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SPORTS SECTION E

BOWLING

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TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018

Darrell Sears Showcase could expand beyond basketball court By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

had two official offers yesterday. We had a lot of kids get opportunities to even look at playing football now. So we’re branching off. The showcase could be moving into some football to try and give kids a better opportunity.” Sears said. “We have a lot of kids who are undersized. Here, they could be 6 foot four inches (6’4”) and play power forward, they may not progress to be a guard (in college), because the skill-set is not there. But they can go and play football, because they are so athletic and can get a scholarship in football. So we’re branching off and we’re going to start with girls again next year, boys and then football.” Two participants at this year’s event, Troy Trembly and Lathaniel Bastian, received offers while

ANOTHER group of young basketball players took full advantage of their opportunity to boost their recruitment stock at the Darrell Sears Showcase but the event could look to expand beyond the basketball court for future editions. Sears, the longtime coach of the St George’s Jaguars, said that while many student athletes earned opportunities through basketball, the personnel of the participants and their skillset may provide further opportunities on the football field. “The showcase started off a little rocky, but as always the coaches enjoyed it. Like I said, we

a host of other athletes received interest from colleges and high schools. This year’s showcase also expanded on the court as well and featured the promising group of junior players in grades 7-9. “The younger group is what the coaches were excited about. That’s why we wanted them to come in so we could make those coaches come back. You had so many of these kids who are younger, even someone who is out of school, never played high school, picked up and offered a scholarship. “This is a kid who is playing night league, we decided at the last minute to give him a chance because that’s what the showcase is about, giving them an opportunity.” Sears said.

“We have some of the most naturally gifted players in the world. I’ve said the coaching has gotten better over the years, I’ve seen it. The coaches are getting better so they’re teaching their kids better. So the skill-set is starting to get better. But what we’re excited about is that it will bring these coaches back to see just how much they have improved since then. The more coaches we can get in the better it is for our programme and our kids.” Sears began the practice of travelling with his players to the US to gain exposure for his players in the late 1990s. Since then, he has been able to forge a network of connections that now affords a greater number of players those same opportunities by showcasing their skills at home. Over the

course of the weekend, players engaged in individual skill development, as well as scrimmages. Since its inception, the showcase has facilitated over $2 million in scholarships to over 100 student athletes to attend various levels of colleges and high schools in the United States. Event sponsors included the Freeport Council, Nesbitt Rentals, Kosha and the Ministry of Tourism. At the end of the 2017 event, a record five participants were offered scholarships by representatives of visiting programmes. Approximately 60 players took part in the showcase which featured scouts, coaches, and representatives from 25 high schools and colleges in the United States, ranging from JuCo to Division I.

Athletes shine in the US By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net number of Bahamian elite and collegiate athletes were in action at various meets in the United States where they turned in credible performances. At the Torrin Lawrence Memorial in Athens, Georgia, Warren Fraser and Bianca ‘BB’ Stuart led the way as they competed for the first time since their participation last month in the Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia. Running unattached, 26-year-old Fraser clocked a season’s best of 10.16 seconds to take the tape in the straight away race, just shy of his lifetime best of 10.14 that he ran here at home at the BAAA Nationals on June 27, 2014. In Saturday’s race, Fraser beat out Kendal Williams, a junior at the University of Georgia, who trailed in 10.22 for second. His senior teammate Cejhae Green was third in 10.28. Fraser, coming off a semi-final appearance at the Commonwealth Games where he had a best of 10.37, said he’s learning to trust the process” as he juggles his professional career with his post-graduate studies at the University of Georgia. “I felt alright. I finally got some time to focus on track and so I just have to trust the process,” Fraser said. “I felt good. I felt that everything I’ve been doing is starting to add up. “I had start and I just went out there and run a good race. But I still feel that I have a lot more in the tank. I just have to continue to work hard and hopefully everything will fall into place.”

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BIANCA STUART

WARREN FRASER In trying to keep up his grades and concentrate on training, Fraser said it has not been easy. But he’s making the best of his training regimen under coach Ken Harding. “I had a little break last week and I think that took a lot off my shoulders,” he stated. “I was able to concentrate a little better and I went out and executed a great race.” In the women’s long jump, Stuart soared 6.66 metres or 21-feet, 10 1/4inches on her sixth and final attempt for second place. She fouled her first attempt, cleared 6.36m (20-10 1/2) on her second, 6.62m (21-8 3/4) on her third, 6.40m (21-0) on her fourth and passed on her fifth. Chanice Porter, competing unattached like Stuart, had the best mark of 6.75m (22-1 3/4) on her second attempt for the win. Kate Hall, a sophomore at the University of Georgia, was third with 6.63m (21-9).

