By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
The streak continued for Team Bahamas, winning the unprecedented seventh straight title at the 2025 CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Couva, Trinidad & Tobago, last night.
As the curtain came down at the National Swim Complex, Team Bahamas was in “seventh heaven” as they completed their seven straight team victory.
The 36-member team did it by accumulating a total of 979 points, well ahead of second place Jamaica with 795.5. Host Trinidad & Tobago rounded out the top three with 735.
And in the medal count, the Bahamas racked up 27 gold, 23 silver and 24 bronze for their total of 74. Trinidad & Tobago had 23 gold, 17 silver and 27 bronze for 57 and Jamaica finished in third with 21 gold, 19 silver and 16 bronze for 56.
Glancing over the pair of charts, head coach Travano McPhee said Team
Bahamas put on a show in Trinidad & Tobago.
“This is an historic moment in Bahamian history. I’m very excited about this team. These swimmers endured a lot over the four days of competition, some of them swum over 20 events and still finished strong,” McPhee said.
From the management team of assistant coach Jasmine Gibson, open water swim coach Allan Murray, team manager Celestial Darville, chaperones Therell Smith and Melvin Rolle as well as team doctor Keir Miller, to the support group of family and friends, McPhee said they all came together and it was a successful trip for the swimmers. “They executed. So I’m very proud to call myself a Bahamian,” he said. “I’m very excited to see where swimming is headed in the country.”
Now that they have conquered the seven straight crown, McPhee said they will take some time to celebrate, but the focus will shift very quickly on preparing the swimmers to go after the eight straight next year.
“I can’t express how I feel. The swimmers are jamming,” was how he summed it all up. “They made me proud.”
Male team captain Caden Wells said there was no better way for him to end his CARIFTA career than enjoying the “seventh heaven” feat.
“I feel really good sbout what we just did,” he said. “I feel like I did what I had to do and I went out with a bang, so I feel good sbout my performance. I don’t regret anything. I feel like the meet went very well for everyone.”
For Wells, he closed it with a gold in the boys’ 15-17 100m breaststroke. He also got a silver as a member of the 4 x 100m
heaven’
freestyle relay and a bronze in the 200m breaststroke and as a part of the 4 x 400m medley relay team.
The highlight of the final day came from the youngest team of Dexter Russell, Nitayo Knowles, Da’Kari Cooper and Kai Bastian, who shattered the games’ boys’ 11-12 4 x 50 metre freestyle.
Russell, an individual record breaker in the 50m butterfly, said he knew he had to get the team off to a good start and that was what he did. “I know our team was very strong and we would get the record,” he stated.
In Team Bahamas winning seven straight, Russell said he couldn’t ask for a better introduction to CARIFTA. “I am so happy,” he stressed.
Bastian was just as jubilant about their success. “I love it. I was happy when we broke that record,” said Bastian, who also won a total of four gold, three silver and one bronze.
In making his contribution to the “seventh-peat,”
Bastian said “it was awesome. I love to be a part of the seventh-peat and I can’t wait to celebrate it.”
Cooper was also overwhelmed.
“I feel good about the seven-peat and breaking the record,” said Cooper, who also won three gold medals in the 4 x 100m freestyle, 4 x 100m medley and 4 x 50m freestyle relays.
“I feel amazing making my first CARIFTA and getting gold in my events.”
And Knowles, winner of a bronze in the 200m butterfly, was thrilled when he got the news that “we just won the seventh straight to make history. I was very happy.” When asked about the record-breaking team, Knowles said “oh man, it was very nice to be on the record-breaking team. Going into it, we saw the time we knew we had to beat and we all went all out and got the record.”
Isbella Munroe, the youngest female on the team, said she was also proud to be a part of the seventh straight.
“I felt good that I got to swim for my country and I made my family proud,” said Munroe, who won the gold in both the 50 and 100m backstrokes. As for the seventh straight, Munroe said she was happy that she made the team for the first time this year.
And she can be back for another appearance next year when they go for the eight-peat.
But there’s still some unfinished business as the 12 swimmers in the open water swim will conclude the competition this morning before the team returns home on their Bahamasair charter to celebrate.
