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SPORTS SECTION E

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

Basketball fraternity mourning death of ‘Big O’ By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

he basketball fraternity, especially those in Grand Bahama, is mourning the passing of Oral ‘Big O’ Jones. The former forward/centre was 51 years old. He died in New Providence around 3am Tuesday following a massive heart attack, according to reports. Jones, a soft-spoken, gentle giant and native of Eight Mile Rock, was well liked by all who he came in contact with. Many would tell you that very seldom they heard Jones raise his voice with his teammates, whether they won or lost a basketball game. He was a source of inspiration to

his peers and even his opponents as he always possessed a big smile on his face. One of those coaches who was in awe of Jones was Wayde Watson, formerly from Grand Bahama. “He was always a formidable force in the paint and to me, he knew how to control the game,” Watson said. “He not only controlled the paint, but he could also start the fast break himself and he was a very intelligent basketball player, even though later in his years, his game started to diminish. “But off the court, he was a real humble guy. He would give you his last. I know over the last five years, he was back and forth here in New Providence and Abaco where he was doing some construction work, so we talked a lot more, even

though we didn’t hang out that much.” A few years ago Watson said Jones approached him about playing in the New Providence Basketball Association and he welcomed his leadership to the Mail Boat Cybots men’s basketball team when the league played in the CI Gibson Gymnasium. “He’s an old Eight Mile Rock Bluejays, who played with the Above The Rim out of Eight Mile Rock,” Watson recalled. “I think he played on the national team several times. But he was a good friend of mine. I’m going to miss him. It was sad when I got the news this morning. “As a matter of fact, he called me about six weeks ago before the ladies’ league ended and he asked me if I can train his daughter. I

started to do some work with her. I know she’s going to miss him a lot. I know his family is going to miss him a lot. The sporting world in Grand Bahama is going to miss him. He’s been a basketball icon in Grand Bahama for a long time.” When Grand Bahamian Charlie ‘Softly’ Robins was elected as president of the Bahamas Basketball Federation, he began a campaign to determine the top 40 players on the island. The list was cultivated by Denzal ‘Inch McGuire’ Swain, who pegged Jones at No. 23. The list was headed by Dereck ‘Bookie’ Nesbitt and followed by Basil ‘the Kid’ Sands and Robins in the top three. The Tribune extends condolences to the family of the late Jones. May his soul rest in peace.

‘Peace on da Streets’ By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WHEN the 22nd version of the ‘Peace on da Street’ Basketball Classic is held next month, the Hope Centre and Youth Against Violence will show off its new outdoor basketball facility on their church grounds. With Aliv as its major sponsor, tournament director Dr Carlos Reid said all of the games in the double elimination format will be played July 10-15 in five different categories up to the final round, which includes the championship games that will be carried live on television. “We have developed a sporting complex, which is second to none,” said Reid of their facilities. “I believe that we can boast that we have the best basketball court in Nassau right now and we have been carrying the name Peace on Da Streets for so long, but it was in the gym. “We want it to become connected with the community and if you pass here on any given night, you will see hundreds of young men on this basketball court. We are pleased to have the Bahamas to come down and see what we have developed.” By the time they are ready to play, Reid said they intend to have two courts functioning to cater to the many games they will host, thanks to the generosity of KFC, who have agreed to purchase two more basketball backboards and posts to be erected. Teams will get to display their skills in the Jamaica Bahamas 13-and-under division, the Negril Café 16-and-under division, the Sol Bahamas 19-and-under division, the Sky Bahamas

Baseball

Cardinals, page 4

WARRIORS PARADE ON THURSDAY IN OAKLAND OAKLAND, California (AP) — After a night of celebrating the Golden State Warriors latest NBA title, fans snapped up victory shirts and hats yesterday, while Oakland crews were busy hanging championship banners along the parade route. The parade will take place Thursday morning in downtown Oakland, following the same route as the team’s parade to celebrate the 2015 NBA title. It will start at 10am at Broadway and 11th Street, wind through downtown streets and end with a procession to the Henry J Kaiser Convention Center. Fans are encouraged to line up for the parade and rally as soon as 5am Thursday and taking public transportation is encouraged. Following the victory Monday night, Warriors’ fans danced in the streets in downtown Oakland and wildly honked their horns in San Francisco. The party began as soon as Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and the Warriors beat the Cavaliers 129-120 at Oracle Arena to clinch their second championship in three years.

