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SPORTS SECTION E

Friday, January 9, 2026

AP PRO PICKS: WILD CARD RAMS at PANTHERS

PACKERS at BEARS

30-16

27-24

BILLS at JAGUARS

49ERS at EAGLES

26-23

24-20

CHARGERS at PATRIOTS

TEXANS at STEELERS

22-21

23-16

NFL WILD CARD - Page E5

Lenox Lockhart opens his season in Spain

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

LENOX Lockhart, in expanding his horizon to a taste of the competition in Europe, opened his 2026 season yesterday at the Rotax Max Challenge Winter Cup in KartCenter Campillos, Spain. Lockhart, the first Bahamian to win a major US karting title, opened up with a 12th place finish in the qualifying and eliminatory heat of the Rotaz Mini. He will be back in action today as he competes in the second heat before he prepares for the pre finals and final that takes place on Saturday. Unavailable for comments as he had to deal with a lot of logistics surrounding the event, his parents Gabriela and Migueal Lockhart issued a joint statement on behalf of their 10-year-old son, who is one of the youngest competitors competing. "This event has been a very important experience for Lenox. Competing in the Rotax Winter Cup places him in one of the strongest and most diverse fields he has faced so far, with drivers from many countries and a very high level of competition throughout the grid," they said. According to the Lockharts, this is their son's first international race in this category, his first time racing a Tony Kart chassis,

and his first event working with his new team. "The objective coming into Campillos was development, learning, and adapting to a new environment, while still being competitive and pushing forward each session," they further noted. The conditions over the weekend have been challenging, with changing weather adding another layer to an already demanding event. But they noted that their son has approached the weekend with focus, maturity, and a strong willingness to learn. "Every session here is part of a bigger journey, and the experience gained at this level is extremely valuable," they noted. As they look forward to the rest of the competition this weekend, they added that they are realistic, but also ambitious. "The goal is to continue progressing, build consistency, and fight for the best possible result against a very strong field," they stated. "This event is an important step in Lenox’s long-term development, and we are proud of how he is handling the challenge." The Lockharts, along with their publicist Susan Schauff, indicated that they are hoping that The Bahamas will eventually have a permanent kart racing track where local and international events could take place.

GO TEAM LOCKHART: Lenox Lockhart with his new racing team.

Amateur golfers team up with American pro to win the Bahamas Golf Classic’s inaugural Jr Pro-Am Tourney By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN amateurs Madison Carroll and De'Andrey Poitier teamed up with American professional Drew Nesbitt to win the Bahamas Golf Classic's inaugural Junior Pro-Am Tournament. The three person scramble for tournament holes

15-18 at the Ocean Golf Club on Paradise Island kicked off the week of activities on Paradise Island for the start of the two Professional Golf Association's Korn Kerry Tour in The Bahamas. The unique format that included a junior girl and boy and pro player allowed the international to interact with the local players before they compete for

$1,000,000 in prize money for the Bahamas Golf Classic from January 11-14. The classic was moved from Exuma due to the unavailability of the golf course there. Following this tournament, the golfers will head to Abaco for the Great Abaco Classic, scheduled for January 18-21. Carroll, Poitier and Nesbitt came in tied with the combo of Bahamian

amateurs Chermari Pratt, Maximillian Landry and Hayden Buckley. Organisers had to go to the scoreboard to break the tie. The other teams competing were Haley Hall, Karrington Rolle and Sam Anerson; Zaire Poitier, Connor Stevenson and Nick Infanti and Annissa Robinson, Zeden Poitier and Mitch Meissner,

the other squad with two female competitors. One of the top female golfers in the country, Carrooll said she had a really fun time competing with and meeting some of the pro players. "I had a great time playing with the golfers. It was also nice to see how they hit the ball," said Carroll, a 15-year-old ninth grader in home schooling.

"I am looking forward to watching them in the tournament and also volunteering for the tournament." De'Andrey Poitier said it was just as overwhelming for him to play with the pros. "I learned how to keep my composure, especially with the drive phase," said

CLASSIC - SEE Page E3

PAGE 2, Friday, January 9, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

Staying in the Game: How athletes can train smart during flu season By Dr KENT L BAZARD Sports Medicine Physician AS the winter months roll in, so does flu season — a time that can throw a wrench into any athlete’s training routine. For athletes, parents, and coaches, the flu isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a real challenge that can impact performance, recovery, and overall well-being. The good news is that with the right strategies, athletes can

navigate flu season smartly and stay on track. Prevention: Your First Line of Defence First and foremost, prevention is the best medicine. Athletes should prioritize good hygiene - regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and keeping training gear clean. Nutrition also plays a role: a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps support the immune system. Encourage athletes

to get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, and consider a flu shot as recommended by healthcare professionals. When the Flu Strikes: Training Smart Despite best efforts, sometimes the flu still hits. When it does, the key is to listen to the body. For athletes with mild symptoms — like a runny nose or slight fatigue — light, moderate activity may still be possible. Think of it as an opportunity to focus on technique, flexibility,

or low-intensity recovery work rather than intense conditioning.However, if symptoms are more severe — fever, body aches, deep fatigue — training should take a back seat. The body needs its energy to fight off the virus, and pushing through can prolong recovery or lead to complications. Rest is not a setback; it’s a necessary part of the healing process. Parents and coaches should encourage athletes to prioritize rest and recovery, understanding that a short break now prevents longer downtime later. The Impact of the Flu on Training and Recovery It’s important to understand how the flu can affect an athlete’s body. Even after symptoms subside,

lingering fatigue and muscle weakness can persist. Jumping back into full-intensity training too quickly can increase the risk of injury or lead to further illness. A gradual return, focusing on rebuilding stamina and strength, is key. Coaches and parents can help by monitoring how the athlete feels, not just how they perform. Shorter sessions, more frequent breaks, and a focus on recovery techniques like hydration, nutrition, and sleep can make a big difference. The Takeaway Flu season is a challenge, but it doesn’t have to derail an athlete’s progress. By focusing on prevention, respecting the body’s need for rest, and easing back into training with care,

BAZARD athletes can stay healthy and strong. For parents and coaches, supporting this approach helps build a culture of smart, sustainable training. After all, sometimes the best way to move forward is to take a step back and let the body heal.