Then it’s time to prepare for the trip to Martinique for the 2026 edition of the CARIFTA Swimming Championships over the Easter holiday weekend as Team Bahamas looks for the eight-straight.
IT wasn’t the result that he expected, but Bahamian judoka Xavion Johnson’s fifth-place finish at the Junior Pan American Championships still enabled him to climb up the ranking. Just two weeks after grabbing bronze in Panama, 18-year-old Johnson made
another strong international showing in what’s shaping up to be a breakout year.
Johnson, competing in the -66kg weight class, finished the day with two wins and two losses.
Notably, one of those victories came against the very opponent who bested him in Panama — a testament to his growth, grit and determination. “My performance wasn’t as
good as I wanted it to be, but I was still pleased with the results,” Johnson said.
“I was able to beat the guy who beat me in Panama in the quarterfinals. But it wasn’t the result I was looking for.” Johnson, 18, admitted that he just has to continue to improve on every aspect of his craft because, in the world of judo, medals are just part of the bigger picture.
“Every match
ters.
Why tactical fitness and nutrition are non-negotiable for first responders
By Dr Kent L Bazard
TWO days ago, a massive blaze engulfed the Solomon’s Old Trail shopping centre, Cost Right, and nearby government offices in New Providence. It was one of the most intense fires in recent Bahamian memory - its flames lighting up the sky, its smoke choking the air. As the public watched in concern, firefighters and paramedics rushed to the scene, working tirelessly for hours in extreme heat and heavy gear. What powered them wasn’t just courage. It was preparation. It was fitness. It was fuel.
In today’s high-stakes world, the men and women on the front lines - whether in law enforcement, fire services, emergency response, or defence - are not just professionals; they are tactical athletes. And like any elite performer, their success and safety depend heavily on physical conditioning, strategic nutrition, and mental readiness.
The Demands of the Job While athletes train for scheduled events and
competitions, tactical professionals have no such luxury. Their demands are unpredictable. A firefighter may face hours of strenuous activity without warning. A police officer may have to run, climb, or engage physically at any moment. A paramedic must lift, carry, and perform with precision while under emotional stress. And they must all do this in the elements - often in heat, smoke, noise, or chaos.
Their bodies are their tools. Their minds are their weapons. And if either falters, the consequences can be grave—not just for them, but for the people they serve.
Why Nutrition Matters More Than Ever
In the tactical professions, proper nutrition is not about counting calories or aesthetics, it’s about survival.
Unfortunately, fast food, vending machines, and sugary drinks often become default options during long shifts. These foods are high in calories but low in performance value, leading to fatigue, slowed reaction times, impaired focus, and
long- term health risks. What we put into our bodies affects how we perform. Meals built around lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats provide sustained energy, improved recovery, and sharper cognition.
In high-stress moments - like responding to a fire or performing CPR - those benefits can be critical.
Hydration is equally vital. Dehydration, especially in heavy gear or hot conditions, can quickly reduce performance and decisionmaking capacity. During the blaze earlier this week, hydration would have been just as important as hose pressure.
The Power of Fitness
Equally important is a structured fitness regime tailored to the real-world demands of tactical work.
Traditional gym workouts are helpful, but tactical fitness requires more: lifting awkward loads, sprinting under stress, climbing stairs with equipment, staying agile under fatigue. These are the tasks that save lives.
As a mixed martial arts coach for over 30 years, I’ve seen how combatbased training can prepare individuals for the unpredictable. Grappling, striking, and conditioning under pressure all build the resilience needed for realworld challenges. This type of training is now being adopted by tactical units around the world because it simulates the intensity and chaos of emergency work.
The Hidden Threat: Fatigue
Perhaps the most dangerous enemy in tactical professions is not the fire or the suspect - it’s fatigue. Over time, poor sleep, bad eating habits, and inconsistent training build up, weakening both body and mind. Fatigue doesn’t just slow response - it clouds judgment and increases the risk of injury.
In the case of the Solomon’s blaze, responders
faced hours of sustained effort in high heat. Without strong baseline conditioning and proper fueling, the risk of collapse, heat illness, or delayed reaction skyrockets.