NADAL UP TO NO. 2, DJOKOVIC SLIDES TO NO. 4, WORST SINCE ‘09 By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer

22ND EDITION: Dr Carlos Reid is flanked by sponsors and organisers of the 22nd ‘Peace on da Streets’ Basketball Classic, all set for July 10-15 at the Hope Centre and Youth Against Violence new outdoor basketball facility on their church grounds. Church Division and the Vitamalt Open Division. With all of the divisions just about stacked, Reid said there is the possibility that they may have to increase the teams participating. Additionally, there will also be the Sunshine Auto 3-point shootout, Rubis Slam Dunk contest and the crowd-pleasing Pastors versus Politicians feature contest. “Our organisation is committed to the continued fight against crime and violence in our country,” Reid said. “We are committed to providing

positive alternatives and solutions to help our young people discover their individual identities and turn from crime and violence. “If we are ever going to have a better and stronger Bahamas, then every law abiding and sensitive thinking citizen of the Bahamas must step to the plate and contribute their time, talents and resources. “We cannot and must not depend on the Government, the Police Force, churches or any other organisation to solve our community issues. The truth of the matter is that it

is each of our responsibility.” Powered by Aliv Bianca Bethel-Sawyer, events and sponsorship manager at Aliv, said the country’s newest telecommunications company is pleased to be a part of this year’s tournament as the major sponsor. “Our sponsorship includes financial support, which we hope will defray the cost of this event,” she said. “Sports, and by extension basketball, is very popular across the country. “We feel as though

whenever we invest in our youth, especially our young men, it impacts the entire community and produces a better society. We know that young men represent our future and with crime being so high, we hope that this event will actually be able to do what indeed it said it will do and that is to promote peace on the streets.” Rubis Slam Dunk Contest Shireen Seymour, retail sales executive at Ru-

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PARIS (AP) — French Open champion Rafael Nadal moved up two spots to No. 2 in the ATP rankings on Monday, his highest placing since October 2014. Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, slid from No. 2 to No. 4 in the new rankings, his lowest status in 7½ years. He lost in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros, where he won the title a year ago to complete a career Grand Slam. That was also his fourth consecutive major championship, but he failed to defend any of those titles. Andy Murray retained his No. 1 ranking after a semi-final exit in Paris, while Stan Wawrinka stayed at No. 3 after losing to Nadal 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 in Sunday’s final. Roger Federer is still No. 5 after missing the French Open for the second year in a row.

Aliv Thunderbird set to defend title in Bimini Regatta By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net ALIV Thunderbird will be back to defend its title in the second annual Bimini Regatta, scheduled for June 23-25 in Alice Town. Lynden Johnson, of L Andrew Consultants, who are helping to organise the event, said they have partnered with a number of entities to make it a festive time as they “lay low in Bimini.” The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, BTC, Resort World Bimini, Caribbean Bottling, The Ministry of Tourism, L Andrew Consultants, Bahamas National Festival Commission, 112 Restaurant and Bar, Sherice M and the Bimini Big Game are among the sponsors.

ORGANISERS can be seen at the press conference to anounce the Bimini Regatta, set for June 23-25. The regatta will feature the Aliv Thunderbird from Andros, San Sally from San Salvador, the Dream Girl from Grand Bahama, Uncle

John from Acklins, Flash, also from Acklins, Melva B from Mangrove Cay, Andros and Lady Eunice from Black Point, Exuma.

“Once again, Bimini is the place to be from Thursday, June 22 to Saturday, June 25,” Johnson said. While the boats are

scheduled to arrive on the Sherice M from Thursday, June 22, just in time for the Skippers Party at Coca Plum, sailing will take place

Friday to Saturday, June 2324. The awards presentation will be held on Saturday, June 25, at a BTC-sponsored beach party where a number of Bahamian entertainers will perform. Although this will be the first time that the Aliv Thunderbird will sail since some work was done to her, Rev Dr Philip McPhee said they are eager to retain the title. “We expect to have great competition. We have six outstanding boats and we expect that they will put on a show,” he said. “What is key about Bimini is the number of tourists who come to Bimini from around Florida just for the event. “Last year, we had almost foru to 500 yachts that came

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PAGE 2, Wednesday, June 14, 2017

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FAMILY TIES: Rams flag football team members all decked out in their new Sandals Royal Bahamian uniforms. The team is headed to the playoffs in the Bahamas Flag Football League.

SANDALS OUTFITS RAMS FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM THE Rams flag football team continues to shine in their new Sandals Royal Bahamian uniforms as they go into the playoffs. Rams Football, one of the community-based organisations partnered with Sandals, focuses on youth development through sports and has been developing young athletes through flag football over the past six years. Said Tarran Taylor, the team captain: “Our flag football club

has become a real family and it’s a real push for us when companies like Sandals assist us with our growth and development.” Over the years the Rams have sent five students to American high schools to play football. And six students are off to universities in both the United States and Canada to play football, all on scholarships. Gary Williams, the general manager of Sandals Royal Baha-

“OUR FLAG FOOTBALL CLUB HAS BECOME A REAL FAMILY AND IT’S A REAL PUSH FOR US WHEN COMPANIES LIKE SANDALS ASSIST US WITH OUR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.”

mian, says: “It was our absolute pleasure to assist the young gentlemen with brand new uniforms. “We’re proud to be involved in any youth-based organisation, especially ones aimed at lifting up grassroots young men and women.” The Rams team practices at the Fort Charlotte field and games are held at the Winton Rugby Field on the weekends.

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Wednesday, June 14, 2017, PAGE 3

Wahoos capture Freedom Farm under-10 boys’ championship title

CHAMPION BOYS: The Wahoos baseball team, coached by Kenny Mondesir, assisted by Farquharson and Kenny Moxey, recently captured the Freedom Farm under-10 boys’ championship title at the Freedom Farm complex in Yamacraw. The Wahoos, who will be losing at least eight players moving up to the 11-12 division next year, won the title over the Lion Fish.