CLIFF RESAIS, shown at left, with his silver medal in the men’s 20om. Resais 2ND and 3RD At the Southland Conference Track and Field Championships at the Tom Benson Stadium, Southeastern Louisiana University’s Cliff Resais got second and third in the men’s 200 and 100m respectively. In the shorter race, Resais won his heat in 10.44 to qualify for the final with the fourth fastest time. In the final, he had to settle for third in 10.22 behind Micah Larkins of Northwestern State (10.12) and Chris Jefferson of Sam Houston State (10.15). And in the 200m,

Resais again won his heat in 21.22 for the fifth fastest qualifying time. In the final of the half-lap race, Resais clocked 20.46 for second behind Jefferson’s winning time of 20.37. Angel Collie, also of Southeastern Louisiana University, was fourth in her heat of the women’s 400m in 57.71. That placed her 18th overall. Collie also ran the first leg for Southern Louisiana’s 4 x 400m relay team that placed seventh overall in 3:46.97. The other members of the team were Milica Ozegovic, Dekayta Alex and Aareion Jackson.

Bowleg and Colebrook clash At the 2018 LSU Invitational at the Bernie Moore Stadium, Maverick Bowleg and Andre Colebrook, both running unattached, faced off in the men’s 400m. Bowleg got the best of the duel, finishing fourth in 47.39 with Colebrook trailing in 47.55. Trevor Stewart, a freshman of North Carolina A&T, won in 45.82 with Richard Rose, a junior at Texas A&M, second in 46.43 and his team-mate Kyree Johnson, a freshman, third in 46.84.

Bahamian gridiron star visits home of the Volunteers By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net AS his junior college career comes to a close this upcoming

Playoffs, Page 3

NATIONAL BODYBUILDING AND FITNESS CHAMPIONSHIPS ON SATURDAY

season, Bahamian gridiron star David Swaby will have his choice of several elite Division I programmes when he makes the transition to the next level. Swaby is currently on an official visit with the University of Tennessee Volunteers, but has garnered the attention of many elite programmes across the United States. The 6’10”, 330-pound lineman for the Navarro Junior College Bulldogs has also received offers from fellow SEC powerhouse Ole Miss, Baylor, Houston, Arkansas State, New Mexico, SMU, North Texas, Texas State and Southern Mississippi. Swaby moved from the Bahamas to south Florida where he played football for three years at St Thomas Aquinas before a senior season spent at Salesian in Los Angeles, California. He originally committed to the New Mexico

Lobos, but was unable to qualify academically and eventually settled on Navarro. Swaby outlined his story with Austin Price of Volsquest.com and previewed his visit to Tennessee. “They [Tennessee] told me they have one spot left. Coach [Jeremy] Pruitt said it can’t be a position where they hit or miss. It has to be a home run. They are extremely excited to get me on campus and for me to get a feel for the place by meeting the coaches and players.” “The situation I’m in right now is I’m a four for three. The coaches can decide to redshirt me and let me get bigger and develop me or I can play right away and have a year to play with somewhere. I’ve been talking to coach Pruitt and coach [Tyson Helton. He came down and saw me and he is the one that texts me on a regular basis. He tells me what they need at Tennessee and

how they have a need for offensive lineman.” Swaby has additional visits set, most notably with Ole Miss on June 1, and said there is much more deliberation left before he decides where to hone his craft at the next level for the next few years. The Bahamian gridiron connection at Navarro College has also included former offensive line Rico Forbes. Coming out of Christian Life Center Academy in Houston, Texas, Forbes signed with Baylor but was not cleared by the NCAA Clearing House and played two seasons at Navarro. As a sophomore he helped Navarro to an 11-1 record and the National Junior College Athletic Association national championship. He found his way back to NCAA Division I when he enrolled at Washington State in 2011.

ON Saturday night at the Melia hotel, the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation is all set to hold its Novice and National Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships. The joint event will put the beginners and veteran bodybuilders on the same stage at the same time because federation public relations officer Leonardo ‘Nardo’ Dean said a lot of the competitors were not sure which event they would participate in. “We have quite a few new people coming into a sport and quite a few who are returning, so it’s going to be a good mix,” Dean pointed out. “So it should be a very exciting night.” With some changes to the IFBB and the NPC, which is expected to split the sport into bodybuilding and fitness, Dean said there was some competitors who were unsure which event they would participate in and what side of the federation they will go with. “With us being under the IFBB, we just have to continue with our event,” he said. “We know that a lot of the athletes were kind of between the two sides, so it put us back a little bit in our planning. “We were also having difficulty in getting the sponsorship of the events, so we decided that instead of having two small events, we would just put all of our efforts and put on one big show.” Based on what the initial response has been so far, Dean said they could end up with another 50-60 competitors on stage for the championships. He indicated that at least half of them have already confirmed to compete in the novice. “A lot of the competitors will probably make up their mind to do the nationals,” he said. “We still have some athletes who are in the valley of decision, so we expect one or two people who will pop in at the last minute.” Men and women’s physique, women’s wellness, women’s bikini, women’s figure, men’s bodybuilding, men’s classic bodybuilding, men’s physique and men’s muscular physique will all be contested. The pre-judging is scheduled for 9am Saturday and the final will be staged from 7pm. A press conference is set for Wednesday when more details for the championship are expected to be revealed.

PAGE 2, Tuesday, May 8, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS: Banker’s League bowling champions Central Bank Controllers.

