SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2025
Junior baseball nationals set for GB
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
After hosting a successful Andre Rodgers Senior National Baseball Championships, the Bahamas Baseball Association is eager to return to Grand Bahama for the Grand Bahama Port Authority -sponsored junior nationals this weekend.
BBA secretary general Theodore “Teddy” Sweeting said the nationals, scheduled for the Emera Baseball Complex, will showcase competition in the Coach Pitch division of the 8-and-under, 10-under, 12-under and 14-under.
Freedom Farm was awarded the championship titles in all four divisions after they were leading before the rain came and cancelled the rest of play.
“We are very grateful to have the Grand Bahama Port Authority come back and sponsor the championships as they have historically done in the past,” Sweeting said.
“They are ensuring that we will have another successful tournament in the four divisions being contested. “Last year, we awarded the four titles to Freedom Farm because of the rain. They were leading in each division up to the showers of blessings.”
Games will be played from Thursday and will be completed on Sunday when the champions are crowned.
If it rains again, Sweeting said they will “pray” and look at the team standings to determine the winners.
“It’s going to be very exciting,” Sweeting said. “This is going to be the largest nationals that we will have with the return
of Long Island, Andros and Abaco, which will feature the north and central, which is headed by Troy Feaste, whose team did extremely well in the 26U nationals. “It will be very interesting to watch the Family Island teams play against the big horses like Freedom Farm and JBLN, as well as the teams from Grand Bhama, including Grand Bahama Amateur Baseball Association, the Grand Bahama
Little League and Legacy Baseball League.”
While the visiting teams will make their way to Grand Bahama on Thursday, games will start at 4pm and continue on Friday at 8am. The opening ceremonies are scheduled for 7pm on Friday.
Games resume on Saturday at 9am as teams jockey for the playoffs that will be played on Sunday when the eventual champions will be decided. “This is going to be an exciting time for these young players,” Sweeting said.
A total of eight teams will be participating in the 12U division, six in the 14U and five each in the 10U and 8U divisions.
“Many of the young men who now play in the professional ranks have all played in the nationals,” Sweeting said. “So the nationals are extremely important to our development of the sport.
“So this gives our aspiring college and pro players the opportunity to play against each other and the success of the nationals is what we see unfolding right in front of our eyes with more players getting the opportunity to play college and pro baseball.”
The best way for the players to develop their skills is for them to compete and so having the Family Island teams come in to play against the teams from New Providence and Grand Bahama will grow their level of competition.
“So we are happy with where we are. We have a new vibrant young president in CJ McKenzie, who has come on board and has taken the bull by the horn to move baseball forward and make sure our kids have all of the opportunities in the world to play baseball,” Sweeting explained.
THE wheels are in motion for the continuation of the biggest push, run and walk event to be staged in The Bahamas by the Public Hospitals Authority on Saturday, July 5.
Now into its 14th year under the initial leadership of Dr Indira Grimes, the Push-A-Thon has grown by leaps and bounds, according to Dr Kezia Rolle, the chairperson for this year’s event.
“We are trying to secure medical supplies for the geriatric ward at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Center, so we’re asking for people to come out and support this worthy cause,” Rolle said.
Jonquel returns, produces double double in 86-81 win over Dream
NEW YORK (AP)
— Sabrina Ionescu had her second consecutive 34-point game, and the New York Liberty rallied from a 17-point deficit in the second half to edge the Atlanta Dream 86-81 last night. The Liberty trailed 62-47 midway through the third quarter before taking over behind Ionescu’s 15 points and Breanna Stewart’s 11. Stewart finished with 23 points. The game marked the end of the Commissioner’s Cup games.
Both teams entered with 3-1 records, tied with Indiana. Atlanta would have advanced to the final with a win but Indiana, which beat Connecticut 88-71, had the tiebreaker over the Liberty thanks to the Fever handing New York its first loss of the season on Saturday.
