SPORTS
FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025
Rising basketball star
Rhema Collins in town
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
As she prepares to make her transition from the University of Mississippi Lady Rebels to the Florida International University Panthers this fall, female basketball player Rhema Collins said she had to stop home for some good old home cooking.
“Home is always sweet,” said Collins, who returned home on Saturday and will be here until Sunday, May 25. “I missed the weather, I missed my family. I missed everything, so it was good to be back home.
“I’ve been spending time mostly with my newborn nephew, my brothers and everybody. But I’m still trying to get some work in before I go. There’s nothing like being home and having that support.”
Yesterday, Collins was back at work inside the
Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium where she went through a vigorous training session with coaches Anthony Swaby and Donnie Culmer.
“I’m working on getting it, a lot of shots up, working on my finish so I will be ready when I go to FIU,” said the talented 6-foot, 2 inch forward. “So it’s good to get this workout with coach Swaby and Culmer. They have been there for them and they are still here.”
The 20-year-old Collins, who completed her high school at The Webb School, was on the roster at Ole Miss under Bahamian coach Yolett McPheeMcCuin for the past two seasons. She missed the first seven games of the season due to an injury.
On her return, she appeared in 11 games off the bench, averaging 5.0 minutes per game.
This past season, Collins played in 14 games, averaging 2.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game, while reaching double figure points in a row, including tallying a career-high 12 points against Tennessee State.
But Collins entered the transfer portal at the end of the season and eventually decided to take her talents to FIU where she will be joined by fellow Bahamian Denika Cartwright under the supervision of head coach Jesyka Burks-Wiley.
For Collins, an exercise science major, it was “nerve-racking” when she entered the portal with so many people calling her and trying to convince her to stay at Ole Miss.
“Every role was different. I knew mine. Despite what people might see on the outside, I went to every practice, every game and I
tried to learn everything I could.
“I was like a sponge and soaking up everything,” Collins admitted.
“But with the help of my family and friends and even coach Yo (McPheeMcCuin), they tried to make the transition as smooth as possible.”
Her mother Angela Collins, who accompanied her at the practice yesterday, concurred with her daughter’s statement.
“I am excited and overjoyed because we had been at Ole Miss for two years, she hadn’t had the playing time to really play,” mother Collins said.
“Not at FIU, she will be having more time to play and the Bahamian public will really get to see what she can do. So we’re all really excited for her.”
As she prepares to head to FIU in Miami, Florida, Collins said she wants to go there and lead by example
and show her dominance on the court, especially in the paint.
“I want to go pro (playing professional basketball), so I just want to come in at FIU and lead and dominate,” she stated.
“That’s the plan.”
And to have a fellow Bahamian on the same team with her, Collins said it should make a world of a difference. “I can’t wait. I
OVER the years, there’s been quite a few Bahamian connections at various colleges and universities in the United States of America in different sports.
One such connection is that of sprinters Devine Parker and Shatalya Dorsett, both natives of Grand Bahama, who are teaming up to do some big things this year at Georgia Southern.
“I think having two Bahamian athletes here has been a great honour for our programme,” said head coach David Neville. “Since my time at Taylor University I’ve had the honour to train a number of Bahamian athletes.
“But Devine and Shatalya have shown during their time here at Georgia Southern that this wonderful island continues to produce extremely amazing talent.”
In their last meet over the weekend at the Sun Belt Outdoor Championships in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Parker won the 200 metres in 23.07 and Dorsett clocked a lifetime best of 23.24. They also ran personal best times of 11.33 for Parker and 11.41 for Dorsett for fourth and seventh respectively in the 100m.
But, more importantly, Dorsett popped out on the first leg and Parker was on third as Georgia Southern with the addition of Emani George and Naj Watson posted a Sun Belt and meet record of 43.73 in the 4 x 100m relay, shattering
By Dr Kent L Bazard
SOCCER GSSSA FINALS THE Government Secondary Schools Sports Association will crown its boy and girls champions when their championship matchups are contested today at the Roscoe Davies Developmental Center at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. The action is scheduled to get started at 4pm when the CI
Gibson Rattlers take on the Government High Magics for the girls’ third-place consolation prize. The Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins face the CV Bethel Stingrays for the boys’ third place. The championship
DEVINE PARKER in
BAHAMIAN CONNECTION STANDING OUT AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN
FROM PAGE E1
Coastal Carolina’s record of 43.79 set in 2022 and breaking the GS record that same team set at the Penn Relays a few weeks ago.
