Home|Sports|The Bahamas wraps up action in esports regionalsSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailOctober 10, 2023 13 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamians Derdrick ‘Monoko’ Ferguson and Eric ‘illmindEj’ Bain wrapped up competition in their respective games at the Global Esports Games Online Regionals this past weekend.

The two-day event which was held virtually on Saturday and Sunday, featured Ferguson in action in Street Fighter 6 and Bain competing in eFootball.

Ferguson was able to have a good showing in the preliminary rounds and advanced to the playoffs. However, he did not advance to the finals.

In the playoffs, he took down the player from Jamaica in the first game of their best-of-three series, but it was tied up at one game apiece. Ferguson could not get the win in the third game as the player from Jamaica won that matchup 2-0 to advance to the next playoff round and eventually the final.

Ferguson secured a 2-1 win against the player from Barbados to set up a match against Chile in the playoffs. He lost 2-0, bringing his tournament play to an end.

President of the Bahamas Esports Federation Michael Armogan said that there were some issues.

“We acknowledge the connectivity issues faced by various countries, including ours, during the matches with Chile. We are optimistic about the prospect of offline regionals next year,” Armogan said.

In the preliminary round, Ferguson played in Group A in the America East Region and was grouped with players from Argentina, Barbados, the Cayman Islands and Uruguay. He finished second in the group with six points before moving on to the playoffs on Sunday.

In a best-of-three matchup against the player from Argentina, he lost 2-0. That turned out to be his only loss in the preliminary round. He defeated the player from Barbados, 2-0, in his next match before taking down the player from Uruguay, 2-0, in his third matchup. Ferguson took care of the player from the Cayman Islands, 2-0.

Bain was not as fortunate as Ferguson as he came out without a win in four matches in the eFootball competition. He competed in the Group A Americas and went up against players from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Peru and Venezuela.

Bain went up against the player from Cuba first and lost 2-0. Bain played the player from Venezuela next and got the same result before losing to the player from Peru 2-0 also. Against the players from Honduras and the Dominican Republic, he lost 2-0.

Armogan is hopeful for a stronger showing at the upcoming Pan American Esports Championships in Santiago, Chile. That will be held in November.

“While we did not advance to the finals this year, the experience has been invaluable for our athletes and the esports community in The Bahamas. We are optimistic about our chances in future competitions and are already looking ahead to the Pan American Esports Championships and next year’s Global Esports Games,” Amorgan said.

Armogan said the federation is grateful for the support that the athletes received.

New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones (35) reacts during the second half of Game 4 of a WNBA basketball semifinal playoff series against the Connecticut Sun, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

As of Friday, October 6, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#Grand Bahama native Jonquel Jones will make her return to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Finals with the New York Liberty this Sunday versus the league’s defending champions – the Las Vegas Aces.

#The second overall regular season team punched their ticket to the club’s first finals since 2002 after knocking off Jones’ former team, the Connecticut Sun, 3-1 in the semifinals.

#The Aces, on the other hand, advanced to the finals for the third time in four years after steamrolling the Chicago Sky and Dallas Wings in consecutive sweeps for this year’s appearance.

#The stakes are high for both teams following brilliant showings in their respective conferences.

#The leading Eastern Conference team came into the 2023 WNBA season with high expectations following their acquisitions of Grand Bahamian Jones from the Sun and this season’s MVP Breanna Stewart in the offseason.

#New York’s top two performers led the dominant team to a franchise best 32-8 win/loss record and a second overall finish to end the season. The sheer dominance of the dynamic duo only continued in the playoffs.

#Jones has been phenomenal in the postseason, raising her regular season totals in points, rebounds, assists and blocks.

#In the six games played by the Liberty, the forward has collected six consecutive double-doubles which is a new WNBA postseason record. She is averaging 16.5 points per game (ppg), 12.8 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and is shooting 53.1 per cent from the field.

#Her postseason prowess has picked up for the shaky playoff performance by the two-time MVP Stewart.

#The Associated Press Player of the Year is averaging 19.8 ppg, along with nine boards.

#However, she is shooting an inefficient 35.6 per cent from the field and 20.7 per cent from behind the arc which is well below her regular season numbers.

#Nonetheless, since the start of the regular season the two powerhouse women’s teams were projected to meet in the finals and now the Liberty are hoping to raise their first WNBA championship banner at the Barclays Center.

#The team will no doubt have their hands full against the league’s defending champions.

