Indiana Pacers guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield (7) poses NBA basketball team’s media day in Indianapolis on Monday, October 2. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

As of Thursday, October 5, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#INDIANA Pacers shooting guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield is focused on training camp despite ongoing conversations surrounding his contract extension with the team.

#Less than two weeks ago, contract negotiations between the Bahamian sharpshooter and his current team came to a standstill as both parties were unable to come to a suitable agreement.

#With only one year remaining on the Grand Bahamian’s four-year $94 million contract, Hield’s name emerged in National Basketball Association (NBA) trade rumours which he addressed at the Pacers Media Day Monday.

#The three-point specialist said there is nothing on his mind regarding the contract extension and trade talks as training camp begins for the Pacers.

#“There is nothing on my mind, it’s basketball, it’s fun. I approach it as every training camp, especially like I did last year, coming focused and just get the work in. I am excited to work with these guys, it’s a fun group of guy. We have a great coaching staff and great team that’s ready to put in the work and teammates that love each other. I’m excited and I can’t wait,” he said.

#In addition to the contract talks halting as of late, the Pacers are also looking to move the 30-year-old wing player to the bench. Hield got the nod to start for the majority of the Pacers’ games in the previous season.

#However, the 2022 number six pick Bennedict Mathurin made significant strides as the team’s sixth man which eventually translated into him replacing Hield in the starting rotation as the season winded down.

#The Grand Bahama native noted that basketball is a game of adjustments and he simply wants to do what is best for the team.

#“It’s basketball, you just gotta figure it out.

#“As a basketball player you have to know how to adjust. I’ve started and come off the bench. I’ve adjusted my whole life, one thing with me, I know how to figure it out, you put me in a situation I’m going to figure it out,” according to Hield.

#Although the 2023-24 NBA season is now the centre of his focus, the shooting guard had quite the summer competing alongside his Bahamian teammates in the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament.

#He talked about the joy of playing with fellow NBA players Portland Trail Blazers centre Deandre Ayton and Phoenix Suns guard Eric Gordon.

#“The Bahamas national team was so fun. I think just being there and just like accomplishing that and we’ve still got this summer to come to get to the Olympics,” he said.

#Hield added that playing with Gordon and Ayton as well as putting the team before everybody allowed them to accomplish something special and it was great.

#With training camps already underway for the Pacers organisation, the NBA professional player is hoping to improve on defence, and also paying attention to small details in efforts to close out games this upcoming season. Preseason games are slated for 8pm Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Miami Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. plays during Game 1 in an NL wild-card baseball playoff series, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

As of Wednesday, October 4, 2023

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Miami Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm Jr, of The Bahamas, reacts during warm-ups before Game 1 in an NL wild-card baseball playoff series against the Philadelphia Phillies last night in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

#By DAN GELSTON

#AP Sports Writer

#PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Zack Wheeler struck out eight in a sensational effort, José Alvarado preserved the lead with a pivotal strikeout and the Philadelphia Phillies opened a resolute postseason push with a 4-1 win over the Miami Marlins in the opener of their NL Wild Card Series on Tuesday night.

#Nick Castellanos provided the game’s signature moment, directing his ring finger toward a joyous Phillies dugout after a key double and sending a message the defending NL champions crave the cherished piece of jewellery they were denied by Houston last season.

#Castellanos added an RBI double in the eighth inning to score Bryce Harper — who knocked off his helmet as he steamrolled past a stop sign — and the Phillies moved within a victory of an NL Division Series matchup against Atlanta.

#Craig Kimbrel worked a scoreless ninth for the save.

#Phillies fans held signs that read “Un-phinished Business” and they were downright delirious when injured slugger Rhys Hoskins fought back tears and threw the ceremonial first pitch.

#The Phillies won 11 postseason games last season, two shy of the ultimate goal and their first World Series title since 2008.

#The theme of unfinished business — as it is for so many World Series losers — was a key element that permeated throughout the clubhouse this season.

#“We’ve got to get back after it this year, and it’s a different team,” manager Rob Thomson said ahead of the game. “I believe it’s a better team, to be honest with you.”

#Here they are again, this time with star shortstop Trea Turner, playing big games in October — and with Wheeler in top form.