This is why preparation must be continuous, not reactive. You don’t train or eat well for the day of the emergency - you train and eat well every day because the emergency could come at any time.
Building a Culture of
Readiness
To truly support our first responders, we must shift how we view their health. They are not simply staff or employees - they are occupational athletes. And like athletes, they deserve systems that support recovery, training, nutrition, and mental wellness.
This includes access to healthy meals during shifts, structured physical training programmrs, education on fuelling and hydration, and clear policies that prioritise sleep and recovery. It also means leadership that models and encourages a lifestyle of tactical readiness.
A Nation’s Responsibility
As we reflect on this week’s massive fire and the courage of those who faced it, let us also consider the structures behind their heroism.
These are not superhumans. They are ordinary men and women trained and conditioned for the extraordinary. They need more than applause. They need resources, support, and a national commitment to their health and performance. In tactical work, the question is never if the next call will come, it’s when. And when it does, our responders must be ready - body, mind, and spirit. Tactical fitness and nutrition ensure that readiness. Let’s invest in it.
medicine physician at Empire Sports Medicine, specializes in ensuring athletes reach their peak performance safely. With extensive experience and a passion for sports health, Dr. Bazard provides insights and guidance for athletes of all ages - men and women.
II. The entry fee is $5 for the preliminary games and $10 for the championship games.
TRACK RED-LINE
YOUTH
CHAMPIONSHIPS
THE fourth annual RedLine Athletics’ Youth Track Classic is all set for the weekend of Saturday, May 3 from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, May 4, from 1-6pm at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
The categories include under-7 to under-15 in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in every event and MVP crystals will be given in each age group and
divisional cups will be presented to the clubs.
Interested persons can register at smnbutler@ yahoo.com or redlineathletics242@gmail.com
PEACE ON DA STREET
FAMILY NIGHT
PLANS are underway for the staging of the Peace on Da Streets’ Basketball Classics’ Road to 30 years of existence. The event, being organised by the Hope Center under the theme “Shooting hoops instead of guns,” will be held from July 14-19 at the Michael ‘Scooter’ Reid Basketball Center.
The highlight of the event will be the Family Night, scheduled for Sunday, July 20 at the when the finals in all of the divisions will take place, starting at 3pm. There will also be the Mr Ship It Three-point shootout and the Joe’s Slam Dunk Contest.
The night will conclude with the exciting Clergy versus Politicians matchup. Lots of prizes, including round trip tickets, will be up for grabs.
ROAD TO TOKYO
THE Silver Lightning Track Club is scheduled to
hold its annual Track and Field Classic on Saturday, May 10, at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium, starting at 9am. The event, dubbed the “Road to Tokyo,” will be used as a qualifier for athletes wishing to make Team Bahamas that will compete at the World Championships from September 13-21 in Tokyo, Japan. Interested athletes can contact coach Rupert Gardiner at 8212836 for more information. SPRING
FLING
INVITATIONAL THE Fast Track Athletics Club is scheduled to hold its 4th annual Spring Fling at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex May 16-17.
The event is open to competitors from through-
BAZARD
DR KENT
2025 CARIFTA GAMES @ HASELY CRAWFORD STADIUM
CARIFTA TRACK AND FIELD TEAM 2ND
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trini-
dad – Drumeco Archer, president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations, was hopping around the Hasely Crawford Stadium like an Easter bunny over the Easter holiday weekend. Archer couldn’t contain himself as he paraded around saluting and congratulating the athletes as they competed at the 2025 CARIFTA Games in Trinidad & Tobago.
The 78-member team rose to the occasion,
producing its best showing in more than a decade with a second-place finish and 37 medals, including 16 gold, 13 silver and eight bronze.
Although Team Bahamas gave Jamaica a run for their money over the first day of competition, the perennial kingpins slowly pulled away on the second day and ended with a flurry on the final day with 30 gold, 27 silver and 21 bronze for their tally of 78 medals.
Host Trinidad & Tobago was third with 25 medals, inclusive of nine gold, six silver and 10 bronze.
At one point, Archer was hopping again telling the local media that despite
what the medal count showed, the Bahamas “won CARIFTA,” based on its tremendous showing from day one.
