Abner Johnson sets new national record
By BRENT STUBBS
Chief Sports Editor
From the time he enrolled in Northwestern State University, Abner Johnson said his goal was to break Perry Adderley’s Bahamian national record in the men’s weight throw. Now in his senior year for the Demons men’s track and field team, Johnson finally did it. It came over the weekend as Johnson led a Bahamian contingent of Tarajh Hudson, Bernesha Knowles and Carmitra Mackey in the Southland Conference Indoor Championships at the Birmingham CrossPlex in Birmingham, Alabama, this weekend.
Johnson, 23, threw 58-feet, 43/4-inches or 17.20m for seventh in the men’s weight throw with Hudson, his 22-year-old team-mate, tenth with 55-03/4 (16.78m).
Terrell Webb, a senior at Southeastern Louisiana, had the winning toss of 77-06 (23.62m).
With his performance, Johnson erased the previous national record of 17.57m that was set by Adderley on December 8, 2018 at the K-State Winter Invitational in Manhattan, New York.
“It was a long time coming. I was trying to do this for four years, so this was a sweet moment,” Johnson said. “For the first two rounds, I was out of the competition because I was in 13th place and the top nine went into the final.
“But on my third throw, I broke the record. So that was a clutch moment for me. I prayed and asked God to get me to the final and in that third round, he did it for me.”
It was a bittersweet moment for Johnson because while he was elated to have achieved the record, he was a little disappointed that he didn’t throw further to get up higher in the final standings.
“I still have next year, so hopefully I can improve on it and even go for the victory,” projected Johnson, who hopes to take advantage of the new NCAA rule that allows studentathletes to get another year back.
On Monday, Johnson and Hudson were back in action as they competed in the men’s shot put. While Johnson placed eighth with
his best heave of 51-031/3 (15.63m), Hudson was 10th with 49-11 (15.21m).
Reflecting on his performance, Johnson said it was “below my ability” because he’s usually a 16-metre thrower, but he had his share of problems this season.
“Hopefully outdoors, I will catch on,” he said. “I am looking forward to making some of our national teams this summer.”
Johnson, the son of Jasmine and Sheldon Johnson, is the cousin of Olympic and world 400m champion Shaunae MillerUibo. He is a health and human performance major
who aims to become a collegiate level coach.
In wrapping up his performance, Hudson, who like Johnson are graduates from St Augustine’s College, admitted that he did the best he could.
“I remained consistent and did my best in both events as I led the competition after my flight. However, I missed the finals in both events by one spot,” he summed up.
“It was my last indoor conference so it was bittersweet, but I look forward to being able to focus on the discus, which is my main event (outdoors).”
He is the son of Taraseta and Oral Hudson
and is a health and exercise science/pre-physical therapy major who would like to attend grad school following completion of undergrad.
Knowles, also a senior at Northwestern State, threw 54-071/2 (16.65m) for fourth place. The winning throw was 66-011/2 (20.15m) by Cyan Grean, a junior at Texas A&M.
“I threw to the best of my ability, which was 16.65m, but it just wasn’t my day,” said the 22-yearold Knowles. “That is what sports is all about.”
Not every day will be a great day, but for the entire
BAHAMAS WORLD BOXING FEDERATION LAUNCHED IN GRAND BAHAMA
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
WELLINGTON Miller was more pleased with the launch of the newly formed Bahamas World Boxing Federation.
The federation took its inaugural event to Grand Bahama over the weekend where they participated in a conclave with the Bahamas Boxing Commission, headed by Fred Sturrup, on Thursday night at the Castaways Resorts and Suites. Also in attendance were Washington-based boxing specialist Floyd Seymour, the international advisor to the federation, Jermaine Gibson, president of the All Out Boxing Club and a vice president of the federation and Vernon Grant, Castaways’ general manager.
On Friday night, the federation, in conjunction with All Out Boxing Club in Grand Bahama, staged 16 matches for boys and girls at the YMCA Gymnasium. And on Saturday at the Ascension Anglican Church, a banquet was held where long-time members of the boxing community in Grand Bahama were honoured for their contribution to the sport in the All Out Boxing Hall of Fame.
Those honoured were William Clyde, Terry Goldsmith, Emmanuel ‘Waldo Pepper’ Jones, Richard Dean and Harold ‘the Tiger’ Seymour. The late Leonard ‘Boston Blackie’ Miller was recognised posthumously.
“We got off very well,” Miller said. “We had a very
AS a prelude to the Junior National Championships and School Golf Championships next week, some of the top junior golfers participated in the US Kids Golf Tournament at Baha Mar on Sunday.
According to Georgette Rolle-Harris, the participation has grown to an average of 75 players per event this season, thanks to the collective efforts of coaches, parents, players, and volunteers.
While there is still progress to be made, RolleHarris said the growth highlights the tournament’s potential.