Parker, a transfer senior, is making her comeback after sitting out the 20232024 season. The former St Anne’s standout who went on to compete for the University of Kentucky in 2018-2019 and Ohio State in 2020-2021, said she’s thrilled to be back, competing at a high level again.
“It feels amazing to be back on the track doing what I love,” she said.
“There is nothing quite like the energy of competition and the drive that comes with chasing your goals. After being away, I have a deeper appreciation for every moment I get to compete.”
After missing “the adrenaline, the atmosphere, and just the overall rhythm of competing,” said Parker.
“I feel good about the progress I’ve made,” she
said. “Of course, there’s always more work to do, but I’m in a place where I’m focused, and ready to continue building on the foundation I’ve set. Every step forward is a win, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
As she looks ahead to the rest of the season, Parker said she just wants to remain healthy, continue improving, and to make the most out of every opportunity on the track.
“My biggest motto this season is just to have fun and enjoy my last season competing on a collegiate level,” she stated. “There is no pressure on myself whatsoever, and I think that mindset is helping me stay relaxed and focused. I’m aiming to finish strong and leave it all on the track.”
And she’s excited to do it with Dorsett as her teammate, not just in the individual sprints, but as a member of their relay team.
“It’s an incredible feeling. There’s something powerful about sharing the stage with
the meet, persons can email fasttrackmanagement00@ gmail.com
someone who represents the same flag and understands the journey,” Parker stressed.
“I’m proud of Shatalya and excited to see both of us shine. We push and inspire each other every day at practice, and it’s a reminder of the strength
Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves against the Government High Magics in the boys’ encounter.
The top three teams in each division will qualify to compete in the Bahamas Football Association’s sixth annual Samuel P Haven Jr High School National Soccer Championships that will start next week with the knockout rounds.
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
BASKETBALL 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 SKILL LEVEL
OPENING
THE New Providence Softball Association, under the presidency of Addie Finley, will hold a softball tournament for all skill levels opening on Saturday, May 17 at the Bankers
The tournament, which is free of charge, will afford players to come out and participate on any team to either develop their skills or to get back into the game after not playing since high school or have retired from the sport.
Interested players are urged to call 817-6307 or email alf13861883@ gmail.com for further information.
NATIONAL AQUATHLON/ TRIATHLON
THE Bahamas Triathlon Association has announced that its 6th Aquathlon/ Triathlon National Championships is scheduled for from May 24-25 in Jaws Beach.
The event is open to all athletic levels. For more information, interested persons can visit bahamastriathlon.org.
TRACK OPEN HOUSE
THE Blue Chip Athletics is slated to hold its Open House Invitation on Saturday, May 31 from 9-11:30am at the Queen’s College campus.
and talent we have coming out of The Bahamas.”
Dorsett, on the other hand, is in her sophomore year after completing the previous season at Louisiana Tech. The 18-year-old graduate of Sunland Baptist Academy is coming off her appearance on the Bahamas
The competitors will get a chance to show off their skills in discus, shot put, javelin and the hammer throws.
Interested persons are urged to contact coach Corrington Maycock at 395-6381, coach Quell Harris at 818-2095 and or coach Acaci at 445-3915 for more information.
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 exciting Clergy
team that finished second at the 2025 CARIFTA Games in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, over the Easter holiday weekend.
“After competing in the 2025 CARIFTA Games, my performances at university have been exactly what I expected it to be,” Dorsett said. “At every meet I’ve competed in since CARIFTA, my times have improved a lot.”
Having Parker as a teammate has also made a vast difference in her performance.
“Her experience and achievements motivate me to strive for the best in my performance and approach training with greater discipline,” Parker said.
Going into the rest of the season, Dorsett said she plans to maintain consistency in her performances.