#Wheeler, on the short list of great free-agent signings in team history, was dealing from the start. He threw nine fastballs in the 97-99 mph range in the first inning, the hardest a pitcher who struck out 212 batters has thrown all season.

#The veteran right-hander never backed down as 45,662 fans at Citizens Bank Park roared on every K.

#Wheeler’s slider, nasty. His sinker, filthy.

#Wheeler is simply grateful for another postseason shot a year after he was lifted with a 1-0 lead in the sixth inning of Game 6 in the World Series against Houston. Yordan Alvarez hit a three-run homer off Alvarado later in the inning and the Astros soon clinched the World Series. That was last season. Alvarado struck out Yuli Gurriel with two runners aboard to end a Marlins threat in the seventh. The left-hander retired two batters in the eighth, and Jeff Hoffman got the third out of the inning.

#Wheeler threw only 46 pitches through four innings in this one — while Marlins starter Jesús Luzardo labored through 90 over the same span.

#The 26-year-old Luzardo was raised in South Florida and grew up rooting for Marlins stars such as Juan Pierre and Miguel Cabrera.

#Luzardo was 6 years old when he attended Game 3 of the 2003 World Series, won by the Marlins, and was thrilled when he was traded to Miami ahead of the 2021 season.

#His first postseason start for his childhood team hardly went as planned.

#Led by Kyle Schwarber’s 47 homers, the Phillies had six players in the Game 1 lineup with at least 20. But they didn’t need the Schwarbombs and Alec Booms to get the job done, as every starter had at least one hit.

#Johan Rojas, the No. 9 hitter, hammered away at Luzardo with a nine-pitch at-bat for a single that opened the third. He moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on Alec Bohm’s RBI double to left.

#Bryson Stott rattled Luzardo in the fourth with an RBI single to make it 2-0 and Cristian Pache gave the Phillies a 3-0 lead on a single that scored Castellanos.

#Flip that finger, Nick. The Phillies have their first one.

#FIRST PITCH

#Hoskins choked back tears, patted his chest in appreciation and even waved a rally towel before he threw the first pitch. The slugging first baseman has not played this season after he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee. The 30-year-old Hoskins — playing on a $12 million, one-year contract — might have made his last appearance at Citizens Bank Park. He will head to Florida this week to face live pitching with hopes he could return to the Phillies if they make the World Series.

#MANUEL RECOVERS

#Former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel posted a picture on social media of him watching the game from a hospital room. Manuel led the Phillies to the 2008 World Series title. He suffered a stroke in September.

#UP NEXT

#The Marlins send LHP Braxton Garrett (9-7, 3.66 ERA) to the mound Wednesday night against Phillies RHP Aaron Nola (12-9, 4.46). Nola went 2-2 in last year’s postseason — winning a game in each of the first two rounds, then losing one in each of the next two. Garrett gave up three runs over five innings in each of his two starts vs. the Phillies this season.

As of Wednesday, October 4, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Bain and Grants Town Cybots followed up their undefeated regular season with a Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association (BGDBA) title win on Monday.

#The newest champions were on a tear throughout the first two rounds of the playoffs, remaining the only undefeated team, until they dropped the Police Crimestoppers 4-2 in the best-of-seven finals.

#The over-the-hill basketball team advanced to their 10th championship round and collected their seventh title win following an 88-70 double digit win at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.

#Wayde Watson, head coach of the Cybots, talked about how it felt to secure yet another BGDBA championship win.

#“It feels really good to bring the championship to Bain and Grants Town. This is the tenth year in a row we have been to the championships. I am excited about it and especially happy for some of the players who have been with me for many years who are retiring at the end of the season on a high note,” Watson said.

#He gave special credit to Crimestoppers head coach Anthony “Cops” Rolle for his coaching abilities and the work he has done with the young law enforcement players.

#The Cybots reeled off two consecutive wins against the Crimestoppers to begin their quest to title number seven. Despite the 0-2 hole, the valiant second best team Crimestoppers were able to push the series to 3-2 going into the elimination game on Monday night.

#With one more game separating the team from their championship hardware, the Cybots’ Eugene Bain played a pivotal role in the win.