CENTRAL BANK CONTROLLERS ARE BANKER’S LEAGUE BOWLING CHAMPIONS

THE Banker’s Athletics Association concluded its bowling season and hosted its awards night at Mario’s Bowling and Family Entertainment Centre on Thursday night. With a total of 15 teams competing over seven months, the Central Bank Controllers were crowned the 2017/2018 champions as they defeated the Bank of the Bahamas Bobcats. Driskell Rolle was named the female regular season most valuable player and she also took home both the high game and high set awards. Ken Braithwaite, of the Commonwealth Bank Pirates, was the men’s regular season most valuable player. David Slatter, of the Family Guardian Knights, was the high set male and Tristan Darville of Credit Suisse was the most improved male bowler.

LASHEIK MAJOR, Championship MVP - Central Bank Controllers.

DERRICK BURROWS, Bowled a perfect 300 game - Bank of the Bahamas Bobcats.

DRISKELL ROLLE, Regular Season MVP - Bank of the Bahamas Bobcats.

JANIS COAKLEY, Most Improved Bowler - Commonwealth Bank Pirates.

RUNNER’S-UP - Bank of the Bahamas Bobcats.

PENNANT WINNERS - Commonwealth Bank Pirates.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 8, 2018, PAGE 3

Cavaliers sweep Raptors 4-0, advance to conference finals By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer CLEVELAND (AP) — LeBron James sent Toronto into summer vacation for the third straight season as the Cleveland Cavaliers completed a series sweep of the Raptors with a 128-93 win in Game 4 last night to advance to the Eastern Conference finals. James finished with 29 points, 11 assists and spent some of the final 7:38 dancing near the bench during Cleveland’s 10th straight playoff win over Toronto, which changed its system, its roster and its approach but still can’t beat the game’s best player. Kevin Love added 23 points and J.R. Smith 15 for the Cavs, who can now rest while waiting for the Boston-Philadelphia semi-final series to end. Jonas Valanciunas scored 18 and Kyle Lowry had 10 assists to lead the exasperated Raptors. Toronto’s frustration hit its peak late in the third when AllStar DeMar DeRozan was ejected for a flagrant foul. Cleveland will be appearing in its fourth straight conference final despite a turbulent regular season and a bumpy start to the playoffs. The Cavs needed seven games to get past Indiana before tormenting Toronto — again. James arrived at Quicken Loans Arena three hours before tip-off wearing a baseball cap that said: “Don’t Trip.” If the message was directed at his teammates, they got it. The Cavs didn’t stumble and had one of their best all-around games of these playoffs after so many tight ones. They won Games 1 and 3 over Toronto by a combined three points,

needing a buzzer-beater to outlast the Raptors on Saturday night. There was no need for such heroics and for a change, James, who came in averaging 41.7 minutes per game in the postseason, had plenty of help. All five Cleveland starters scored in double figures and Love continued his spring rebirth after struggling against the physical Pacers. The contributions from Cleveland’s supporting cast came two days after “Saturday Night Live” poked fun at the team in a skit entitled “The Other Cavaliers,” which didn’t air but went viral on social media. Cleveland took control with a 12-0 run over the final 2:12 of the first half. The Cavs didn’t let up, pushing their lead to 30 as their fans finally got a chance to relax and start making plans for the next round. After James dropped a fadeaway baseline jumper to give Cleveland a 27-point lead, the 33-year-old stared at Toronto’s bench as he ran back on defense. The Raptors must see him in their dreams. It’s back to the drawing board for Toronto. The Raptors had the league’s second-best record, the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, a deeper bench and in Lowry and DeRozan enough firepower to offset James. But after blowing a big lead and giving away Game 1 on their home floor, the Raptors never recovered and now face an offseason full of questions and second-guessing. Raptors coach Dwane Casey, looking for a spark to save the season — and maybe his Job — switched starting lineups for the second straight game. He

floor while building a 26-17 lead. COACHING CHANGE Lue was shocked to learn of coach Stan Van Gundy’s firing in Detroit. Lue played for Van Gundy in Orlando and has always respected his basketball IQ. “He’s emotional because he’s into the game,” said Lue, who added Van Gundy supported him during his health absence. “He loves the game that much. But as far as Xs and Os, understanding different teams, different schemes, his players, he’s one of the best as far as knowing the basketball game and what it takes.” And as rumours swirl about Casey’s future, Lue said Toronto would be foolish to do anything rash. “It would be absurd to make a move like that,” he said. TIP-INS Raptors: DeRozan was tossed after hitting G Jordan Clarkson in the head on a layup. DeRozan finished with 13 points after sitting out the fourth quarter in Game 3. ... Fell to 0-7 in playoff games in Cleveland. ... Didn’t lose three straight during the regular season, then lost four in a row to the Cavs.