“Our goal is to reach an average of 100 players per event, with participants in the 9-hole division scoring no more than 20 over par and those in the 18-hole division staying within 40 over par,” she said. “We are nearing this target and anticipate achieving it by 2026. We appreciate everyone who has contributed to this mission and remain committed to its success.”
Boys 7: 1st - Luca Greaves - 52; 2nd place - Liam Bethel - 57; T3William Stevenson and Enok Saulnier - 58 each; 5th place - Kamaal Daley - 66; 6th place - Ethan Sylvestre - 71; 7th placeKierce Watson - 81.
Boys 8: 1st place - Sam Saulnier - 52; 2nd placeBenjamin Lozzi - 53; 3rd place - Breion Bullard - 62; 4th place - Zane Gibson68; 5th place - Isa Cargill - 75; 6th place - Andrew Roberts - 82.
Girls 8 & Under: 1st place - Savannah Mackey - 56; 3rd place - Jermany Dawkins - 63; 4th placeMikayla Rolle - 70. Girls 9-10: 1st place
- Zaire Poitier - 35; T2Zion Poitier and Sarah Scheidecker - 43 each; 4th place - Zara Greaves - 49; 5th place - Zeden Poitier - 53; 6th place - Zohalle Smith - 59; T7 - Azaria Bethel and Jamiah Miller
- 68 each; 9th place - Zion Cassells - 72; 10th placeMaria Johnson - 82.
A SWINGING TIME: As a prelude to the Junior National Championships and School Golf Championships next week, some of the top junior golfers participated in the US Kids Golf Tournament at Baha Mar on Sunday. Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr
QUEEN’S COLLEGE COMETS ‘HOPING TO SPOIL THE PARTY’
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
WITH the celebrations for St Augustine’s College’s 80th anniversary already underway, the Big Red Machine would love to add to the festivities with another Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships. But when the three-day meet gets underway on Wednesday at the Thomas
A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium, the Queen’s College Comets are hoping that they can spoil the party on Friday when the final tally is done. Not only will they be challenged by the Comets, who won the last of their three titles in 2019, there is also the St John’s Giants, who handed the Big Red Machine their first defeat in 1989. Among the other schools are Temple
NOBLE PREP ACADEMY TRACK CLASSIC
• Here’s a look at the performances: Boys 6 & Under: 1st place - King Fox - 67; 2nd place - Adam Taylor - 80.
Boys 9: 1st place - Tyhler Rolle - 52; 2nd placeNoah Edgecombe - 82. Boys 10: 1st place - Reef Harvey - 50; 2nd placeDaniel Ramsay - 70; 3rd place - Kayleon Daley - 79; 4th place - Treilon Stuart - 82; 5th place - Jonathan Dol - 83. Boys 11: 1st place - Jervarie Dawkins - 56; 2nd place - William Smith - 59; 3rd place - Antonio Hernandez Jr. - 63; 4th place - Caleb Adderley - 68; 5th place - Remon Delancy - 77. Girls 11-12: 1st place - Londyn Strachan - 49; 2nd place - Kaleah Brown - 51; 3rd place - Ri’Annah Top junior golfers tee off in US Kids
UNCLE LOU FUN RUN/WALK
THE Noble Preparatory Academy is all set to hold its 2025 Track and Field Classic from 9am to 6pm on Saturday, March 15 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The registration deadline is March 11. Athletes can register at info@npabahamas. com
THE SPORTS CALENDAR SEE PAGE E7 March
THE St Augustine’s College and the Alumni Association is inviting the general public to come out and participate in the Uncle Lou Fun Run/Walk. Under the theme: “Paint the streets red,” the event will take place on Saturday, March 15, starting 6am at SAC’s
NEW RECORD: Abner Johnson gets ready for the weight throw.
BAHAMAS WORLD BOXING FEDERATION IS LAUNCHED IN GRAND BAHAMA
good conclave with Fred Sturrup, who provided us with ways in which we can further develop the sport.”
“On Friday night at the YMCA Gymnasium, we had a very good crowd, including parents and grandparents, watching the young boxers on the island compete. It was a whole show of solidarity.”
Miller commended Gibson, whose All Out Boxing Club has attracted a number of boxers from the various schools to compete in the sport.
He noted that some of the principals from the schools were also in attendance.
Miller said they were quite pleased with the successful launch of the programme. “We did three things in one weekend with the boxing conclave, the boxing matches and the banquet,” Miller said.
“That was a huge success and Grand Bahama is on the road. So it’s a great feeling to get started.”
Based on what they have seen in Grand Bahama, Miller said the federation is
confident that the Bahamas will be able to field a very solid team to participate in the Junior Pan American Games that will be staged in August.
He noted that they will be looking at including boxers from New Providence as well as in the Family Islands for the mix up of Team Bahamas.
• Here’s a look at the results from the All Out Boxing Club - Official Bout Results
Roscoe Bowd, majority decision over Shamano Cooper (124 lbs, Age 14).