Local Sports Calendar

T-BIRD FLYERS CLASSIC THE T-Bird Flyers Track Club will hold the first track and field meet for the new year over the weekend of January 9-10 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The patron for the event is the late Gregory Clarke. The event will begin at 6pm on Friday, January 9 and conclude on Saturday, January 10, starting at noon. All age group categories for men and women will be contested. Interested persons can contact coaches Foster Dorsett at 427-3883 for more information. BASEBALL MARIO FORD CAMP THE annual Mario Ford Baseball Camp will begin on Saturday, January 10 at Windsor Park. The camp, which is designed for boys and girls between the ages of 4-16 years, will be staged every Saturday between the hours of 9:30-11:30am until Saturday, April 18. Interested persons are urged to contact camp director Mario Bowleg at 556-0993. ROAD RACE MAJORITY RULE THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations will hold the Majority Day Fun Run/Walk Race on Monday, January 12, starting at 6am from Arawak Cay. There will be a three kilometre walk and run and a 5K run at a cost of $25 per person. The first 900 registrants will receive a t-shirt. All participants will collect a medal and the top three finishers will get a trophy. Early registration deadline is Friday, January 9 at 11:59pm and late registration is Saturday, January 10 at 11:5 pm at a cost of $30 each. DTSP WOLFPACK THE DTSP Wolfpack Track Club will hold the meet on Saturday, January

17, at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium, starting at 9am. The event is being held under the patronage of Alexander Doyle Burrows, former manager of the stadium and a long-time manager of various national teams that represented The Bahamas in international competitions. Interested persons can contact coach Larry Clarke at 425-7417 for more details. SWIMMING BA KICK OFF MEET THE Bahamas Aquatics will begin the new year with its New Year Kick Off Meet over the weekend of January 23-24 at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex. The event will begin on Friday at 6pm and continue on Saturday at 9am. TRACK MEET STAR TRACKERS THE Star Trackers Track Club will hold its Star Performers Track Classic on Saturday, January 24 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The event will begin at 9am and will feature competition for men and women in all age groups. Interested persons can contact Laura Charlton at 357-3109 for more information. BLTA SEASON OPENER THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association will begin the new year with an under-14 and under-16 tournament at the National Tennis Centre over the weekend of January 23-24. The event is expected to attract the top male and female players in those age groups as they compete for their national ranking. CYCLING RIDE FOR EXUMA THE Bahamas Cycling Federation will kick off its calendar year with the Ride for Exuma on January 24, starting at 8am in Georgetown. The event will

enable competitors to view the turquoise waters and breathtaking landscapes of Exuma. ROAD RACE MACEDONIA 60TH ANNIVERSARY RACE AS a part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, Macedonia Baptist Church on Bernard Road, Fox Hill, will stage a Family Fun Run/ Walk Race, which is open to the general public. The dual event will take place on Saturday, January 24, starting at 6am. The walk race will leave the church and head west on Bernard Road to Village Road, turn around and head back east on Bernard Road to the church. The run will leave the church and head west on Bernard Road to Village Road, turn onto Soldier Road, head to Prince Charles Drive, onto Fox Hill Road and west on Bernard Road back to the church. The registration fee is $10 for the men and women 15-and-under, 20-and-under, 40-and-under, 60-and-under, 60-and-over and Ministers/Pastors. Interested persons can whatsapp or call Brent Stubbs at 426-7265 or call the church at 324-1583 for more information. SIXTH RED-LINE SONJA KNOWLES CLASSIC THE Red-Line Athletics Track Club’s sixth annual Sonja Knowles Track Classic will be held over the weekend of January 31 to February 1 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Classic. The event will begin at 10am on Saturday, January 31 and continue on Sunday, February 1 at 1pm. The categories for men and women will begin from under-7 to the masters. Interested persons can contact coach Tito Moss at 425-4262 for more information.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, January 9, 2026, PAGE 3 BAHAMIAN amateur Karrington Rolle.

PRO golfer Nick Infanti.

BAHAMIAN amateur Zaire Poitier.

Amateur golfers team up with American pro to win Bahamas Golf Classic’s inaugural Junior Pro-Am Tourney CLASSIC - from Page E1 Poitier, a 13-yearold ninth grader at Bahamas Global Academy.He too said he’s eager to watch the tournament, especially Nesbitt and also Bahamian Cameron Riley, who earned the rights to represent The Bahamas and a player he’s never seen play. Having played in the threesome with Zaire Poitier and Stevenson, Infanti said he’s been impressed with the level of talent that he’s experienced. “The group ahead of us had some players who also played very well,” Infanti said.

For Infanti, it’s his first trip here and he said it’s true paradise. “It’s very beautiful here, especially on this golf course and at the resort (at Atlantis),” he said. “But I can’t wait to get some local fish. I have to go to the Fish Fry.” As he prepares to make his debut in the tournament, Infanti said he will just “see how it goes.” And while he’s back for his third appearance, Anderson said he could never get enough of being in The Bahamas. As a member of the University of Wisconsin, Anderson made his first trip here in 2018. He came back

BAHAMIAN amateurs Madison Carroll and De’ Andrey Poitier teamed up with American professional Drew Nesbitt to win the Bahamas Golf Classic’s inaugural Junior Pro-Am Tournament. for his first Korn Kerry Tour last year where he made the qualifying cut. “I would be lying if I say I didn’t have some nerves, but I made the cut and so it was a good way to start off the year,” he stated. “So it’s good to be back for another tournament to kick off the season.