Jonquel Jones, returning to the court last night after nursing an ankle injury, had 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Liberty (10-1).
Rookie Te-Hina Paopao led the Dream (8-4) with 16 points, all in the first half. Allisha Gray added 14 points and Brionna Jones and Rhyne Howard both had 13.
Paopao hit six of seven shots, with four 3s, to help the Dream take a 43-40 lead at the break.
The Dream were hot to start the second half, hitting their first seven shots and racing to a 64-47 lead, the largest deficit of the season for New York. Then the Liberty closed on a
Minister Bowleg makes an appearance during the Basketball Smiles camp
By Jonathan Burrows
DAY two of the Basketball Smiles camp brought both energy and inspiration as campers were provided with intense skill development sessions, along with an appearance by the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture Mario Bowleg.
The day kicked off yesterday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium where the female group engaged in high-tempo drills focused on ball movement and defensive footwork.
Coaches emphasised communication and hustle, while players rotated through the indoor and outdoor courts, encountering drills that challenged both fundamentals and fitness.
The mid-day intermission allowed campers from the morning session to take a break as their session came to a close while being provided with light refreshments. At this time, campers for the second session began to gather at the gym as they prepared themselves for the afternoon session.
highlight of the day came during the
13-4 run to get within eight after three quarters. The Liberty’s previous largest deficit was 16 on Saturday when they lost to Indiana. Natasha Cloud’s threepoint play with 3:56 to play tied the game at 76.
The teams traded threes before Stewart made the go-ahead layup and added another on the next possession to make it 83-79. Both were set up by offensive rebounds.
Liberty play Mercury on Thursday night.
Under the theme: “Keep Pushing Forward,” this year’s Push-A-Thon will be under the patronage of Leslie Miller, a former Member of Parliament and an advocate for healthy lifestyles.
The aim, according to Rolle, is to attract at least 500 persons from all sectors of life, including those who want to team up and form groups. The largest group registered will receive a special prize. Participants can register online at www. pushathon242.com and pay online via the Cash ‘n’ Go app or via any Cash ‘n’ Go location or at the accounts department at Sandilands Rehabilitation Center.
Persons can also print off a registration form hard copy and drop off at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Center. The deadline for pre-registration online is July 3 and pre-registration in person is July 4 at a cost
EVENT
Boulevard. There is
minister, Bowleg spoke about keeping passion
how
MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg interacts with the youngsters yesterday on day two of the Basketball Smiles camp at Kendal Isaacs Gym.
Photo: Jonathan Burrows
THEODORE SWEETING
BAHAMAS TO HOST GROUNDBREAKING WRESTLING EVENT
FROM PAGE E1
door to WWE’s developmental system.
“Hosting the first WWE ID match in the Caribbean is monumental as it not only brings countless wrestling fans to our shores, but it is also a testament to our commitment to diversifying our tourism offerings and supporting regional talent,” said Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.
“This event will undoubtedly further solidify The Bahamas as a prime destination for sports tourism and unique experiences,” he added.
The highly anticipated marquee match will take place on Saturday, June 28 at the luxurious Baha Mar resort featuring WWE ID prospect Gal Barkay
against wrestling veteran and former WWE Superstar JTG (formerly of Cryme Tyme). The Bahamas’ own Baha Boyz will also step into the ring, thrilling hometown fans.
The evening will also feature a title defence by reigning ACW Champion “The Pope” Elijah Burke against Prince Agballah, the fierce leader of Nu Nation.
A highly anticipated grudge match will see Kenny King face off against Marty Scurll, while rising star Cassandra Golden challenges Jayme Jameson in a heated women’s showdown.
Additionally, ACW women’s champion Kaylia Capri, known for her time in WWE NXT, will defend her title against former WWE NXT UK standout Aleah James.
“This is more than just a match - it’s a platform for opportunity,” said Henry.”
“ACW is proud to work alongside WWE to help identify, elevate and showcase talent from this region to a worldwide audience,” Cooper stated.
