Temple Christian holds bragging rights as records are broken
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closely contested matchup with 28 points. Freeport Primary got second with 25 and Albury Sayle Primary made it even more exciting with 21. Perhaps the closest battle came in the female 9-and-under division where Andros got in the spotlight as Lowe Sound Primary nipped Temple Christian by just one point, 34-33. Simms Primary School, Green Castle Primary and Palmdale Primary were all right there tied for third with 29.
And in the open female division, it was a run-away train for Temple Christian as they secured the win with 40 points. Freeport Gospel Chapel took second with 28 and Central Andros rounded out the top three with 24.
Ten seemed to be the order of the day as was the case in the male 13-andunder division where Queen’s College emerged with their 34 points victory. Lowe Sound Primary had 24 for second and both Stephen Dillet Temple Christian shared third with 19 apiece.
There was a one-point difference in the male 11-and-under division as Hugh Campbell Primary took the title to Grand Bahama with 23 points, compared to Clara E Evans Primary with 22 for second. Cleveland Eneas came in third with 21.
The lead ballooned back to double figures in the male 9-and-under as Queen’s College stretched their victory to 35 points, well ahead of Cleveland Eneas with 24. Lowe Sound came third with 23.
Temple Christian also outshined their rivals in the male 7-and-under division with 34 points, but Queen’s College gave them a run for their money with 32 for second. Cleveland Eneas ended up third with 25. And in the male open division, Celevand Eneas demonstrated their poise as they captured the title with 36 points. Stephen Dillet trailed by six with 30 and Freeport Gospel Chapel followed in third with 28.
There was only one school registered in the male 13-and-under division with Carlton E Francis racking up 18 points to cart off that crown.
Record breakers
Yesterday’s final day of competition drew the curtain on the meet with all final events where there were a few records broken.
On the track, Elexia Strachan from Temple Christian clocked two minutes and 34.78 seconds to win the
ON THE REPLAY: Young track and field stars compete yesterday on day three - the final day - of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s 2025 Frank “Pancho” Rahming National Primary Schools Track and Field Championships at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
girls 13-and-under 800 metres, erasing the 2017 mark set by G’Shan Brown of 2:35.73. Anna Green of Lewis Yard was a distant second in 2:40.67 and Isabella Munroe of St Andrew’s International was third in 2:40.86.
Xavier Thompson of Freeport Gospel was no match for his rivals as he took the boys 13-and-under 400m in 57.43 to shatter the previous time of 58.06 that Thomontae Curry did in 2018.
Jahree Saunders of Bimini primary was second in 1:00.36 and Chris Dena of Lowe Sound was third in 1:00.68.
Giovanni Bain of Royal Kids Academy was the winner of the boys’ 7-andunder 400m, but Kamaal
Daley of Eva Hilton Primary in 1:22.53 and Tadashi Saunders of Temple Christian in 1:23.48 all went under Lavago Bootle’s previous meet record of 1:23.66 that he posted last year. And on the field, there was a little bit of excitement as Christian King of Eva Hilton took the title and the meet record with a toss of 61.26m in the boys 11-andunder other throw.
But Jaleel Bowleg of Queen’s College (59.78m), Taitum Brown of St Andrew’s International (52.56m) and Chaz Cunningham of Temple Christian (52.10m) all threw over the former record of 50.23m that Rohan Culmer set in 2018. In the other events contested, Andros got to celebrate twice as Chris
BASKETBALL
to contact coach Corrington Maycock at 395-6381, coach Quell Harris at 818-2095 and or coach Acaci at 445-3915 for more information.
CYCLING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
THE Bahamas Cycling Federation has announced that its 51st national road championships is all set to take place from June 6-7 in Mount Thompson, Exuma. The registration closes at 12am on June 2, 2025.
ROAD TO TOKYO
THE Silver Lightning Track Club is scheduled to hold its annual Track and
Field Classic tomorrow 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 821-2836 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 throughout The Bahamas. The action is slated to begin at 5pm on Friday, May 16 and at 10am on Saturday, May 16. It promises to provide fast competition, perfect prep for championship season and an unmatched island atmosphere in Grand Bahama. For more information on the meet, persons can email fasttrackmanagement00@ gmail.com
DARRELL SEARS
SHOWCASE
GRAND Bahamian basketball coach Darrell Sears is scheduled to host a basketball showcase May 16-18 at the St George’s Gymnasium. The showcase will run from 6-10pm on day one, 8am to 5pm on day two and 10am to 1pm on the final day. Registration is opened to players in grades 7-12 and unattached with college eligibility. A number of visiting coaches from high school and colleges will be in town from the United States and possibly Canada to conduct the showcase. For more information, persons can call 242-6469557 or 242-533-6374.