#He led all scorers with 25 points on the night and was one rebound shy of a double double with 9. Additionally, he dished out three dimes and defensively he nabbed two steals in the championship win.

#The Crimestoppers came out sluggish in the opening period meanwhile, the Cybots were firing on all cylinders. By the 1:53 mark of the first quarter, the team was leading by 15 points courtesy of a made two-pointer from Bain. The 2023 BGDBA champions built on the work done early in the first quarter and jumped out to a 23-point advantage (52-29) to keep the momentum going into the second half.

#The experienced Cybots squad never relinquished their control of the ball game. At the end of the third quarter they once again led by double digits (69-51) to quash the Crimestoppers’ championship hopes and close their 2023 title window.

#Offensively, the Cybots simply shot the ball better than the Crimestoppers. The league leading team went 34-for-74 from the field, converting on 45.9 per cent of their buckets compared to the 36.4 per cent converted by the Crimestoppers.

#The champions were also efficient at the charity stripe connecting on 81.3 per cent of their sixteen attempts at the line. Meanwhile, their opponents’ playoff free throw woes continued as they went 18-for-30 for 60 per cent.

#Despite the loss, Dion McPhee of the Crimestoppers poured in 23 points and pulled down 6 boards for the team.

#Watson, who guaranteed the Cybots would be in the championships, attributed the win to talent, experience, and their system of play.

#“We have a lot of talented players, a good system, and a group of young men who are committed to the programme and the Cybots basketball club. Having talented players without a system is not necessarily a recipe for success but down the stretch last night we played within our system and were able to beat them by 18 points so I am excited about that,” he said.

#The 2023 champions will look to celebrate their seventh win together in grand style in upcoming weeks.

As of Wednesday, October 4, 2023

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DAWN KNOWLES

#THE Bahamas Football Association (BFA) proudly announces the renaming of the esteemed New Providence Primary School Soccer Tournament to the “Dawn N Knowles Primary School Soccer Tournament.”

#This honour comes in recognition of Ms. Knowles’ enduring commitment and tireless efforts towards the event, which has showcased the athletic prowess and skills of under-10 and under-12 primary school students since 1995.

#Knowles, the retired senior education officer responsible for physical education, played an instrumental role in the inception and consistent success of this event. Her dedication was evident during her 28 years of planning and executing the tournament, ensuring its continuity even after her retirement.

#“It is wonderful for the tournament to be renamed in Ms. Knowles’ honour. I am an advocate for giving honour and showing appreciation to people while they are still here.

#“We want to give her flowers while she can still receive them,” said current BFA president Anya James, emphasizing the importance of recognising Knowles’ contributions during her lifetime.

#James further highlighted that renaming the tournament in Knowles’ honour not only acknowledges her remarkable contributions but also serves as a testament to her enduring legacy.

#By celebrating her achievements while she is still with us, the BFA ensures that her impact and influence are duly recognised and appreciated by all.

#When asked about her pivotal involvement, Daria Adderley, BFA council member responsible for women’s football development, said that it couldn’t happen to a more deserving individual.

#“Ms. Knowles has been instrumental in organising the tournament from the beginning and remained a staunch supporter, even post her tenure in government service,” Adderley said.

#An emotional Knowles was just thrilled by the honour. “I never expected such an honour from the BFA,” she stated. “I’m happy this is happening while I can enjoy it.”

#Immediate past BFA president Anton Sealy, under whose leadership Knowles did much of her work, was also pleased with the gesture.

#“Dawn Knowles was the driving force behind primary school sports in the Bahamas,” he stated.

#“She was a big supporter and proponent. She ensured that soccer always had a space on the Ministry of Education’s sports curriculum and that soccer always had a presence in the schools.”

#Highlights of the tournament’s storied history include the pre-COVID victories of Claridge Primary (boys) and Sadie Curtis (Girls) in 2019. The post-COVID champions were Sybil Strachan Primary (Boys) and Eva Hilton (Girls) in 2022. Notably, the tournament has produced exceptional talents, such as Lesly St. Fleur, a standout in both beach and grass national men’s teams, and Nesly Jean, the current head coach of the men’s national team.