Korn Ferry Tour opens year with Bahamas Golf Classic PROFESSIONAL golf returns to Paradise Island this week when the Korn Ferry Tour opens its 2026 campaign starting with the Bahamas Golf Classic at Atlantis Paradise Island, January 12-15, at the Ocean Club Golf Course. The event will be televised worldwide by The Golf Channel with more than 12 hours of live programming. bdG Sports, a global event management company, will manage the tournament on behalf of the PGA TOUR. bdG Sports has been managing two Korn Ferry Tour events in The Bahamas since 2017. This will be the second year the first event has been played at the Ocean Club Golf Course at Atlantis. Below are details regarding the four-day tournament and several additional happenings promoting the game of golf and the event. ABOUT BAHAMAS GOLF CLASSIC The Bahamas Golf Classic at Paradise Island is the first of 25 events across seven countries and seven U.S. states during the 2026 Korn Ferry Tour season. More than 150 golfers will compete for the $1 million purse at this week’s event. The top-20 players on the 2026 Korn Ferry Tour Points List will earn 2027 PGA TOUR membership, with the season-long standings finalised after the Korn Ferry Tour Championship presented by Virginia’s Richmond Region in mid-October. Tournament rounds begin each day at sunrise, 6:50am ET. Prior to the cut being made, action will conclude the first two days at dusk, approximately 5:40pm ET. Final-round play should conclude at approximately 3:45pm on Wednesday, January 14, with a trophy presentation to follow on the 18th green.

TV COVERAGE ON GOLF CHANNEL Both of the first two Korn Ferry Tour events in The Bahamas – the Bahamas Golf Classic at Atlantis Paradise Island and the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club – utilise the unique Sunday-Wednesday format, given the flexibility in the early season scheduling. The format allows for both events to be the only live sports broadcasts during the day throughout North America. The Bahamas Golf Classic at Atlantis Paradise Island is one of 10 featured events on the 2026 Korn Ferry Tour season televised by the Golf Channel. The network will provide three hours of live coverage during each round with daily replays in prime-time windows. The television schedule follows: Sunday, January 18 – 2-5 pm ET Monday, January 19 – 2-5pm Tuesday, January 20 – 2-5pm Wednesday, January 21 – 1-4pm TICKET INFORMATION Tickets to the Bahamas Golf Classic at Atlantis Paradise Island are available for purchase at the following link: https://tickets.thebahamasgolfclassic.com/. The Daily Grounds Pass ($25.00) entitles the purchaser general admission access for a single day of golf. Gates open at 7 am ET. The Daily Hospitality Pass ($125) entitles the purchaser admission for a single day of golf plus admission to the 18th Green Hospitality Tent where complimentary snacks and beverages can be enjoyed from 11am to 5pm. PARKING INFO General parking is complimentary and available at Casuarina Beach on

Paradise Island, which is just to the left after exiting the bridge. A complimentary shuttle service is available to the Ocean Club Golf Course. There is no public parking at the golf course. Events surrounding the tournament Youth Clinic – Friday, January 9: Nine professional golfers from the tournament will guide the group of 60 young people through skills needed in each aspect of the game, then put the youth through drills while providing valuable instruction. TaylorMade has donated hats and gloves to all the kids, who are a part of the Fourteen Clubs Foundation. The clinic will take place on the practice range. Public Exhibition – Saturday, January 10: Several professional golfers will demonstrate a variety of golf shots at the Bahamas Golf Federation Driving Range near the SportsCentre beginning at 9 am ET. Youth Day at the event – Wednesday, January 14: Local youth from area schools are invited to attend the final round of the tournament. Play should conclude around 3:30-3:45pm. LOOKING BACK AT LAST YEAR’S WINNER Hank Lebioda outlasted S.H. Kim with a birdie on the first playoff hole to claim his first Korn Ferry Tour event at the 2025 The Bahamas Golf Classic at Paradise Island. The victory, along with four additional top-five finishes during the season helped Lebioda secure a sixth-place finish on the final Korn Ferry Tour Points List. UP NEXT The Korn Ferry Tour heads to Abaco next week for the 2026 Great Abaco Classic at the Abaco Club, January 17-21. The Golf Channel will provide live coverage of each round.

“The weather is perfect, the course is awesome, the people here are awesome and even if you are not playing any golf, you can enjoy the beach,” he stated. “So it’s a good way to kick off the year.” Teaming up with Haley Hall and Karrington Rolle,

Anderson said the players demonstrated that they both have the ability to play at the next level. “It’s good to be able to help them out. I know Karrington said he wants to go to college and Haley has the game for it as well, so I was happy to help them out.”

Some of the pro players will be back today to assist the local players in a youth camp that will be held from 3-4:30pm. BD Global Sports, headed by its CEO Brooks Downing, is also expected to make a donation to The Bahamas’ junior golf programme.

PAGE 4, Friday, January 9, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

Nuggets rally to beat Celtics 114-110 By The Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Jamal Murray had 22 points and 17 assists and Peyton Watson scored 30 for the Denver Nuggets, who went on a 14-0 run to rally from a fourth-quarter deficit and pull away to beat the Boston Celtics 114-110 on Wednesday night. In a game missing its two biggest stars — Denver’s three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and Boston All-Star Jayson Tatum — the teams played through 26 lead changes and another nine ties before Denver turn a three-point deficit midway through the fourth into a 101-90 lead. Boston trailed 107-95 and cut it to three points in the final seconds, but it was too late. Jaylen Brown scored 33 and Neemias Queta grabbed a career-high 20 rebounds for Boston, which had won five in a row. Denver had lost six of its last 10 since opening the season 20-6, losing ground on the defending champion Thunder in the Western Conference race. They are 3-2 since Jokic went out with a hyperextended left knee. Murray and Christian Braun returned to the starting lineup after sitting out Monday’s overtime loss to Philadelphia, the second game of a back-to-back. Denver trailed 90-87 before scoring 14 straight, getting nine points from Watson and eight from Zeke Nnaji in the fourth. PISTONS 108, BULLS 93 DETROIT (AP) — Isaiah Stewart scored a career-high 31 points to help short-handed Detroit beat Chicago. Detroit won for the fourth time in five games despite playing without All-Star Cade Cunningham (wrist) and fellow starters Tobias Harris (hip) and Jalen Duren (ankle). Stewart, who had his previous best of 26 points against Memphis on Nov. 3, scored 11 points in the first