CAVALIERS’ LeBron James (23) goes up to shoot against Raptors’ Serge Ibaka (9) and OG Anunoby (3) in the first half of Game 4 of their second-round playoff series last night. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) gave C.J. Miles his first start and put Serge Ibaka back with the first five after using

him in a reserve role in Game 3. But Miles picked up two quick fouls and the

Cavs’ offence was in gear from the start as Cleveland opened 12 of 15 from the

Cavaliers: Improved to 10-0 in Game 4 closeouts. ... Won their 15th straight second-round game dating to the 2015 playoffs. ... James entered Game 4 with 348 points in these playoffs, the most through 10 games by any player since Michael Jordan (354) in 1992. ... Love became the fourth player in Cleveland history with 500 career playoff rebounds, joining James, Thompson and Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

MCCONNELL HELPS 76ERS HOLD OFF ELIMINATION AGAINST BOSTON By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer PHILADELPHIA (AP) — T.J. McConnell turned a surprise start into the save of the season and Dario Saric scored 25 points to help the Philadelphia 76ers stave off elimination in a 103-92 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 4 last night. The Sixers still face daunting odds headed into Game 5 and trailing 3-1 in the Eastern Conference semi-finals: No NBA team has ever won a series down 3-0. McConnell had a career-high 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists in only his second start of the season and meshed well in the backcourt with Ben Simmons. The crowd chanted “TJ! TJ!” each time he touched the ball in the fourth and proved why he has been so valuable even as bigger stars have sliced his playing time. He was just what coach Brett Brown needed in a must-win game. “I can tell you the Philadelphia 76ers spirit is just fine,” Brown said. With NBA teams down 3-0 having lost all 129 series, the Sixers may need more than spirit to pull off this stunner. Joel Embiid had 15 points and 13 rebounds and Simmons had 19 points and 13 boards. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 20 points and Marcus Morris had 17. The big 0 in the box score: Confetti pieces fired into the sky. The Sixers scrapped their traditional confetti cannon celebration after it was prematurely shot at the end of regulation in a Game 3 overtime loss. The Sixers were in control in what could be their last home game of the season. Boston’s Jaylen Brown and coach Brad Stevens were whistled for technicals late in the third and the Sixers capitalised with two free throws and an Embiid dunk that had rapper Meek Mill standing. Embiid chirped at Marcus Morris and the Celtics forward flashed a “3-0” with his hands. McConnell buried a 3 for a 14-point lead that would soon make that combination obsolete. Brown was desperate to spark the Sixers and benched slumping forward Robert Covington (0 for 14 combined in Games 1 and 3) for McConnell. McConnell, an undrafted third-year guard, had started 68 games combined over the last two seasons and served as an example of the type of player The Process was built on. He was an underdog, a hustler, a court general that made him a reliable favorite for Brown. But Simmons’ emergence put McConnell on the bench, and without complaint. McConnell zipped inside for easy buckets, made the extra pass to keep the offense rolling and made the dive for loose balls.

BOSTON Celtics’ Marcus Smart, right, and Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons chase after a loose ball during the first half of Game 4 of their secondround playoff series last night. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) “How do I help my stars be stars because at the end of the day that’s what we need,” Brown said. “That’s my job.” He turned to McConnell, that’s how. The anticipation of elimination and a 6 p.m. EDT tip sharply cut into attendance and the game had more of an early-season feel until Embiid and Terry Rozier shook everyone up with pushing and shoving late in the first half. Embiid tried to strip the ball from Rozier after the whistle. Rozier tightened his grip and Embiid slapped at the ball again. Rozier shoved Embiid in the chest with his right hand and the two quickly had to be separated. Rozier and Embiid were hit with Ts. Then they each hit 3s. Embiid buried one that had the crowd buzzing until Rozier came right back and hit his own to cut the 76ers’ lead to two. Embiid closed the first half with a rimrattling dunk and the Sixers into halftime up 47-43.

TIP-INS Celtics: G Shane Larkin left with a left shoulder injury in the first quarter. ... Markieff Morris of the Wizards was in the stands to support twin brother Marcus. The brothers are Philly natives. Sixers: Covington still hit the bench early in the second quarter with three quick fouls. ... Missed 10 of 14 3s in the first half. MAN DOWN The Celtics could be even more of a threat had Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward not been lost this season to injury. “There’s not a coach in the world that wouldn’t want everybody available,” Stevens said. “I think that obviously we’d be better with those guys. They’re very good players. Both unselfish players. But I really like this group and those guys are still a part of that.” UP NEXT Game 5 Wednesday at Boston.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, May 8, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

TWINS’ Eddie Rosario follows through on an RBI double during the first inning of last night’s game against the St Louis Cardinals. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

ROMERO KEEPS SCORELESS STREAK GOING, TWINS BLANK CARDS 6-0 By KURT VOIGT AP Sports Writer ST. LOUIS (AP) — Fernando Romero didn’t allow a run for the second straight start to begin his major league career, throwing six sharp innings to lead the Minnesota Twins over the St. Louis Cardinals 6-0 on Monday night. The victory was a season-high fourth straight for the Twins, who have won 13 of their last 16 games against National League opponents dating to last year.

