on his hip late in the third quarter, he left the game in the early stages of the fourth and didn’t return.

#He finished with four rebounds, three assists and one block.

#Dylan Musgrove, the most valuable player from their division II Giants team, made his debut in division one with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and as many steals.

#Both Eugene Bain, with seven rebounds, and Christoff McKenzie contributed 11 points and Salathiel ‘Donkey’ Dean had 10 points and five rebounds.

#“As much as we wanted to compete, we were challenged with injuries, but the guys did the best they could under the circumstances,” said Giants’ coach Perry Thompson Sr. “Once we can get everybody back healthy and on the floor, you will see the real Giants team.”

#The Giants were outrebounded 57-44 and they made 19 turnovers, compared to 18 by the Rockets.

#Giants 96, Rockets 76

#After posting a 17-10 lead after the first quarter, Your Essential Store stayed ahead every quarter, going up 43-35 at the half and 64-54 after three periods and they cruised in the fourth.

#Every challenge that Produce Express mounted, including a two-point deficit in the second quarter, YERS had an answer as they stamped their approval on the game, despite missing a couple players.

#Brandon Strachan was solid as a rock as he netted a game high 28 points with 13 rebounds and six steals to pace the Giants.

#Edward Williams had 13 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks, Kirklyn Farrington also had 13 points with four rebounds and four assists.

#Cormado Seymour followed with 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, Kenvon Farrington had 11 points with eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals and both Simar Rolle and Toupetue Cartwright chipped in with seven points.

#“We got some new pieces, but we were small tonight with two 6-8 and a 6-6, so we had to play much harder,” said Giants’ coach Mark Hanna. “I feel we did very good. Next game, we will have a better game.”

#Hanna said they made the necessary adjustments in the second half as they limited Produce Express three-point shooting and they also rebounded much better as they started cooking on all cylinders.

#“For our first game out, I was disappointed,” said Express coach Barry Carter.

#“We had too many turnovers and we made a lot of mistakes in transition. There’s a lot of things we have to work in practice. Once we work on those things, we will be alright.”

#Johnacy Augustin led the Produce Express with 13 points and seven rebounds.

#Rumalo Ellis and Maleak Johnson, with four rebounds apiece, and Anthony Williams all had 11 points. Randy Blanfort had 10 points and seven rebounds and Tyrell Butler and Jefferson Oliver both had eight points.

#The Giants held a slim 59-58 advantage in rebounds and only made 19 turnovers while Rebels had a total of 30, which made the difference. They also lost Maleak Johnson to five fouls with about five minutes left in the game. He was an impact player on both ends of the court.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/21/npba-opening-night-rockets-and-giants-victorious/?news

As of Monday, November 21, 2022

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Courtney Wallace

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#BAHAMAS Association of Certified Officials (BACO) executive Courtney Wallace, remembered as a man for all seasons who had a passion for helping others, passed away on Wednesday, November 15 after a battle with cancer.

#The 57-year-old contractor and businessman, who was the owner of Brethren Quality Renovation Co. Limited, left behind two sons, a grandson, brother Felix Wallace Sr and sisters Daisymae Wallace and Hilda Wallace-Robinson. Wallace was a member of BACO for more than 20 years.

#He was a floor member and vice president who ascended to president before he had to relinquish his position due to his illness.

#In regaining the role as president during an election to replace him a few months ago, Val Kemp said Wallace, as a person, was humble and hardworking and was an individual who had difficulty saying no to people.

#“Unfortunately his tenure as president was not long and he was ill for much of his tenure. He tried his best,” Kemp said.

#“He served as manager, assistant manager, chaperone and other capacities. May his soul rest in peace.”

#Condolences poured in from other members of BACO, who worked closely with Wallace over the years.

#Here are some things his fellow officials had to say about him.

#“My condolences to the family of Courtney Wallace,” one wrote. “He always had something positive to share with people.”

#Another was so astonished that they proclaimed: “Jesus. I just looked at my phone. No man. This is so sad ….we were good buddies in Junkanoo and track. I am going to miss him. Wow! Am just speechless…RIP Courtney.”

#“Rest in Peace Courtney,” was the comment from another. “BACO will miss your presence Mr President for the family including his BACO family..”

#“Yea man he was a good man my condolences to his family yes indeed he will be missed as a very hard worker,” were the remarks from another.

#Somebody said he was “such a beautiful person..May his soul RIP.”

#He was called “a man for every season,” by another. “Always so helpful and always willing to work for the sport. A good family man and a good friend. We will miss you Courtney. Take your rest until we meet again.”

#And someone else said: “What a hard worker and a soft spoken, compassionate, understanding man Courtney was.”

#In a more personal note, someone said:

#“To have known him was to find a person so rare. Quiet but he spoke more loudly than many by his deeds.

#“Great job here on earth I know that his Heavenly reward would be greater. Let’s live today with haste to prepare for our Heavenly reward.”

#And finally, someone said: “So sad to hear of Courtney’s passing. His dedication, diligence, compassion and camaraderie will always be remembered by those of us who had the privilege of travelling and working with him in track and field. May his soul rest in peace.”

#The Tribune Sports Department offers its sincere condolences to Wallace’s family and by extension, BACO, whom he was devoted to at every track meet when he was available.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/21/wallace-had-passion-helping-others/?news

MARQUETTE’S Liza Karlen (32) goes up against Texas’ Taylor Jones (44) on Saturday during their NCAA college basketball game in the Battle 4 Atlantis at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island. Photo: Tim Aylen/Bahamas Visual Services via AP)

As of Monday, November 21, 2022

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#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#The championship game for the 2022 Women’s Battle 4 Atlantis will feature a pair of undefeated teams and a tournament filled with upsets sets the stage for an exciting finish this afternoon at the Atlantis resort’s Imperial Arena.

#The Marquette Golden Eagles (5-0) and the UCLA Bruins (5-0) will meet in the finale at noon, broadcast live on ESPN.

#The Golden Eagles’ path to the championship game included a 68-61 win over the no.3 Texas Longhorns in round one and yesterday’s 70-66 win over the Gonzaga Bulldogs to advance to the title game.

#This marks Marquette’s best start to a season since 2010-11 and the fourth 5-0 start in programme history.

#“I’m not sure this was the prettiest basketball game we’ve seen since the tournament started, but I’m just really thrilled with the win,” said Marquette head coach Megan Duffy.

#“We had a statement programme win against Texas, then came back with the same grit and determination to win a little bit differently.

#“I thought we had great contributions by our bench and in a tournament with three games in three days you’re going to have to have different people step up, and that was definitely the case this afternoon.”

#UCLA opened the tournament with a 72-65 win over the South Dakota State Jack Rabbits.

#The Bruins also remained undefeated with yesterday’s 80-63 win over the no. 11 Tennessee Lady Volunteers.

#“Different people stepped up. Different people made contributions, and I’ve just talked to this team about earning confidence and what kind of habits are you willing to commit to so that we can grow into becoming a special team,” said Bruins head coach Cori Close.

#The Bulldogs and Lady Volunteers will meet in the third place game at 2:30pm, broadcast live on ESPNU.

#The Bulldogs pulled away late for a 79-67 overtime win over the no. 6 Louisville Cardinals in their tournament debut. They came up just short in the semifinals against Marquette.

#In its brief history, the Women’s B4A has been established as one of the premier early season tournaments with a series of ranked teams participating each year.

#In 2021, the then no.1 South Carolina Gamecocks won 73-57 over the no.2 UConn Huskies in the championship game at the Atlantis resort’s Imperial Arena.