#The positive ripple effects of this youth tournament are undeniable. Over the years, it has played a vital role in amplifying competitive football in the country, acting as a conduit for many players to secure scholarship opportunities.

#The BFA’s emphasis on grassroots development is a testament to the foundational importance of tournaments like these. As an organization, they firmly believe in grassroots as the sport’s lifeline. These initiatives not only sustain interest but also cultivate future leaders, equipping them with qualities like discipline, teamwork, and commitment.

#Schools are eagerly anticipating the 2023 tournament edition, which is set to commence from October 17th to November 8th at RALD. Preceding the matches, the official Naming Ceremony will be held on October 16th, 2023 at the Breezes Resort. Details of special events and activities circling this ceremony will be unveiled soon.

#The BFA remains committed to fostering football talents and encourages schools, parents, and fans to rally behind the upcoming tournament, offering unparalleled support to the young and budding football stars of the Bahamas.

As of Wednesday, October 4, 2023

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Portland Trail Blazers centre Deandre Ayton poses for a portrait during the NBA basketball team’s media day in Portland, Oregon, on Monday, October 2. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer)

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#BAHAMIAN National Basketball Association (NBA) player Deandre Ayton is optimistic about the upcoming 2023-24 season following a three-team trade which landed him with the Portland Trail Blazers.

#The 2018 number one pick was shipped to the Western Conference team last week Wednesday in a blockbuster trade that saw All-Star point guard Damian Lillard go to the Bucks.

#Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers acquired the Bahamian centre along with rookie Toumani Camara, a 2029 first round pick, two first round pick swaps with the Bucks (2028 and 2030), and Jrue Holiday, who has since been moved to the Boston Celtics.

#In the trade, the Phoenix Suns bolstered their new star-studded roster with more bench depth in the form of Grayson Allen, Jusuf Nurkic, Keon Johnson and Nassir Little.

#With the majority of the team rosters all set headed into training camp, players including the Bahamian big man took the podium for the 2023 media day this past Monday to address expectations ahead of the looming NBA regular season.

#Despite being only 25-years-old, Ayton is poised to step into a new leadership role as the young Portland squad sets their rebuilding plans in motion.

#“I get to show the world, show you guys, who I am as a player on and off the court when it comes to leading, especially helping young guys on this team win, teaching them how to win, teaching them how tough it is to win in this league as well,” the centre said.

#Upon his arrival in Portland to tour his team’s newest facilities, the 25-year-old compared the feeling to how it felt when he was first drafted by his former team – the Suns – in 2018.

#“Just the way I was welcomed…walking in there seeing my name, seeing everybody around me, some of the facility people and some of the front office showing me love as soon as I touched down and it really did feel like I got drafted. I felt the love as soon as I walked in and I was welcomed humbly,” he said.

#During his five-year tenure with the Suns, Ayton struggled with tension in the relationship with the team’s former head coach Monty Williams.

#The tension peaked between both parties in the 2021-2022 playoffs where Ayton was benched in the second half of game seven against the Dallas Mavericks. The Suns were ultimately handed a loss in that series.

#Despite the eventual firing of coach Williams following a 4-2 loss to the Denver Nuggets, Ayton was still in search of a meaningful role in the rotation after the team picked up shooting guard Bradley Beal this summer.

#With a new environment and locker room featuring young players, including the 2023 third pick Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons, the five-year player is ready to dominate and win.

#“My name is DominAyton. I play with a lot of passion, a lot of grit as well but I try to take the hypocrisy out of the game where I am telling my teammate one thing and I am doing the other.

#“I am more like a team player who you know I’ll make the sacrificial decision and take myself out…when it comes to winning I’ll be the down and gritty guy to get the job done,” he said.

#Although there have been ongoing criticisms across the league about Ayton’s on court demeanour and play during his Suns tenure, especially after his performance in the final games of the Western Conference semifinals, he averaged a double double for five consecutive seasons. The centre ended his five-year stint with the Suns averaging 16.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.0 block and shot 59.7 per cent from the field.

#He quieted the loud criticisms in his response this past Monday.

#“Look at the position I was playing in, the environment I was playing in it can sometimes put a toll on your mental.

#“I have accomplished a lot of things where my motor is not a question.”