Jahmal Smallz Jr, unanimous decision over Marvin Reckley. (151 lbs, Age 13). Michael Lightburn, split decision over Kanye Wells (151 lbs, Age 16).
Marquis Neilly walkover against Peter Grey. Emile Bollard, unanimous decision over Joshua Bowe (105 lbs, Age 12).
Marquis Neilly (Grand Bahama), third round TKO over Miguel Aladdin Ellis (Bimini) (165 lbs, Open Men’s).
Nas Dean, split decision over Navaro Cooper (175 lbs).
BOXING champions posing their belts.
Ronny Mathis, split decision over Dexter Moxey (119 lbs, Age 14).
Abigail Smith in TKO over Asia Ferguson in a ladies exhibition. Dante Anderson, majority
decision over Cordero Henfield (132 lbs, Age 14-15).
Milano Knowles, split decision over Medwell Curry (184 lbs, Open Men’s).
Emile Bollard, four eight0counts in second round over Isaiah Francois for the win (127 lbs, Age 12-13). Keano Cox, winner by walkover against
Hanna - 52; 4th placePayton McKenzie - 55; 5th place - Janai Miller - 56; 6th place - J’Niyah Moxey - 64.
Boys 12: 1st place - Briland Cunningham - 106; 2nd place - Fritzner Sylvestre1138; 4th place - Zhavargo McKenzie - 148.
Girls 13-14: 1st placeMadison Carroll - 75; 2nd place - Haley Hall - 80; 3rd place - Kayleigh Rolle - 90; 4th place - Jacara Forbes - 111; 5th place - Rylee Cunningham - 119; 6th place - Al’Davia Henriquez - 154.
Boys 15-18: 1st placeAidan Gorospe - 78; 2nd place - Luke Grimes - 80; T3 place - Camdyn Forbes and Maximilian Landry - 81 each; 5th place - Angeljno Cooper Jr. - 85; 6th placeDonald Bain Jr. - 89. Girls 15-18: 1st placeChemari Pratt - 84; 2nd place - Seannae NorvilleSmith - 88; 3rd place - Taylor Sands - 99.
Boys 13-14: 1st placeZakary Joseph - 83; 2nd place - Rashawn Hanna - 85; 3rd place - Deandrey Poitier - 89; 4th placeJuan Wilson - 92; 5th place - Tristan Mosko - 109; 6th place - Lucas Stokes - 113; 7th place - Latham Bowleg - 123; 9th place - Lamonde Wallace - 130.
Abner
indoor season, I did really well. I PR in four of my five meets, leaving indoor with a best of 17.25m (56-71/4).”
Knowles, who was homeschooled, earned the SLC Female Athlete of the Week at the end of February for her lifetime best at the LSU Twilight in Baton Rouge. She is the daughter of Bradston and Tamisha Knowles and is majoring in nursing with hopes of working in a hospital or private clinic as an RN following graduation. And Carmitra Mackey, 22, participated in the
women’s shot put where she was fifth with her best toss of 45-09 (13.94m). The winning throw was 49-07 (15.11m) by Emily Malouf, a senior at Texas A&M-CC.
“I’m happy with my performance. I’ve had obstacles battling injuries back and forth in and out of treatment,” said Mackey, a graduate of Queen’s College.
“So I’m satisfied with my performance thus far because it shows me I definitely can do more.”
Mackey, the daughter of Barbara and Carlton Mackey, is a psychology major who would like to become a clinical psychologist.
The Bahamian quartet, who have all missed qualifying for the NCAA Indoor
Tishla Francois.
Keano Cox, majority decision over Oswald Greene (135 lbs).
Jiraiya Francois, unanimous decision over Benito Rolle (147-148 lbs, Age 18-19).
BOXING executives at the conclave.
ABNER Johnson’s game face.
BOXING personalities are honoured with their plaques.
ABNER Johnson sharing a moment with his Bahamian team-mates Bernesha Knowles and Tarajh Hudson.
Sidney Decius scores twice to propel Mingoes to victory
SIDNEY Decius made his first start at forward for the University of The Bahamas Mingoes men’s soccer team and made the most of it by scoring two goals to propel them to a 3-1 victory against Cavalier FC on Sunday.
It was the first leg of the Bahamas Football Association (BFA) Knockout Cup between these two teams at the Roscow Davies Soccer Fields.
Mingoes lead scorer and captain Ronaldo Green was the other goalscorer for UB.
“I got specific instructions from coach to get in behind, use my speed, playoff the back line and I was able to execute and get two quick goals in the first half,” Decius said.
His first goal came in the fifth minute of the game on a corner kick from Kevin Thomas that Cavalier goalkeeper dropped. Decius was in the right place at the right time and scored with his left foot.
Decius was a thorn to Cavalier’s defensive line as he constantly got past them. He got past them again in the 15th minute but was fouled by the goalkeeper in the 18-yard box to be awarded a penaltykick. Green stepped up and easily put away the penaltykick to put UB up 2-0.