#The Aces ended the regular season with a league’s best record of 34-6 and have run through the postseason relatively unchallenged. The 2022 MVP A’ja Wilson is averaging a double-double in the playoffs. She has consistently put up 25.8 ppg, 11.2 boards, and is converting field goals on an efficient 59.5 per cent shooting. The two superteams have collided four times in the regular season and split the games 2-2 on their respective home turfs. However, in the fifth meetup the Liberty took down the Aces 82-63 to capture the Commissioner’s Cup title from last year’s winners.

#Despite the in-season tournament loss the Aces are attempting to make WNBA history by becoming the first team since the Los Angeles Sparks (2001-2002) to win back-to-back titles.

#With history on the line for both clubs, the competition level is expected to skyrocket not only on the court but also on the sidelines.

#Aces head coach Becky Hammon and Liberty coach Sandy Brondello both played as WNBA guards and have earned title wins in the women’s league. The sideline showdown is the first time two former WNBA players are coaching against each other in the WNBA finals.

#Both teams and WNBA fans are ready to watch the league’s two top teams go head-to-head. Meanwhile, Jones is on the hunt for her first WNBA Championship.

#The Aces will have the home court advantage on Sunday as the Liberty travel to Las Vegas, Nevada for game one.

#The best-of-five series is set for 3pm at the Michelob ULTRA Arena.

As of Friday, October 6, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) regular season is scheduled to begin on Saturday, November 11.

#The league’s opening night will be hosted at the Kendal G L Isaacs Gymnasium which is expected to be one of the facilities utilised for a few of the games this season.

#Ricardo Smith, newly-elected NPBA president, is optimistic about the start of the regular season, especially the league’s opening night.

#He said the planning committee is putting together something special for the season opener.

#“I want people to get a feel of what it is like at the Superbowl or an All-Star showdown to show them the kind of emphasis and efforts that are put into those kinds of events,” Smith said.

#The preparations for the NPBA officials involve finding different venues for games to be played.

#According to Smith, some games throughout the season will get underway at Kendal GL Isaacs along with the DW Davis Gymnasium.

#However, the main home for the NPBA games remains the AF Adderley Gymnasium but there are some setbacks.

#“We do have one challenge with AF Adderley, that is after the government league championships it has been shut down for roof and floor renovations,” the president said.

#The facility’s repairs were inevitable as the Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association (BGDBA) playoff games were interrupted at different intervals due to water leaking through the roof.

#The officials are presently awaiting more information on whether repairs will interfere with the start of the NPBA regular season.

#Despite the setback, Smith promises the NPBA fans that the season is going to be great.

#“I think that this is going to be a spectacular season. We are going to have a very exciting season. You are going to see basketball played at a very high level and we are going to make sure that we bring along the things that help to enhance the sport and get people to support it,” he said.

#The NPBA president also addressed working along with the new executives since this summer’s elections.

#“When you have a new team it is a matter of trying to get everybody to blend, second thing is you had a previous administration that did things a particular way and you now have to bring people along,” he said.

#The process is ongoing for the NPBA officials as they find ways to successfully execute their plans for this upcoming basketball season.

As of Friday, October 6, 2023

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Dr Kent Bazard

#By Dr Kent Bazard

#IN the wake of recent tragic events, including the devastating loss of a local student during basketball practice in the Bahamas and other similar incidents across the United States, it is imperative to shine a light on the sobering issue of sudden death in youth sports. This article is dedicated to understanding the various causes of such unfortunate occurrences, the significance of pre-participation evaluations, and the urgent need for vigilance within the sporting community.

#Understanding the Tragedy: Causes of Sudden Death in Youth Sports

#Sudden death in youth sports is a deeply distressing and often unanticipated event that has left communities in mourning. Several factors can contribute to such tragedies, including:

#Cardiac Conditions:

#Undiagnosed or pre-existing heart conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or congenital anomalies, can suddenly manifest during strenuous exercise.

#Heat-Related Issues: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and inadequate hydration can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition that can occur during intense training or competition.

#Exertional Rhabdomyolysis:

#This condition, characterised by muscle tissue breakdown, can occur when athletes engage in strenuous exercise without proper conditioning or preparation.

#Trauma: Accidents and injuries during sports activities, such as head injuries or sudden impact events, can lead to catastrophic outcomes if not promptly addressed.

#The Importance of Pre-Participation Evaluations

#In a previous article, I discussed how Pre-participation evaluations (PPE) are a critical component of youth sports safety. These comprehensive medical assessments aim to identify underlying health issues that may put athletes at risk. PPEs typically include:

#Medical History: A thorough review of an athlete’s medical history helps identify pre-existing conditions, previous injuries, or family history of cardiac issues.