quarter. Two-way player Daniss Jenkins added six rebounds and a career-high 15 assists. Ayo Dosunmu had 24 points for Chicago, which has lost three straight. Nikola Vucevic added 20 points and 16 rebounds, and Matas Buzelis also had 20 points. Chicago led 77-76 at the end of the third quarter, but Detroit scored the first seven points of the fourth to go up 83-77. The Bulls were unable to get anything going offensively in the fourth quarter. They missed 12 of their first 16 shots, including eight of 10 3-pointers, and turned the ball over three times. RAPTORS 97, HORNETS 96 CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Immanuel Quickley hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key at the buzzer and Toronto rallied from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Charlotte. RJ Barrett finished with 28 points and seven rebounds, while Quickley added 21 points. Scottie Barnes chipped in with 17 points as the Raptors won for the fifth time in six games. Collin Sexton led the Hornets with 22 points. LaMelo Ball, who scored 15 points, made a driving left-handed layup with 1.6 seconds left to give the Hornets a 96-94 lead. But Quickley got free off of a side-inbounds play and drilled his third 3 of the game, drawing a loud collective moan from the home crowd. Charlotte had 18 turnovers to Toronto’s six. KNICKS 123, CLIPPERS 111 NEW YORK (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns had 20 points, 11 rebounds and a season-high seven assists, Jalen Brunson scored 26 points and New York snapped its four-game losing streak with a victory over Los Angeles. Towns bounced back from a quiet game Monday in Detroit, when he took

NUGGETS guard Jamal Murray, left, wrestles for the ball against Boston Celtics guard Jordan Walsh, right, during the second half on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) just four shots and had only six points and six turnovers in the Knicks’ 121-90 loss that gave them their longest losing streak of the season. This time, the center had 10 points in the fourth quarter to help the Knicks break open the game. OG Anunoby added 20 points and Deuce McBride had 16 for the Knicks, who had a 24-7 run starting late in the third quarter and extending into the fourth to turn a four-point deficit into a 105-92 advantage. Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points for the Clippers, who lost for just the second time in nine games. James Harden had 23 points and nine assists after sitting out Monday against Golden State because of right shoulder soreness. HAWKS 117, PELICANS 110 ATLANTA (AP) — Zaccharie Risacher scored 25 points, Jalen Johnson added 19 and seven Atlanta players scored in double figures

in a win over New Orleans as the Hawks traded fourtime All-Star Trae Young to Washington. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 17 points, Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard and Dyson Daniels added 13 points apiece, and Mouhamed Gueye finished with 10 as the Hawks snapped a two-game skid after losing consecutive games to the Toronto Raptors on Saturday and Monday. The Hawks agreed to trade Young, who was listed out for the game against New Orleans due to a quad contusion, to the Wizards for a package including veteran CJ McCollum, a person with knowledge of the move told The Associated Press. Corey Kispert is also headed from Washington to Atlanta, said the person, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the trade had not received the required league approval. Young, who was on the bench in street clothes, is 10th in points, 12th in points per game, first in assists and first in assists per game since entering the NBA as the No. 5 pick in the 2018 draft. Zion Williamson overcame a scoreless first quarter and led the Pelicans with 22 points on 10-for15 shooting with eight rebounds and six assists. Jordan Poole added 21 points, Bryce McGowens had 20 and Micah Peavy and Jeremiah Fears each score 11 as the Pelicans lost their ninth straight game. MAGIC 104, NETS 103 (Overtime) NEW YORK (AP) — Paolo Banchero banked in a 3-pointer from the top of the key at the overtime buzzer to give Orlando a victory over Brooklyn. Two nights after falling at lowly Washington, the Magic beat the Nets for the eighth straight time to improve to 21-17. Banchero scored 30 points to lead Orlando. Wendell Carter Jr. added 20, Tristan da Silva had 14 and Noah Penda 13. In overtime, Egor Demin made a 3-pointer with 1:07 left to give Brooklyn a 100-99 lead. Carter put Orlando back in front on a dunk with 16 seconds remaining. Demin countered with another 3 with 3.6 seconds left to make it 103-101, and Banchero ended it with the 26-footer that banked in. After Brooklyn pulled to 91-90 in regulation on Noah Clowney’s jumper, da Sila scored on a dunk for Orlando with 17 seconds left. Demin hit a 3-pointer with six seconds to go to tie it, and Banchero missed a 30-footer at the buzzer. Michael Porter Jr. led Brooklyn with 34 points. and Demin had 18. SUNS 117, GRIZZLIES 98 MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Dillon Brooks scored 21 points, fellow former Memphis player Grayson Allen added 19 and Phoenix routed the Grizzlies. Brooks, who played his first six seasons with the Grizzlies, scored 18 of his points in the first half as the

Suns built an early advantage. Allen, who also played two seasons with Memphis, was 7 of 13 from the field, including 5 of 10 3-pointers. Devin Booker finished with 13 points, but was 6 of 15 from the field. Phoenix, which was coming off a 100-97 loss to Houston on Monday night, has won seven of its last nine. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the short-handed Grizzlies with 19 points, while Cam Spencer, Javon Small and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finished with 14 points each. Memphis shot 42% and committed 18 turnovers, leading to 25 Phoenix points. The Suns’ lead stretched to 22 early in the third quarter and even a 10-2 Memphis rally only put a dent in the advantage. The Grizzlies’ turnovers continued to mount in the third, and Phoenix carried a 91-68 lead into the fourth. THUNDER 129, JAZZ 125 (Overtime) OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 46 points and Oklahoma City beat Utah in overtime to snap a two-game losing skid. Gilgeous-Alexander calmly made a shot from near the free-throw line at the regulation buzzer to force overtime, then scored nine points in the extra period. The reigning MVP increased his streak of games with at least 20 points to 109, the second-longest run in NBA history. Chet Holmgren had 23 points and 12 rebounds, Jalen Williams scored 17 points and Ajay Mitchell added 16 for defending champion Oklahoma City. The Thunder had dropped six of their previous 12 after starting the season 24-1. The most significant recent blemish was a 124-97 loss to struggling Charlotte on Tuesday for their second straight loss. The Thunder haven’t lost three consecutive regular-season games since April 2024. Lauri Markkanen had 29 points and 13 rebounds for Utah. Keyonte George added 25 points and 11 assists and Jusuf Nurkic chipped in 15 points and 15 rebounds as the Jazz lost their fifth straight. SPURS 107, LAKERS 91 SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Keldon Johnson had 27 points, Victor Wembanyama added 16 points and 14 rebounds, and San Antonio overcame 38 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists from Luka Doncic to beat Los Angeles. San Antonio moved into second place in the Western Conference despite shooting 4 for 25 on 3-pointers. LeBron James didn’t play due to arthritis and sciatica as Los Angeles’ three-game winning streak came to an end. Calf strains also sidelined Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura for the Lakers. Jake LaRavia, with 16 points, and Jaxson Hayes, with 10, were the only other Lakers to score in double figures against the Spurs.