UB was on the attack again three minutes later with Elijah Mitchell getting down the left flank before getting into the 18-yard box.
Photos by UB Athletics
He crossed it as UB’s offence crashed Cavalier’s box and Decius put it away for his second goal of the game. UB led 3-0. The first half ended 3-0 as UB did not capitalise on their chances the rest of the half.
Cavalier cut the score to 3-1 in the second half but that was as close as they got. UB came up empty in the second half but was able to protect the 3-1 lead.
QUEEN’S COLLEGE COMETS ‘HOPING TO SPOIL THE PARTY’ FOR SAC BIG RED MACHINE
Christian Suns, Aquinas College Aces, St Anne’s Blue Waves, St Andrew’s Hurricanes, Nassau Christian Academy Crusaders, Charles W Saunders Crusaders, Jordan Prince Williams Falcons, Bahamas Academy Stars, Westminster Diplomats, Windsor Academy and Lyford Cay Dragons.
“Every time we show up to the meet, our goal is to win,” said Jason Edwards, head coach of the defending champions Big Red Machine. “We don’t go into the meeting thinking defeat ever.
“We put ourselves in the best possible way to succeed and our goal is to always try to come out with the win. That’s the only goal for us at SAC.”
Comets’ head coach Everette Fraser said this is definitely the “biggest” track and field meet in the country and his 150member team from Queen’s College will be ready.
“We have a talented team. I feel we have one of the most talented teams out there and it’s all about the kids just going out there and competing now,” he said. “That’s about it. All of the teams have some hiccups, injuries and sickness by the time we get to the BAISS championships, but if everybody shows up, we will be set.”
The Big Red Machine, according to Edwards, is solid from top to the bottom with their 148-member contingent as they continue to go after their stranglehold of the title, winning it 31 times. “Whatever
we have, we are going to make the best out of it,” said Edwards, whose only defeat to another team was against St John’s in 1989. “I think we have a pretty solid team.”
It’s been just over a decade since Fraser took over the athletic programme at QC and after winning their first title in 2015, they repeated in 2016 and won again in 2019.
“We can pull it off once the kids show up,” Fraser stressed.
“We have a talented team, but once the kids show up, we can pull it off. We definitely have the team to do it.”
The Comets’ senior boys and girls are extremely deep, according to Fraser. Looking at their archrival Queen’s College, Edwards said whenever
SAC shows up, they look at everybody as their fierce contenders and so they are preparing for all of the other schools competing.
“We don’t take anything or anyone lightly,” he stated. “We know Queen’s College is a strong team as well. So it will be to our best benefit to approach every event to the best of our ability.
“We know it’s not going to be a walk in the park. We know it’s going to be a close meet and may the best team win.”
To the Big Red Machine as they celebrate their 80th anniversary, Fraser said if the Big Red Machine wants to add another title to their collection, they have to “earn it because it won’t be a walk in the park.”
The action gets underway at 9am on Wednesday.
ON THE REPLAY: University of The Bahamas Mingoes players in action against Cavalier FC on Sunday, March 2 at the Roscow Davies Soccer Fields. The Mingoes won 3-1.
Warriors’ Hield scores 22 in 119-101 win over Hornets
By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C.
(AP) — Stephen Curry had 21 points and 10 assists in his annual homecoming game, and the Golden State Warriors pulled away in the second half to defeat the Charlotte Hornets 119101 on Monday night for their sixth win in seven games.
Curry, who was raised in Charlotte and played at nearby Davidson College, finished 6 of 14 from the field and made three 3-pointers.
The Hornets appeared determined not to let Curry beat them in the first half and repeatedly blitzed the 11-time All-Star with double-teams. Curry responded by finding open teammates for easy buckets and had nine assists at halftime.
Buddy Hield scored 22 points and Brandin Podziemski added 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Warriors, who were coming off a 126-119 loss at Philadelphia on Saturday.
Draymond Green had 16 points and 13 rebounds.
The struggles continued for the Hornets, who’ve lost 10 of 11 and seven straight. Miles Bridges led Charlotte with 35 points, and LaMelo Ball added 25 points and nine rebounds.
Takeaways Warriors: The game started to get chippy in the third quarter after a collision between Ball and Gary Payton II forced Payton to leave the floor with a head injury. A short while later, Warriors coach Steve Kerr was assessed a technical foul and Green was assessed a flagrant-1 foul.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Anfernee Simons scored 21 of his 34 points in the second half, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Philadelphia 76ers 119-102 on Monday night. Simons shot 13 for 26, including 6 for 11 from beyond the arc. Shaedon Sharpe added 20 points, a career-high 11 rebounds and five assists.
Andre Drummond finished with 25 points, 18 rebounds and two steals for the 76ers. Justin Edwards added 16 points and six rebounds.
The Trail Blazers trailed 61-56 at the half but outscored the 76ers by 22 points in the second half.
