SPORTS
FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2025
FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2025
STUBBS
Pitcher Kaiden Knowles and designated hitter Elvis Pardo provided the sparks early on the two sides of the field as Team Bahamas shook off their jetlag and overcame their sluggish opener to take out their frustration on Costa Rica in their second game of the PONY Bronco 16U Caribbean and Latin America Baseball Zone Championships. After getting blanked 3-0 by Puerto Rico B team on Tuesday in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Team Bahamas bounced back and routed Costa Rica 15-0 yesterday. Head coach Donavan Cox predicted that Team
Bahamas was capable of playing much better than they did in their opener and they certainly did.
“I think it was mental for us than physical,” said Cox, who was assisted by coach Albert Cartwright.
“We prepared much better for the game. The guys had a much better mindset going into the game. We understood what we had to do and went out there and we did it,” Cox stated.
Knowles, a native from Abaco, picked up the win with five strike outs in the first two innings and Pardo erupted for a threerun home run to left field in the first inning to give Team Bahamas the start they needed. The team,
Latin
TRAVON Morley and Tajhanique Moncur were given special recognition yesterday as CH Reeves hosted its Green Day for their Raptors student-athletes. The duo were crowned the most valuable athletes as they received the boys and girls overall school spirit awards for their achievements.
A special assembly was held, attended by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, Floyd Armbrister, consultant in the Ministry of Education, along with Shavanna Darville, superintendent for the Southern District.
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
A SURE Win ensured that the Bahamas Baseball Association will be able to host a successful Andre Rodgers Senior National Baseball Tournament at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium from June 6-9. The company’s marketing manager Anthony ‘AC’ Coakley presented their title sponsorship cheque of $10,000 to BBA president
Clarence “CJ” McKenzie yesterday at A Sure Win’s office on the Tonique Williams-Darling Highway.
Coakley, speaking on behalf of the Brice-Newball Foundation, which is the community outreach arm of A Sure Win, said they are happy to support the BBA as they prepare for the championships.
“I heard that it is going to be really competitive and exciting,” Coakley said. “For us, it is definitely
SEE PAGE E2
From the opening remarks from the principal Dr Sterling McPhee to the keynote address by Wilmin Noel, a former student of CH Reeves who works out of the Office of the Prime Minister, the day was all about the student-athletes, who performed at their best for the Raptors, both academically and athletically.
Special entertainment was provided by CH Reeves’ band, their cheerleading and Green Dancers.
But Armbrister outdid them all when he brought remarks on behalf of Minister of Education Glenys Hanna-Martin.
In his usual flamboyant style, he danced in front of the student body as he encouraged them not to get disillusioned over the loss of their GSSSA track and field title because they still have a special gem in coach Davis, who also serves as the president of the Government Secondary Schools
By Dr Kent L Bazard
IT’s one of the most frustrating - and often untimely - problems in sport. The sprint is going well, the match is heating up, the relay handoff is smooth— and then it hits.
A cramp. That sudden, sharp tightening of a muscle that stops you mid-stride, usually in front of a crowd, in the middle of competition, or worse - right before the finish line. Here in The Bahamas, with our year-round heat
BAZARD
and outdoor training culture, muscle cramps are a familiar foe for athletes and coaches alike. And while hydration often gets the blame, the real story is a bit more complex.
Let’s unpack the science of cramps - and how to stop
SEE PAGE E3
a good opportunity to give back and to support and just to be a part of what is happening with our youth, which is a mandate of our CEO Leandra Brice and co-CEO Mr Garvin Newball. “Anyone of them could be the next superstar
on the world stage and so we’re happy to give our support and to be a part of this,” said Coakley.
their affiliated association members coming in from the Family Islands to compete.
house them as well as purchase the awards and pay for the use of the stadium over the double holiday weekend. “There’s no excuse for the public not to be able to come out on the Labour Day holiday on Friday and Whit Monday to enjoy some high-level baseball action,” McKenzie summed up. FROM PAGE E1
McKenzie, who was accompanied by secretary general Theodore Sweeting, said the contributions from the Newball-Brice Foundation will go a long way in ensuring that they take care of
He noted that they are looking at hosting its biggest nationals ever with 12 teams.