“CARIIFTA has come to a close and as predicted, I’m very pleased with the performances,” said Archer after the games came to a close on Monday night with the under-20 boys adding the final pieces of the puzzle to The Bahamas’ success.
“I was not expecting the gold-medal rush that we had because we exceeded the 15-gold medal barrier,” he pointed out.
“As you were aware, in 1981, we got 15 medals and
in 1990 we got 15 medals, but in 1984 , amassed a total of 19 gold medals.
“And after the performances here, we amassed a total of 16 gold medals and that puts us as the second highest performing team in the history of CARIFTA for Team Bahamas.”
As elated as could be like the energiser bunny, Archer said he was happy that they achieved the goal with such a young team that was led by the 1-2 punch of Eagen Neely and Jahcario Wilson, who both got two individual gold medals and a pair of gold medal relay teams.
Neely electrified the crowd with his
performances in winning the under-17 boys’ 400m from lane eight and coming from behind in lane four to snatch the 200m gold medal, while Wilson dominated both the under-17 boys 110 and 400m hurdles.
Archer was so energised that he said that the BAAA will be looking at improving on the performance in Trinidad & Tobago by coming back next year wherever the 53rd edition of the biggest junior track and field competition in the region takes place. And he said they will continue to pursue Jamaica with the view of dethroning them again. The Bahamas
not only brought home the hardware, but the team of Jonathan Higgs, Wilson, Jireh Woodside and Neely shattered the games’ under-17 boys’ 4 x 400m record in 3:12.72; Jade Ferguson got a games’ record in the open girls’ pole vault (3.10m); team captain Annae Mackey got a junior national record in the under-20 girls’ discus (55.87m) and the quartet of Zion Davis, Aiden Kelly, Emmanuel Adams and Zion Miller pulled the curtain down on the games with their junior national record of 3:06.18 for the final gold in the under-20 boys’ 4 x 400m relay.
‘Actually, this was the most gold medals we won since 1984’
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – There was hardly any words by the coaches to describe the performances of the 78-member team at the 2025 CARIFTA Games other than “amazing.”
At the end of the threeday competition on Easter Monday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago, head coach Dereck Wells said the Bahamas should be extremely proud of the achievement of Team Bahamas.
“This was an amazing experience. This was really good. The kids performed very well and we had a fun time down here in Trinidad,” said Wells, who hails from Grand Bahama.
“Actually, this was the most gold medals we won
since 1984, so hey, what else could I ask for.”
The proof was in the final medal tally where Team Bahamas collected 37 medals, including 16 gold, 13 silver and eight bronze for second behind the continued dominance of Jamaica’s 30 gold, 27 silver and 21 bronze for their tally of 78 medals.
Host Trinidad & Tobago was third with 25 medals, inclusive of nine gold, six silver and 10 bronze.
Wells noted that he wasn’t surprised at all by the entire effort of Team Bahamas. “I was pleased with the field events. The field events always do well,” Wells said. “The field events usually carry Team Bahamas, but this time, the kids performed extremely well in the sprints, the 400m and the hurdles.
“Like I told you from day one, the hurdles will
do very well, so overall, I think we had a very balanced team and that is how we got the job done. We didn’t beat Jamaica, but to us, we won the CARIFTA Games.”
Assistant coach Bernard Newbold concurred that the performances were “amazing.”
He noted that the 16 gold medals were a remarkable accomplishment for the young athletes.
“We didn’t have any major problems, but we had some minor issues, but nothing to be overly concerned about,” he stated.
“So we were quite pleased with the achievements of Team Bahamas.”
There was a big miss in action from two of the top female athletes in Jamiah Nabbie and Alexis Roberts, which made a difference in how many more medals, including gold, that
Team Bahamas could have captured.
At the end of the first night, Nabbie anchoring the team of Emmanual Adams, Makaiah Hitchman and Zion Miller to a comefrom-behind victory in the first mixed 4 x 400m relay ran at CARIFTA in 3:23.97, Nabbie didn’t return to action.