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Jose Martinez has 2 HRs, Cards beat Brewers 6-0 in DH opener By JOE HARRIS Associated Press ST LOUIS (AP) — Playing time in the St Louis outfield has been hard to come by for Jose Martinez lately. He earned some more yesterday afternoon. Martinez hit two solo homers and the St Louis Cardinals beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-0 in the opener of a day-night doubleheader. Martinez connected in the fifth and eighth innings for his first multi-homer game. He added a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning. “He’s doing a nice job, even in the outfield,” Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. “He’s doing everything we ask and you talk about dangerous hitters, I think you can count him in that category.” Martinez had just one at-bat in since June 7 entering the game. The 28-year-old had finally earned regular playing time earlier this season, before a groin injury sidelined him for three weeks. Since then, Dexter Fowler, Tommy Pham and Stephen Piscotty have solidified the Cardinals outfield. “When you’re not playing, you’ve got to be ready for every opportunity,” Martinez said. “Everything is mental. You’ve got to be mentally prepared 100 per cent and try to make something happen every time and not try to do too much.” Martinez’s 415-foot opposite

field drive to right-centre ignited a three-run Cardinals rally in the fifth. Matt Carpenter followed with an RBI double and scored on Fowler’s single to make it 3-0. Kolten Wong had an RBI double as the Cardinals extended their lead to 5-0 in the sixth. Martinez’s homer to left in the eighth travelled 436 feet. The game was especially meaningful because it was the first time his mother, visiting from Venezuela, had gotten to see him play in the big leagues. “You never know what’s going to happen tomorrow and that’s the deal for me,” Martinez said. “You’ve got to go out there and do your best.” Right-hander Lance Lynn (53) struggled with his control with four walks, but was able to get out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the fifth. Lynn struck out eight, including the side in the fourth inning. “They put together some good at-bats,” Lynn said. “There wasn’t too many hard hit balls either. I had good stuff; I was just missing here and there at times.” John Brebbia pitched a perfect sixth inning and Tyler Lyons pitched the final three innings to earn his first career save. The Cardinals bullpen allowed three hits in four innings. Lefty Brent Suter, recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs as the Brewers’ 26th man for the doubleheader, got the surprise start after right-hander Brandon Woodruff

stranding seven runners in the first five innings. Hernan Perez popped to shallow centre in the fifth after a walk had loaded the bases with one out in the fifth and Travis Shaw flied out to centre to leave the bases loaded. PROUD GRANDPA The Cardinals announced that Ryker James was born Tuesday morning to Tate and Margaret Matheny, making manager Mike Matheny a grandfather for the first time.

ST. Louis Cardinals’ Jose Martinez hits a solo home run during the eighth inning in the first game of a baseball doubleheader yesterday in St Louis. The home run was the second of the day for Martinez in the Cardinals’s 6-0 victory. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) had his major league debut postponed during warm-ups because of right hamstring soreness. Suter (0-1) started with four innings of one-hit ball, before running into trouble in the fifth. He also recorded his first major league hit with a single to left in the top of the fifth inning. “I was surprised to say the least,” Suter said. “I was in there eating crackers getting ready for the game and got the call, ‘Hey Sute.’ I thought it was like bad news or something. I thought something happened. It turns out

it kind of was bad news Woody went down. But 25 minutes later I’m starting at Busch Stadium.” MILESTONE Chad Huffman recorded his first Major League extra base hit with a triple in the Cardinals’ three-run fifth. It was his first hit since June 27, 2010 at Los Angeles, marking the eighth-longest streak between hits since 2000. MISSED OPPORTUNITIES The Brewers couldn’t capitalise on Lynn’s lack of command,

TRAINING ROOM Brewers: 3B Shaw (family medical emergency) was reinstated. RHP Rob Scahill was designated for assignment and OF Brett Phillips was optioned to Colorado Springs. Cardinals: RHP Sam Tuivailala was recalled from TripleA Memphis, INF Jhonny Peralta was given his unconditional release and INF Paul DeJong was optioned to Memphis. UP NEXT Brewers: RHP Jimmy Nelson (4-3, 3.45 ERA) has won his past two decisions. He is 0-8 with a 7.09 ERA in 10 appearances against St. Louis. Cardinals: LHP Marco Gonzales (debut) was recalled from Memphis to make his first start since September 1, 2015, after missing all of 2016 after Tommy John surgery.