“There’s no way we can put on an event of this magnitude without the strong partnership and
support from the Brice-Newball Foundation, so we are very appreciative,” McKenzie said. McKenzie said they are expecting to have teams participating from Long Island, Abaco and Grand Bahama.
And they will be using the funds to help fund their trip, feed and
FROM PAGE E1
managed by Terran Rodgers, never looked back.
Pardo, the designated hitter who finished with a 1-for-3 day at the plate, said the whole idea was to put game one behind them and concentrate on the game at hand.
“My plan was to see the ball and the first pitch just swing the bat,” said Pardo, who came through with the first homer of the tournament and will be ready to go on the mound and pitch, if need be.
Catcher Kaizen Dorsett went 2-for-2 with three RBI, right fielder Ajay Knowles, also with a 3-for-3 with a single, double and triple and an RBI and second baseman Asher Simms was 1-for-3 with two RBI. “It feels good. It’s always good to start off the inning strong,” Dorsett said. “I guess that gave us the momentun to carry on and we came out on top.”
On his role behind the plate, Dorsett said he “has to set the tempo, make sure everything goes right and when I throw out runners, that gives the team an extra boost.”
Knowles, in his starting role, definitely benefitted from his
battery mate’s performance. “Today was kind of a slow start for me, but after the loss, I was just thinking that I had to get my team back,” Knowles said. “Once the bats got going and my pitching was good, I knew we would rebound.
“After I saw the way they were swinging and missing at strikes down the middle, I knew I didn’t have to do much, just get the ball in the zone and my team will do the rest for me.”
After scoring five runs in the first, Team Bahamas put seven more runs on the scoreboard in the second, two in the third and one in the fourth. “The mindset is just to stay on top and keep the positive energy going for our next game and hopefully we can come out on top again,” Cox said.
Playing out of
and Ecuador
Team
will play their third
today against Ecuador at 3pm and the
game on Saturday
Dominican
at 10am on Saturday. Only the top two teams move onto the
and just the winner of the tournament will advance to the World
in the Marion
Illinois, Indianapolis from August 1-5. “I still think we have a chance of winning it. The guys have gotten all the jitters and nervousness out,” Cox said. “After today’s
I think we’re ready to
FROM PAGE E1
them before they stop you. Not Just Dehydration: The Electrolyte Equation Muscle cramps are involuntary contractions, usually brought on by fatigue, overexertion, electrolyte imbalance, or a combination of all three.
Many assume drinking more water is the fix - but plain water alone doesn’t replenish the critical minerals your body loses through sweat.
That’s where electrolytes come in - especially sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
These minerals control nerve signalling, muscle contraction, and hydration balance.
When they’re depleted or out of balance, the nerves that tell muscles when to
contract and relax can misfire - leading to painful cramps. And in high-heat environments like ours, athletes lose more electrolytes more quickly.
This is especially true for footballers, sprinters, tennis players, and anyone training on hot turf or asphalt during midday sun.
Who’s at Risk?
Athletes who train for long durations, sweat heavily, or have had previous cramping episodes are more likely to cramp again.
Those with poor pretraining nutrition, low daily salt intake, or irregular hydration habits also face higher risks. Surprisingly, even overhydration - diluting the blood’s electrolyte concentration - can cause cramping in endurance athletes.
THE New Providence
Cycling Association hosted its Challenge 1 – Road Race Recap at Clifton Pier on Sunday with over 35 cyclists competing across various categories.
“The day showcased exceptional talent, grit and sportsmanship. A special shoutout goes to Brian Strachan of the Exuma Cycling Association, who brought a strong group of junior cyclists that delivered standout performances - setting the pace as we head toward the Nationals in June,” said Barron “Turbo” Musgrove, the event organiser.
“In the featured 5-lap race, under-23 rider Barron Musgrove Jr claimed the overall win, demonstrating top form and determination. While a few riders were unfortunately forced to DNF due to injuries and mechanical issues, the spirit of perseverance was evident throughout the event.”