#“I play as hard as I can play, that won’t be a question at all,” according to Ayton.

#The centre added that it is one of the reasons he said he would be changing the narrative this summer and is now with an organisation that wants him and wants to see him succeed.

#The Trail Blazers’ preseason games will get underway at 10pm next week Thursday against the Suns.

New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones (35) meets with former teammate Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (25) at the end of Game 4 of their WNBA basketball semifinal playoff series, on Sunday, October 1 in Uncasville, Connecticut.

As of Wednesday, October 4, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AFTER playing her first six seasons in Connecticut, leading the Sun to the Women’s National Basketball Association Finals last year, Jonquel Jones is excited to be back for an encore this year albeit with her new team in the New York Liberty.

#Playing against her former team, the 6-foot, six-inch centre exploded for 25 points, including five in the final minute, to help the Liberty to an 87-84 win over the Sun on Sunday for a 3-1 decision in their best-of-five playoffs.

#Jones, the WNBA’s 2021 most valuable player as a member of the Sun, also contributed 15 rebounds and four blocked shots for the Liberty, who will face defending champion Las Vegas in a series that starts on October 8. The two Finals teams were labelled as “super teams” coming into the season.

#In a post-game interview with ESPN’s reporter Holly Rowe, the Grand Bahamian native said she was thrilled to have helped the Sun to reach the final for the first time since 2002.

#“Just playing together, staying together and weathering the storm,” was how Jones described New York’s ability to overcome the gruelling playoff series against Phoenix.

#“It definitely feels good to be on the other side. We obviously feel the great energy these fans have here, but it’s a new chapter.”

#The 29-year-old Jones left Connecticut as a four-time WNBA All-Star (2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022), All-WNBA First Team (2021), three-time All-WNBA Second Team (2017, 2019 and 2022), WNBA Most Improved Player and Peak Performer (2017), WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year (2018), three-time rebounding leader (2017, 2019 and 2021) and two-time All-Defensive Team (2019 and 2021) to winning the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup and the MVP title this year in New York.

#But there was no greater achievement than playing against her former team in a game that saw Jones and her former team-mate and MVP runner-up Alyssa Thomas, tangle under the basket early in the fourth quarter.

#Thomas, who was bent over awkwardly on the floor, stayed down and was helped to the locker room. But she was back a few minutes later. but she noted that it wasn’t anything untoward each other.

#“I told her it wasn’t intentional,” said Jones of Thomas, who went on to lead Connecticut with 17 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists.

#“That’s one of my closest friends in the league. That was just two people playing really hard, trying to get the win.”

#As for her tenacity to get the job done for the Liberty, Jones said it’s something she prides on doing every game she plays, and it showed in the fact that she and New York have secured their berth into final.

#“It means a lot, but I can’t take all of the credit,” said Jones in an unselfish mood ahead of their celebrations. “My team-mates are amazing. None of this happened with all of us being brought into what we envisioned before the season and coming together to make it possible.”

#As she reflects on what they were able to accomplish, Jones said she just wants to be strong for her team-mates, just as she did in high school at Riverdale High before heading to Clemson to start her collegiate year, ending up at George Washington where she graduated in 2016.

 Home|Sports|BAAA seeks to protect the childrenSports

Federation makes safeguarding certification necessary for national team duty

Sheldon LongleySend an emailOctober 5, 2023 60 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

In an effort to protect the children in the sport from harm, thereby taking care of its most valuable commodity, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) has adopted a policy of ensuring that all of its club-level coaches are certified in safeguarding.

To be selected as national team coaches, it is now mandatory for local coaches in athletics to undergo the safeguarding training course on World Athletics website. The 90-minute course is open to all and it is a basic awareness training course explaining why safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

World Athletics has developed the course, primarily for the protection of young athletes involved in Kids Athletics worldwide. Here in The Bahamas, the Kids Athletics program is one of the largest activity based outlets for young children. BAAA President Drumeco Archer said it’s imperative that the federation does its part in the protection of those young children, including the creation of a code of conduct.