BASEBALL CAPSULES PIRATES 7, ROCKIES 2 PITTSBURGH (AP) — Jameson Taillon pitched five scoreless innings in his return from treatments for testicular cancer and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Colorado Rockies 7-2 on Monday night. Taillon (3-1) allowed five hits, walked two and struck out five. The 25-year-old had surgery May 8, four days after losing to the Reds at Cincinnati, then made three rehab starts in the minor leagues. Josh Harrison hit a tworun home run, his eighth, in the first inning off Kyle Freeland (7-4). Harrison, David Freese and Jose Osuna each had two hits for the Pirates. Freeland, a rookie, lost for the first time in seven road starts by giving up five runs (four earned) and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings. Freeland failed to pitch the past the sixth inning for just the second time in his last 10

starts and allowed a home run in a sixth consecutive outing. METS 6, CUBS 1 NEW YORK (AP) — Jacob deGrom pitched a fivehitter, Asdrubal Cabrera atoned for an embarrassing error by lining two home runs and turning four double plays, and the Mets beat the Cubs. DeGrom (5-3) threw the Mets’ first complete game of the season as New York won its fourth in a row. Still under .500 but getting healthier, the Mets started a key two-week stretch where they face 14 straight games against teams that reached the NL playoffs last year. The Cubs dropped to 3132 with their ninth straight road loss — the World Series champions haven’t won away from Wrigley Field in a month during their worst road skid since 2012. Mets star outfielder

Yoenis Cespedes left the game because of a sore left heel. He went 1 for 3 before being pulled. On Saturday, Cespedes hit a grand slam at Atlanta in his return from a six-week stint on the disabled list. He had been out with a strained left hamstring, and also had been nagged by trouble with his quadriceps. John Lackey (4-7) fell to 0-4 in five starts. BRAVES 11, NATIONALS 10 WASHINGTON (AP) — Tyler Flowers hit a goahead three-run home run off Matt Albers in the ninth inning and the Braves came from three runs down to beat the Nationals 11-10 and snap a three-game skid. Flowers had been hitless in his first four at-bats before he took Albers’ fastball to the opposite field and into the Nationals bullpen. Matt Adams hit a pair of homers, including one of starter Stephen Strasburg. The Nationals’ ace gave up six runs and three homers. Adams’ second homer, a solo shot, was the first of five runs scored against a Nationals bullpen that blew its 11th save and second during a four-game losing streak. Albers (2-1) allowed the final three runs in the ninth after entering to work out of an eighth-inning jam. Atlanta’s bullpen allowed two runs over 5 and 2/3 innings. Jason Motte (1-0) pitched a scoreless eighth and Jim Johnson allowed a run but completed the ninth for his 13th save. RED SOX 6, PHILLIES 5 11 innings BOSTON (AP) — Dustin Pedroia singled home the winning run in the 11th inning to lift the Red Sox to a win over the Phillies. Pablo Sandoval opened the inning with a single off Casey Fein (0-1). Deven Marrero pinch-ran and moved up on a sacrifice. After Mookie Betts was intentionally walked, Pedroia hit a ground single to right and Marrero beat the throw from Aaron Altherr with a headfirst slide on a close play. Hanley Ramirez had tied the game 5-5 in the eighth with a homer. Betts had four hits with three doubles and a single, and Andrew Benintendi also hit a solo homer for Boston, which has won three of four. Tommy Joseph had a two-run single and former Red Sox Daniel Nava three hits for the Phillies, who have lost 10 of their last 12 games in Fenway Park. Matt Barnes (5-2) pitched two scoreless innings of relief with five strikeouts.

WHITE SOX 10, ORIOLES 7 CHICAGO (AP) — Kevan Smith hit his first career home run, Avisail Garcia celebrated his 26th birthday with three RBIs and the White Sox beat the Orioles. The White Sox opened a four-game series on a strong note after dropping nine of 11 and handed the Orioles their fifth straight loss. Smith set the tone with a two-run drive in the second against Wade Miley (2-4) and finished with a careerbest three RBIs. Garcia added an RBI double in a four-run third and drove in two more with a single in the fourth to give Chicago an 8-2 lead. Matt Davidson had an RBI single and solo homer. Melky Cabrera had three of Chicago’s 14 hits. Jose Abreu added a single, a ground-rule double and scored twice. Jake Petricka (1-0) pitched one-hit ball over 2 1/3 innings after Mike Pelfrey struggled, and the White Sox picked up the win after a 2-7 road trip. MARINERS 14, TWINS 3 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Nelson Cruz drove in four runs, Mitch Haniger had four hits, and the Seattle Mariners started a series against Minnesota with a football score for the second time in a week to beat the Twins. Danny Valencia and Mike Zunino hit backto-back home runs in the eighth inning, the fifth such feat for the Mariners this season. Yovani Gallardo (3-6) sailed through six innings with the excess support, allowing three runs and seven hits. Twins rookie Adalberto Mejia (1-2) struggled from the start, allowing nine hits and nine runs and leaving with two outs in the fourth inning. The first two batters in the lineup, Ben Gamel and Haniger, reached base and eventually scored all three times they faced Mejia. RANGERS 6, ASTROS 1 HOUSTON (AP) — Yu Darvish pitched seven solid innings and Nomar Mazara hit a three-run homer to give the Rangers a win over the Astros. Darvish (6-4) allowed one hit and one run with three walks. He induced a season-best 12 groundball outs. The Rangers went up 2-0 on back-to-back triples by Rougned Odor and Joey Gallo in the third inning. The Astros got an RBI single by Alex Bregman in the fifth, but a run-scoring

double by Adrian Beltre gave the Rangers some insurance in the sixth inning. Mazara provided more cushion with his shot to straightaway centre field off Dayan Diaz with two outs in the eighth to make it 6-1. Houston starter Joe Musgrove (4-5) allowed five hits and two runs in 4 2/3 innings. YANKEES 5, ANGELS 3 ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Aaron Judge hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the eighth inning to lead the Yankees to their sixth consecutive victory, over the Angels. One day after hitting a 495-foot homer in the Bronx, Judge hit a majestic 438-foot shot on the opposite coast for his fourth homer in three games and the 22nd of his spectacular rookie season. The California native hit his first homer in his home state after Angels manager