St. Louis had its seasonbest five-game winning streak snapped, one night after finishing a weekend sweep of the rival Chicago Cubs at nearly 1 a.m. Romero (2-0) permitted just three hits and struck out nine while throwing 97 pitches. The 23-year-old right-hander tossed 5 2/3 scoreless innings in his debut last week, a win over Toronto. Eddie Rosario helped keep Romero’s shutout streak intact in the first inning. The left fielder crashed into the wall and reached

over it to catch what likely would have been a two-run homer for St. Louis’ Dexter Fowler. Robbie Grossman went 3 for 4 with two RBIs, and Bobby Wilson knocked in two runs for Minnesota. John Gant (1-1) gave up six hits and four runs in 5 1/3 innings for the Cardinals. Paul DeJong had three of St. Louis’ four hits. TRAINER’S ROOM

Twins: Minnesota manager Paul Molitor said Gold Glove CF Byron Buxton went through running drills in the outfield and plans to run the bases Tuesday. Buxton has been out since April 12 with a hairline fracture in his left big toe, but Molitor said the 24-year-old is expected to travel with the team to California this week and could return then. Cardinals: Adam Wainwright made a rehab start at DoubleA Springfield, allowing two hits in five scoreless innings. The

right-hander is returning from elbow inflammation, and manager Mike Matheny said Wainwright will likely return to the Cardinals’ rotation for his next start. ... CF Tommy Pham was out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive game with a lingering hip injury. Pham pinch-hit in Sunday night’s 14-inning win over the Cubs. Matheny said the 30-yearold was “lobbying pretty hard” to start Monday and could return to the lineup on Tuesday.

HERRERA POWERS PHILLIES PAST GIANTS 11-0 By KEVIN COONEY Associated Press PHILADELPHIA (AP) — It was another nice night for Odubel Herrera. The rest of Philadelphia’s lineup looked pretty good, too. Herrera homered twice and drove in five runs, helping Zach Eflin and the Phillies rout the San Francisco Giants 11-0 on Monday. Carlos Santana and Cesar Hernandez also connected for Philadelphia, which had dropped six of eight. Santana drove in four runs, and Hernandez had two RBIs. Eflin (1-0) struck out a career-high nine in 6 2/3 innings. He allowed four hits and walked three. Herrera hit a three-run drive off Jeff Samardzija (1-2) in the first and a tworun shot off D.J. Snelten in the sixth. He also walked and scored in the fifth when Santana’s drive popped out of the glove of Gorkys Hernandez as his back hit the wall in center, resulting in a three-run homer. “Odubel continues to get big hits for us,” manager Gabe Kapler said. “There are times when you take for granted what it does for a dugout when you get a big home run. Odubel did that for us tonight and we were able to extend the lead.” Herrera has reached base in his last 36 games dating to last year, the longest such streak for the Phillies since Jimmy Rollins had a 38-game run between the 2005-06 seasons. He is batting .341 this year. “I feel very, very good right now,” Herrera said. “It’s part of being selective. I want to be disciplined at the plate. I don’t want to swing at bad pitches- I only want to swing at good pitches.” Samardzija allowed five runs and four hits in four innings in his fourth start after beginning the season on the disabled list with a right pectoral strain. “I was encouraged, really,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. “He was back to having his normal stuff and velocity and everything. Now, he’s got to have

PHILADELPHIA Phillies’ Odubel Herrera (37) follows through on a three run home run in the first inning last night against the San Francisco Giants. (AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson) his command — he was up and not hitting spots. It was just an off night for everyone. You could tell he was very strong tonight. He’s on the right track now.” Buster Posey had two of San Francisco’s six hits. Posey has logged four straight multihit games, hitting .563 (9 for 16) in those contests. It was Eflin’s first major league win since he pitched seven solid innings at Atlanta on Aug. 8. The right-hander was promoted from the minors after Ben Lively hurt his back in late April, and he worked six effective innings in a nodecision at Miami in his first start last Tuesday. “It was good to stay aggressive and keep my head on straight and keep chugging along,” Eflin said. “We learn the most when we have a good lead to not get lazy with things. I was happy that I kept my head on straight and just pounded the zone.” PHILLIE BUSTER Posey has a 23-game hitting streak against the Phillies dating to July 24, 2014. Since 1949, the only players with longer hitting streaks against Philadelphia are Chipper Jones (29

games from 2007-09), Pete Rose (25 games from 197577) and Orlando Cepeda (25 games from 1961-62). TRAINER’S ROOM Giants: RHP Johnny Cueto was diagnosed with a right elbow strain and will miss six to eight weeks, avoiding season-ending Tommy John surgery. The diagnosis comes after a visit with Dr. James Andrews on Monday in Gulf Breeze, Florida. ... OF Hunter Pence had the clock stopped on his rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Sacramento after experiencing soreness in his right thumb that he sprained on April 19. ... Closer Mark Melancon will throw another bullpen session on Tuesday in his attempt to return from a right elbow flexor strain. Phillies: LHP Adam Morgan was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a back strain. Morgan had appeared in 17 games, going 0-0 with a 2.45 ERA. RH reliever Seranthony Dominguez was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Dominiguez made his major league debut against the Giants, tossing a scoreless eighth inning.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 8, 2018, PAGE 5

Dallas Cowboys’ draft class gets ‘A’ ranking as 2nd best overall THE Dallas Cowboys “Aced” the NFL Draft, according to the experts. Now that the smoke has cleared from the NFL Draft in Dallas, and after receiving several favourable post draft grades from various media outlets, local Cowboys fans have lots to be excited about, next season and beyond. NFL.com gave the Cowboys an “A” ranking the Cowboys’ draft class as the second best overall in the entire league. And one reason for those strong grades, is that NFL. com evaluated seven of the Cowboys’ nine draft picks as potential starters prior to the draft. • Here’s a look at the grading system used by NFL.com.