“As a federation that attracts perhaps the largest number of children from a cross section of society, kids from at-risk communities, the BAAA is the first member federation to adopt a mandatory child safeguarding set of protocols to ensure, as foreseeable as it can, to protect children,” said Archer. “World Athletics has made this one of its mandates – to promote child safeguarding policies – and we in the federation support it wholeheartedly. The federation has always historically provided a safe space for young kids who aspire to be great athletes, and this initiative serves to further create awareness within the track and field community.

“Safeguarding touches and concerns all of us, as children everywhere in the world are exposed to adverse environments. This extends beyond the protection of child abuse but also addresses the issues of bullying, inappropriate physical contact, suggestive language, extending special gifts to athletes in isolation and segregating athletes away from their peers in private environments. Safeguarding is about creating safe environments for everyone to be able to compete, train and enjoy athletics, so as to develop, flourish and grow both as athletes and individuals.”

The 90-minute course is open to all and can be found on World Athletics website. Here in The Bahamas, Archer said it will be mandatory for all club coaches in order to be considered for national team travel and duty. He’s also encouraging parents to take the course, along with children, so that they could become aware of what is acceptable and what is unacceptable. The course is free of charge, and there will be a certificate presented upon completion.

“This is absolutely one of many requirements that qualifies one to be a coach on national team travel, more specifically for junior national teams,” said Archer. “This is a mandate that comes from World Athletics. It will be required of the coaching staff of all clubs. They must complete this certification by end of October so that reporting could be handed to NACAC (North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association) and World Athletics. This is one of several initiatives that the federation intends to undertake as it relates to the protection of our kids. We also intend to work more closely with the Department of Social Services as well as the police force and guidance counselors. They are all a part of the network to ensure that we do all that we can to protect our young impressionable athletes.”

Archer said the BAAA intends to conduct background checks to ensure that coaches and clubs are up to speed on safeguarding certification.

“This is important so that parents, and their children, could become more aware of the environment that is out there and to know and of the recourse that is available to them,” said Archer. “We will create an independent integrity unit where athletes, parents and coaches are able to report via email, and in person, incidents that might give cause for legal action. It is a matter that we are taking very seriously and one that is indeed necessary for the protection of our children.”

World Athletics has stated that each of its member federations should be aware of the World Athletics Safeguarding Policy, which is to protect children from abuse, harassment and exploitation, in a proactive manner. It states that everyone should be able to recognize concerning, problematic or inappropriate behavior so as to report it, meaning that boundaries will be maintained rather than eroded. World Athletics also states that training is a key aspect of safeguarding, and that everyone involved should understand what safeguarding is about, is able to recognize abuse and knows how to report concerns and who to report them to.

 Home|Sports|Women’s softball tournament set for this weekendSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailOctober 5, 2023 40 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The inaugural One Caribbean Invitational Women’s Fast Pitch Softball Tournament gets underway today and wraps up on Sunday on the Bankers Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. The tournament is being hosted by Softball 242.

The tournament will feature three local teams and three visiting teams for a total of six teams in the four-day event. Organizer of the tournament Thomas Sears said they are looking to see some strong competition.

“The motive of this tournament is to create a one Caribbean environment when it comes to softball. It gives the local softball fans here an opportunity to see softball playing at another level. It also allows local players to experience softball at the next level so that they will be able to know what has to be done to get to that next level,” Sears said.

The teams participating are the Sunshine Auto Wildcats, the Bommer G. Operators, the University of The Bahamas (UB) Mingoes, Jamaica’s Club Fusion, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Jamaica’s Warrior Queens. The first game is set at 7 p.m. this evening with the Operators taking on the Mingoes.

Sears expects a competitive four days of softball and he sees the excitement for the tournament building up.

“The games will be played at a level that is pleasing to the fans. There is a certain excitement building up among the local teams. There hasn’t been any softball league play as yet, and as word gets out about the tournament, the excitement grows. Other teams wanted to participate but because of the number of games that will be played, there is not enough time,” Sears said.

This upcoming weekend is a holiday weekend. Sears and his team took the holiday into consideration, knowing that softball fans are always looking for something to do and for softball to watch.

Sears said the objective is to make it an annual event but they will see how this year’s event goes. The cost of attendance is $10 each.