HEAT 106,
WIZARDS 90
MIAMI (AP) — Bam
Adebayo had 19 points and 15 rebounds to break Miami’s franchise record for double-doubles, and the Heat cruised to a victory over NBA-worst Washington.
Adebayo, in his eighth season with Miami, reached the milestone with a rebound late in the second quarter. He has 222 doubledoubles, one more than Rony Seikaly had in six seasons from 1988-94.
Wizards rookie Kyshawn George left with a jaw injury in the fourth quarter after taking an inadvertent elbow from Adebayo. Duncan Robinson scored 17 points, and Tyler Herro and Pelle Larsson had 16 apiece for the Heat, who have won three of four. Miami is seventh in the Eastern Conference and is seeking to make a push for a guaranteed playoff spot. Khris Middleton led Washington with 16 points and Bub Carrington scored 14.
THUNDER 137, ROCKETS 128 OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai GilgeousAlexander scored 51 points and Oklahoma City defeated Houston for their 50th win of the season.
Gilgeous-Alexander reached 50 points for the fourth time this season, all in the past seven weeks. The NBA’s scoring leader finished with at least 40 for the ninth time in 202425. He made 18 of 30 field goals, went 5 of 9 on 3-pointers and hit all 10 of his free throws.
Jalen Williams added 24 points for the Thunder (50-11).
Cam Whitmore matched career highs with 27 points and 11 rebounds, and Reed Sheppard added a careerbest 25 points for the Rockets.
GOLDEN State Warriors’
DALLAS Mavericks newly signed
Celtics hold off Nuggets 110-103
BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 22 points and Derek White hit a floater from the foul line with less than a minute left on Sunday to help the Boston Celtics recover after blowing most of a 20-point, first-half lead and beat the Denver Nuggets 110-103.
Jayson Tatum scored 16 points with 11 rebounds and White scored 17 for Boston, which has not lost three games in a row all season.
Nikola Jokic had 20 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray scored 13 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, and Christian Braun scored 24 for Denver, which has lost three of its last five games.
One game after blowing a 22-point lead and losing to the NBA-best Cleveland Cavaliers, the Celtics coughed up most of a 20-point lead against Denver, the No. 2 team in the West. The Nuggets, who trailed 59-39 in the final minutes of the first half, scored 10 straight points near the end of the third to cut a 15-point lead to five.
CAVALIERS 133, TRAIL BLAZERS 129, (Overtime)
CLEVELAND (AP) —
De’Andre Hunter scored 32 points and made a goahead 3-pointer with 30 seconds left in overtime as Cleveland rallied for a win over Portland to extend their winning streak to 10 and become the first NBA team with 50 victories this season.
The Cavs were down 18 in the third quarter before fighting back to win for the 14th time in 15 games. They did it without All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who got some planned rest.
Ty Jerome added 25 points and Evan Mobley 20 for Cleveland, which was coming off an emotional win on Friday at Boston during which it erased a 22-point deficit.
Portland’s Deni Avdija had 30 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for his first career triple-double. Anfernee Simons added 27 points.
After Simons’ 3-pointer with 44 seconds to go in OT put the Blazers ahead 129-128, Hunter, who was acquired by Cleveland at the trade deadline, drained his biggest shot since joining the Cavs.
Avdija missed a 3-pointer with 6 seconds left and Hunter made two free throws as the Cavs improved 28-4 at home.
By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer
PHILADELPHIA (AP)
— Joel Embiid is done for the season, at last shut down following the lingering effects of knee surgery.
The final answer on the perpetual will-he or won’the play tonight question that canvassed the 76ers’ season came Friday when the Sixers said Embiid was “medically unable to play” and will focus on treatment and rehabilitation of his left knee.
Uncertainty, however, remains in Philadelphia. Is Embiid finished for good? At the very least, as a productive All-Star player? Are the 76ers faced with years of mediocrity or worse with fat contracts tied to aging, unproductive players all while facing the possibility of losing a firstround pick this season?
There are no easy answers for team president Daryl Morey headed into the offseason and Embiid’s uncertain future only complicates any potential
127, BULLS 112
PACERS
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)
— Aaron Nesmith scored a career-high 27 points, Pascal Siakam added 20 and Indiana defeated Chicago. Nesmith, a fifth-year guard who returned in January after missing 30 games with an ankle injury, shot 6 of 11 from 3-point range. Three of those came in the third quarter, when he scored 13 points.
Tyrese Haliburton had his fifth consecutive doubledouble for Indiana with 17 points and 12 assists.
The Pacers, who outscored the Bulls 32-20 in the final quarter, had all five starters score in double digits.
Coby White led the Bulls with 26 points, including 20 in the first half. Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis each had 18.
KNICKS 116, HEAT 112, OT MIAMI (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 31 points and New York overcame a 19-point deficit to beat Miami in overtime.
OG Anunoby added 23 points and Karl Anthony Towns had 19 points and 16 rebounds for the Knicks. They have won three straight.