ACW airs weekly on the Tempo Network, and tickets for the June 28 event can be purchased at BahaBash2.eventbrite. com.
SANDILANDS PUSH-A-THON
of $20 per person. Late registration will be conducted on race day on Saturday, July 5, from 5:30 to 6am for $25. Participants over 60 will only be charged $15. There will be three categories for male and female walkers, runners and those who will be pushed by a family member or friend. Prizes will be awarded to the first three finishers in each category.
The first route is for the walkers and wheelchair pushers. It will start at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre continuing north on Fox Hill Road then east on Prince Charles Drive, south through Elizabeth Estates, then west on Yamacraw Road, then north on Fox Hill Road and ending at the starting point.
The second route is for the runners. This will also start at the entrance of Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, travel north on Fox Hill Road then east on Prince Charles Drive, then south along the shoreline of Yamacraw Hill Road, continuing west on Yamacraw Hill Road, then north on Fox Hill Rd and ending at the starting point.
Dr Rolle is encouraging the general public, especially those who will be a part of the route, to come out and support the event by participating and not just watching from the sidelines.
Minister Bowleg interacts with the youngsters at Basketball Smiles camp
FROM PAGE E1
important it is for camps like Basketball Smiles to exist for the youth of The Bahamas. “It does great things for the youth,” said Bowleg about the benefits of having experienced and fundamentally trained coaches lending a helping hand to develop the youth in The Bahamas.
Campers listened intently as he shared personal
anecdotes about his time coaching and stressed the importance of discipline to remain focused and stay on course. “Coaching and development from coaches from the (United) States help enhance the potential of kids in The Bahamas looking to pursue a professional basketball career,” answered Bowleg when explaining how having experienced coaches from the United States can
impact young up-andcoming athletes looking to pursue basketball as a profession. As the day wrapped up for the male session with a scrimmage, the energy remained high, and the message of Mario Bowleg’s visit echoed through the gym. With more surprises and competition ahead, day two set the tone of growth both on and off the court.
Camp at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium from June 23 to July 18.
The camp, held under the theme “Developing Champions on all levels,” is designed for boys and girls between the ages of four and 18 and will be held from 8am to 2pm. Interested persons can call 466-0049 for more details.
CHARITY GOLF
INVITATIONAL
THE Pilot Club International is scheduled to hold a XCharity Golf Invitational Fundraiser on Friday, June 20 at the Ocean Club on Paradise Island.
The event will get started with a shotgun start at 8am, followed by the awards luncheon.
The donation is $1,000 per foursome. For more information. interested persons can call 557-9049.
YOUTH
SOFTBALL CAMP
AS a part of the activities for the Queens of Paradise Softball Tournament next
weekend at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium, a Youth Softball Camp will be held. It is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 20 from 10am to noon for players between the ages of seven and 17 years old. Interested persons can sign up at www/dbhrderby.
com The weekend will be highlighted by a series of professional softball games between the Atlanta Smoke and the Orlando Monarchs from June 19-21.
Don’t Blink Sports Entertainment, headed by Todd Isaacs Jr and Lucius Fox Jr, along with B4Real Enterprises, is hosting the series of events, which will also include a celebrity softball game.
VOLLEYBALL
SUMMER FEST
TOURNEY THE Crusaders/ Warhawks Volleyball Club, in conjunction with the Bahamas Volleyball Federation, is scheduled to host its inaugural Summer Fest Beach Volleyball Tournament from July 10-13 in Rolleville, Exuma. The tournament, sponsored by Fidelity and Rubis,
will feature a men’s 2-on-2 and women’s 3-on-3 format. Cash prizes of $1,000 will be awarded for the winners and $500 for the runners-up in both divisions. Interested teams are urged to call 422-4550 or 801-3131 for more details. 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,” is slated to 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 versus Politicians match-up.
MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg can be seen with the youngsters yesterday on day two of the Basketball Smiles camp at Kendal Isaacs Gym. Photos: Jonathan Burrows
YOUNGSTERS listen to Minister Bowleg at the Basketball Smiles camp.
Ministry of Tourism announces launch of the Bonefishing Tournament Series
THE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation has announced the launch of the 2025 Bonefishing Tournament Series that will showcase diverse pristine flats across four islands – Grand Bahama, Andros, Eleuthera and the championship round will be held in Exuma.
Local anglers and those from the region and around the globe are again expected at this year’s
tournament series which begins in July and ends in October, further solidifying The Bahamas’ position as a top bonefishing destination.
Each tournament will also emphasise sustainable fishing, including catch-andrelease practices.
“Bonefishing continues to grow as a specialised market that brings meaningful economic benefits across The Bahamas,” said Chester Cooper, Deputy
Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.
“These tournaments have a lasting, positive impact on the communities that host them and provide genuine opportunities for Bahamians to build careers within the tourism industry.
“Through these events, we show how sustainable sportfishing supports economic growth and strengthens our islands.”
The tournament will be held across four locations: July 8-13 at the Grand Lucayan Resort
7-12 at the Andros Island Bonefishing Club, Behring Point
14-19 at Unique Village, Governor’s Harbour the championship round, at Black Point Bonefishing
CHESTER COOPER, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.
Club and Emerald’s Inn, Black Point, Exuma
“The fly-fishing industry is a $150 million industry with a myriad of opportunities for Bahamians,” said Rafique Symonette, chairman of
Tourism Development Corporation (TDC).
“We must ensure Bahamian ownership in this space. The TDC stands ready to support Bahamian guides and new bonefish lodges.”
Olympic 100 champion Noah Lyles calls off weekend race with Hill for personal reasons
By The Associated Press
A RACE between Olympic 100-metre champion Noah Lyles and Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill that was never formally announced but supposedly taking place this weekend was called off by Lyles for “personal reasons.”
Lyles announced the cancellation yesterday at Stagwell’s Sport Beach event in Cannes, France. His news was captured in a video posted by the New York Post on Instagram. This postponement followed months of trash talk between the two sports stars. Lyles said in his chat at the Cannes event Tuesday the showdown with Hill was going to take place in Times Square. “Unfortunately, there were some things — complications, personal reasons, that it just didn’t come to pass, but we were full in,” Lyles said in the video. “We were going to have a big event.”
Hill posted on social media a series of pictures with Lyles’ face on Homer
Simpson’s animated character as Simpson retreated into the hedges. Hill also wrote: “ @LylesNoah after seeing me run the 100m last weekend.”
The 31-year-old Hill ran 10.15 seconds in a race last Friday in California. He held up a sign that read “Noah Could Never.”
It was in response to the 27-year-old Lyles flashing a piece of paper that said “Tyreek Could Never” after winning a 60-metre indoor race in February.
Lyles captured Olympic 100-metre gold in Paris last summer in a time that calculated out to 9.784 seconds. It was five-thousandths of a second faster than Kishane Thompson of Jamaica. As Lyles explained it, a race for bragging rights that was never formally announced was on track to possibly take place as soon as this weekend. “It was going to be a lot of fun,” Lyles said in the video.
LEBRON STARS IN AMAZON AD, CREDITS FAMILY FOR HISTORIC 23RD SEASON RETURN WHILE NURSING KNEE INJURY
By JONATHAN LANDRUM JR AP Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP)
— LeBron James may be daydreaming about Prime Day deals in his new Amazon commercial, but there’s no fantasy when it comes to his real-life focus: getting his knee healthy in time for training camp.
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar plans to return for his 23rd NBA season, which would make him the first player in league history to reach that milestone. But before he steps back on the court, James is prioritising rest and recovery after he sustained a knee injury in the final game of the Lakers’ playoff run.
James, 40, said his left knee is feeling “good” after spraining a ligament in April, following the Lakers season-ending loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He emphasised that maintaining his body — through disciplined eating and training routines — remains essential to performing at the highest level.