SOFTBALL THOMPSON/ WILLIAMS MEMORIAL
SLOW PITCH
TOURNAMENT
THE Friends for Life Committee will host a joint Paul ‘Dingus’ Thompson and Cornelius ‘Money’ Williams Men and co-ed slow pitch invitational tournament over the Labour Day and Whit Monday holiday weekend, June 5-9.
Dean of Lowe Sound won the boys’ 13-and-under long jump, soaring 4.79m. Kyrie Campbell of Queen’s College was the runner up with 4.55m and Gary Blysee of Stephen Dillet was third with 4.52m. Dean’s teammate Kayshanna Fowler got another outstanding feat for Andros and Lowe Sound Primary as she triumphed in the girls 11-and-under other ball throw with her toss of 3.42m.
Andros also got the runner-up spot as Grace Picktstock of Rozelda Woodside Primary finished with 3.25m and Kenedy Lightbourn of Windsor was third with 3.20m Walter Parker’s Calayah McDonald and Ky’Zayah Alfred of Sunland Baptist took gold and silver back to Grand Bahama in the girls’
The event will be staged at the Grand Bahama Sporting Complex softball field in Freeport, Grand Bahama and is expected to feature teams from Eleuthera, New Providence, Grand Bahama and the United States of America. For more details, interested persons can email friendsforlife242@ 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 Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium 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
11-and-under other ball throw with her heaves of 35.70m and 35.45m respectively. Jurica Black kept third place in New Providence for Thelma Gibson with 33.94m.
Curtain closer
The meet came to a close with the exciting 4 x 400m relays.
In the girls open division, Temple Christian’s quartet of Kailia Symonette, Ravyn Munroe, Deonte Williams and Elexia Strachan posted a winning time of 4:47.44 in the timed final of three heats.
Freeport Gospel’s team of Rebekkah Saunders, London McPhee, Lailah McPhee and Chardonnay Bethel got second in 4:50.57
exciting Clergy versus Politicians match-up. Lots of prizes, including round trip tickets, will be up for grabs.
FREEDOM FARM ALL-STAR DAY THE Freedom Farm
Baseball League is scheduled to hold its Lionel Ferguson Sr All-Star Day on Saturday at its Yamacraw playing field, starting at 9am. Games will be played throughout the day on three fields.
2:30pm - 13-14 All-Stars 5pm - 15-20 All-Stars GSSSA SOCCER THE Government Secondary Schools Sports Association
and Eva Hilton Primary picked up third in 4:54.93 with the combo of Skylar Pratt, Khaleal Thompson, Sarya Pratt and Kiley Wilson.
And in the boys open 4 x 4m relay, Bradley Davis, Kaydin Thompson, Jaylen McPhee and Fritzell Rigby put their stamp of approval on the title with their winning time of 4:31.02. Queen’s College picked up second place with the team of Stafford Sweeting, Jadyn Allen, Caiden Bain and Kyrie Campbell in 4:33.09-08. Freeport Gospel took third place to Grand Bahama in 4:34.13 with Giovanni Gibson, Travon Dawkin, Marcian Munroe and Xavier Thompson.
is currently playing its soccer regular season action at the Roscoe Davies Developmental Center. Junior girls and boys games are being played on Tuesday and Thursdays and the senior boys and girls are playing on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. Games start at 4pm every day. The sudden death playoffs for the senior girls and boys are set for Wednesday, May 14, with the third place and championship game on Friday, May 16. The sudden death playoffs for the junior girls and boys will be played on Thursday, May 15. And the championship games played on Monday, May 19.