Mike Scioscia curiously allowed closer Bud Norris to pitch to the AL homers leader with first base open. Jose Alvarez (0-3) gave up Aaron Hicks’ one-out double before Judge’s homer. Tyler Clippard (1-3) got the win and Dellin Betances recorded four outs for his sixth save. PADRES 9, REDS 3 SAN DIEGO (AP) — Franchy Cordero hit his first major league home run, Austin Hedges had three hits and three RBIs, and the Padres beat the Reds. Cordero, who debuted in the majors May 27, hit an opposite-field shot during a six-run surge in the second inning that also included Yangervis Solarte’s sixth home run. Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo (3-5) had allowed a major league-high 20 home runs entering Monday and brought in a 6.25 ERA.

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Wednesday, June 14, 2017, PAGE 5

No longer NBA champions, Cavs now chasing Warriors

By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer CLEVELAND (AP) — Once he congratulated Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, LeBron James left the floor following Game 5 and found Kyrie Irving waiting for him. Cleveland’s two stars embraced, and as they headed toward the locker room and Queen’s “We Are the Champions” played inside thundering Oakland’s Oracle Arena, James delivered a message to his teammate and the world. “We’ll be back,” he said. “We’ll be back.” They were fabulous and flawed defending NBA champs, their deficiencies in depth and defence exposed by a superior team in the Finals. One year after their historic comeback, James and the Cavaliers couldn’t catch the Golden State Warriors. Unable to defend their title despite the league’s highest payroll, rampaging through the Eastern Conference playoffs and James’ brilliance against the free-wheeling Warriors for five games, the Cavs are

no longer the team to beat. They’re still championship calibre, but a step or two behind a glittering Golden State team that went 81-18 in Durant’s first season and built for the long haul. At 32, and playing as well as ever in 14 seasons, James has a possible dynasty blocking his path. “I need to sit down and figure this thing out,” said James, who averaged 33.6 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in his seventh consecutive Finals. “They’re going to be around for a while. Pretty much all their guys are in their 20s. Pretty much all their big-name guys are in their 20s, and they don’t show any signs of slowing down. ... From my eyes, they’re built to last a few years.” The Cavaliers aren’t constructed for the same longevity. James is under contract for one more season, and there’s no guarantee the three-time champion and five-time Finals loser will sign a long-term deal in 2018 with Cleveland despite his deep devotion to Northeast Ohio. Last week, James said he didn’t know

CLEVELAND Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Kevin Love (0) and Kyrie Irving (2) during the first half of Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane) how many years he has left. It’s possible that his outside business interests, which include a desire to one day own an NBA team, could push him into retirement. That’s down the road. A more pressing concern for the team is the status of general manager David Griffin, whose contract expires on June 30. Aided by having James to build around and owner Dan Gilbert’s willingness to spend, Griffin has assembled and overseen a roster that has made three straight

Finals and is positioned to stay atop the East. Griffin has been with the club since 2010, taking over as GM when Chris Grant was fired in 2014. He’s the one who persuaded Irving to sign a long-term deal with Cleveland before it was known that James was coming back and Griffin pulled off the trade for Kevin Love. He acquired veterans J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert in 2015, fired coach David Blatt and promoted Tyronn Lue midway through the ‘16 season

and added Kyle Korver, Deron Williams and Andrew Bogut this year. Gilbert and Griffin are expected to meet again this week. Griffin has been linked to past openings in Orlando, Atlanta and Milwaukee, but his preference is to stay with Cleveland as he and his wife, Meredith, have immersed themselves in the community. Once the front office situation is settled, the next priorities are addressing Cleveland’s weaknesses: defence, an aging bench and backup point guard. The Cavaliers couldn’t stop the Warriors during critical stretches in the Finals, and there were warning signs long before Durant got free for dunks, Curry drained wide-open 3-pointers or Golden State averaged 121.6 points. Cleveland’s defence was suspect all season, ranking among the worst in statistical efficiency. The Cavs often outscored their mistakes, but the lack of a rim protector (Bogut was injured in his first minute on the floor) and a defensive commitment proved costly. Both areas must be fixed.

Korver, Channing Frye, Richard Jefferson and Deron Williams contributed during the regular season and earlier rounds against Indiana, Toronto and Boston, but with the exception of Jefferson, the seasoned vets were overmatched against the younger, quicker Warriors. Cleveland needs an infusion of young blood to fix a second unit that struggled from the opener. Then there’s Love, who went just 2 of 8 in Game 5 and had 1-of-9 and 4-of-13 shooting performances earlier in the Finals. The AllStar forward has been the subject of trade rumblings in the past and his name is certain to surface this summer as contending teams look for that missing piece to close the gap on Golden State. For James, second place is no consolation, not when success is measured by championship rings. There was no shame in falling for the second time in three years to the Warriors, a 73win team that needed Durant to dethrone James. His new challenge is to get back on top.