“I believe that with the right mindset and training I can achieve more personal bests and continue to contribute to the team’s success in upcoming meets,” she projected.
versus Politicians matchup. Lots of prizes, including round trip tickets, will be up for grabs.
BASKETBALL 12th BOWLES CAMP
The International Basketball Association Bahamas will host its 12th annual Denykco Bowles Elite Skills Basketball Camp at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. Under the theme “Developing Champions on all levels,” the co-ed camp for boys and girls will run from June 23 to July 19. For more info, interested persons can contact 466-0049 or email ibabahamaspamthers@gmail. com or log into info info. ibsbsshamas.
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 Nine-Hole Golf Range at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. The event is scheduled for May 30-31. Interested golfers can call 422-3744 or email
Neville is of the opinion that the Bahamian connection has extremely bright futures ahead of them and they can go as far as they want in this sport.
“I definitely think that they both have the potential this year to run 11.2 and I think we could see them break 23,” said Neville as the duo prepared for the rest of the season.
They are currently preparing for the NCAA East Regional Championships in Jacksonville, Florida, over the weekend of May 29-31. If they advance, whether individually or on the relay, they will prepare to close out the collegiate season at the NCAA championships in Eugene, Oregon, from June 12-14.
“I’m sure that following the collegiate season they will look to represent The Bahamas this summer in international competition,” Neville said.
He’s just as eager to see what they do during that period just as much as Parker and Dorsett are.
flamingowomensgolfclub@ gmail.com
CYCLING NATIONALS
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. 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. 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
DEVINE Parker training.
SHATALYA Dorsett gets ready.
SHATALYA Dorsett and Devine Parker with their relay team-mates.
‘It’s all physics: The sports science every athlete needs to know’
FROM PAGE E1
extending athletic careers. Two areas in particular - ground reaction forces and angular kinematics - offer powerful insights into why some athletes outperform others, and how we can all train smarter.
The Force Beneath
Your Feet
Every time you sprint, jump, or change direction, your body generates force into the ground - and the ground responds. This is Newton’s Third Law in action. The better an athlete is at producing high levels of force quickly, the more explosive their performance.
Research from Frontiers in Sports and Active Living (2025) highlights that elite
athletes excel in two major force variables: magnitude and rate. That means they’re not just strongthey’re fast with their force application. This ability, often measured as rate of force development (RFD), translates directly into faster sprint times, quicker cuts, and higher vertical jumps. And it’s trainable. Exercises like resisted sled sprints, trap bar jumps, and eccentric strength work can teach the neuromuscular system to produce force more efficiently. At a national level, investing in this type of training science could elevate our athletes from “strong” to “explosive.”
How Angles Win Games In sports involving rotation - such as baseball,
javelin, swimming, and tennis - success depends on more than just strength. It requires precise control of angular momentum across multiple joints.
A study published in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance found that athletes who produce optimal joint angles and sequence movements correctly generate more power and reduce injury risk. For instance, a javelin thrower
doesn’t succeed just by having a strong arm.
Performance depends on how energy transfers from the ground through the hips, core, shoulder, and finally the wrist - in a kinetic chain of rotation.
Athletes with poor mechanics often overuse one joint - typically the shoulder or lower back - and develop chronic injuries. At Empire Sports Medicine, we use motion analysis tools to identify inefficiencies and develop individualized corrective strategies. The aim is not just to strengthen, but to optimise movement.
Sports Science for Every Athlete
For too long, sports science has been seen as a luxury - something reserved
for Olympic athletes or professional clubs. That mindset has to change. Even at the high school level, athletes benefit from understanding the physics of movement.
Coaches benefit from performance testing, fatigue monitoring, and better recovery programming.
Schools and federations benefit by producing more consistent, durable talent. In a small nation like The Bahamas, where talent is plentiful but support systems still growing, we must move away from guesswork and toward data-driven training. Sports science isn’t optional - it’s essential.
Final Word: Make Physics Your Edge Every athlete competes under the same laws of
physics. Those who understand how to apply them have the edge. Force, motion, momentum, rotation - this isn’t just science class. It’s how gold medals are won. So embrace it. Learn it. Apply it.
Because in the world of sport, physics isn’t just the rules of the game - it is the game.
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.