GOLF WOMEN’S GOLF DAY THE Flamingo Women’s Golf Association is scheduled to hold its second annual Women’s Golf Invitational Tournament at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s
Photos: Nikia Charlton
‘Eating on the go: Smart nutrition strategies for travelling athletes’
By Dr Kent L Bazard
WHETHER it’s CAR-
IFTA, a summer showcase, or an overseas training camp, Bahamian athletes are on the move - and so are their eating habits. With long airport waits, inconsistent hotel meals, and the allure of fast food chains at every corner, fuelling performance while travelling can become a real challenge. But it doesn’t have to be. For young athletes, travel often means unfamiliar food, irregular meal times, and the temptation to choose convenience over quality. Add in nerves, heat, and time zone changes, and poor nutrition can sabotage a weekend’s worth of training in a matter of hours. So
how can athletes protect their performance and still enjoy the experience?
Smart Prep Starts at Home
Before leaving, athletes should pack a small “nutrition kit” with high-quality snacks they know work well for them. Granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, protein powders, instant oats, and hydration tablets are lightweight and travel well. For those with dietary needs like diabetes or gluten sensitivity, bringing safe food options becomes even more important. Hydration is a Priority, Not an Option
Dehydration is one of the biggest risks for travelling athletes - especially when flying or competing in hot climates like the Caribbean.
Water should be a constant companion. Carrying a refillable water bottle and sipping consistently is key. Electrolyte powders or tablets can help, particularly during long days outdoors. Mastering the Hotel Breakfast
The first meal of the day sets the tone. Many hotels offer buffets, but not all choices fuel performance. Athletes should aim for a mix of complex carbs and lean protein: think oatmeal
with banana, eggs with toast, or Greek yogurt with fruit. Skip the sugary cereals and pastries—those lead to early crashes and poor recovery.
Fast Food Can Be Friendly... If You Choose Wisely Sometimes, a drive-thru is the only option. That’s fine - as long as the athlete is strategic. Grilled chicken sandwiches, rice bowls, or even a burger with no fries and a water can be acceptable. It’s about balance. Avoid deep-fried sides, creamy sauces, and sugary drinks.
Game Day: Timing Is Everything On competition days, meals should be timed 2–4 hours before the event. A high-carb, low- fat meal
(rice, chicken, fruit) gives fuel without upsetting the stomach. Small snacks like fruit or a sports drink 30–60 minutes before an event can top off energy stores. Avoid anything unfamiliar or heavy. After the Whistle: Don’t Skip Recovery Many athletes forget to eat after competition due to fatigue or excitement. But this is a critical window for muscle recovery. Within 30–60 minutes post-event, aim for carbs and protein: chocolate milk, a protein shake with a banana, or a tuna sandwich can help kickstart recovery and prepare the body for the next performance.
The Takeaway Travel doesn’t have to throw athletes off their
game. With the right strategies, Bahamian athletes can stay energised, hydrated, and ready - whether they’re competing in Trinidad, training in Miami, or representing the flag at Pan Am Juniors. Like I always say, “Eat like a race horse, not a bikini model.” Performance starts with preparationand nutrition is part of the uniform. 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.
LEAH CARTWRIGHT AND ANDRE FORBES EARN ROWING SCHOLARSHIPS
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to achieve the feat, something that head coach Rob Gibson said could not have been accomplished without their tremendous work ethic and enthusiasm for the sport.
“I think it’s groundbreaking. As far as I know, they are the first two Bahamians to receive scholarships in rowing to big US schools,” Gibson said. “There’s been other rowers from The Bahamas that have rowed in North America, but I don’t think they were Bahamian born. These are two Bahamians who hold Bahamian passports and so, by all accounts, they are rowing trailblazers in this country.”
Four years ago, Gibson, a Canadian Olympic rower, came to The Bahamas to help grow the sport of rowing in The Bahamas. He got started at the Nassau Rowing Club, but eventually opened the rowing programme at Albany and subsequently established the first high school programme at Windsor and in the region.
Forbes, who started at Queen’s College up to grade four before he transferred to Meridian School for two years, said when he enrolled at Windsor, it changed his whole perspective on rowing.
“It was my mom, who suggested that I stop playing soccer, which I was playing my entire life up to that point because I kind of lost interest in the sport,” said Forbes of the influence from his parents, Dinna and Owen Forbes.
“When my mom suggested rowing and at the time, I said it wouldn’t hurt to try it. So I went to practice on the lake and I felt completely in love with the sport. I felt this was something I definitely would like to do.”
At 18 years old, Forbes will now get to pursue a college degree, his major undecided, as he leaves his 14-year-old brother Alex to continue the pathway through soccer.