And she also anchored the team of Khylee Wallace, Shatalya Dorsett and K’Leigh Davis to silver in 44.65 in the 4 x 100 on the second night.
But she sat out the final day in the preliminaries of the 200m and didn’t participate in the 4 x 400m relay team that comprised of Kei-Mahri Hanna, Makaiah Hitchman, A’Keree Roberts and Darvinique Dean that picked up the bronze in 3:41.36. Newbold noted that it was unfortunate that Nabbie suffered from a slight hamstring injury and they decided to shut her down so that she can recuperate for the remainder of the season.
Additionally, Roberts revealed after she completed the semifinals of the under-20 girls’ 400m in 17th place overall in 1:09.68, she was “suffering from an injury” prior to coming to the games” and was at full strength after taking a week off to recuperate. However, Newbold said Team Bahamas showed a lot of resilience. And they fought and persevered under the circumstances and gave it a gallant effort against powerhouse Jamaica.
help build an athlete’s international ranking and reputation,” said Johnson, whose consistent presence and performance is pushing him even closer to the 2025 Pan American Games.
He is now ranked number 22 in the IJF Junior World Rankings and No.7 in the Pan American region and he is already the highest-ranked male judoka in Bahamian history — and he’s only getting started.
“It’s very special to have someone from the Bahamas being ranked so high in the world,” Johnson said. “So it’s really good for me to be where I am right now.” With eyes on the Pan Ams this August and long-term dreams of the 2028 Olympics, Johnson’s journey is one that every Bahamian can be proud of.
“I just have to continue to work on everything,” Johnson stressed.
THE 78-member team in Trinidad & Tobago at the 2025 CARIFTA Games, held
Guardians earn 6-4 win over AL-leading Yankees
By BRIAN DULIK Associated Press
CLEVELAND (AP)
— José Ramírez hit a three-run homer and Kyle Manzardo went deep on the next pitch in the third inning, helping the Cleveland Guardians beat the American League-leading New York Yankees 6-4 on Monday night.
Ramírez and Manzardo both cleared the fence in right off Clarke Schmidt (0-1), who gave up five runs in four innings. Manzardo has homered in three straight games and has a team-high seven.
Cleveland led 6-0 before Jasson Domínguez hit a two-run homer in the seventh and Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr., who had been in a 1-for-18 slide, had a two-run drive in the eighth.
The Yankees went 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position.
New York, playing Cleveland for the first time since winning last year’s AL Championship Series, lost for the second time in eight games.
Aaron Judge extended his on-base streak to 19 games, going 1 of 4 with a
walk, but struck out against Cade Smith with a runner on second for the final out. Gavin Williams (2-1) allowed two runs and seven hits over 6 1/3 innings in his first win over an AL East squad in eight career starts and Smith worked the ninth for his second big league save, his first this season.
Key moment Schmidt, who made his season debut last Wednesday, held the Guardians hitless in the first two innings before allowing two homers, two doubles and three singles over the next two frames.
Key stat With 668 extra-base hits, all with Cleveland, Ramírez moved past Hall of Famer Tris Speaker for sole possession of second on the team career list behind Hall of Famer Earl Averill (724).
Up next Yankees RHP Will Warren (1-0, 5.17 ERA) takes on Guardians RHP Tanner Bibee (1-2, 5.85 ERA) on Tuesday in the second game of the threegame series.
TANNER BIBEE SETTLES
IN AFTER FIRSTPITCH HOMER, GUARDIANS RALLY TO DOWN YANKEES 3-2
By TOM WITHERS Associated Press
CLEVELAND (AP) —
Tanner Bibee recovered from giving up a home run on his first pitch to work six innings, leading the Cleveland Guardians to a 3-2 win over the New York Yankees on Tuesday night that extended their winning streak to five.
Bibee (2-2) was quickly tagged by New York’s Ben Rice but settled in.
He allowed two runs and five hits while helping the Guardians clinch the series and improve to 7-1 at home.
New York’s Aaron Judge went 4 for 4 with three singles and double, raising his major league-leading average to .411 with his 12th career four-hit game.
For the second day in a row, Cade Smith closed for Cleveland. He needed just four pitches in the ninth for his second save.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, who has struggled so far this season, was not available after pitching three straight days and throwing 30 pitches on Sunday.