Here’s a look at the results from the various categories:
U18 Males (3 laps) - 1.
Levi Capron – 56:47; 2.
Tristan Johnson – 56:57; 3.
Callum Pritchard – 58:05; 4. Nathaniel Adderley – 1:16:13. U15 Males (2 laps) - 1.
Jaquan Strachan – 37:35; 2. Stafford Sweeting –37:51; 3. Kendrick Cargill
– 42:33; 4. Joshua Swan – 42:40; 5. Brian Mackey –45:49; 6. Anthony Knowles – DNF.
U12 Males (2 laps) - 1.
Maximilian Van der Riet –37:50; 2. Gabriael McPhee – 58:54.
to contact coach Corrington Maycock at 395-6381, coach Quell Harris at 818-2095 and or coach Acaci at 445-3915 for more information.
YOUTH TRACK CLASSIC
ST Barnabas Anglican Church is scheduled to hold its third annual Youth Track and Field Classic on Saturday at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The meet is expected to get underway at 10am with competition in the under17, U15, U13, U11, U9 and U7 for boys and girls.
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.
What the Research Tells Us A landmark study published in Muscle & Nerve (Schwellnus et al.) challenged the outdated theory that dehydration alone causes cramps.
The findings showed that neuromuscular fatigue and altered spinal reflex activity also play a role.
This explains why cramps often occur late in competition - when the athlete is tired, the motor control system becomes less stable, and electrolyte levels are running low.
More recent data from the Journal of Sports and Active Living confirms that targeted sodium and magnesium supplementation during prolonged exercise reduces both the frequency and severity of cramps, especially in warm climates.
Practical Tips for Athletes
So how do we prevent cramps before they derail performance?
Here’s what I recommend to my athletes and teams: Hydrate with a purpose: Start early, and don’t rely on thirst. Use a hydration schedule during heavy training weeks. Include electrolytes: Coconut water, sports drinks with sodium/magnesium, or homemade electrolyte mixes work well. During long sessions, aim
to sip small amounts every 15–20 minutes. Fuel properly: Bananas and potatoes are great natural potassium sources. Leafy greens provide magnesium and calcium. Don’t skip your pre-training meals.
Salt your food: Especially if you’re a heavy sweater or prone to cramps. Lowsodium diets might sound healthy, but for athletes, they can backfire.
Stretch post-training: Light stretching, massage, and mobility work reduce muscle tension and help with recovery. Watch your load: Overtraining increases fatigue and lowers muscle resilience. Rest and recovery matter as much as reps and laps.
Final Word: Stay Ahead of the Cramp
Cramps aren’t just bad luck. They’re usually a signal - of poor preparation, fatigue, or nutrient depletion. By understanding the true causes and applying simple, evidence-based strategies, athletes can stay in control of their muscles and their performance. Because no matter how talented or well-trained you are, you can’t finish the race if your body locks up halfway through.
• Dr Kent Bazard, sports medicine physician at Empire Sports Medicine, specialises 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.
Open Females (3 laps)1. Orianna Rajas Duque – 58:15; 2. Lori Roach –1:07:14; 3. Lynn Pritchard – 1:07:16. U23 Females (3 laps)1. Kami Roach – 58:03; 2. Sienna Culmer-Mackey – 58:05; 3. Anjaleah Knowles – DNF.
U18 Females (3 laps) - 1. Taylor Knowles – 1:35:07. U15 Females (2 laps) - 1. Mia Van der Riet – 37:50; 2. Blue Gray – DNF. U12 Females (2 laps) - 1. Trenae Smith – 58:55. “The NPCA thanks all participants, volunteers, and spectators for contributing to an unforgettable day of racing,” said Musgrove. “We look forward to building on this momentum as we prepare for the highly anticipated Bahamas Cycling Nationals in June.”
Interested golfers can call 422-3744 or email 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.
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.
BASEBALL NPBL OPENING THE New Providence Baseball League is slated
to begin its senior baseball league on Sunday at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.