“I feel really accomplished. Three years ago
when I first started, it was crazy. I was going into an unfamiliar sport. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” Forbes said.
“Practices were tough, definitely. At some point, I just wanted to quit, but it was that voice in the back of my head that said keep pushing and good things will come out of it and good things will come out of it.”
With the mentorship from coach Gibson, Forbes said he was able to surpass all of his expectations for the sport.
“The relationship with coach Rob has been perfect. Coach Rob is the best,” Forbes pointed out.
“He pushes me in practice to be a better person on the water and also outside with my personality as well.”
When asked why he selected Stetson over all of the other choices on his list, Forbes said it was the community atmosphere, similar to what he experienced at Windsor.
“I visited the college for a summer programme and I was impressed with the boat house and all of the equipment,” he said.
“I kind of fell in love with that. And the community and the people, I fell in love with that. They were so welcoming and we were just happy for me to be there. The road is definitely going to be tough, one hundred percent. It’s going to be a lot tougher than what it is now, but I’m prepared to take it on.”
Stetson University Hatters men’s rowing team, coached by Jamie Frncis and assisted by Anthony Chacon and Andrew Rouse, is a divisione one school that is a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC).
Cartwright, on the other hand, joins Adrian College Bulldogs women’s team, led by head coach Andrew Wimmer and his assistant Franco Van Oordt. They compete in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) and are also part of the NCAA Division III programme.
Prior to enrolling at Windsor Academy, she attended Queen’s College from K2 to grade 11. It was in grade10 that she started rowing with the Nassau Rowing Club.
“I would see Windsor practicing on the water. They had a great team and great coaching, so I decided that I would like to be a part of that team where I could just build relationships with other athletes and also further my education,” she recalled.
“I got in contact with coach Rob. and I was super excited to start Windsor school in February of grade
11. I finished off my junior and senior years here at Windsor.”
During her short span with the team, Cartwright said she bonded well with her teammates as they travelled and competed together and to win some medals.
The 17-year-old said she finally found the “Leah type of sport” after she played softball and soccer and was an accomplished dancer in any type of dance you can imagine, including broadway, jazz, tap, “They just wasn’t the Leah type of sport and so my mom found rowing for me on a Facebook and she asked if I wanted to try it,” Cartwright said.
“I was sure. She paid for the classes every Saturday and I just did it every day. There have been no regrets at all ever since. The only regret is I wished I had started a little earlier.”
She noted that Gibson turned out to be the most “amazing” coach she has ever worked with in any of the other sporting disciplines that she was a part of. “He really took the time to find in me the athlete that I am today and being with the team,” she said.
“Andre pushes me in practices, as do my other teammates. It was like a family environment that pushed us. It was great overall.”
Now that she’s achieved the athletic scholarship, Cartwright said she hopes to make the most of her experience.
“It was definitely hard because I did get accepted into other colleges, but I think after viewing Adrian College in Michigan, it really opened up my eyes to what college rowing is all about,” Cartwright stressed.
“I got to spend a lot of time with the team. I got to get personable with the rowing coach. I think they made the process of picking the school so much easier. It was exactly like home. It’s a small team, closely knitted and the coach is great.” She expressed her gratitude to Gibson for the mentorship he provided.
“I will be sad whenI leave him, but the coaches over there made the experience well worth the trip. The decision was pretty easy,” she pointed out. “I just hope to become a better
athlete and just grow as a young lady and get ready for adult life.”
The eldest daughter of Sherrell and Chris Cartwright will leave at home a younger sister in Lauren, 15, who also rows with the Nassau Rowing Club.
“I’m definitely a bit nervous. The road is not going to be easy, leaving home, leaving my team, leaving my comfort zone,” Cartwright stated.
“It’s going to be pretty challenging, but I think with the relationships that I have developed, I think I can definitely get through it.
“I’m pretty excited and happy about it because I also thought I would just be rowing for fun. I wasn’t sure how I would pay for college, but rowing gave me that opportunity, personally and emotionally and in every aspect and I would do it all over again. It’s just been great.”
Although he will miss them both, Gibson said he’s confident that with the transformation they have made in the short space of time competing in the sport, they will definitely excel at the collegiate level.
BAZARD DR KENT
ANDRE FORBES, with the national flag at right, in the boat.