Warren held the Guardians to one hit and led 2-0 after five innings before allowing two singles to start the sixth and being replaced. Cleveland then scored three runs with an unorthodox rally, Reliever Mark Leiter Jr. (2-2) fanned José Ramírez before the Guardians attempted a double steal with one out. As Steven Kwan neared third, Leiter’s pitch got past catcher J.C. Escarra.
Kwan never stopped and slid home safely ahead of Escarra’s throw to Leiter, pulling Cleveland to 2-1.
Kyle Manzardo followed with an RBI double — on a ball Judge nearly caught — and came around to score on Angel Martinez’s infield single, which skipped away from Yankees Gold Glove shortstop Anthony Volpe. Rice sent Bibee’s first pitch over the wall in left field for his sixth homer and New York’s 41st this season.
Bibee has had a homer problem, giving up eight long balls in just five starts. Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu went 3 for 3 with a homer and double in the start of a minor league assignment at Double-A Somerset as he rehabs a strained calf.
MAN CITY SCORES LATE WINNER TO BEAT ASTON VILLA 2-1 AND BOOST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HOPES
By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Pep Guardiola celebrated wildly as Manchester City took a big step toward Champions League qualification with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in the Premier League on Tuesday. With clenched fists, the City manager roared with delight after Matheus Nunes struck deep into stoppage time at the Etihad Stadium.
“I was so happy. I have to admit it,” Guardiola said after a win that could help salvage a troubled season for his once dominant team.
The late winner moved four-time defending league
champion City up to third in the standings, with the top five securing a place in European club soccer’s top competition. Nunes fired home from a tight angle in the fourth minute of added time after Jeremy Doku’s low cross through the box. The game had looked destined to end in a draw after Bernardo Silva’s first-half goal had been cancelled out by a Marcus Rashford penalty. There is still likely to be a tense battle for the Champions League with a clutch of teams in contention going into the final weeks of the season and just four points separating third to seventh in the standings. But City’s fate is in its own hands
after a troubled campaign that saw its title defence unravel before Christmas and its hopes of winning the Champions League end in the playoffs.
A top-five finish would go some way to ending the season on a high — and Guardiola’s celebration was evidence of just how important the win could prove to be. “We have a lot of pressure for the club to go to the Champions League,” said Guardiola, whose City team won the competition for the first time in 2023.
“If we win the next four games, it will have been so important,” he added.
Victory moved City up to 61 points and above Nottingham Forest in fourth and Newcastle in fifth.
Chelsea is sixth and Villa, with 57 points, is seventh. England’s top flight will be given a bonus fifth Champions League place because of the performances of English teams in Europe this season.
Both City and Villa have played a game more than their top-five rivals. But City knows a perfect record from its remaining four league games would guarantee a place in next season’s Champions League.
It would be the 15th season in a row that City has qualified for the competition and would provide an uplifting finale to a campaign that brought an end to Guardiola’s recent dominance of English soccer.
There is likely to be a rebuild in the offseason, with Kevin De Bruyne leaving and Silva and Ilkay Gundogan also in the latter stages of their careers.
But it was Silva who provided the opener for City in the seventh minute from close range after Omar Marmoush’s cutback.
Rashford had already hit the post for Villa by that point after bursting into the box seconds after kickoff.
And the on-loan Manchester United forward was on the score sheet in the 18th — equalising from the penalty spot following a VAR review of Ruben Dias’ foul on Jacob Ramsey in the box. Defeat was a blow to Villa’s hopes of making it
back-to-back seasons in the Champions League after returning to the competition for the first time in 41 years this term and advancing to the quarterfinals.
“Of course, today we lost, but there are still matches to play, still points to play (for).
“We will have chances to get the Champions League,” Villa manager Unai Emery said.
“I am happy how we are reacting, how every player is facing the moment we are (in).”
Both City and Villa are also in the semifinals of the FA Cup.
Villa plays Crystal Palace on Saturday, and City plays Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
NEW York Yankees second baseman Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr. catches a ball hit by Cleveland Guardians’ Kyle Manzardo during the fourth inning of a baseball game yesterday in Cleveland.