HISTORIC TENNIS CLUB HONOURS LEGACY AND EMBRACES THE FUTURE
THE Nassau Lawn Tennis Club proudly celebrated a momentous milestone in its history on May 5 - 100 continuous years of playing tennis at its cherished Market Street location.
The club was established in 1880, as recorded in the recollections of the late Hon. P.W.D. Armbrister. In its earliest days, as recounted by Lady Bancroft (formerly Ms. Sybil Burnside), tennis was played informally on undersized courts at the Manse of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on East Hill Street.
The club later moved to the Police Barracks, where two grass courts welcomed spirited competition, until the outbreak of World War I brought play there to a halt.
The club’s resilience was evident when it began renting courts at the Colonial Hotel, until the hotel’s destruction by fire in 1922 prompted another relocation. Finally, in May 1925, the club secured its permanent home on Market Street when it purchased the property for £300.
Mr. Charles E. Bethell, who lived next door, donated a piece of his orchard to make up the area required for a third court.
With this proud 100year legacy at its current grounds, the club is launching a beautification initiative. Led by newly appointed club president Sh’ron Saunders, who has been a member for the past 15 years, along with the management committee
consisting of Rudy Williams, Sue Farrington, David Hayton, Melanie Taylor-Moxey, Carol Munnings Misiewicz and Carolyn Wardle, the project represents a renewed commitment to enhancing the club for generations to come. “As a long-time member and now president, I have witnessed the evolution of our grounds over the years,” said Ms. Saunders, “It is both a privilege and a responsibility to steward this next chapter.
“This beautification project is not just about aesthetics - it’s about preserving our heritage and ensuring our surroundings continue to reflect the excellence and tradition we value as a community. More importantly it’s about the people, the families, and
the passion for tennis that’s been passed down through generations.”
To mark the centenary, the club hosted a day of celebration last Saturday, May 10. A mixed doubles tournament was held, where pairs had to have a combined age of at least 100.
This was followed by a commemorative dinner which included members past and present, and the drawing of the raffle.
SAPHIRRE FERGUSON SIGNS WITH COPPIN STATE
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) congratulates Saphirre Ferguson on receiving a tennis scholarship to join Coppin State women’s tennis. Ferguson, who is graduating from high school this summer, will join the team in September.
“We are excited to watch her grow and elevate our programme,” said Coppin State’s head coach Jones.
Coppin State is an HBCU university in Baltimore, Maryland, where the Eagles women’s tennis team play in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Ferguson plans to pursue a career path as a physical therapist.
The BLTA congratulates Ferguson, who is a recent qualifier for The Bahamas Cup.
The centenary committee, which led the planning of the celebration, included: Christine Cassel and Bernadette Major.
Ms. Saunders said: “As always, we are grateful to our members for their continued commitment and contributions to our vibrant community.
“Please note that the club remains a private institution, and access is limited exclusively to members and their invited guests. We look forward to many more years of shared success, camaraderie, and love for the game.”
BAZARD
DR KENT
COMMITTEE cut Centenary Cake. Shown are Rudy Williams, Carolyn Wardle, Sh’ron Saunders (president), Melanie TaylorMoxey, David Hayton, and Susan Farrington.
COMMITTEE, from left, Carolyn Wardle, Melanie Taylor-Moxey, Carol Munnings Misiewicz, Sh’ron Saunders (president), Rudy Williams, David Hayton, Su.
RF AND RCEN TEAM UP AGAIN FOR ANNUAL GOLF FUNDRAISER
RF Bank & Trust (RF) was proud to return as the title sponsor for the Rotary Club of East Nassau’s (RCEN) annual golf tournament, held May 12 at the Ocean Club Golf Course.
This marks RF’s third consecutive year supporting the event, which remains the club’s largest fundraising initiative of the year.
Over 100 golfers participated in the tournament, helping RCEN raise critical funds to support its year-round community programmes. These initiatives include hands-on projects and outreach efforts aimed at addressing pressing local needs - ranging from education and youth development
to health and hunger relief.
“RCEN is a model of what charitable giving should look like - not just writing a cheque, but showing up, putting in the work, and delivering impact,” said Michael Anderson, president of RF.