#Physical Examination: A physical examination assesses overall health, including cardiovascular fitness, musculoskeletal function, and signs of underlying medical concerns.

#Cardiac Screening: An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) can detect abnormal heart rhythms or structural abnormalities that might increase the risk of sudden cardiac events.

#Discussion: Athletes and their parents or guardians should engage in discussions with healthcare professionals about the importance of reporting symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or unexplained fainting.

#The Collective Responsibility

#Sudden death in youth sports is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of young athletes. While no preventive measure can guarantee absolute safety, a collective responsibility exists within the sports community:

#Education: Coaches, athletes, parents, and medical staff must be educated about recognizing warning signs and responding swiftly to emergencies.

#Emergency Preparedness: Having an emergency action plan in place at all sporting events is crucial, ensuring that timely and appropriate care can be administered.

#Access to Medical Professionals: Establishing accessible and rapid access to medical professionals during practices and games is essential.

#Emphasizing Hydration: Promoting proper hydration and heat management practices, particularly in hot climates like the Bahamas, is critical.

#In conclusion, sudden death in youth sports is a heartbreaking reality that underscores the importance of proactive measures to ensure the safety of young athletes. While we cannot eliminate all risks, we can minimize them through comprehensive pre-participation evaluations, education, and a commitment to swift action when emergencies arise. Let these tragic events serve as a poignant reminder of our duty to protect and support our youth in their sporting endeavors.

#Our hearts go out to the families and communities affected by these recent losses, and we share in the collective determination to prevent such tragedies in the future.

#• Dr Kent Bazard is a Bahamian sports medicine physician, sports performance coach, sports nutrition specialist and founder of Empire Sports Medicine. Our mission is to empower athletes to reach new heights while safeguarding their health and well-being. We understand the unique demands of sports activities, and we are dedicated to helping athletes prevent injuries, overcome challenges, optimise nutrition and performance.

TEAM EFFORT: The Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) partnered with the Barracudas Flag Football Club in Harbour Island to host a youth flag football clinic this past weekend.

As of Friday, October 6, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) partnered with the newly formed Barracudas Flag Football Club in Harbour Island to host a successful training clinic last weekend.

#The one-day event saw more than 30 kids come out to learn running drills, along with other fundamentals essential to the game of flag football.

#Darren Johnson, head coach of the Barracudas Flag Football Club, formed the island’s first youth flag football team five weeks ago as he and coach Tomaz Mackey wanted the kids on the island to be involved in more extracurricular sporting activities.

#“The Barracudas is a newly organised flag football team that I am honoured and excited to be a part of.

#“Myself, coach Tommy, and coach Brad were talking about doing this for several years now and I was able to make the right connections a couple months ago to put this all together,” Johnson said.

#The newest club was assisted in its early stages this past weekend by BYFFL coaches Reginald Munroe, Ulan Dawkins and Inne Marshall.

#The trio offered training to the kids between the ages of 4-15 years old at the one-day flag football clinic on the Family Island.

#Although coach Mackey and Johnson are no strangers to the game of football, operating a club of this magnitude for the first time was new to them therefore, they decided to reach out to the BYFFL’s programme director Jayson Clarke for help.

#The goals of the two parties aligned perfectly as it is the BYFFL’s mission to grow the sport, not only in New Providence but throughout the Family Islands as well.

#Johnson is excited for the future possibilities that flag football can bring to the youth of Harbour Island.

#“Our main goal is just to teach the kids discipline, team building, conflict resolution, better ways to follow instructions, and also having a great attitude which are life skills they need to make them go far in life,” he said.

#The coach added that they plan to use the fun and excitement of the sport to continue to grow the programme and coach the young men and women.

#The Barracudas coach also welcomed other settlements to join his team in their beginning stages of expanding the sport on the island.

#“We are ready and are getting set up so we want to play with other young individuals and teams. We are starting a torch and want to continue to pass the torch onto other persons who want to pick it up and carry on this programme with us and help us to do something exciting and good for the kids in this area,” he said.

#The BYFFL and Barracudas Flag Football Club were both pleased with last weekend’s clinic and are looking forward to continued partnership, growth and success.