CHARLES’ BIG GAME LIFTS NEW YORK TO 94-86 WIN OVER SEATTLE By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — With the game on the line, the New York Liberty weren’t about to let another one slip away to Seattle. Tina Charles had 21 points and 14 rebounds and New York used a 12-1 late run to beat the Seattle Storm 94-86 on Sunday. “We had total confidence down the stretch,” Charles said. “Sugar (Rodgers) and Shavonte (Zellous) came up with big plays for us.” Trailing 83-80 with 3:05 left, Bria Hartley tapped the ball to Shavonte Zellous to hit a 3-pointer that tied it and started the gameending burst. On the next play, she stripped the ball from Jewell Loyd and then converted the layup on the

other end that gave New York the lead. A free throw by Alysha Clark got the Storm within 85-84 but Kiah Stokes’ putback made it 87-84 with 1:15 left. Seattle then turned it over on the next possession and Zellous converted another layup to seal the win and give New York (6-3) a fourth straight win. “We’re playing well right now despite missing two key people,” Charles added. New York has gone 4-0 since Epiphanny Prince and Kia Vaughn left for the EuroBasket tournament. Breanna Stewart finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Storm (5-4), who beat New York last month, rallying down the stretch. Sue Bird finished with a season-high 21 points and Loyd had 19.

“Put ourselves in a hole early on, it takes a lot of energy to fight back from that,” Bird said. “Down the stretch, they made more plays than we did. We had some costly turnovers and they were able to get just enough of a lead. When there’s 45 seconds, five is just enough of a lead to secure it.” Rodgers had 21 points and Zellous 16 for New York. “We were just able to get defensive stops at the end, we still have a lot of things to work on,” Rodgers said. “We just have to work on the little things like offensive rebounding and boxing out. Just little key things that will get us to the playoffs and to a championship.” New York held an

11-point lead in the second quarter before Stewart and Bird rallied Seattle within 43-40 at the half. Stewart had 14 points and Bird added 13 points in the opening 20 minutes. Charles led New York with 13. COME-FROMBEHIND For the first time this season and only the second time in the last two years, New York won when

it trailed heading into the fourth quarter. The Liberty were 1-11 last season and 0-2 this year. TIP-INS STORM: Bird is second on the league’s all-time assist lead, trailing only Ticha Penicheiro, who finished her career with 2,599. Bird has 2,468. LIBERTY: In New York’s win over Atlanta on Wednesday, Stokes and

Charles became just the fourth set of teammates in WNBA history to each grab 15 or more rebounds in a game. They were the only the second to do it in a regulation game. After leading wire-to-wire in the last two games, the Liberty gave up the first basket of the game ending that streak. It was the first time since 1999 that New York had consecutive games where the team didn’t trail.

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Wednesday, June 14, 2017, PAGE 7

Hamilton wins F1 Canadian GP, picks up points on Vettel By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports Writer MONTREAL (AP) — Lewis Hamilton is still finding novel ways to win the Canadian Grand Prix. The three-time Formula One champion earned his sixth victory — and third in a row — on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Sunday, taking a clear path from the pole to the checkered flag to win by almost 20 seconds. The new twist: Valtteri Bottas was second, the first 1-2 finish for the Mercedes teammates since they joined forces this season. “I think experiencing it with Valtteri is definitely different,” said Hamilton, who was paired with Nico Rosberg for the previous four years. “I think the chemistry Valtteri and I have is different. I think the working environment we’ve both experienced this year is on a complete other level, on a professional level that’s been above any other year that I have experienced.” A week after Mercedes missed the podium com-

pletely in Monaco, Hamilton completed 70 laps in 1 hour, 33 minutes, 5.154 seconds on a hot and windy day on Montreal’s Ile Notre-Dame. It was Hamilton’s fourth career Grand Slam — winning the pole, leading every lap, winning the race and posting the fastest lap, and he cut Sebastien Vettel’s lead in the championship standings from 25 points to 12. Mercedes also moved into the lead in the constructors’ standings, passing Ferrari. “Those are the results we need if we are going to win the championship,” Bottas said. Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo was third for the third straight week, celebrating on the podium by drinking champagne out of his race-worn shoe. He then shared a sip with actor Sir Patrick Stewart, who was serving as the post-race master of ceremonies. Vettel was fourth, an impressive finish after his right front wing was clipped by Max Verstappen at the start. The pit stop to repair the damage left the Ferrari