“I have a lot of time to take care of my injury, my knee, the rest of my body and make sure I’m as close to 100% as possible when training camp begins in late September,” James told The Associated Press. He spoke during an
interview about starring in a new 60-second commercial called “What’s Next?,” which announces the July 8-11 Prime Day dates as part of a global “Greatness is a Deal Away” campaign. These days, James has built a wide-reaching partnership with Amazon, launching his men’s grooming line and hosting the “Mind the Game” podcast alongside NBA legend Steve Nash through Wondery. In the commercial, James is asked whether the retirement rumours are true, but his attention drifts toward the deals. While the NBA’s all-time leading scorer might be tempted by discounts, he’s far from done with the game. He still thrives on the daily grind
— including practices, film sessions and shootarounds
— and hasn’t lost the hunger to compete. A major reason he continues to push forward?
Family. James credits the unwavering support of his wife, Savannah, and their three kids as a driving force. He’s inspired by the chance to share the court with his oldest son, Bronny, who plays for the Lakers; to watch Bryce begin his college journey at the University of Arizona; and to cheer on Zhuri as she pursues volleyball.
The best thing about his children is they’ve never pressured him to end his career, said James, who has a player option for next season that will pay him more than $56.2 million. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points per game along with 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds and was an AllNBA selection.
“They’re like ‘Dad, continue on your dream. This is your dream. Continue on your focus. You’ve been here for us this whole time,’” he continued. “When you have that type of support... it makes it a lot easier.”
James knows the end of his legendary career is coming, but he’s just not sure when.
He said it would be “insane” if he stuck around long enough to play with his son, Bryce, who would be draft eligible in 2026.
“At this point of my career, you think about when the end is. That’s
human nature,” he said.
“You think: Is it this year? Or next year? Those thoughts always creep into your mind at this point of the journey. But I have not given it a specific timetable, date. I’m seeing how my body and family reacts, too.”
LEBRON JAMES (AP)
NOAH LYLES, of the United States, slows down after winning a men’s 100-metres heat during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on August 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Atlanta Dream off to hot start under new coach Karl Smesko and play of Allisha Gray
By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer
NEW YORK (AP) —
The Atlanta Dream made a lot of moves in the offseason, hiring Karl Smesko from Florida Gulf Coast and bringing in Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones to complement Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray.
So far the moves have paid off as the Dream have the third best record in the league behind Minnesota and New York.
Atlanta (8-3) is off to one of the franchise’s best marks through 11 games since coming into the league as an expansion team in 2008. The 2016 team also won eight of its first 11 games but then went on to drop its next six games.
Gray has flourished in Smesko’s system, shooting a career-high 51% from the field including 42% from behind the 3-point line. She earned the league’s Eastern Conference Player of the Month for May.
“I think it’s the offence and just finding my shots,” Gray said. “I feel like Karl puts in an offence and the way he pays attention to the details and really helps me. Tells me if I’m open shoot the ball. Instills that confidence in me, that’s been a big part of my success.”
Griner came to the team as a free agent after spending the first 11 seasons with Phoenix after the Mercury drafted her No. 1 in 2013. With so much talent around her she doesn’t feel like she has to shoulder the load every night for the Dream to win. In a 33-point victory over Washington on
Sunday, she took just four shots. The game before, a rout of Chicago, the 6-foot-8 star took only three shot attempts.
“Before you know if I only took three shots in the game it’s a loss. Here you look up and we’re beating a team by 25,” she said at practice Monday. “It just takes so much pressure off of me.”
Power poll rankings New York and Minnesota both suffered their first losses of the season last week and the Lynx passed the Liberty for the top spot in the poll.
Atlanta moved up to third with Phoenix and Seattle the next two.
Indiana was sixth with Golden State behind them. Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Washington were next. Chicago, Connecticut and Dallas rounded out the poll.