COACH Rob Gibson and Andre Forbes.
LEAH Cartwright in the boat.
Intriguing Colorado Duo Pacers, Nuggets trying to hold court after swinging playoff series with road victories
By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)
— The Denver Nuggets accomplished one goal by stealing Game 1 of their second-round playoff series at Oklahoma City.
The Indiana Pacers were even more productive in Cleveland, sweeping both games.
Now the two lowerseeded teams head home for their respective Game 3s tonight with a new goal — taking advantage of those early road wins by keeping the upper hand in their series.
“The series isn’t over, it’s far from over,” Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton said yesterday. “This is a team that earned the No. 1 seed for a reason. It’s probably rare they lose two games in a row. I don’t know the exact number, but it probably doesn’t happen often. So we’re going to see a desperate team, a team that’s coming in here to win two games.”
Actually, the Cavaliers lost three straight during a four-day stretch in late January and four straight during a seven-day stretch in mid-March. Otherwise, they’ve been dominant on the road where they earned the league’s third-best mark at 30-11.
The Cavs may not even be in this hole if the league’s “Last 2-Minute Report” is correct. It said Aaron Nesmith’s late dunk off a missed free throw and Haliburton’s final rebound should have been jump balls because of lane violations by both teams in both cases. Haliburton’s rebound led to his winning 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left.
Even Donovan Mitchell’s incredible game — 48 points, 17 made free throws and nine assists — wasn’t enough to salvage a split.
This time, though, Cleveland could be closer to full strength.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and key backup De’Andre Hunter could both return. They both missed Game 2, Mobley with a sprained left ankle and Hunter with a sprained right thumb. The bigger question is starting guard Darius Garland. He’s missed four straight games with a sprained left big toe. All three are listed as questionable. “They all touched the ball. They all got some reps up, but we didn’t do anything live,” Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said after yesterday’s practice. “They kind of participated in the
walkthrough and you know, hoping for the best.”
Haliburton said he intends to play despite with a heavily taped left wrist that he injured in Game 2. He’s a perfect 9-0 when appearing in home playoff games.
One person who won’t be at the game is Haliburton’s father. This will be Indiana’s first home game since John Haliburton confronted Giannis Antetokounmpo on the court moments after Haliburton’s winning layup eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 5.
Oklahoma City’s Game 2 performance also shows it can rally in its series.
The Thunder endured just two two-game skids this season, making sure it
didn’t happen a third time with a 43-point victory Wednesday in Game 3.
The Thunder also went 35-6 on the road, including an early regular-season split in Denver.
Winning the 2023 NBA crown also has given the Nuggets some perspective on how to turn the page after such an embarrassing loss. “They were being aggressive, they were hitting us,” three-time league MVP Nikola Jokic said.
“We weren’t disciplined, and everybody was kind of doing their own thing and we can’t play like that. Every single person needs to step up and be better.”
And playing at home should help — both the Nuggets and the Pacers.
“Cleveland’s building was so loud,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said.
“So we need our fans to bring every ounce of energy and noise and everything they have.
“Each game going forward is going to be a monumental challenge. Their support has meant a lot to us this year and it’s important right now.
Thunder at Nuggets When/Where to Watch: Game 3, 10 p.m. EDT (ESPN) Series: Series tied, 1-1.
BetMGM says: Nuggets by 4.5.
What to know: Oklahoma City became the first team to protect its home court in this round after road teams won each of the first five games, and they did it by setting franchise and league records with an 87-point first half. Nothing went right for the Nuggets. They shot 37.9% from the field, had 20 turnovers and never looked like the team that played Game 1. MVP finalist Shea Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 33.5 points to lead the Thunder despite sitting out the fourth quarter Wednesday. Jokic knows what must be done: Watch the tape, learn the lessons and move on to a pivotal game that could swing the series. The Thunder need to replicate their Game 2 performance while the Nuggets need to rediscover their Game 1 form.
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer
STEPHEN Curry sat down after the Golden State Warriors went through their gameday shootaround practice in Minneapolis yesterday, quickly announcing that he’s feeling great. He was not telling the truth.
“Sarcasm,” the four-time NBA champion with the Warriors quickly clarified, just in case anyone missed the joke.