Wembanyama was listed as questionable after returning Tuesday from a two-game absence due to a hyperextended left knee. He had 30 points in 20 minutes in a 106-105 loss at Memphis and followed that up with his 15th double-double this season. San Antonio went on an 11-4 run midway through the third quarter for a 71-59 lead. Johnson and Stephon Castle combined for nine points in the run. Castle finished with 15 points and De’Aaron Fox added 14. WARRIORS 120, BUCKS 113 SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry had 31 points, highlighted by a step-back 3-pointer with 26 seconds left, and added seven assists and seven rebounds to help Golden State beat Milwaukee. De’Anthony Melton added 22 points off the bench, Jimmy Butler finished with 21 points and five rebounds and Al Horford had eight points, 10 rebounds and six assists in one of his best all-around games since joining the Warriors. Curry shot 12 for 21 with three 3s. He made his first from deep at the 4:44 mark of the opening quarter and scored 14 points by halftime. Giannis Anteokounmpo’s layup with 4:38 remaining pulled the Bucks within 10 but Butler answered on the other end. Anteokounmpo had 34 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while Kevin Porter Jr. contributed 15 points, nine assists and four rebounds for the Bucks, who couldn’t withstand Golden State’s 18 made 3s and a 53-42 rebounding disadvantage. TRAIL BLAZERS 103, ROCKETS 102 PORTLAND, Oregon (AP) — Deni Avdija had a season-high 41 points and Portland won its fourth straight with a wild victory over Houston. It appeared Tari Eason scored on a tip-in for Houston at the buzzer and the Rockets emptied the bench in celebration, but upon review the basket did not beat the clock. The teams will meet again at the Moda Center on Friday night. The Blazers held off the Rockets through most of the second half, but Houston tied it at 84 on a Amen Thompson’s free throw with 8:56 left. Shaedon Sharpe’s 3-pointer put Portland back in front. The Rockets narrowed Portland’s lead to 101-99 on Kevin Durant’s jumper and foul shot with just over a minute on the clock. Avdija answered with a layup. With the Blazers holding a 103-100 lead, Durant made a pair of free throws with 5.9 seconds left. On a Portland inbound, Houston was called for a loose ball foul, which coach Ime Udoka successfully challenged, giving the Rockets the ball. Durant, who finished with 37 points, missed a 19-footer with 2.1 seconds left before Eason’s failed attempt at the buzzer.

Pro Picks: Four road teams are favourites in wild-card weekend

THE TRIBUNE

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

THE NFL’s wild-card weekend features a rematch of the 2022 NFC championship game, two division rivals facing off, a team with a losing record playing a home game and four road favourites. The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and their inconsistent offence are home against Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and the injury-depleted San Francisco 49ers. Philly ended Purdy’s impressive rookie season three years ago by knocking him out of the NFC title game in the first quarter and then forced him back in to hand off after giving backup Josh Johnson a concussion in a lopsided victory. The Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers as the NFC North rivals meet for the third time in six weeks. They split the season series, each winning at home. Bryce Young and the 8-9 Carolina Panthers take on Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams after backing into the playoffs. The Panthers upset the Rams in Carolina on November 30. The weekend’s other matchups include Bills-Jaguars, Chargers-Patriots and Texans-Steelers. Pro Picks examines all the games with lines from BetMGM Sportsbook: LOS ANGELES RAMS (12-5) at CAROLINA (8-9) Line: Rams minus 10 The Panthers stunned the Rams 31-28 at home six weeks ago. Stafford threw two interceptions, including a pick-6. Young had one of his best games, going 15 of 20 for 206 yards, three TDs and no interceptions. Los Angeles was in the race for the No. 1 seed in the NFC before consecutive losses to Seattle and Atlanta in Weeks 16 and 17 and fell to fifth. Carolina won its first NFC South title in 10 years when Atlanta beat New Orleans to eliminate Tampa Bay.

Friday, January 9, 2026, PAGE 5

The No. 4 seed Panthers are the fifth team to reach the playoffs with a losing record. Those teams are 2-2, including a victory by Carolina’s 7-8-1 division championship team in 2014. Road teams in the playoffs that have at least four wins more than their opponent are just 2-6 in those games. But these Rams are far superior to this Panthers team. Carolina has a minus69 point differential, the fourth worst for a playoff team in NFL history. Los Angeles was 12-5 against the spread, including 6-3 on the road. The Panthers were 10-7 ATS, 5-3 at home. BEST BET: RAMS: 30-16 GREEN BAY (9-7-1) at CHICAGO (11-6) Line: Packers minus 1 The Packers beat the Bears 28-21 in Green Bay with Micah Parsons on December 7. Without Parsons at Soldier Field just 13 days later, they led Chicago 13-3 in the fourth quarter before Caleb Williams threw a tying TD pass in the final minute and a game-winner in overtime. The Bears finished the season with consecutive losses, including at home to Detroit in Week 18, but still earned the NFC’s No. 2 seed because the Eagles rested their starters and lost their final game. The Packers finished the regular season with four consecutive losses and were locked into the No. 7 seed going into the last game. They rested starters, including Jordan Love, who hasn’t played since a helmet-to-helmet hit in the second meeting against Chicago. Bears first-year coach Ben Johnson helped Williams develop in his second season and Chicago is in the playoffs for the first time in five years. Packers coach Matt LaFleur has led the team to the playoffs six times in seven seasons. The Packers are 11-3 ATS in their past 14 games vs. Chicago, but they’re just 2-9 ATS in their past 11 road games.

Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen. (AP Photo/Gene J Puskar)

Texans QB C.J. Stroud. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Rams QB Matthew Stafford. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

The Bears are 10-5 ATS in their past 15 games, but have won just two of their past 16 home games against Green Bay. The Packers’ Super Bowl hopes ended when Parsons went down. UPSET SPECIAL: BEARS: 27-24 BUFFALO (12-5) at JACKSONVILLE (13-4) Line: Bills minus 1 Josh Allen and the Bills didn’t win the AFC East after a five-year run so now they have to take the road route as the No. 6 seed. Buffalo’s Super Bowl hopes have been dashed by Kansas City four times in the past five years. But they don’t have to worry about Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs this time. NFL rushing champion James Cook takes some pressure off Allen, the reigning NFL MVP who is still seeking a Super Bowl appearance. Cook is facing the NFL’s best run defence. The Jaguars allowed 85.6 yards per game and no running back got 75 yards against them. Rookie coach Liam Coen led an impressive nine-win turnaround in Jacksonville, helping Trevor Lawrence

have his best season. The underrated Jaguars don’t get the attention they deserve but this team beat No. 1 seed Denver on the road in Week 16 and closed with eight straight wins. Lawrence is facing the NFL’s No. 1 pass defence but the Bills were 28th against the run. If the game comes down to a long field goal, the advantage goes to the Jaguars. Cam Little set the NFL record with a 68-yarder earlier in the season, made a 67-yarder in Week 18 and nailed one from 70 in the preseason. Buffalo is 0-2 in the playoffs against Jacksonville. BILLS: 26-23 SAN FRANCISCO (12-5) at PHILADELPHIA (11-6) Line: Eagles minus 4 1/2 The 49ers missed an opportunity to get the No. 1 seed and a bye when they lost to Seattle 13-3. This season might have been coach Kyle Shanahan’s best season. The Niners lost their two best players on defence, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, to season-ending injuries. Purdy missed eight games and their group of wide receivers

was decimated by injuries. McCaffrey led the offence with an all-everything season. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh held his unit together but now they’ve lost linebacker Tatum Bethune for the rest of the season with a groin injury. Star left tackle Trent Williams (hamstring) and wideout Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) will be evaluated later this week to determine whether they can return after missing Week 18. It’s a tough task going to Philadelphia to face a rested team. The Eagles sat many of their starters and missed an opportunity to get the No. 2 seed. Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown and the rest of Philadelphia’s star-studded offence were inconsistent under first-year coordinator Kevin Patullo. But Vic Fangio’s defence is one of the league’s best. EAGLES: 24-20 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (11-6) at NEW ENGLAND (14-3) Line: Patriots minus 3 1/2 Despite a depleted offensive line, Justin Herbert got the Chargers to this point. Now, he’s seeking his first

Rookie ‘VJ’ scores 13 to help 76ers to 131-110 win over Wizards Edgecombe also PHILADELPHIA (AP) gets five steals, — Joel Embiid scored 28 points, Paul George added seven assists, 23 and all of Philadelphia's starters scored in double-figures as the 76ers six rebounds

career playoff win in six years. He’s got a defence that can help him get there. Coordinator Jesse Minter’s unit ranked fifth this season. Edge rushers Khalil Mack and rookie Tuli Tuipulotu and hybrid safety Derwin James are standouts. It’s going to be a big challenge for Drake Maye in his first playoff game. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel knows how to win big games. So does Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh. Home-field advantage is a big factor in this one. The Chargers were 9-8 ATS, but 4-1 as underdogs this season. New England was 12-5 ATS. PATRIOTS: 22-21 HOUSTON (12-5) at PITTSBURGH (10-7) Line: Texans minus 3 Texans coach DeMeco Ryans and quarterback C.J. Stroud have made the playoffs in each of their three years together in Houston, overcoming an 0-3 start this season. The NFL’s No. 1 defence led by Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre makes the Texans a Super Bowl contender despite a No. 5 seed. That’s why they’re a road favourite. The Steelers won the AFC North when Baltimore’s Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field-goal attempt wide right. Aaron Rodgers was in vintage form in the fourth quarter to lead Pittsburgh without DK Metcalf. T.J. Watt came back and instantly made an impact. Houston has never won a playoff game on the road, going 0-5. Pittsburgh has lost six straight playoff games but the Steelers have won 23 consecutive home games on Monday night since 1991. TEXANS: 23-16 ••• Last week: Straight up: 8-8. Against spread: 9-7. Overall: Straight up: 184-87-1. Against spread: 143-121-8. Prime time: Straight up: 32-25-1. Against spread: 26-32. Best Bet: Straight up: 12-6. Against spread: 8-9-1.

76ERS’ VJ Edgecombe (77) tries to dunk past Washington Wizards’ Marvin Bagley III (35) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/ Matt Rourke)

By AARON BRACY Associated Press

beat the Washington Wizards 131-110 on Wednesday night. Tyrese Maxey contributed 22 points and eight assists for the 76ers, who have won four of five. Not long after the game finished, reports surfaced that Washington and Atlanta made a trade. The Hawks agreed to trade Trae Young to the Wizards for a package including veteran CJ McCollum, a person with knowledge of the move told The Associated Press. Corey Kispert is also headed from Washington to Atlanta, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not received the required league approval. Tre Johnson had a team-high 20 points for Washington, which played without several key players on the second night of a back-to-back. Khris Middleton (right knee injury)

was among the Washington players sidelined. Embiid played in his fifth consecutive game contest since being slowed by early season injuries. The 2023 MVP shot 10 for 14 from the field and 7 of 8 from the line, and added seven rebounds. Rookie Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe contributed 13 points, seven assists, six rebounds and five steals. Philadelphia took control early behind Embiid’s 16 points in the first quarter. The 76ers were up 92-80 entering the fourth before opening the final period with an 11-0 run, capped by a Quentin Grimes dunk to take a 23-point lead. Grimes finished with 16 points. Kelly Oubre Jr. returned to the Philadelphia lineup from a left knee injury and scored two points in his first game since November 14. Trendon Watford (left abductor sprain) also

returned for the 76ers, who had their full complement of players for the first time this season. Watford last played on November 25. The 76ers bounced back from Monday’s 125-124 overtime home loss to Denver in which the Nuggets had just nine available players and were missing their entire regular starting lineup. Washington had won five of seven games entering Wednesday after starting the season 3-20. But, they were short-handed against the 76ers, missing Kispert (hamstring) and Keyshawn George (left hip) in addition to Middleton and McCollum. Bub Carrington and Bilal Coulibaly each scored 18 for the Wizards. Coach Brian Keefe said before the game that there is no timetable for Cam Whitmore’s return. He has been out since last month due to upper extremity deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. Up next Wizards: Host New Orleans today. 76ers: At Orlando today.