“We support their mission because it aligns with how we see our own role in the community - not just as a financial institution, but as a partner in progress.” Beyond financial support, RF contributed to the day’s experience by setting up a cigar lounge featuring the finest Cuban cigars, organising a giveaway at the first hole, and offering branded merchandise for all golfers.
These touches helped ensure the tournament maintained its reputation as one of the most enjoyable and well-organised events on the golfing calendar.
Tournament co-chair Phil Andrews noted the vital role of corporate sponsors in sustaining RCEN’s efforts.
“This tournament is the engine behind much of what we’re able to accomplish in a year,” he said.
“Without dedicated partners like RF, our reach and ability to act would be significantly limited. We’re grateful for their continued commitment.”
In addition to this event, RF is a proud ongoing
corporate sponsor of the Rotary Club of East Nassau and supports several of its
RCEN tournament co-chairs Phil Andrews and David Slatter alongside title sponsor Michael Anderson (middle) of RF Bank & Trust.
Intriguing Colorado Duo Celtics back in New York for Game 6 days after Tatum’s injury and try to tie series against Knicks
By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer
NEW YORK (AP) —
A championship window seemed to be closing when the Boston Celtics left Madison Square Garden earlier this week.
Jayson Tatum had just been carried off the court with a season-ending injury minutes before the Celtics were pushed to the brink of elimination. The players were decidedly down.
The defending NBA champions are certainly not out.
They return to New York tonight for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, believing they can extend the series and the Knicks’ 25-year wait to get back to the conference finals.
“It’s win or go home at this moment, so none of us want to go home and so we understand it’s only going to get tougher,” Celtics guard Derrick White said.
“We haven’t done anything yet. Just got to find a way to go to New York and win a game.”
Only 13 teams have overcome a 3-1 deficit to win a series. The Celtics are trying to do it without their leading scorer, who ruptured his right Achilles tendon late in the Knicks’ 121-113 victory in Game 4.
“I know it’s kind of easy to write things off. Obviously unfortunate what happened to JT. But we’ve still got basketball to be played,” Celtics star Jaylen Brown said. “I believe in this group, so don’t count us out just yet.”
The Celtics rolled to a 127-102 victory on Wednesday and have led by at least 14 points in the second half of all five games.
The Knicks rallied to win three of them, but the starters know they can’t keep putting the team into a hole. “We need to be better,” Knicks All-Star
Jalen Brunson said. “Flat out.”
A victory would send the Knicks into the conference finals for the first time since they lost to the Indiana Pacers in 2000. The Pacers would be the opponent again, having eliminated top-seeded Cleveland, in a series that would begin Wednesday in New York. If the Celtics win, Game 7 would be in Boston on Monday, with the winner
getting just one day of rest before hosting the Pacers.
White scored 34 points in Game 5 and is 13 for 24 from 3-point range in the last two games. Brown comes off 26 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds and has scored at least 19 points in all five games, a reminder that the Celtics go far beyond Tatum.
“They’re defending champions,” Knicks centre Karl-Anthony Towns said.
“So obviously losing Tatum is a big blow for their team, but we know they’re more than capable of beating anyone on any night.”
Boston Celtics at New York Knicks
When/where to watch: Game 6, 8 p.m. EDT (ESPN).
Series: Knicks lead 3-2.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Celtics by 2.5.
What to know: The Knicks have not won a
series on their home floor since the 1999 Eastern Conference finals. They failed in their lone chance this year, when they lost to Detroit in Game 5 of their first-round series. As starting centre Kristaps Porzingis struggles to stay on the floor because of lingering effects of a virus that saps his energy, the Celtics may have found another option in Game 5. Luke Kornet — like Porzingis a
5 of an NBA
former Knicks big man — came off the bench and had 10 points, nine rebounds and seven blocked shots. He provided the kind of boost the Knicks need from Towns, their All-Star who battled foul trouble and has made just two 3-pointers in the series. The Celtics, who won a league-high 33 road games during the regular season, are 3-1 at Madison Square Garden this season.
By DAVE CAMPBELL AP Sports Writer
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)
— The staff had a simple question for the players who helped the Minnesota Timberwolves make their deep run last year.