 Home|Sports|BCA looking to expand the sport of cricketSports

Sport’s governing body targeting the youth and women

Simba FrenchSend an emailOctober 6, 2023 44 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Bahamas Cricket Association (BCA) has facilitated the men’s program engaging in several international matches over the years. Now, BCA President Gregory Taylor Sr. said they are focusing more on youth and women’s cricket.

Taylor sad that it is extremely important to have youth and women’s cricket up and running in the country. He said that the programs are coming along slowly, something that is expected.

The BCA has obtained the services of Nkululeko Serame, a Cricket South Africa (CSA) Level III cricket coach from South Africa. He will take over from Corey Edwards.

“We restarted the youth program, and we are in full swing with it. He (Serame) is in several of the schools, and he is doing the high performance activities on Saturday mornings at Haynes Oval, as well as a few days through the week,” Taylor said.

The association is putting together a women’s team and they are inviting young ladies from ages 15-and-over at Haynes Oval at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Taylor said there are some who have shown interest and will be out this Saturday.

“We have been mandated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to have a women’s league and an under-19 girls league so we are trying to work on that. There are some things in the works to have the youth playing. The ICC has been pushing women’s cricket in recent years. A lot of women’s cricket has been played around the world and on television. We are a part of the Americas region. All of the countries in the region have to have women’s cricket,” Taylor said.

Right now, the United States, Argentina and Brazil are the only countries in this region that facilitate women’s cricket. They have been working on their women’s programs over several years. Taylor is hoping to get Bahamian women up to par.

The BCA is looking to send two girls to Brazil to a high performance center – a cricket academy, to pick up key knowledge about the sport and bring back that knowledge to share with others.

Another aspect of cricket that Taylor is looking to facilitate is the under-19 boys. They are trying to have a league of four teams by December and one junior team in the men’s league.

Taylor said there is interest from teams from around the region to come to The Bahamas and play under-19 cricket.

Home|Sports|Tourism to promote ‘Sports in Paradise’ initiative at TEAMS ExpoSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailOctober 6, 2023 66 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Executives of The Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation are excited to attend this year’s Travel Events and Management in Sports (TEAMS) Conference & Expo in West Palm Beach, Florida, this week, to promote The Bahamas as the ideal destination for sports related meetings and conferences, tournaments, events and more. Bahamas Tourism executives will also showcase the destination’s new ‘Sports in Paradise’ initiative that will target global partnerships to position The Bahamas as a sports mecca.

TEAMS is the world’s leading conference and expo for the sports event industry. It attracts thousands of attendees, including chief executive officers, sports event managers, sports travel planners, federations, convention bureaus, corporate sponsors, event suppliers and other hospitality industry leaders. The highly anticipated event is presented by SportsTravel Magazine and has helped to define the sports event and appointment-based trade show industries for more than 20 years.

Greg Rolle, Senior Director of Sports Tourism and Vertical Markets, said participating in events such as TEAMS is integral to diversifying the event hosting portfolio of The Bahamas.

“The events market is of huge significance to us,” said Rolle. “It generates 40 percent of overall tourism business. Our sports tourism market continues to grow from year to year as more entities in the international sporting world become aware of the appeal of our destination for staging world-class sporting events.”

Guests and stakeholders will have an opportunity to visit The Bahamas’ booth and engage with representatives from the country’s sporting and hotel sector on the available sports facilities, the types of events that can be hosted, and other offerings in the sports tourism market. Visitors to The Bahamas booth will also learn about the destination’s plans for future growth and innovation in sports tourism and the many reasons why The Bahamas remains one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.

The Bahamas’ representatives will also conduct more than 40 on-site meetings with teams, sport event planners and other stakeholders across the industry and disciplines including basketball, football, golf, softball, track and field, tennis, soccer, volleyball, archery and kickball, to build leads and expand access to the robust network of sports travel.

The Islands of The Bahamas has been the backdrop of many successful major international sporting events, training sessions and more throughout its history, from the Bahamas Bowl and Battle 4 Atlantis to the PGA’s (Professional Golfers’ Association) Hero World Challenge. The country will once again host the World Athletics Relays which is expected to attract over 1,600 athletes from all over the world. This will be the fourth time The Bahamas will be hosting the event. It will be held May 4-5, 2024, and will serve as an Olympic qualifier for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France.

The sports tourism department continues to push an aggressive strategy to target key sporting organizations and events with its ‘Sports in Paradise’ initiative.