(AP Photo/David Dermer)
NEW York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. throws during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Phelan M Ebenhack)
Shai scores 27 as Thunder roll past Grizzlies 118-99 to take 2-0 series lead
By CLIFF BRUNT AP Sports Writer
OKLAHOMA CITY
(AP) — Shai GilgeousAlexander scored 27 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Memphis Grizzlies 118-99 last night to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.
Jalen Williams added 24 points and Chet Holmgren had 20 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks for the Thunder.
Oklahoma City delivered a strong follow-up to its record-setting 131-80 win on Sunday in the series opener.
The Thunder have won all six games against the Grizzlies this season by double digits.
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 26 points and Ja Morant added 23 for Memphis, which will host Game 3 on Thursday.
Oklahoma City opened with a 9-0 run and held Memphis scoreless for the first 3 1/2 minutes as the Grizzlies missed their first 10 shots.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who had been off for the first five quarters of the series, found his shot in the second quarter.
He hit two 3-pointers 55 seconds apart to put Oklahoma City up 55-38. Oklahoma City led 70-52
at the break after setting a team playoff record with 12 3-pointers in the first half. Memphis started hot in the
third and cut its deficit to single digits, but the Thunder took a 90-79 lead into the fourth.
one-handed jam that put the Thunder up 97-79 and brought the crowd to its
SIAKAM, HALIBURTON’S DOUBLE-DOUBLES LEAD
PACERS PAST BUCKS 123-115 FOR 2-0 SERIES LEAD
By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)
— Pascal Siakam had 24 points and 11 rebounds and Tyrese Haliburton added 21 points and 12 assists to lead the Indiana Pacers past the Milwaukee Bucks 123115 last night for a 2-0 lead in the first-round playoff series.
Indiana has won five of the last six playoff games between the teams and never trailed in this one.
The Pacers had lost three of four regular-season games to the Bucks.
The teams will meet for the 18th time in the last two seasons on Friday, when Game 3 is played in Milwaukee.
Two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo had 34 points, 18 rebounds and seven assists, and AllNBA guard Damain Lillard had 14 points in his first game back from deep vein thrombosis in his right calf.
Lillard was 4 of 13 from the field in 37 minutes, his first game action since March 18 and his first playoff game with Antetokounmpo, who heard a steady diet of countdowns on his free throws.
Bobby Portis Jr. finished with 28 points, including six 3-pointers, and 12 rebounds for the Bucks.
The game had a little bit of everything. There was a scuffle in front of the Pacers bench that led to double technical fouls, words between multiple players in the final minutes, players repeatedly hitting the floor, a little zone defence, a smattering of full-court pressure and, of course, plenty of points.
But, Indiana controlled the entire game after racing to a 31-16 lead in less than 7 1/2 minutes.
The Bucks used a late 13-0 run to get within 115113 with 2:31 to go before Indiana closed it out with an 8-2 run to end the game.
PISTONS BEAT KNICKS TO SNAP RECORD 15-GAME PLAYOFF SKID
By The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) —
Cade Cunningham had 33 points and 12 rebounds, Dennis Schroder made the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 55 seconds left, and the Detroit Pistons snapped their NBA-record, 15-game postseason losing streak by beating the New York Knicks 100-94 on Monday night in Game 2 of their playoff series.
The Pistons, who hadn’t even been to the postseason since 2019, recovered after the Knicks erased a 15-point deficit to earn their first playoff victory since Game 4 of the 2008 Eastern Conference finals against Boston.
The Celtics won the final two games of that series and the Pistons were then swept in 2009, 2006 and 2019 before dropping Game 1 at Madison Square Garden.