The league plans to start at 2pm with the official opening ceremonies, followed by the first game of the season.
Association president Jeff ‘Sangy’ Francis revealed that they are expecting to feature at least five teams in the league
BASEBALL
ANDRE RODGERS
SENIOR NATIONALS
THE Bahamas Baseball Association is set to hold its Andre Rodgers Senior National Baseball Championships June 6-9 at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium. During the championship, the BBA will honour Feed ‘Papa’ Smith for his contribution to the sport as a player/coach and administrator over a number of years.
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
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
THE University of The Bahamas’ golf players Rachel Quant and Darrius Thompson were part of the team that won the inaugural Mingoes Golf Invitational, powered by Leno, on Sunday at the Royal Blue Golf Course at the Baha Mar resort.
The duo teamed up with former UB men’s soccer head coach Dion Godet and Andrew Benjamin. The foursome finished 34 under par net to get the victory.
“Playing in our own tournament made quite a difference,” Thompson said. “We made about four birdies and we shot very good today (Sunday) so it was good out there.” Quant was a little nervous coming into the tournament especially knowing that UB was the host. However, she relaxed and got comfortable after a while. “I had a lot of fun and definitely enjoyed
it. I did not pressure myself and was confident with my swings. “I was confident that we were going to do well. I am coming back next year to get the win,” Quant said. Godet said he had fun on the links with the young players.
The young people played and I got a little golf understanding and I turned into a useful coach. They listened to me and that was our success today (Sunday),” Godet said.
The team of Larry Wilson, Chadeau Wilson, and UB Board of Trustee
with a net score of 30 under par. The fourth spot went to the team of Lee Brice, Horace Miller, Mark Robinson and Ural Pratt with a score of 29 under par.
UB golfer Mia Underwood, Ricardo Underwood, Ken Gibson and Chris
Adderley were eighth with a score of 27 under par. Finishing 10th was UB men’s golf coach Fred Taylor along with Omar Ramaiez, Alan Osorrio and Daniel Zuleta. They were 27 under par. UB players Payton Haye and Dinaj Major teamed up
with UB men’s basketball head coach Bacchus Rolle and Jonathan Thompson to finish 24 under par to place 13th.
The men’s longest drive was won by Heathcliff Kane while the women’s longest drive was won by Mia Underwood.
Yural Pratt won the men’s closest to pin and Quant won women’s closest to pin. The team of Lynford Miller, Kane, Peter McIntosh and Richard Gibson shot 16 under par gross. They came in with no handicap. Leno sponsored the inaugural tournament as
the title sponsor. Fidelity Bank, Tyreflex, Thompson Trading, and Blue Marlin supported as gold-level sponsors. Andre White, Olivia Longley, Loran Stuart and Keathen Stuart finished fifth. Driskell Rolle, Cherrilyn Arthur, Nathalee Tynes and
Sports Association. Bowleg, more reserved, took the time out to congratulate the Raptors and wished them well in their continued athletic excellence.
And Noel advised the student body that if they are persistent in their achievement, they too can rise to levels of importance in the country as he has done.
Morley, who not only excelled in track and field, but also on the basketball court, said she was very proud of her accomplishment because she knew the work she put in.
“I was very proud of my performance in the 800m. I pushed very hard for second place,” said the 14-year-old ninth grader.
“I am so proud of being a member of this school. I’ve been here for three years and, in all of those years, I had a chance to help the Raptors to be successful.”
Morley is not sure where she will go next because there is a possibility that she might head off to the United States to complete her first school.
“I just want to say to the students here, you have a great legacy. Just continue to do your best to continue to make CH Reeves one of the best junior high schools in the country.”
Moncur, already with a scholarship secured to attend Queen’s College for grade 10 starting in September, said he had a very good performance, despite
the Raptors falling short of clinching the title.
“I’m happy because in the three years I’ve been here, I was able to give the school all I had,” said Moncur, who competed in the 400 and 800m, the high jump and was on both the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400m relay teams.