 Home|Sports|BCA league gets underway October 28Sports

Simba FrenchSend an emailOctober 5, 2023 23 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

After being off for almost a year, the Bahamas Cricket Association (BCA) TwentyTwenty (T20) League and the T20 Nations League is set to resume. Action will get underway Saturday October 28 at Haynes Oval.

President of the BCA Gregory Taylor Sr. said he is happy to have the league back up and running after the hiatus and they are looking forward to having a good season.

“We had some hiccups, but we are excited to get it started; and whatever happens, we are determined to go on with cricket. After a long while, we are starting late in the year. There was a lot of heat and it was too hot for anyone to go out and play. We didn’t want anyone to have a heat stroke so we decided to do it in October or early next year, but in the end, we latched on to October,” Taylor said.

Currently, there is some work being done to Haynes Oval as they prepare for a TwentyTen (T10) international tournament early next year. The league is hoping to get the work completed by this month’s end.

Taylor is expecting seven teams in the BCA league and four teams in the Nations League this year. One of the teams in the BCA league will be an under-19 team. The defending champion in the BCA T20 League is the Rising Stars. Guyana is the defending champion in the Nations League.

Taylor said he is looking forward to seeing some good competition. As for using the players for the national team in any international competition, Taylor said nothing is written in stone.

“We do not know what is going to happen next year but there is supposed to be a qualifier for the T20 Cup and I do not know if it will be played next year or early 2025. However, another qualification process may come up and that is what we are looking at,” Taylor said.

With the players being out of competition for so long, Taylor expects some rust but he knows that they will work their way into shape once they start playing again.

 Home|Uncategorized|Davis wins BPGT ClassicUncategorized

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailOctober 4, 2023 23 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The 2023 Bahamas Professional Golf Tour (BPGT) got underway this past Saturday with the BPGT Classic and its founder Riccardo Davis came away as champion after holding off David Harris on a two-hole playoff at Royal Blue Golf Course at Baha Mar.

The tournament featured three divisions in action – professional, amateur and junior.

Davis and Harris finished their round tied at two-under par 74 to set up the playoff to break the tie. Davis said that given that he did not practice much, he will take that score.

“I had it going, and I finished the round bad. So, shooting a 74 was the worse I could have done. To come out as the winner, I feel fortunate because of how I sputtered at the end. I’ll start practicing for next month’s competition, and we are going to have the same result,” Davis said.

Davis bogeyed hole number 18 as he missed out on finishing the round one-over par 73. He and Harris’ playoff was on that same hole. Davis ended up in the bushes for his drive in the first playoff but managed to tie it with Harris who struggled on the short game.

“I hit a bad drive in the first playoff. My driver was broken in the first round so I played the playoff with my driver’s head rattling, so I did not know where the ball was going to go and I ended up hitting it into the trees. I ended up hitting it into the fairway and found a way to tie it,” Davis said.

The second playoff saw Davis hitting the ball better and making his putt on the first attempt on the green. Harris was unable to make his putt as Davis picked up the win.

Finishing third in the professional division was Stephano Stuart who shot four-over par 76.

In the amateur division, Nolan Johnson came away as the winner with a score of two-over par 74. He held off Richard Gibson Jr. who finished four-over par 76. Placing third was Trevor Gibson who scored 10-over par 82.

“It was a good day,” Johnson said. “I was not striking the ball that well, but I had a few shots that went my way and I was able to hold it in. The competition was stiff, but I was able to hold a few more putts than everyone else and that was what put me on top,” Johnson said.

Christopher Callendar won the junior division after finishing 17-over par 89. Andrew Benjamin placed second after finishing the round 27-over par 99. Tiar Gibson scored 37-over par 109 to finish third.

“The conditions were tough because it was hot,” Callendar said, “However, I was able to play well and get the win.”

Next on the BPGT calendar is the Hillshire Farms Classic by Asa H. Pritchard set for October 22. All three winners will return to defend their titles.

“I expect the Hillshire Farms Classic to see a bigger turnout as persons have more time to plan to play in that event. There has been a lot of interest in the BGPT for the rest of the year, and I expect this month’s event to be very competitive,” Davis said.

There will be a tournament in November and December as the BPGT looks to give golfers another avenue to develop their play.