Now they are back in the win column, all tied in the series and will host Game 3 on Thursday night. Schroder, who wasn’t even on the Pistons until a
trade in February, nailed the 3-pointer after the Knicks had used a 16-4 run to tie it at 94 on Josh Hart’s dunk. He finished with 20 points off the bench. The Pistons were in good shape to win Game 1 with an eight-point lead after three quarters, before the Knicks used a 21-0 run in the fourth to win 123-112. Detroit built another eightpoint advantage after three
Monday, and this time made the big plays after another Knicks rally. Jalen Brunson scored 37 points for the No. 3-seeded Knicks, but Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby were each limited to 10 after both finished with 23 points in the opener.
points on 15-of-19 shooting and Los Angeles evened their first-round playoff series against Denver. Christian Braun was long on a 3-pointer with 6 seconds left, and Nikola Jokic, who recorded his 19th career playoff triple-double, grabbed the rebound but also missed a 3 with 1 second remaining.
The Clippers, who lost Game 1 in overtime, haven’t
PISTONS guard Cade Cunningham passes the ball during their 1st-round playoff series against the Knicks. (AP Photo/A Katsanis)
lost back-to-back games since March 2-4, a stretch of 23 games, and they handed David Adelman his first loss in five games since replacing Michael Malone in a stunning move on the eve of the playoffs.
Jokic, just the third player to average a tripledouble over a season, had 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists and Jamal Murray added 23 points for the Nuggets, who also got a bounce-back game from Michael Porter Jr. (15 points and 15 rebounds) after his 3-point performance in Game 1. It wasn’t enough against Leonard, who had 21 points at the break, including a pull-up 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer that broke a 52-all tie.
Leonard also had a key steal of a Jokic pass with 37 seconds remaining in the game, but Harden missed at the other end and Braun grabbed the defensive rebound with 11 seconds left.
Oklahoma City’s Cason Wallace faked out Zach Edey. And then he went to the baseline for a
feet.
The Thunder held Memphis scoreless for nearly four minutes to start the fourth.
INDIANA Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) gets a basket on a dunk against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of a first-round NBA basketball playoff game in Indianapolis yesterday.
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
OKLAHOMA City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, left, shoots over Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, right, during the first half in Game 1 of
round playoff series, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City.
(AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)
12U champions
Reloaded baseball, softball invitational tournament ‘was a huge success’
THE Reloaded baseball and softball programme for boys and girls held its fourth invitational tournament April 18-21 at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
The event, organised by Stephen “Bishop” Beneby, was sanctioned by the Bahamas Baseball Assocation, headed by Clarence “CJ’ McKenzie, and sponsored by the Pro Youth Foundation. It featured baseball teams for boys and softball teams for girls from Grand Bahama and New Providence.
According to a press release, the event ‘was a huge success as the weekend was filled with highly competitive games where the kids were able to be engaged with baseball the entire weekend. The overall sentiments from the attendees was that the tournament was ran so efficiently and that this level of efficiency in regard to baseball tournaments in this country is second to none.”
The Reloaded team had a shuttle system in place to transport Family Island guest teams to and from the airport, hotels and fields of which they were greatly appreciative. We also provided teams with Reloaded keepsakes to make the memory a special one for the teams.
Championships games and standings: Tball Division Reloaded vs Freedom Fighters Champions : Reloaded Coach Pitch Division Blue Marlins vs Blue Marlins Development Champions: Blue Marlins
10u Division Reloaded vs Pro Youth Foundation
12u Division Reloaded vs Community League
14u Division Reloaded vs GB Champions: Reloaded
“The Reloaded Team would like to thank corporate sponsors who came on board with our vision and supported our initiative - Rush Imports, PWC, FamGuard, D’albenas Agency, URCA - as well our ongoing relationship with the team at the N.S.A. namely Martin Burrows and Moses Johnson and by extension Bahamas Waste Management.
“The Reloaded baseball and softball team is full steam ahead in pursuit of development, exposure, and opportunity for the kids across the archipelago of The Bahamas and we will continue to engage and support the growth of development for Bahamian kids as we move to open access for them internationally.
“The Reloaded team would like to extend our thanks to Sonia and her teams from Legacy League in Grand Bahama and Donno and his team from GB for travelling and participating in the Fourth Reloaded Invitational.
“The Reloaded team has some exciting upcoming initiatives as we have on board a few more major international baseball and softball entities with conversations being had with others.
“We will explore all of these opportunities for the kids in Reloaded and by extension kids across our archipelago as good is never enough as we are developing tomorrow’s leaders,” said the press release.