MERCEDES driver Lewis Hamilton, of Britain, greets fans after winning the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on Sunday. Photo: Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP) en a three-spot grid penalty for the next race, in Azerbaijan, for his role in the crash that knocked him and Massa from the race and left Romain Grosjean with front wing damage. Hamilton only saw the damage in his mirrors. “I got a really good start, so I was generally in the clear,” he said. “Seeing the Ferrari further back, I thought, ‘That’s fantastic

at the back of the field just six laps in. “We came out last,” Vettel said. “I knew we could recover, because we were quicker than the cars ahead. But you have to fight your way through the field, which is a lot of work; not easy.” A bigger crash took Felipe Massa and Carlos Sainz out of the race just seconds later. Sainz was giv-

for us.’” The pink Force India cars of Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon were fifth and sixth after battling each other on the track — and over the radio — for position down the stretch. After Perez was told to let Ocon pass so he could challenge Ricciardo on his fresher tires, he radioed back: “Let us race, man. Please.” Ocon responded on his

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 72° F/22° C

TAMPA

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Some sun with a shower in places

Partly cloudy, a shower; warm

Partly sunny, a t‑storm in spots

Mostly cloudy with a thunderstorm

Cloudy with a shower or t‑storm

A t‑storm or two in the morning

High: 93°

Low: 81°

High: 93° Low: 79°

High: 92° Low: 80°

High: 91° Low: 77°

High: 92° Low: 79°

AccuWeather RealFeel

102° F

84° F

102°-84° F

100°-84° F

101°-82° F

103°-85° F

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

almanac

ABACO

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

7‑14 knots

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 77° F/25° C

6‑12 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 78° F/26° C

W S

WEST PALM BEACH

uV inDex toDay

TONIGHT

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 75° F/24° C

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 76° F/24° C

MIAMI

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

7‑14 knots

KEY WEST

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 91° F/33° C Low .................................................... 78° F/26° C Normal high ....................................... 87° F/31° C Normal low ........................................ 74° F/23° C Last year’s high ................................. 88° F/31° C Last year’s low ................................... 77° F/25° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.03” Year to date ................................................. 5.15” Normal year to date ................................... 10.65”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 93° F/34° C Low: 81° F/27° C

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 80° F/27° C

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

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

11:52 a.m. ‑‑‑‑‑

2.2 ‑‑‑‑‑

5:57 a.m. 5:51 p.m.

0.3 0.4

Thursday

12:08 a.m. 12:39 p.m.

2.7 2.3

6:40 a.m. 6:41 p.m.

0.3 0.5

Friday

12:54 a.m. 1:31 p.m.

2.7 2.4

7:25 a.m. 7:36 p.m.

0.3 0.6

Saturday

1:45 a.m. 2:27 p.m.

2.6 2.5

8:15 a.m. 8:38 p.m.

0.2 0.5

Sunday

2:41 a.m. 3:26 p.m.

2.6 2.7

9:07 a.m. 9:42 p.m.

0.1 0.4

Monday

3:40 a.m. 4:25 p.m.

2.6 2.9

10:02 a.m. ‑0.1 10:46 p.m. 0.2

Tuesday

4:40 a.m. 5:23 p.m.

2.6 3.2

10:57 a.m. ‑0.3 11:47 p.m. 0.0

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:20 a.m. 8:01 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

11:55 p.m. 10:38 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Jun. 17

Jun. 23

Jun. 30

Jul. 8

CAT ISLAND

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 79° F/26° C

7‑14 knots

8‑16 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

way in: “He cannot do that. That’s not fair racing at all.” Native Montrealer Lance Stroll was ninth — the firstever points for the 18-yearold rookie; Hamilton gave him a thumbs-up as he passed on the track. “My first points! It is special. I will always remember it,” he said. “When everyone is there and everyone is happy it feels good, especially at home. I can’t think of a better place to do it.” Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso continued to struggle with his McLaren Honda. Despite a power deficit — exacerbated by a strong headwind in the straightaway — he was headed for a Top 10 finish before engine problems in the final lap forced him to park alongside the track. He climbed out of the car and walked into the stands — much to the delight of the crowd, which swarmed around him. “The grandstand was too far away, so I said I would not get there if I throw the gloves,” he said. “So I go a little bit closer to them. Once I was there, I could not go back.”

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 79° F/26° C

7‑14 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

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

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 88° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

8‑16 knots

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

Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday:

WINDS SE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 4‑8 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots

WAVES 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑6 Feet 3‑5 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 81° F 81° F 85° F 85° F 80° F 80° F 83° F 83° F 79° F 79° F 80° F 80° F 85° F 85° F 83° F 83° F 84° F 84° F 81° F 81° F 80° F 80° F 84° F 84° F 80° F 80° F

PAGE 8, Wednesday, June 14, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

‘PEACE ON DA STREETS’ BASKETBALL CLASSIC ALL SET FOR JULY 10-15 FROM PAGE 1 bis Bahamas Limited, said they are delighted to have the opportunity to assist in the initiative as it adds to the academic favour they enjoyed in the recent sponsorship of the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards. “When Dr Reid reached out to us to be a part of this initiative, we were more

than happy to lend our support,” she stated. “To all of the competitors that will be competing in this event, especially those in the Rubis Slam Dunk competition, we wish for the best. “We have an amazing cash prize that you would want to grab a whole of, so we want you to bring you’re ‘A’ game to it and Dr Reid we want you to know that you have our commitment in more investments

in our young people and we appreciate your continued and unwavering commitment to doing that.” The Slam Dunk contest, according to Reid, will see the return of defending champion ‘Werm’ out of Fort Lauderdale, who will be among of the list of contenders for the $1,000 cash prize. Sol 19-And-Under Division Valentino Hanna, sales