76ERS’ Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe, left, goes up to shoot against Wizards’ Justin Champagnie during the second half on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

PAGE 6, Friday, January 9, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, January 9, 2026, PAGE 7

Arsenal held 0-0 by Liverpool to miss chance to pull eight points clear in Premier League By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer ARSENAL missed a chance to pull eight points clear in the Premier League after being stifled in a 0-0 home draw with Liverpool yesterday. Disappointing for so much of its title defence so far this season, Liverpool put in a polished display in driving rain at Emirates Stadium to bring an end to Arsenal’s five-match winning run in the league. The closest either team came to scoring was when Liverpool right back Conor Bradley chipped David Raya after a mix-up between the Arsenal goalkeeper and centre back William Saliba, only for the ball to rebound off the crossbar. Arsenal had just nine shots all match — its lowest at home in four years — and looked unusually disjointed, leading to frustration among the home supporters during the second half. Still, they have plenty to be happy about. Arsenal ended the latest round how it started — with a six-point lead over both second-place Manchester City and third-place Aston Villa. With 17 games left, the Gunners remain strong favourites to clinch a first league title since 2004.

City and Villa both drew matches on Wednesday, against Brighton and Crystal Palace, respectively. “We have some moments where we have the right positional advantages to really hurt them, and then when we got into these areas, we lacked quality to pick the players,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said of his team's performance. “We’ve come from a very demanding schedule ... the six games that we’ve played in this Christmas period ... and we’ve come out of that in a really strong position." 10 games unbeaten Liverpool stayed in fourth place and extended its unbeaten streak to 10 matches. The champions lacked a spark up front without injured strikers Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, and with Mohamed Salah away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, but defensively they have tightened up and they dominated the midfield battle in the second half. “We faced an unbelievable team,” Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai said, “but we showed again today why we became champions last season. This was a step forward after recent weeks.” A big negative for Liverpool was the sight of the injury-prone

ARSENAL’S Bukayo Saka fouls Liverpool’s Milos Kerkez during their English Premier League soccer match in London, Thursday, January 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Ian Walton) Bradley getting carried off on a stretcher in second-half stoppage time with an apparent lower leg issue

after landing awkwardly making a clearance. While Bradley was writhing around in pain near

the sideline, Gabriel Martinelli dropped the ball on him then tried to roll the defender off the playing

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-DAY FORECAST

TODAY

TONIGHT

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

surface. That sparked some pushing and shoving between the players, with Martinelli getting booked.

UV INDEX TODAY

TUESDAY

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+ LOW

ORLANDO

Mostly sunny

Clear

Mostly sunny

Times of clouds and sun

Clouds and sun with a shower or two

A couple of morning showers

High: 81°

Low: 69°

High: 81° Low: 71°

High: 80° Low: 68°

High: 79° Low: 69°

High: 78° Low: 68°

AccuWeather RealFeel

82° F

69° F

83°-72° F

84°-69° F

81°-66° F

80°-70° F

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 62° F/17° C

TAMPA

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 66° F/19° C

ABACO

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 68° F/20° C

8-16 knots

WEST PALM BEACH High: 82° F/28° C Low: 69° F/21° C

7-14 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

FREEPORT

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 72° F/22° C

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 67° F/19° C

MIAMI

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 71° F/22° C

8-16 knots

NASSAU

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 71° F/22° C

2.5 2.4

6:14 a.m. 0.2 6:37 p.m. -0.1

ALMANAC

Saturday

12:57 a.m. 1:04 p.m.

2.4 2.1

7:12 a.m. 7:25 p.m.

0.4 0.0

Statistics are for Nassau through 1 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 79° F/26° C Low .................................................... 70° F/21° C Normal high ....................................... 77° F/25° C Normal low ........................................ 65° F/19° C Last year’s high .................................. 74° F/23° C Last year’s low ................................... 61° F/16° C Precipitation As of 1 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date .................................................. 0.10” Normal year to date ..................................... 0.37”

Sunday

1:51 a.m. 1:57 p.m.

2.3 1.9

8:12 a.m. 8:14 p.m.

0.6 0.1

Monday

2:46 a.m. 2:52 p.m.

2.3 1.8

9:12 a.m. 9:04 p.m.

0.6 0.1

Tuesday

3:39 a.m. 3:47 p.m.

2.3 1.7

10:10 a.m. 0.5 9:54 p.m. 0.1

Wednesday 4:30 a.m. 4:39 p.m.

2.4 1.8

11:03 a.m. 0.4 10:43 p.m. 0.1

Thursday

2.5 1.8

11:50 a.m. 0.3 11:30 p.m. 0.0

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 70° F/21° C

5:18 a.m. 5:28 p.m.

Low

Ht.(ft.)

SUN AND MOON Sunrise Sunset

6:57 a.m. 5:38 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

11:58 p.m. 11:09 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Jan. 10

Jan. 18

Jan. 25

Feb. 1

CAT ISLAND

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 72° F/22° C

8-16 knots

10-20 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

TIDES FOR NASSAU 12:03 a.m. 12:14 p.m.

EXT.

Today

KEY WEST

VERY HIGH

Ht.(ft.)

ELEUTHERA

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 69° F/21° C

HIGH

High

The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is the only index that includes all the weather factors that play a role in how we perceive temperature, including the effects of wind, humidity, sunshine, precipitation, pressure, and elevation. Shown are the highest and lowest values for each day.