Paint the line orange
The WNBA launched a new initiative last week aiming to bring the women’s professional game closer to communities by painting the official WNBA 3-point line on park basketball courts across the country. It was debuted in New York on Thursday at a park in Brooklyn.
“I’m excited about what this initiative means in terms of access and representation,” said WNBA Head of League Operations Bethany Donaphin, who grew up in New York. “I think it’s just further evidence of the way that we want to be able to connect with young girls who are inspired by the WNBA.”
Player of the week Gray earned Player of the Week honours for the second time this season. The Dream wing averaged
23.3 points, six rebounds and 4.3 assists to help the team go 3-0 on the week. Other players receiving consideration were Napheesa Collier of Minnesota, Sabrina Ionescu of
New York, Caitlin Clark of Indiana and Satou Sabally of Phoenix. Game of the week Indiana at Las Vegas, Sunday. With Clark back in the lineup, the Fever
continue a western trip in Las Vegas. It’s unclear if A’ja Wilson will be back for the game as the Aces’ star is in concussion protocol. Her condition is being monitored.
ALLISHA Gray and the Atlanta Dream have the third best record in the WNBA behind Minnesota and New York. (AP photo)
LAS Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) reacts after scoring a basket against the Phoenix Mercury during the first half of an WNBA basketball game Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)
The rest that’s built into the
NBA Finals
can be a good thing, especially now
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)
— Given the way Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton was limping on his way out of the postgame news conference after Game 5 of the NBA Finals, it’s safe to assume he’s a fan of the schedule right about now.
Put simply, he could use a couple of days off — at least.
Haliburton has a lower leg injury — nobody’s saying exactly what it is, whether it’s ankle or calf or something else, though he was having an MRI yesterday to try to figure things out. It seems to be the sort of injury that if this were a back-to-back situation in December, he’d be missing at least one game.
But these are the finals, this is June, there no backto-backs in the playoffs and when the league gets to the
last series two-day breaks between games aren’t uncommon. Amen to that, the Pacers are probably saying right about now.
“The Finals, the NBA Finals, is one of the great stages in all of sports,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “And so, it shouldn’t happen quickly and abruptly. It should happen at the right pace and the right tempo, and the space in between games does help player health. That’s a very important aspect of it.”
There was a one-day gap between games in this year’s finals just once, separating Games 3 and 4 in Indianapolis. Everything else has seen a two-day gap, as will be the case going into Game 6 at Indy on Thursday night. And if the Pacers win to force a Game 7 back in Oklahoma City, that’ll be preceded by another two days off going into an
ultimate game on Sunday night. It should be noted that the Thunder don’t mind the schedule being drawn out, either.
“We recover,” Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said. “The finals are great because you get extra time in between the games. I think that’s huge in terms of rest and recovery at this time of the year. I think it’s good for the product. I think it’s a good thing and by the time the ball goes up in the air, everybody is going to be ready to play and everybody is going to be excited.”
Even those who aren’t dealing with an injury seem to be welcoming the twoday gaps between finals games.
“It’s a lot of games. It’s tiring, for sure,” Thunder star and league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. “But every game is tiring.
When you’re giving your all, every possession, you’re going to be tired. I don’t think I’m the only one out there that is tired.”
It wasn’t always like this.
The first NBA Finals were in 1947, before the league was called the NBA (it was the Basketball Association of America then) and before the title round was called the finals (after being called the BAA Finals in the early years, it was called the NBA World Championship Series until the mid-1980s).
That first year, Philadelphia and Chicago played five games in seven days. It would be unthinkable to play at that pace now; the NBA, for much of the last decade, hasn’t even scheduled stretches like that in the regular season.
The finals between Minneapolis and New York did the same thing — five games, seven days — in
1953. Boston and the Los Angeles Lakers played a five-game series in an eight-day span in 1965. Golden State and Washington played four games in eight days in 1975, with two cross-country flights in there as well. And this was long before charter flights became the rule in the NBA, too.