Calling All High

and marketing manager at Sol Petroleum Bahamas Limited, said as a proud supporter of the community for over 100 years, and in particular the Esso Junior Junkanoo Parade, which celebrated its 29th year in 2016. “We’re encouraged by Dr Reid’s efforts to assist atrisk youths and we continue to be a supporter on this event and other events that Dr Reid will have in the future,” he stated. Reach Out Ministries are the defending champions in not only the 9-andunder, but also the Negril Café 16-and-under division and Reid said another team from Grand Bahama is expected to join them this year.

Vitamalt Open Division Dominique Butler, the Vitamalt brand representative, said they are also very proud to be a sponsor of the tournament and they look forward to this being another form of them targeting the young people in our society. “Vitamalt is known in the country as a stable beverage and we want persons in the community to know that we are here to take care of you,” she said. “So when Mr Reid approached us about this effort, we did not hesitate. We look forward to the event. It’s something different for us. We have done something like this in the past like GSSSA and Huge Campbell, so it’s something

that we will continue to support.” Who will win the Pastors vs Politicians game? With a change in the make-up of the government, Reid said the Politicians have some new breed in Shenandoah Cartwright, Halson Moultrie and Vaughn Miller, who have vowed to dethrone the Pastors this year. “Last year, the game was not so much for laughs,” Reid said. “We had a good game last year. But I see that game being awesome this year. We will hear as the weeks go by, persons who will be participating from time to time.” He said the public can check out their Facebook page for regular updates.

SCHOOL STUDENTS

BIMINI Regatta chairman Edward Reckley speaks of the big event June 23-25 in Alice Town.

ALIV THUNDERBIRD TO DEFEND TITLE IN THE BIMINI REGATTA FROM PAGE 1

Every year in August THE TRIBUNE publishes a popular Back to School supplement as a guide to the following academic year. In the supplement we feature the profiles of high school students across the Bahamas and Family Islands. We want profiles from as many schools and students as possible to make this guide essential and informative.

Profiles must include 1. Name 2. Age 3. School 4. Grade 5. Parent name or names 6. Goals and aspirations, prizes won and honours awarded

7. Name of college they will be attending (if attending) Plus a suitable photograph in .jpeg format (graduation or any other image).

How to submit profiles Email to back2school@ tribunemedia.net with ‘Back To School’ in the subject field and photos in .jpeg format. By post to Back To School, The Tribune, Shirley Street & Deveaux Streets, PO Box N-3207, Nassau. By hand to The Tribune office The deadline for the profiles is June 30, 2017 and there is no cost involved. For any questions please contact Tribune Features at 5022380 or 502-2391.

and we are expecting that to happen once again. So we are looking forward to enlarging that with Bahamian participants. We’re really asking all of our Bahamian brothers and sisters involved in sailing to see the development in Bimini.” Edward Reckley, president of the Bimini Regatta, said this year they are taking the regatta to another level in doing a little more for the kids. “This year is expected to be a very successful one. This is something new to the island,” he stressed. “Right now we have more than enough boats who want to take part, but we can only go so far with it.” Roscoe Dames, CEO of the Bahamas National Festival Commission, said there’s no better place to be than in Bimini to complete their year-long circle of activities. “I know the slogan is lay low in Bimini, but the weekend of June 23-25, Bimini

is going to come alive with great entertainment, local entertainment,” Dames proclaimed. “What better way to combine sloop sailing with rake-and-scrape, down home Bahamian cultural experience. It’s going to be a true lay low in Bimini experience.” The commission according to Dames, reaches out and supports initiatives in the Family Islands and persons like Geno D, Ira Storr and the Spank Band, Lady E and Stevie S from Bimini are among the line up of entertainers. “We are quite excited as the National Commission. We just participated in the Red Bays Fishing competition and we have done an event in Inagua, so going to Bimini completes the 20162017 cycle.” Sean Munroe, one of the local organisers, said they are looking forward to putting on three exciting Cup races as they compete from Friday to Saturday. “I’m looking forward to a good showing and to give the (Aliv) Thunderbird

a run for her money this year,” he said. Urban Gibson, the builder and captain of Uncle John, said after he got a taste of the competition in Bimini last year, he wouldn’t want to miss the trip this year for nothing in the world. “I’ve travelled all over the Bahamas to regattas and Bimini was one of the best,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it this year. I can’t wait. I’m looking forward to some good competition and being in Bimini this year.” The treasurer of the Bimini Regatta said next weekend is the place to be. “We want everybody to come down and spend some money,” he said. For those interested, the Sherice M will sail at 5pm on Wednesday, June 21 for Bimini and will return Saturday evening following the BTC beach party. A special of $125 is being offered for travel to the regatta. Tickets can be purchased at the Sherice M’s office at the eastern end of the dock.