Curry is going to be a postseason spectator for at least a few games, his Grade 1 hamstring strain bad enough that it took him out of most of Game 1 of the Warriors’ Western Conference semifinal series on
Tuesday — and sidelined him not only for Game 2 last night but likely Games 3 and 4 in San Francisco.
Curry — who is with the team but isn’t allowed to do anything basketballrelated right now, even stationary shooting — isn’t exactly sure why the strain happened.
He’s never had any hamstring issue of significance before.
“It’s hard to really predict this stuff is what I’m learning,” Curry said.
“There were no, like, warning signs or any weird feelings. I felt great the whole game up until that point.
“And then I made a little pivot move on defence and felt something.”
Curry thought he would be able to return to Game 1, then quickly realised that wasn’t the case.
Playing with the strain could have made the issue far worse, Curry said.
And hamstrings, he’s quickly learning, need time, no matter what sort of rehabilitation programme he partakes in.
“Obviously, a tough break,” Curry said. “Hopefully I’ll be back soon.”
Curry scored 13 points in 13 minutes of Game 1, left in the second quarter and Golden State went on to finish off a 99-88 win.
Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green combined for 62 points for the Warriors, who held Minnesota to a
5-for-29 effort on 3-point tries and limited the Timberwolves to 60 points through three quarters.
“We have a lot of confidence that we can still win the series and guys will step up no matter how it looks,” Curry said.
“And it’s obviously a situation where you want to think positively and optimistically that we can win games and buy me some time to get back and hopefully have another series after this and be able to be in a position where I can get back out there safely, where I’m not putting too much risk on the body if it’s not ready.”
Curry is averaging a team-best 22 points in these playoffs for Golden State.
FROM left, Indiana Pacers Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard (2) and Obi Toppin, right, celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs on Tuesday night in Cleveland.
(AP Photo/ Sue Ogrocki)
STEPHEN Curry (30) heads back to the bench in the first half as the Golden State Warriors played the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Second Round of the NBA Playoffs at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., on Tuesday. Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez/AP)
GSSSA crowns softball and baseball champions
THE Government Secondary Schools Sports Association crowned its softball and baseball champions for this past season earlier in the week. At the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, the pennant winning HO Nash Lions emerged as the junior girls’ softball champions over the TA Thompson Scorpions. And in the senior girls’ softball, the pennant winning CV Bethel Stingrays added the championship title to their ledger as they knocked off the Dame Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins. At the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium, HO Nash added the junior boys’ baseball title to their collection as they cut down the pennant winning Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves. And, in the senior boys’ baseball championship, the pennant winning CR Walker Knights out-shined CV Bethel for the crown.
CV Bethel Stingrays celebrate with their GSSSA senior girls’ softball championship awards.
GSSSA president Varel Davis looks on as Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins pose with their awards.
Intriguing Colorado Duo
Warriors will rely on the Jimmy-Buddy show to help stay afloat vs. Wolves with Curry out
By DAVE CAMPBELL
AP Sports Writer
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)
— With the superhero of the Golden State Warriors out for the rest of the game, the sidekicks stepped up.
Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield have become quite the sideshow, on and off the court.
When Stephen Curry went down with a strained left hamstring early in the opener of this second-round series against Minnesota, Butler and Hield delivered the both-ends-of-the-floor production necessary to fend off the Timberwolves for a 99-88 victory.
“I’m Batman. I saved the day,” Hield said. “He’s still Robin.” Butler was willing to concede that interim role to Hield with Curry out, but not without reminding Hield the Warriors had to burn a timeout in the first minute of the game because the shorts he was wearing didn’t match the team uniform.
“That’s not real Robin and/or Batman like,” Butler said, turning to Hield as they shared a table for their joint postgame interview.
Butler pitched in 20 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and sound defense. Hield hit five 3-pointers among his 24 points to go with eight rebounds and no turnovers for a team-leading plus-22 rating. Both of them will have to keep that up now that the Warriors have ruled Curry out for at least the next three games.
Two of the newest players to the team have also developed a unique oddcouple bond, with Butler constantly needling the softer-spoken Hield with his
wry sense of humor. They clearly get on each other’s nerves at times, to the point of shouting at each other in one of the huddles during a timeout on Tuesday. Since Butler arrived in a trade with Miami, the Warriors are 29-11. Hield was acquired from Philadelphia last summer. “They have an incredible relationship. Y’all don’t get to see everything, but there’s times where they really go at it. That’s just the nature of the game we play,” teammate Draymond Green said. “They have a great dynamic, both of them playing great basketball for us.”