“Were you a Western Conference finals team, or were you a team that just happened to make the Western Conference finals?” coach Chris Finch said, recalling the preseason conversation. “And there’s only one way to prove that: Go out and do it again. And that was our mission all year.”
The Timberwolves filled in that blank by beating the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors in five games in each of their first two series in these NBA playoffs, finalising their return to the penultimate round where they lost last season to the Dallas Mavericks.
The roster from that five-game defeat underwent a surprisingly significant change, layering the challenge of new-player adjustment on top of an already difficult task of matching or bettering such a strong postseason run.
Right before training camp began, the Wolves traded franchise cornerstone Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks
for Julius Randle to take his place at power forward and in the sidekick role to Anthony Edwards. They got Donte DiVincenzo in the deal for defence and shooting off the bench, too.
Randle looked out of sorts at times during the first couple of months, and coinciding midseason injuries for him, DiVincenzo and Rudy Gobert further hampered progress on the court and in the standings.
Losing 117-116 on Feb. 28 to a Utah team that finished last in the league left the Wolves at 32-29, staring the play-in games straight in the face with the West stacked again with more competitive teams than there were spots in the playoffs. But the three of them got healthy again, and the Wolves took off in March.
“Having the mental toughness and determination to say we’re going to figure this thing out, because all of us, as a whole, believed how good we could be as a team,” said Randle, who had 29 points in the Game 5 win over Golden State on Wednesday night. “I’m extremely proud of everybody.”
The Wolves will play the Denver-Oklahoma City winner. They could get five days off, if the Nuggets beat the Thunder to force a Game 7 in the other West semifinal series. If the
Thunder win, they’ll host Game 1 on Sunday, still a three-day break for the Wolves.
“It’ll be good to get a chance to take a breath and regroup and figure out where we’re going,” said Finch, whose team is 10-3 on the road over the 2024 and 2025 playoffs.
Finch is by far the most successful coach in the
history of these star-crossed Timberwolves, who’ve had only three of their 14 coaches even make the playoffs. They’ve made it in each of his four full seasons and now reached back-toback conference finals for the first time in franchise history. Who knows where this run will finish? But with No. 1 seed Cleveland out
and No. 2 seed Boston on the brink of elimination in the East with star Jayson Tatum sidelined by injury, plus the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds long gone from the West bracket, the Wolves have given themselves as good of a chance as anyone to win their first title.
“Every team goes through a lot. Everyone wants to rush the process.
Everybody wants everything to be great, compared to what you’ve done in the past. All that’s kind of irrelevant really when you have a new team coming in to the season,” Finch said.
Veterans typically embrace and understand the urgency to win, with the realisation that championship windows don’t stay open as long as they seemingly should.
Fittingly for the Wolves, their three 30-something players in the rotation led the way in the close-out win over the Warriors.
Randle shot 13 for 18, with eight rebounds and five assists.
Rudy Gobert had 17 points and eight rebounds, with a plus-21 rating. Mike Conley had 16 points and eight assists.
“We went through a lot of growing pains,” Finch said, “but the team has come together at the right time and is playing its best basketball.”
BOSTON Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives to the basket against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, right, during the first half of Game
basketball second-round playoff series on Wednesday night in Boston.
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
WNBA set to tipoff season with host of teams looking to challenge for title
By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer
THERE are no shortages of challengers to the reigning WNBA champion New York Liberty or star power across the league.
A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier are some of the veterans who will share the spotlight with Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers as the league, in its 29th season, hopes to continue its rise in popularity.
The WNBA season tips off today with expansion team Golden State playing its first game that night. A day later the Liberty will host the Aces where New York will receive its rings and raise the first championship banner in the franchise’s history.
Later that day, Clark and Reese will meet for the first of five matchups this season between Indiana and Chicago.
Both are looking to build off their stellar rookie seasons where they set records and helped the league to record ratings and attendance.
No team made more moves this offseason then the Fever, who brought in a lot of talented veterans around Clark and Aliyah Boston — the last two WNBA Rookie of the Year award winners.
Indiana added DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard and Sophie Cunningham as well as re-signing Kelsey Mitchell.