6.0 - 6.49 - Should instantly become a starter, plug and play. 5.50 - 5.99 - Strong probability of becoming a starter. 5.20 - 5.49 - Solid backup and special teams contributor. Seven Cowboys draft picks starters received a grade of 5.50 points or higher. • Here’s the rundown of all nine picks in order of selection : LB Leighton Vander Esch 6.25 OT Connor Williams 5.87 WR Michael Gallup 5.72 DE Dorrance Armstrong 5.55 TE Dalton Shultz 5.70 QB Mike White 5.60 LB Chris Covington 4.97 WR Cedric Wilson 5.46 RB Bo Scarborough 5.50

THE

PRESS BOX ZELAYA

BY INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICA

I’m sure that there are other outlets, NFL Draft services and websites that have given different grades to these Cowboy picks, and I’m quite sure, all the way through training camp, right up until the opening kick off, opinions will differ. The important thing to take away from all of this is that the Cowboys, thanks to two members of the organisation’s top brass, Stephen

Jones and Will Clay, have developed a “system” in regards to the NFL Draft. It was clear in this year’s Draft they were in their comfort zone. The Cowboys stuck to their board throughout the draft and, as Stephen Jones said, none of the six players the Cowboys selected on day three of the draft had day three grades, all had received a day two grade.

So it’s obvious the Cowboys got tremendous value with their selections. In all fairness, there are probably no more than three day one starters for the Cowboys in this draft class. (Vander Esch, Williams and Gallup) However, most of these rookies are likely to see a good number of snaps on offence or defence this year. All of these draft picks provide a skill-set that is in short supply on the current roster. This year’s draft class has the chance to be one of the top ones in recent memory. On another interesting note, this year’s draft-class is top-heavy with underclassmen. Four of the first five picks (Vander Esch, Williams, Armstrong, Schultz) are

underclassmen, suggesting that they may have more room to develop in the NFL than older and more experienced prospects. Only time will tell how this Cowboy draft class will pan out? But I have a gut feeling, they are going to be tons of fun to watch, so start learning their names and get familiar, this is what what your future looks like Cowboy nation.

• Naughty presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm, on KISS FM 96.1. Comments and questions to naughty@tribunemedia.net

ROYAL FIDELITY NATIONAL AMATEUR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP ALL SET THE Bahamas Golf Federation’s (BGF) new president, Lynford Miller, confirms that Royal Fidelity has once again agreed to be the title sponsor of the National Amateur Championship. This prestigious event is all set for May 17-20. The first two rounds will be played at Albany on Thursday, May 17 and Friday, May 18. Baha Mar’s Royal Blue will host the third leg on Saturday, May 19 and the final round will be played on Sunday, May 20 at Ocean Club, followed by the awards presentation. President Miller indicated that this event is already slated to be bigger and better than previous years and is excited to see who will emerge as this year’s male and female champions. In making the cheque

Major new president of the Roadmasters running club THE Bahamas Roadmasters running club has announced that Marcel Major will serve as its president. Major, in replacing Charles Johnson, was elected to serve for the next two years during the recent elections and is anxious to head the new administration. Other members elected to serve with Major are Michael Cunningham as vice president, Mellany Zonicle as secretary, Cassandra Smith as assistant secretary, Leah Major as treasurer and Alexis Curry as assistant treasurer. The Roadmasters are committed to continuing some of the programmes already in place, including the half marathon, scheduled for the third Sunday, November 18.

“The Ministry of Tourism has partnered with the Road Masters and will be offering a $5,000.00 cash prize to the first male and female finishers of the Bahamas Half,” the association said. “We are seeking to attract international runners to our event and we believe by increasing cash incentives, we will attract many runners for the 13.1 half marathon.” The Roadmasters is also preparing for its annual midnight run, which will be held on Friday, June 1, starting at 12 o’clock. “This year, the Roadmasters will recognise the Children’s Emergency Hostel as its charity of choice. “We are asking persons to come out and support

this fun run/walk,” the club said. The entry fee is $15, which includes a t-shirt, light and free food and drinks after the race. “This is going to be a year full of events and activities for the club,” said the press release. “Some of the members are presently training for international marathons overseas and two of our members just completed the Boston Marathon.” The Road Masters expressed its gratitude to the past executives that operated the affairs of the club and congratulated the new members, who have taken over. Persons interested in joining the Road Masters can go to the Bahamas Roadmasters website for more information.