The Warriors, who were the last team to advance to the second round after finally beating secondseeded Houston in that seven-game series on Sunday, took a muchneeded day off on Wednesday. They’ll need to bring their intensity back for Game 2 on Thursday, when the Wolves are bound to be fired up from the way they flailed through Game 1.
Coach Chris Finch sounded irritated on Wednesday for a number of reasons, including what he described as footballlike contact by the Warriors
against Rudy Gobert that went uncalled and prevented the big man from grabbing several rebounds. The Wolves sent in multiple video clips to the league to plead their case.
“They look like pulling guards and linemen out there just taking shots at Rudy,” Finch said.
Warriors center Kevon Looney was one of those guys jockeying for position in the paint with the 7-foot-1 Gobert.
“Last series, I feel like was way worse than anything I did last game,” Looney said, recalling the physical tone of the first
round against the Rockets as he smiled. “It’s the playoffs. I’m going to grab and push until they call it.”
Not to be outdone by Finch’s gamesmanship, Warriors coach Steve Kerr offered his own measured take on the officiating.
“I think they could’ve called a foul six, seven straight possessions with them guarding Steph, so I’ve got my complaints, too,” Kerr said. “Trust me, we all do, and this is how it works in the playoffs.”
The Timberwolves had practice after a sobering film session for admonishment and dissection of the
many deficiencies that were on display throughout the previous night. Finch was particularly pointed in his commentary, starting with star Anthony Edwards for his decision-making with the ball and adrift first-half performance.
“We didn’t look at all like ourselves. The game plan discipline was really poor,” Finch said. “Our resiliency was poor. Physicality was also poor.”
Edwards had 22 of his 23 points in the second half after missing his first 10 shots from the floor.
The fifth-year guard, who moved into second place on the franchise’s career list for postseason games played behind Kevin Garnett, has never shied from constructive criticism.
“We’re lucky. Our guys will take it,” Finch said. “If you want the ball in your hands or you want to be in the center of the action or you want to be playing all the minutes, then you’re going to be on that film.”
Golden State Warriors at Minnesota Timberwolves When/Where to Watch: Game 2, 8:30 p.m. EDT (TNT)
Series: Warriors lead 1-0.
BetMGM says: Timberwolves by 10.5.
What to Know: Including their series-clinching win over the Los Angeles Lakers a week ago, the Wolves have missed 64 of their last 76 attempts from 3-point range over the last two games. “Just keep shooting. That’s the name of the game,” Edwards said. “We can’t worry about the last shot. Take the next one and shoot it with confidence.” The Warriors had a 51-41 edge in rebounding in Game 1.
‘BUDDY’ HIELD SCORES 15 FOR GOLDEN STATE BUT T-WOLVES TIE SERIES WITH 117-93 ROUT
draft who dropped out of the rotation at times during the regular season, was a bright spot off the bench. But this Warriors team was already thin on offence with a healthy Curry. Against the Wolves and their athletic, long and versatile defence, there wasn’t much to lean on. Without Curry to worry about, the Wolves had an easier time keeping shooters Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski quiet and the smooth and savvy Butler in check.
The Warriors put up their lowest first-quarter score
(15) in the playoffs since Game 6 of the 2016 NBA Finals, according to Sportradar, when they had 11 in a loss to Cleveland.
Draymond Green picked up his fifth technical foul of the playoffs, two short of an automatic one-game suspension, for elbowing Naz Reid after Reid had just fouled him. Green was hot about the call, continuing to shout at official Tony Brothers during the timeout at risk of getting a second one. Curry was concerned enough about his pal getting ejected that he went over to the scorer’s table to try to talk Green down and walk him back to the bench.
GOLDEN State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7), left, and forward Jimmy Butler (10) hug after Game 1 of an NBA basketball secondround playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
GOLDEN State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) talks with Klint Carlson, player development coach, during warmups before Game 2 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/ San Francisco Chronicle via AP)
MINNESOTA Timberwolves minority owner Alex Rodriguez, left, and Golden State Warriors guard
Buddy Hield (7) react toward a referee during the second half of Game 2 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series last night in Minneapolis. (AP Photos/Abbie Parr)