MODERATE

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection. Shown is the highest value of the day.

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 72° F/22° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 73° F/23° C

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 70° F/21° C

W S

LONG ISLAND

TRACKING MAP

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 73° F/23° C

10-20 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 81° F/27° C Low: 75° F/24° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 79° F/26° C Low: 75° F/24° C

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 83° F/28° C Low: 75° F/24° C

N W

N E

E S

12-25 knots

MARINE FORECAST ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday:

WINDS SE at 7-14 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots NE at 8-16 Knots E at 7-14 Knots ENE at 10-20 Knots E at 10-20 Knots ENE at 12-25 Knots ENE at 12-25 Knots E at 10-20 Knots E at 10-20 Knots E at 7-14 Knots E at 7-14 Knots NE at 10-20 Knots E at 10-20 Knots NE at 12-25 Knots ENE at 12-25 Knots ENE at 12-25 Knots ENE at 12-25 Knots ENE at 10-20 Knots ENE at 12-25 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots NE at 12-25 Knots ENE at 10-20 Knots NE at 10-20 Knots E at 10-20 Knots

WAVES 1-3 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-6 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-6 Feet 2-4 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-5 Feet 4-7 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 3-6 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet

VISIBILITY 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 75° F 75° F 75° F 74° F 78° F 78° F 81° F 80° F 77° F 77° F 78° F 78° F 78° F 77° F 81° F 81° F 79° F 79° F 79° F 79° F 77° F 77° F 78° F 78° F 78° F 78° F

PAGE 8, Friday, January 9, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

THE Island Youth Basketball League officially launches its 2026 Winter League on Saturday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

Island Youth Basketball League to launch its Winter League Saturday THE Island Youth Basketball League (IYBL), founded and directed by Jurelle Mullings, officially launches its 2026 Winter League on Saturday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, continuing its mission to provide safe, structured and development-focused basketball for children across New Providence. Oaktree Medical Center has come on board as title sponsor of the IYBL Winter League, supporting the league’s focus on youth health, character development and positive routines through sport. The Winter League follows a successful Fall Jamboree held October 9-13, 2025, where 80 registered players participated over four days of assessments, team placement, skills training and competitive play. The Jamboree marked the league’s official season opener and demonstrated strong demand for an organised, age-appropriate basketball environment for boys and girls. Participants represented 38 public and private schools and learning communities, along with homeschool networks, Urban Renewal Program participants, and children referred through community-based organisations. This broad representation reflects IYBL’s commitment to access and inclusion for children from diverse backgrounds. “Basketball is the platform, but character is the priority,” said Jurelle Mullings, founder and league director of IYBL. “Every detail of the league is designed to help children build confidence, discipline, respect, and a sense of belonging. The Fall Jamboree showed us how much families value a space where development comes before results.” Addressing Real Challenges Facing Young People The IYBL was developed with national youth challenges in mind, particularly concerns highlighted in The Bahamas Global Schoolbased Student Health Survey (GSHS) 2025, including physical inactivity, poor nutrition, exposure to violence, mental health pressures, and limited access to positive afterschool outlets. By offering consistent weekly activity, positive adult mentorship, teambased learning, and a structured environment,

the league provides children with a constructive alternative during critical out-of-school weekend hours. Through sport, IYBL promotes healthy habits, positive decision-making, teamwork, and emotional growth in ways that feel natural and engaging for young people. Health and Community Partnership Oaktree Medical Center’s involvement as title sponsor reflects a shared belief in prevention, character formation, and whole-child development. “We are seeing the effects of inactivity, poor nutrition, stress, and unsafe environments show up earlier in our young people,” said Dr. Don Deveaux, chief medical officer and internal medicine and nephrology specialist at Oaktree Medical Center. “Programmes like the Island Youth Basketball League create consistent, positive routines where physical activity, mentorship, and strong values are reinforced. When children are grounded in discipline, respect, and purpose, it supports healthier choices, stronger confidence, and better long-term outcomes for families and communities.” A Curriculum Built on PLAY The IYBL curriculum is guided by its PLAY framework, which blends basketball instruction with character development in a way that is age-appropriate and engaging: Practice Skills to build fundamentals and confidenceLife Lessons that

reinforce respect, discipline, and teamworkActive Fun to keep children motivated and connected using joy-first programmingYour Growth, emphasizing personal progress, effort, and belonging This approach allows character-building to happen organically through drills, games, team responsibilities, and coach-led interactions rather than formal classroom sessions. League Structure and Growth The IYBL Winter League runs seven consecutive Saturdays from February 7 to March 21, followed by the Spring League from April 18 to May 30. Due to demand, the Superstars Division was expanded to include Grade 9, extending beyond the original Grade 8 cutoff.

The league includes:• Five divisions by age and grade• Four teams per division, totalling 20 teams• Maximum of 10 players per team to encourage meaningful participation• Weekly sessions featuring skills training, team activities, and official games The current pilot focuses on children from K4 through Grade 9, building foundational skills and positive habits during the most formative years. As facilities and long-term infrastructure are secured, the league plans to expand upward to complete the youth development pathway. Coaches, Volunteers, and Community Support The league is supported by a growing team of committed coaches drawn from school programmes,

basketball clubs, and community leadership backgrounds. Individuals interested in coaching, volunteering, or supporting league operations are encouraged to indicate their interest and apply through the IYBL website. Access, Scholarships, and Partners Thanks to league partners and sponsors, scholarships are available to support families who may need financial assistance. The cost of participation is $175 per league, which includes a team uniform, a personal basketball, weekly training and games, and playoff and championship play. Current partners include Paradise Healthcare Services, Healthy Kids General Pediatrics and Urgent Care, Seymour’s (Perry) Trucking, Arawak

Port Development, Lightbourn Trading and Mega Malt, Soft Tech Bookkeeping and Consulting, Elite Anesthesia Bahamas, Paradise Promotional Products, and Urology Care Bahamas, with additional sponsorship opportunities still available. Through its programming, the IYBL aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). Registration and full league details are available at www.ballinbydabeach. com/ybl