ST FRANCIS & JOSEPH SCHOOL WINS CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS TRACK AND FIELD TITLE YOUNG athletes from St Francis & Joseph School bested competitors from three other Catholic Board of Education primary schools to win the 2018 Bahamas Catholic Primary Schools Track & Field Championships. The 2018 meet was held over the course of two days, kicking off with field events on Thursday, May 3. It was a sweep for St Francis & Joseph School as in addition to winning the overall aggregate, the school also won the primary and junior categories. The annual meet offers CBE primary school students the opportunity to exhibit their skill, dexterity and endurance in track and field events. Catholic Board of Education (CBE) schools are dedicated to the education of the whole child through development of the intellectual, physical and spiritual dimensions of every CBE student. Athletics is an integral part of the total education programme of CBE schools. CBE primary schools have a long and successful history in school sports and athletic development. Many Catholic primary school alumni have attained athletic success at high school, nationally and internationally. As with all CBE sporting competitions, the 2018 Bahamas Catholic Primary

Schools Track & Field Meet fostered school spirit, healthy competition and provided a fun environment for students, parents, teachers and administrators. St Thomas More School placed second overall. Xavier’s Lower School was third and and St Cecilia’s School finished fourth. Final team scores from the meet are as follows: Primary Division1st - St Francis & Joseph School - 580 points. 2nd - St Thomas More School 487 points 3rd - Xavier’s Lower School - 367 points. 4th - St Cecilia’s School - 330 points. Junior Division 1st - St Francis & Joseph School - 330 points. 2nd - St Thomas More Primary School - 317 points 3rd - Xavier’s Lower School - 223 points. 4th - St. Cecilia’s School - 179 points. Overall standings 1st - St Francis & Joseph School - 910 points. 2nd - St Thomas More - 804 points. 3rd - Xavier’s Lower School - 590 points. 4th - St Cecilia’s School - 509 points.

presentation (see photo at left), Michael Anderson, Royal Fidelity’s president, said that he is once again pleased to support local golfers by sponsoring BGF’s National Amateur Championship. “Last year, we were inspired by the talent and discipline displayed by the younger golfers. Royal Fidelity is pleased to be a partner with BGF in highlighting these young golfers as a means of creating opportunities for them to thrive in the sport of golf.” The National Amateur Championship is held every year to determine the best male and female golfers in the Bahamas. The winners will automatically qualify for a spots on the national team which will represent the Bahamas at the 62nd Caribbean Amateur Golf

Championship to be held in the Cayman Islands at the end of July. All golfers are invited to play in the event as there will be several divisions and tee boxes. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each division. The President’s Cup will also be held during the final two days at Royal Blue and Ocean Club. This is a net event and the player with the best net score will win the President’s Cup. Last year’s male and female champions are Richard Gibson Jr and Inecia Rolle. Both are expected to defend their titles this year. The current Presidents Cup champion is Nyah Sing. Once again, all rounds in the National Amateur Championship can be used to qualify for the Sands Beer Cup.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 8, 2018, PAGE 7

RED SOX, YANKEES BRING 2 BEST RECORDS INTO FIGHT FOR 1ST PLACE DJOKOVIC By MIKE FITZPATRICK AP Baseball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball’s most bitter rivals, ready to tangle once again. And this time, the Red Sox and Yankees bring the two best records in the big leagues into a fight for first place in the AL East. Following their throwback brawl at Fenway Park last month, the teams square off on Yankee Stadium soil for the first time this season tonight. New York ace Luis Severino is scheduled to start the opener of a threegame showdown against Boston left-hander Drew Pomeranz. “Look, Red Sox-Yankees is always big, and obviously they’re a great team. So we understand there will be a lot of excitement around it,” first-year Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Sunday. “There will be more eyes on this one and that’s what you love about being a part of this.” With the weather finally warming up on the East

Coast, both teams are scorching hot. Mookie Betts and the Red Sox boast the top mark in the majors at 25-9, good for a one-game edge over New York. Boston has bounced back from a threegame skid to win eight of its last 12, including three in a row. Meanwhile, the streaking Yankees (24-10) are on a rampage. Picking off quality challengers one by one, they’ve gone 15-1 since April 21 for their best 16-game stretch since 1980. “They’re rolling, we’re catching our stride again, and it’ll be fun,” said Red Sox ace Chris Sale, not slated to pitch in the series after beating Texas on Sunday. “I wish I was getting the ball in one of those games, but there’s only so much you can do.” Powered by Didi Gregorius, Aaron Judge and a steady pitching staff, the Yankees have outscored opponents 98-37 over the past 16 games. New York took three of four

RED Sox relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel. (AP)

YANKEES starting pitcher Domingo German. (AP)

at defending champion Houston to go with series sweeps of the Twins, Angels and Indians. “It’s been a lot of fun,” first baseman Neil Walker said. “We’re playing really good baseball and it seems like we’re never out of games.” Riding a six-game winning streak that’s produced their best start since 2003, the Yankees have won four games this season when trailing after eight innings. They did that five times all last year. “We feel like, for the most part, we expect to

win every day,” said Tyler Austin, one of several Yankees rookies making a huge impact already. Austin was in the middle of the bench-clearing melee at Fenway on April 11. He charged the mound after Red Sox reliever Joe Kelly threw at him twice, hitting Austin in the side with the second pitch. Boston players were upset that Austin slid spikes-first into shortstop Brock Holt earlier in the game. Four people got ejected, and Kelly and Austin were suspended by Major