While it wasn’t the happy ending that she anticipated, Davis said she was still proud of the Raptors and she wanted to make sure that they were celebrated for their achievement.
“We wanted them to feel very special, even if we didn’t win the championship title,” she said.
“They are well out there and performed their best and that’s all we could ask of them.”
Also recognised for their accomplishments as athletic MVP awardees were Devonte Crowl for male basketball and cross country, Jeremiah Filterman for baseball, DeAntae Joseph for male track and field and Leandrea Davis for female track and field.
Academy MVP awardees were Ahane Smith for top BJC performer, Calvin Brussette for Laws of Life, Akeelah Atkinson for Social Mania, Jayden Thompson for Speech and Trael Thompson for the Spelling Bee. And the extracurricular MVP awardees were Gabriel Mackey for band, Trael Thompson for choir, Anthonique Blair for cheerleading and Freddie Carroll for junkanoo.
FOURTEEN Clubs Golf Academy recently wrapped up its highly anticipated US Kids Golf 2025 Spring Tour, showcasing some of the brightest and youngest golf talent in the country.
Over the course of the tournament, dozens of junior golfers across multiple age divisions competed fiercely, demonstrating outstanding skill, dedication, and sportsmanship.
The tournament featured both 9-hole and 18-hole divisions and brought together young athletes from all across New Providence.
The event culminated in the crowning of Spring Tour Champions for each age category, with many standout performances earning praise from coaches, parents, and local golf enthusiasts alike.
Among the top champions were Chamari Pratt (Girls 15–18), Aidan Gorospe (Boys 15–18), Londyn Strachan (Girls 11–12), and Briland Cunningham (Boys 12).
The Girls 9–10 division saw an exciting three-way tie between Zion, Zaire, and Zeden Poitier - ultimately decided by a playoff victory from Zion Poitier.
In the youngest six-andunder boys’ division, King Fox emerged victorious with a solid round of 60, while Liv Ward led the Girls 8 & Under category with a remarkable 53.
“These young players continue to exceed expectations,” said a representative from the Academy. “We’re proud not only of the scores but of the values these children display - discipline, focus, and teamwork.”
The US Kids Golf Tour is part of the Academy’s ongoing commitment to youth golf development and creating opportunities for young Bahamians to thrive through sport.
Many of these golfers will go on to represent The Bahamas in local and international tournaments this summer.
Spring Tour
Champions:
Girls Champions
15–18: Chamari Pratt
13–14: Madison Carroll
11–12: Londyn Strachan
9–10: Zion Poitier
8 & Under: Liv Ward
Boys Champions
15–18: Aidan Gorospe
13–14: Zachacy Joseph 12: Briland Cunningham
11: William Smith 10: Reef Harvey
9: Tyhler Rolle
8: Benjamin Lozzi
7: William Stevenson
6: King Fox
9-Hole Division
Highlights:
Boys 6 & Under: 1st –
King Fox (60), 2nd – Adam Taylor (70)
Boys 7: 1st – William Stevenson (40), 2nd – Liam Bethel (48)
Boys 8: 1st – Benjamin Lozzi (49)
Girls 8 & Under: 1st – Liv
Ward (53), 2nd – Lauren Zamora (60)
Girls 9–10: 1st – Zion Poitier (43, playoff winner)
Boys 9: 1st – Tyhler Rolle (54)
Boys 10: 1st – Reef Harvey (46)
18-Hole Division
Highlights:
Boys 11: 1st – William Smith (97)
Girls 11–12: 1st – Londyn Strachan (89)
Boys 12: 1st – Briland Cunningham (103)
Boys 13–14: 1st – Deandrey Poitier (81, playoff winner)
Girls 13–14: 1st – Madison Carroll (72)
Boys 15–18: 1st – Chris Capello (77)
Girls 15–18: 1st – Lilly
Bisterzo (76)
The academy thanks its coaches, parents, sponsors, and volunteers for supporting the development of the next generation of Bahamian golf stars.
For more information on youth golf programmes, visit fourteenclubsgolfacademy.com or follow them on social media @ FourteenClubsGolf.