Clark is a slight favourite over Wilson and Collier according to BetMGM to win the MVP. The Fever are one of the betting favourites to win the title.
Indiana is not the only team to make major moves with several franchises adding marquee names to rosters during the offseason via free agency and trades.
Atlanta picked up former Mercury All-Star Brittney Griner, who had spent her entire WNBA career playing in Arizona since being drafted No. 1 in 2013 by Phoenix. The Dream also added former Connecticut standout Brionna Jones. Phoenix was active in bolstering its roster, trading for Alyssa Thomas and signing Satou Sabally.
The Sun lost their entire starting five from last season and brought back former UConn All-American Tina Charles. Looking for a repeat title It’s rare for teams to win back-to-back championships in the WNBA. Las Vegas became the first to do it in 21 years with its
Rising basketball star Rhema Collins in town
FROM PAGE E1
was all the way in Mississippi and I had coach Yo, but there’s nothing like having a player who you can go through every practice and every drill with,” she said of Cartwright.
“We’ve been talking about how we will come in everyday and just do what we have to do. Be the best teammates to our other teammates and just represent The Bahamas.” To the Bahamian public, Collins assured them to take FIU to another level.
“At FIU, we have some plans, so just tune in,” she summed up.
“I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited.”
And with the commute from The Bahamas to Florida much closer than the trek to Mississippi, mother Collins said it will afford their family to travel to watch her play.
“We can’t wait,” mother Collins added. “We know she has the talent. She just wants to play, even if she’s not in the starting lineup. At FIU, I think we will get to see her play.”
consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023. New York is trying to do it now. The Liberty made a few key offseason moves bringing in veteran guard Natasha Cloud as well as forward Isabelle Harrison. New York also will have exciting guard Marine Johannes back this season after she
missed last year to prepare for the Olympics with her French team.
The Liberty did lose guard Betnijah LaneyHamilton to a knee injury that she suffered in the offseason. She’ll be out for the year. Remember us? Lynx looking to get another championship Minnesota was overlooked at the start of the season and led by Collier, they made it back to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2017 before losing in a decisive Game 5 to New York. While they didn’t make many offseason moves, the Lynx return all five starters. Collier, the league’s Defensive Player of the Year last season, anchors a solid defence that held opponents to a leaguebest 41% shooting from the field.
High expectations for
Bueckers
Bueckers was the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft and will try and help revitalise the Dallas franchise. She was the most efficient player in college on the offensive end and
capped off her career helping UConn win its 12th national championship. Before she went through a series of injuries at UConn, Bueckers became the first freshman ever to win AP Player of the Year. New leadership on WNBA sidelines Eight of the 13 teams will have new head coaches this season.
Atlanta and Los Angeles turned to college coaches Karl Smesko and Lynne Roberts, respectively. Indiana brought back former coach and player Stephanie White to lead the Fever. White had been in charge of the Connecticut Sun, who replaced her with former Belgium national team coach Rachid Meziane.
Chicago, Dallas and Washington turned to former WNBA assistant coaches Tyler Marsh, Chris Koclanes and Sydney Johnson, respectively.
Golden State also brought in a former assistant coach, Natalie Nakase, to be the first head coach in the expansion franchise’s history.
BARCELONA CLINCHES ITS 28TH LA LIGA TITLE AS YAMAL’S STUNNING STRIKE SEALS DOMESTIC TREBLE
By JOSEPH WILSON Associated Press
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — This was Lamine Yamal’s season.
So it just had to be the teenage phenom who scored the decisive goal to clinch Barcelona’s 28th Spanish league title.
And what a goal it was for the player who still wears dental braces and sports a new dyed-blond hairdo.
The 17-year-old struck the winner in Barcelona’s 2-0 victory at crosstown rival Espanyol yesterday when he slid past two defenders outside the area and whipped one his now trademark left-footed curlers into the corner of the net. It was a perfect culmination to Yamal’s last 10 months.
After helping Spain win the European Championship last summer, Yamal excelled for Barcelona this campaign with his goals, dribbling and playmaking as he confirmed his status as the next big star of global soccer. Along with Raphinha, Pedri and company, and Barcelona was unstoppable.