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 64° F/18° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Variably cloudy with spotty showers

Cloudy, a t‑storm in spots; humid

A couple of showers and a t‑storm

Clouds and sun with a shower or two

Showers around in the a.m.; cloudy

Humid with sun and patchy clouds

High: 86°

Low: 73°

High: 85° Low: 74°

High: 86° Low: 75°

High: 87° Low: 75°

AccuWeather RealFeel

95° F

82° F

95°-83° F

96°-84° F

95°-82° F

94°-80° F

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 69° F/21° C

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

almanac

ABACO

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 73° F/23° C

7‑14 knots

WEST PALM BEACH High: 84° F/29° C Low: 69° F/21° C

4‑8 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

FREEPORT

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 71° F/22° C

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 70° F/21° C

MIAMI

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 70° F/21° C

6‑12 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 82° F/28° C Low .................................................... 72° F/22° C Normal high ....................................... 83° F/28° C Normal low ........................................ 70° F/21° C Last year’s high ................................. 83° F/28° C Last year’s low ................................... 61° F/16° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 1.46” Year to date ............................................... 13.25” Normal year to date ..................................... 6.65”

ELEUTHERA

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 76° F/24° C

NASSAU

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 73° F/23° C N

KEY WEST

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 75° F/24° C

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 76° F/24° C

4‑8 knots

MADRID (AP) — Novak Djokovic got the type of win he needed to boost his confidence and get his game back on track. He beat 20th-ranked Kei Nishikori 7-5, 6-4 in the first round of the Madrid Open yesterday, his highestranked win in 10 months. Djokovic broke serve late in each set to get past Nishikori after nearly two hours in the Magic Box. “I’m glad that match went my way, but it could have gone his way as well. I managed to play the right shots in the important moments,” Djokovic said. “It was exactly what I needed for my confidence and for my game. I’m just happy to go through this one.”

uV inDex toDay

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

tiDes For nassau High Today

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

2:30 a.m. 3:06 p.m.

2.4 2.0

9:04 a.m. 9:10 p.m.

0.5 0.7

Wednesday 3:25 a.m. 4:01 p.m.

2.4 2.2

9:55 a.m. 0.5 10:09 p.m. 0.6

Thursday

4:18 a.m. 4:53 p.m.

2.4 2.4

10:43 a.m. 0.3 11:05 p.m. 0.4

Friday

5:09 a.m. 5:42 p.m.

2.5 2.6

11:29 a.m. 0.1 11:57 p.m. 0.2

Saturday

5:57 a.m. 6:28 p.m.

2.5 2.8

12:13 p.m. ‑0.1 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

Sunday

6:44 a.m. 7:13 p.m.

2.6 3.1

12:47 a.m. 0.0 12:56 p.m. ‑0.3

Monday

7:30 a.m. 7:59 p.m.

2.7 3.3

1:36 a.m. ‑0.2 1:40 p.m. ‑0.5

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:29 a.m. 7:44 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

2:05 a.m. 1:28 p.m.

New

First

Full

Last

May 15

May 21

May 29

Jun. 6

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 77° F/25° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 78° F/26° C

8‑16 knots

ANDROS

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

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer

CAT ISLAND

DEFEATS NISHIKORI IN 1ST ROUND OF MADRID OPEN

League Baseball. Several players and coaches were fined — even Boston rookie manager Alex Cora — in the aftermath of a Yankees-Red Sox fight that rekindled memories of Lou Piniella vs. Carlton Fisk; Alex Rodriguez vs. Jason Varitek; Don Zimmer vs. Pedro Martinez. Boston won two of three in the series, including a 14-1 rout when Sale beat Severino in the opener. That was part of an early 17-1 surge that helped the Red Sox build a 7 1/2game bulge over the Bronx Bombers before they took off on their own tear, which began the day before 21-year-old second baseman Gleyber Torres was called up from the minors. Torres, batting .327 and playing splendid defense, will get his first taste of the storied rivalry this week. He hit a three-run shot in the ninth inning Sunday against Cleveland, besting Mickey Mantle (1953 vs. Boston) to become the youngest Yankees player with a walk-off homer.

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 76° F/24° C

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C

7‑14 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 82° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

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

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 84° F/29° C Low: 78° F/26° C

6‑12 knots

4‑8 knots

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

Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday:

WINDS NW at 4‑8 Knots NNE at 6‑12 Knots NW at 4‑8 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots SSE at 7‑14 Knots SSE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots SSE at 6‑12 Knots NNE at 6‑12 Knots NE at 6‑12 Knots S at 8‑16 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 10‑20 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots ENE at 4‑8 Knots ENE at 4‑8 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots SSE at 6‑12 Knots

WAVES 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 0‑1 Feet 1‑2 Feet 3‑6 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 5‑9 Feet 4‑8 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 4 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 4 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 2 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 78° F 78° F 79° F 79° F 78° F 78° F 79° F 79° F 77° F 77° F 78° F 78° F 79° F 79° F 80° F 80° F 80° F 80° F 78° F 78° F 78° F 78° F 80° F 80° F 79° F 79° F

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THE TRIBUNE