Brunson’s 3-pointer with 2:27 remaining in overtime put New York ahead for good at 111-110 and began a 7-0 spurt.
Miami narrowed it to 114-112 on Alec Burks’ 3-pointer with 27 seconds left, but Anunoby had a dunk with 17 seconds to go to put it away.
Bam Adebayo led Miami with 30 points. Tyler Herro had 22, and rookie Kel’el Ware had 12 points and career-high six blocks.
RAPTORS 104, MAGIC 102
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)
— Immanuel Quickley scored 17 of his 24 points in the second half and Toronto held on to beat Orlando.
Franz Wagner missed a driving layup for Orlando in the final second, enabling the Raptors to win after going without a score in the final 2:52. A backcourt turnover had given the ball back to the Magic with 4.7 seconds left.
RJ Barrett added 22 points for Toronto and Jakob Poeltl had 16 points and 11 rebounds. Wagner led Orlando with 25 points. Paolo Banchero added 23, three on a threepoint play that trimmed the Raptors’ lead to 104-100.
Raptors guard Gradey Dick left after being struck in the face by the back
of Cole Anthony’s head during a fall late in the first half.
THUNDER 146, SPURS 132
SAN ANTONIO (AP)
— Jalen Williams had a career-high 41 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat San Antonio 146-132 on Sunday night, spoiling the Spurs’ homecoming following a momentous road trip.
Oklahoma City won its third straight and moved a game behind Cleveland for the NBA’s top record.
Rookie guard Stephon Castle had 32 points to lead San Antonio, which has lost five of six.
During their month-long excursion from the Frost Bank Center, the Spurs acquired De’Aaron Fox, lost All-Star center Victor Wembanyama for the season to a blood clot in his shoulder and Gregg Popovich announced he will not return as head coach this season.
San Antonio has been in a tailspin since, but put up a fight against Oklahoma City, literally.
The Thunder’s Kenrich Williams and Lu Dort
were ejected along with the Spurs’ Julian Champagnie for fighting with three minutes remaining in the third quarter.
PELICANS 128, JAZZ 121
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Kelly Olynyk scored a season-high 26 points and had nine rebounds and New Orleans used a 15-0 fourthquarter run to defeat Utah.
CJ McCollum added 25 points and eight assists, Zion Williamson had 24 points and nine assists and Trey Murphy III scored 20 points to help the Pelicans win their fifth straight over the Jazz.
Keyonte George led the Jazz with 28 points and Brice Sensabaugh added 21. Oscar Tshiebwe had his first career double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Utah had won the five previous meetings with New Orleans in Salt Lake City.
Utah took its first lead when Cody Williams made a 3-pointer to open the fourth quarter. His basket highlighted a 27-8 run that put Utah up 100-94. Tshiebwe led the surge with five baskets.
But New Orleans overtook the Jazz again, going
up 118-108 with 4:02 left after McCollum fueled a 15-0 run with three straight 3-pointers.
LAKERS 108, CLIPPERS 102
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic had 29 points and nine assists, LeBron James added 17 points and the Los Angeles Lakers hung on to beat the Los Angeles Clippers for the second time in three days.
Rookie Dalton Knecht scored 19 points for the Lakers, who won their sixth straight game despite playing without injured starters Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.
The Lakers have won 16 of 19 overall. Kawhi Leonard scored a season-high 33 points for the Clippers, who erased most of a late 21-point deficit before falling short in their fifth loss in six games.
Norman Powell scored four points in the first quarter before leaving with right hamstring soreness. The Clippers’ leading scorer was making his return from a five-game absence with a left knee injury. Two days after the Lakers held off the Clippers 106-102, their second
meeting also came down to the wire.
Leonard’s 3-pointer trimmed the Lakers’ lead to 107-102 with 1:40 to play, but the Clippers missed their final six shots.
TIMBERWOLVES 116, SUNS 98
PHOENIX (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 44 points, Julius Randle added 20 in his first game since missing more than a month with an injury and Minnesota beat Phoenix. Edwards scored 17 points in the third quarter as the Timberwolves took control, turning a two-point halftime deficit into a 83-72 lead heading into the fourth. Minnesota never trailed in the final quarter, winning for just the third time in the past nine games. Donte DiVincenzo scored 24 points on eight 3-pointers. Randle was in the lineup for the first time since January 30 after missing 13 games with a right groin strain. The sliding Suns have lost 11 of their last 14. Kevin Durant led the team with 26 points. Phoenix led for nearly the entire first half and took a 51-49 advantage into halftime.
QUESTIONS LINGER FOR 76ERS
long-term success for the Sixers.
“Not what we hoped,” coach Nick Nurse acknowledged Saturday night. This setback was the latest in a steady string of them with Embiid since the 76ers made him the No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 draft.
What’s wrong with Embiid?