Phillies sweep Marlins to earn NL Division Series rematch with MLB-best Braves

Jasrado Chisholm Jr, centre, reacts to being called out on strikes by umpire Stu Scheurwater, right, during Game 1 of the NL wild-card baseball playoff series Tuesday. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

As of Thursday, October 5, 2023

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#By DAN GELSTON

#AP Sports Writer

#PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bryson Stott crushed the second grand slam in Philadelphia Phillies postseason history and Aaron Nola tossed seven shutout innings in a performance worthy of a postseason ace that led to a 7-1 win and a two-game sweep over the Miami Marlins in their NL Wild Card Series last night.

#After making quick work of the surprising Marlins, it’s time for an anticipated rematch.

#J.T. Realmuto also homered as the Phillies advanced to another best-of-five NL Division Series against Ronald Acuña Jr, Matt Olson and the Braves. Game 1 is Saturday in Atlanta.

#The NL champion Phillies finished third last season in the NL East at 87-75, a full 14 games behind the 101-win Braves, only to beat them in four games in the NLDS.

#The Braves were even better this season with 104 wins and a sixth straight NL East crown — clinched last month in Philadelphia — while the Phillies again earned a wild card with 90 wins.

#More postseason thrills are surely ahead.

#Stott provided one Wednesday when he turned on reliever Andrew Nardi’s first-pitch fastball in the sixth and dumped it into the right-field seats for a 7-0 lead. He slammed his bat as he ran down the first-base line, and the Stott Shot sent Phillies fans into a delirious frenzy with the countdown to a clinch officially on. Nola followed Game 1 starter Zack Wheeler’s excellent effort with one of his own, and had 46,000 fans on their feet chanting “Let’s Go, Nola!” when he needed a lift.

#The one knock on Nola, who is eligible for free agency after the World Series, is his trouble with shutdown innings. After Realmuto went deep to make it 3-0 in the fourth, Nola ran into a jam in the fifth. He put runners on first and second with one out before he got Jesús Sánchez to ground into an inning-ending double play.

#Nola picked — more than pitched — his way out of Miami’s only other serious threat.

#The Marlins briefly caught a break in the third when Jon Berti’s deep drive into the left-centre gap knocked off left fielder Cristian Pache’s glove for a one-out double. Berti then inexplicably tried to steal third and was busted by Nola as the righty went into his delivery. Nola noticed Berti taking off and, instead of throwing a pitch, simply stepped toward third and threw him out.

#They’re the kind of mistakes a postseason novice like the Marlins make.They’re the kind of smart, crucial plays that helped define the Phillies’ postseason runs the last two seasons.

#With fans again waving their red rally towels, many wearing Phillies overalls popularised by backup catcher Garrett Stubbs, and the team on the brink of a clinch, the Phillies had their way with Miami starter Braxton Garrett.

#The Phillies again had six 20-homer hitters in the lineup but — a night after failing to go deep in Game 1 — again stitched together runs against Garrett.Kyle Schwarber ripped an RBI double to right in the third that scored Pache for a 1-0 lead. Pache raced around the bases from first, his helmet still bouncing on the dirt, as he slid headfirst into home. Trea Tuner, the $300 million shortstop, smacked an RBI single that scored Schwarber for a 2-0 lead.

#By then, the Game 2 victory seemed inevitable.

#After all, there’s a reason the Phillies call the postseason Red October. They just don’t lose at Citizens Bank. At least, not often.

#The Phillies, who won the 2008 World Series at home, moved to 24-11 in the postseason at the ballpark, the top winning percentage in the postseason for any team in any park (minimum 20 games).

#Realmuto crushed his fourth career postseason homer off David Robertson in the fourth to make it 3-0.

#Miami scored in the ninth on Josh Bell’s RBI single.

#BRING A BROOM

#The Phillies joined Minnesota, Arizona and Texas as the teams that swept all four Wild Card Series. There have been seven sweeps — including the Phillies over St. Louis last season — in the eight Wild Card Series during the first two years of expanded playoffs.

#UP NEXT

#Catch Marlins again February 24 in a spring training game against St Louis.

As of Thursday, October 5, 2023

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LATREL HINZEY

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#BAHAMIAN Latrel Hinzey has recently been added to the Haldimand Huskies Basketball Club coaching staff as an assistant coach. The Ontario team earned three division championships in the under-15 (U15), under-17 (U17), and under-19 (U19) categories of the Ontario Cup Provincial Championships this year.

#With a successful basketball club welcoming him onboard, Hinzey is ready to take on his newest opportunity. “I am super excited to be a part of this club because it can open up many doors for young Bahamian athletes, they are three-time championship holders for three age divisions and the club is well organised and has all the equipment and facilities to make any player better,” he said.