“I always try my best and today I was lucky it went in,” Yamal said. “I am very happy I could help the team and celebrate it.”
Fermín López ensured the win in stoppage time after Espanyol was reduced to 10 men in the 80th when Leandro Cabrera received a direct red for hitting
Yamal in the stomach while disputing a ball. Barcelona won the title with two rounds remaining. It completed a domestic double with the Copa del Rey title — treble if you add the Spanish Super Cup — and reached the Champions League semifinals in a fantastic first season for coach Hansi Flick.
Flick’s team virtually ended Madrid’s title defence when it beat its top rival 4-3 on Sunday, making it four of four clasico victories across all competitions this season.
Madrid’s victory over Mallorca on Wednesday prevented Barcelona from winning the title without playing. But the Catalan club needed just two points from its final three games of the season.
Barcelona’s players danced briefly on the field to celebrate while sprinklers doused them with water. “You don’t win a league every day and we have to enjoy this and give it the value it has,” said Barcelona midfielder Pedri after completing his 200th game for his club at age 22. Lionel Messi posted a message on Instagram sending his “Congratulations” for his old team. Real Madrid also congratulated its fierce rival on X, while thousands of Barcelona fans gathered to celebrate in downtown Barcelona.
Flick leads the way Barcelona dominated the domestic competitions, winning 15 and drawing
two of its league games in 2025. Toss in the cups, and the only tiny blemish was coming oh-so-close to reaching the Champions League final before it fell in gut-wrenching fashion at Inter Milan. Yamal credited his coach for inspiring a core of players who had won nothing last season under Xavi Hernández. “We are thankful for what Xavi have us, but it is true that coach (Flick) has given us a new life,” Yamal said. Looking back on his arrival in the summer, Flick said that he had instilled a “positive” attitude in his team and it had adapted
well to his style of play that requires a high defensive line and all-in pressing.
“Barcelona has to win titles and three titles is really great,” Flick said. “I suffered a bit after the game in Milan, but after winning three titles I am very happy and the club is too.”
Yamal decides the match Espanyol outplayed its wealthier rival in the first half. But Urko González shot wide on a counterattack early on and Javi Puado couldn’t beat Wojciech Szczesny in a oneon-one opportunity.
But Yamal’s great shot in the 53rd minute put Barcelona in control. Espanyol
goalkeeper Joan García, who is linked to a move to a big club this summer, including Barcelona, dove but couldn’t reach the perfectly placed shot. On Yamal’s goal, Pedri said: “He scored two goals like that today in practice. We are fortunate to have him on our side.” Espanyol needed to a good result from the derby as it hopes to stay out of the relegation fight. Espanyol remained in 16th place and five points from the drop zone. Car incident outside
The game was briefly paused by the referee in the
DALLAS Wings guard Paige Bueckers poses for photos during a WNBA basketball media day in Arlington, Texas, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
COACH DONNIE CULMER, mother Angela Collins, Rhema Collins and coach Anthony Swaby.
RHEMA Collins in action.
BARCELONA players celebrate at the end of the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday.
(AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
Dion McPhee came through with the clutch putback with 4.3 seconds left on the clock as the Police Crimestoppers handcuffed the visiting John Brown University Golden Eagles men’s basketball team 81-78.
Wednesday night’s game at the AF Adderley Gymnasium concluded the Golden Eagles’ weeklong trip to The Bahamas from Arkansas, but the Crimestoppers were determined not to allow them to go home with the winning hardware.
McPhee, who had four points in the fourth as the Crimestoppers made a gallant comeback, finished the game with 15 points. He said he almost blew the play, but was happy to get the job done.
“I saw my big man (Richard Lowe) going down for a lay-up, but in this game, anything is liable to happen, so I just stuck with it and I was able to stick with it, got the offensive rebound and put it back up to put my team ahead,” he said.
Photos by Chappell Whyms Jr
ON THE REPLAY: The Police Crimestoppers beat the visiting John Brown University Golden Eagles men’s basketball team 81-78 at the AF Adderley Gymnasium on Wednesday night.
POLICE Crimestoppers with Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and organisers.
JOHN Brown University Golden Eagles with Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and event organisers.