Embiid’s career has been ravaged by injury — a bone bruise here, a meniscus tear there, a busted orbital bone, a sprained shoulder, tendinitis, torn ligaments, even Bell’s palsy — over a career that started with him missing his first two full seasons. The latest one: Embiid had meniscus surgery on February 6, 2024, after he was injured when Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga fell on the 7-footer’s left leg. Embiid returned in time for the playoffs, where the 76ers were eliminated by the Sixers in the first round. Embiid never fully recovered from the knee injury, and he played only 19 games this season.
Nurse said Embiid didn’t have a setback from the knee surgery, it simply never got back to 100% for the 2023 NBA MVP.
“It felt good at times, it felt not as good at times,” Nurse said. “It’s been kind of an up-and-down thing. It gets to the point where it feels a little bit better and he can go play. Then it swells up again and it
doesn’t feel that good and he can’t play as well, can’t move as well.”
Embiid could still opt for surgery if rest and rehab doesn’t work and any invasive procedures on his knee could cost him a significant amount of time next season.
What’s next for the 76ers?
The short answer is the same process that got Embiid to the 76ers: Tank.
The 76ers’ first-round pick is top-six protected or else it goes to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Sixers race to the bottom took a hit when they snapped a nine-game losing streak and beat Golden State on Saturday.
The 76ers were 21-38 headed into Monday’s game against Portland. There are six teams ahead of them with worse records but the Sixers could pass Toronto and Brooklyn with a collapse down the stretch.
The bigger concern for the Sixers is the financial hit.
With no real reason to offer one other than goodwill, the 76ers signed Embiid to a three-year extension before the season, locking him in to four more years at $248.1 million in guaranteed money.
The 76ers could get salary cap relief if Embiid’s injury is considered career-ending but that decision can be kicked far down the road.
The Sixers signed Paul George and Tyrese Maxey to $400 million worth of contracts over the summer that — along with Embiid’s contract — puts the franchise on the hook for $146 million in total payroll next season.
That leaves the Sixers with little financial flexibility in the offseason and without much talent on the
roster from those that stick around.
George turns 35 in May and he’s been riddled with injuries and ineffectiveness in his first season in Philly. Should he have played in the Olympics?
Embiid conceded this season he didn’t give himself enough time to recover from his knee surgery — and that can be blamed in large part on his decision to play for Team USA in the Olympics. The 76ers publicly supported Embiid last season in his decision to go for gold (which USA won) but had little input on the decision. Embiid had his moments in the Paris Games but was mostly along for the ride and on the bench when Steph Curry went 3-point crazy in the gold-medal win over France. Team USA coach Steve Kerr deflected questions on Embiid’s health during the Olympics ahead of the Warriors’ game against the 76ers. “We’re just playing,” Kerr said Saturday night. “Ultimately, it’s a decision the player has to make.”
Embiid’s legacy Embiid turns 31 this month, and, given his age and his overall physical condition, it’s absurd to think he can ever regain his MVP form. His career scoring average of 27.7 points ranks only behind Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and Luka Doncic on the career list. He dropped
70 points. Won an MVP and two scoring titles. He was a five-time All-NBA selection.
Just on those accolades alone, Embiid would seem destined for the Hall of the Fame. Whether he’s destined for a championship ring, however, is a thought that fades with every extended absence.
Embiid is the only NBA MVP who has never led his team beyond the second round of the playoffs. The Sixers have five secondround exits and were twice eliminated in the first round in his tenure. In a Game 7 loss in the the 2023 East semifinals in Boston, Embiid managed just 15 points on 5-of-18 shooting and he missed all four 3-pointers.
He has never played in more than 68 games in a season and only topped 60 three other seasons. His absences cloud the legacy of a player who — as elite as anyone in the league when he’s at his best — simply hasn’t shown the durability, in both games played and overall greatness over a decade-long career, required to stamp himself an all-timer. Don’t rule out the Hall quite yet. Big men Yao Ming, Ralph Sampson and Bill Walton all posted inferior NBA numbers to Embiid over injury-shortened careers (though with great cultural impact) and still made it to Springfield.
BOSTON Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives past Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther, left, in the first half on Sunday in Boston.
(AP Photo/Steven Senne)
PHILADELPHIA 76ers’ Joel Embiid sits on the bench during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Mako Aquatics club dominates the Horizon Blue Waves swim meet
THE Bahamas Aquatics National Championships is not until June, but the Mako Aquatics showed that they are on pace to defend their title.
With the Horizon Distributors Blue Waves Swim Club Invitational Swim Meet over the weekend at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex
taking on a similar format for the nationals, Mako Aquatics turned in a dominating performance.
Mako Aquatics, coached by Travano McPhee, posted a total of 1,932.50 points, well ahead of host Blue Waves Swim Club, coached by Dellan Brown, which had 1,126.
McPhee said it was a strong performance by his Mako Aquatics swimmers.