#His newest endeavour is especially favourable as the 26-year-old once had aspirations of becoming a professional National Basketball Association (NBA) player.

#However, after the dream he had been chasing since the humble age of 13 did not pan out, he decided to pivot toward another path.

#“In its place a new dream came into focus in what I like to call God’s plan. I have found my newest passion which is helping the next generation achieve this goal. I believe that our country has so much talent and the amount of Bahamian professional players should far exceed the current numbers,” he said.

#Through his newest coaching journey, he has many goals to help Bahamian athletes that are in similar positions he encountered growing up.

#Hinzey said his goals are to learn as much as he can on and off the floor, help Bahamians gain as many scholarship opportunities as possible, and to help athletes get noticed by university coaches. The RM Bailey Senior High School graduate shared that his ultimate goal is to simply give young men a chance.

#“My ultimate goal is to take young men off the streets and this goal is more spiritual than physical and it requires a helping hand from everybody living in The Bahamas,” he said.

#The Huskies are equally as excited to have the fellow Bahamian on their coaching staff.

#In a social media post welcoming Hinzey to the Huskies basketball club, they praised his work ethic and enthusiasm.

#“Latrel’s got great energy and enthusiasm that is always welcomed in the gym. [He] will push our athletes in practice as he learns the Huskies style of play and systems and we’ve added him as an assistant coach to all teams in order to allow him to help out where and when he’s needed,” according to the post.

#The newest assistant coach is thankful to his mother and coaches who have helped him on this journey and credits discipline and guidance for where he is today.

Junior and senior teams compete for spot in the playoffs

The 2023 Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) volleyball season is now underway as teams across the junior and senior divisions compete for a spot in this year’s playoffs.

As of Thursday, October 5, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) volleyball season got underway this Monday and action continued yesterday across three gymnasiums.

#The junior girls and boys of the HO Nash Lions notched consecutive wins against the DW Davis Royals at the CI Gibson gymnasium.

#The AF Adderley Tigers boys and girls doubled up their wins after defeating the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves at the DW Davis gymnasium.

#Meanwhile, the TA Thompson Scorpions’ junior boys collected a win against the CH Reeves Raptors but the girls came up short in their match.

#Lions vs Royals

#The Lions’ junior girls came away as last season’s GSSSA volleyball champions and looked poised to remain atop again this year.

#The girls took down the Royals in two sets to earn a comfortable win. In set one, the Lions earned a 21-9 win. The following set was an even better showing for last season’s top team who won 21-7 to wrap up the match. Both sets combiined lasted for a duration of 25 minutes.

#Patricia “Pattie” Johnson, head coach of the Lions, said it felt great to be back and earn the win.

#“It feels good. I thank God I am getting another opportunity to coach again but we have a lot of kinks we are trying to work out, it is better to deal with it early rather than later,” she said.

#Overall, she acknowledged that although the season is still new, she is hoping to help the team improve on the pesky service errors as they hope to defend their championship.

#The junior boys had a more challenging match versus the Royals who claimed the volleyball championship hardware last season.

#Both teams battled to the finish in a gruelling three sets. The Royals were the first to collect a set, winning the opening match 21-17. The Lions came up big in set two with the score ending 21-14. In the 14 minutes played in the third set, the Lions were able to fend off the Royals, closing out the junior school 15-11.

#Johnson said it was a good day for both teams at the CI Gibson gymnasium.

#“The teams are very young. It is a lot of hard work. The win is really good. DW Davis is relentless and they do not give up but we went back to what we did in practice and it is all good,” the coach said.

#Tigers vs Timberwolves

#The Tigers accomplished a similar feat after the girls bested the Timberwolves in two sets and took down the boys in three sets. The girls ended the two sets winning 21-9, 21-7.

#In the junior boys matchup, the Tigers got the upperhand in set one edging out the Timberwolves 21-12.

#The momentum shifted to the latter in set two as they clawed out a 21-17 win to make the match competitive.

#However, the Tigers closed out their opponents 15-11 to go home with the victory.

#Scorpions vs Raptors

#The Scorpions and Raptors were the only teams to split wins between the boys and girls. The Raptors’ junior girls nabbed a comfortable victory in two sets 21-8, 21-16 to drop the Scorpions.

#However, the junior boys got revenge and took down the Raptors 21-11, 21-13 in their two-set win.

#The GSSSA volleyball season will continue this afternoon as the seniors face off.