“We had several swimmers achieve qualifying times for CARIFTA and those who had already achieved their qualifying times prior to this weekend were able to improve personal best times,” he said.
campus off Bernard Road. The route will leave SAC’s campus and head on Bernard Road, turn onto Soldier Road to Prince Charles Drive, turn east onto Prince Charles Drive and head back to SAC. The registration fee is $20 for adults and $10 for persons under the age of 20. The first 200 participants will receive road race t-shirts. Persons can register now by logging onto www. saintaugustinescollege.com. Following the race, a health screening will take place. There will also be a souse out with chicken priced at $10, pig feet at $12 and sheep tongue at $15. Drinks will also be on sale. For more information, persons can call 242-324-1511 or email Thesacalumni@ gmail.com RUGBY GAMES AT WINTON AFTER making some minor repairs to the Winton
rugby pitch, the Bahamas Rugby Union is scheduled to play matches on Saturday, March 8 and Saturday, March 22. All ages and all abilities are welcome, including men and women, ‘Golden Oldies’ teams and beginners and seasoned players. The BRU is also inviting persons to come and try rugby this year.
The only equipment needed are tennis/cleats and PE kit. For further information, persons are urged to call (242) 812-0417.
SOCCER
BFA YOUTH
LEAGUE
THE Bahamas Football Association continued its Youth League over the weekend at the Roscoe Davies Developmental Center with the following results posted: Renegades 4, Future Stars 2: D Archer scored three goals and C Yehuhdah added another one for the Renegades. C Marcillien and P Orelus scored one each in the loss. Western Warriors 2, Baha Mar Jr FC 1: N Vital and M Kelly both booted in a goal
to lead the winners. T Cartwright had the lone goal for the losers.
United FC 9, Tambearly School 1: C Smith knocked in five goals, MJ Fortuna had three and K Thomas added one more in the win. W Paul scored the lone goal in the loss.
Dynamos 1, Cavalier 1: In a game that ended in a 1-1 draw, E Hamilton scored the lone goal for the Dynamos and L Moxey had the only one for Cavalier. Renegades 1, United FC 1: I Bournas scored one for the Renegades and C Knowles had one as well for United as the game ended in a 1-1 tie.
SOCCER
BFA Men’s League
The Bahamas Football Association Men’s League continued on Sunday at the Roscoe Davies Developmental Center with the following results posted: Western Warriors Gladiators 1, IM Bears FC 0: D Wigens booted in the lone goal in the game for the Gladiators.
Western Warriors Titans 3, Renegades 0: M Bendj, V
Benet and Agenor scored a goal each to pace the Titans to victory.
UB Mingoes 3, Cavalier FC 1: S Decius scored a pair of goals and R Green had one for the Mingoes in the win. M Cedny had the lone goal for Cavalier in the loss. Inter-Nassau 2, Dynamos 1: C Wensky and W Isaac both scored a goal to pace the winners. P Wilson had the lone goal in the loss.
SWIMMING LAST CHANCE
CARIFTA MEET
The first session is scheduled for 6pm on Friday, March 14. The second session is slated for 9am Saturday and the final session at 4:30pm on Saturday.
The entry deadline is on March 11, 2025 at 11:59pm.
BAHAMAS Aquatics has announced that its Last Chance Meet for swimmers wishing to qualify for the 2025 CARIFTA Swimming Championships will be held over the weekend of March 14-15 at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex. The event is open to all Bahamas Aquaticsregistered swimmers who have previously competed in a Bahamas Aquatics competition. Swimmers who have not competed in a specific event previously will not be allowed to register for that event. (No Time Entries will not be accepted for this meet).
Following the meet, Bahamas Aquatics will select its team that will travel to Trinidad & Tobago over the Easter holiday weekend in April.
The Bahamas will be going after its seventh straight championship feat.
All Hytek Electronic Files only should be forwarded to Kendric Albury at meetmananagement@ bahamasaquatics.com Confirmation emails will be sent on receipt of all entries.
Photos by Chappell Whyms Jr
ON THE REPLAY: Swimmers compete in the Horizon
Distributors Blue Waves Swim Club Invitational swim meet at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex over the weekend.
Bahamas Youth Flag Football League launches 2025 season ‘in thrilling fashion’
PARTNERS WITH TITLE SPONSOR
THE Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) launched the 2025 season in thrilling fashion on Saturday on the fields opposite the original Thomas A Robinson stadium.
The youth league not only kicked off a free, three-week long football camp but also launched their partnership with RBC Bahamas, the official title sponsor of the 2025 season. The free football camp caters to players between ages six and 18, but the five-year-olds also got the opportunity to get some reps in over the weekend.
RBC
The BYFFL’s football camp is just one of the many exciting activities set to take place this season. The camp is scheduled to continue until March 15. Next up on the BYFFL calendar will be the High School Flag Football Tournament slated for March 12.
PLAY ACTION: Flag football enthusiasts participate in the free, three-week long football camp on Saturday on the fields opposite the original Thomas A Robinson stadium.