“We’re fortunate in this series. Travel is pretty reasonable. Not a long distance,” Carlisle said, evidently aware that the finals has the shortest distance between the dueling cities — Oklahoma City and Indianapolis are separated by 688 miles by air — than any finals matchup since 1956. “Not a long flight. I do believe it’s a better circumstance for the overall integrity of the competition.”
The two extra days gives everybody — Haliburton, coaches, everyone
— more time to get ready. Daigneault, the father of kids ages 3 and 2, said it gives him more time to be a dad between games.
“I do twice as much parenting,” he said, “not twice as much work.”
Carlisle said coaches get more time to study film, though at this point in the series it’s pretty clear that the Thunder and Pacers know each other about as well as they can. And Haliburton will get another 24 hours of whatever scheme the Pacers’ medical staff draws up to try to get his leg good to go in Game 6.
“All these guys playing in this series on both sides. I think it’s pretty clear now that we’re going into the sixth game, and all attention and the crowd noise in both arenas, everything, this is a lifetime opportunity,” Carlisle said. “Not many guys are going to sit, even if they are a little banged up.”
OKC’S JALEN, SHAI ENTER FINALS LORE WITH GAME 5 SCORING SPREE
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Jerry West and Elgin Baylor did it often.
Kyrie Irving and LeBron James did it a couple of times. Magic Johnson and Jamaal Wilkes were among those who did it once.
And now, Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have entered NBA lore.
Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night marked just the 14th time in league history that a game saw somebody score at least 40 points in a title-round game while one of his teammates scored at least 30.
Williams had 40 and Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 31 in Oklahoma City’s 120-109 win over Indiana, a victory that gave the Thunder a 3-2 lead in the series.
“These guys are really good players,” Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said.
“Obviously.”
A look at the history when a team has a 40-point and 30-point scorer in the same finals game: Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, Lakers - This 40-30 combination has happened
14 times in NBA Finals history.
West and Baylor are responsible for half of them, and they made it almost seem commonplace back then — while hardly any set of teammates has done it since.
— April 8, 1962: West scored 40, Baylor scored 36 in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 129-122 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of those finals.
— April 18, 1962: Baylor scored 41, West scored 35, but it wasn’t enough and the Celtics beat the Lakers 110-107 in Game 7 for the title that season.
— April 17, 1963: West scored 42, Baylor scored 38 and the Lakers beat the Celtics 119-99 in Game 3.
— April 21, 1963: Baylor scored 43, West scored 32 and the Lakers beat the Celtics 126-119 in Game 5.
The Celtics would prevail in six games.
— April 17, 1966: West scored 41, Baylor scored 36 in the Lakers’ 133-129 win over the Celtics in Game 1 of that series.
— April 24, 1966: Baylor scored 41, West scored 31 and the Lakers beat the Celtics 121-117 in Game 5. But Boston would win the
title again, prevailing in Game 7.
— April 25, 1969: West scored 31, Baylor scored 32 and the Lakers beat the Celtics 118-112 in Game 2 that year. And once again, the Celtics would win, this time in another Game 7 and the 11th and final title for Bill Russell.
Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, Cavaliers
They did it in back-toback seasons for Cleveland, both times against Golden State. The Cavs won the title in 2016, then lost in 2017.
— June 13, 2016: Both scored 41 points and the Cavs beat the Warriors 11297, cutting Golden State’s series lead to 3-2. This was the season Cleveland successfully rallied from a 3-1 deficit to win the title.
— June 9, 2017: Irving scored 40 and James scored 31 as the Cavs avoided a sweep by beating the Warriors 137-116 in Game 4 of that series. Golden State went on to prevail in five games.
Magic Johnson and Jamaal Wilkes, Lakers
They did it once, in the clincher of the 1980 finals for the Lakers against the Philadelphia 76ers.
— May 16, 1980: Johnson scored 42 and Wilkes scored 37 in the Lakers’ 123-107 road win in Game 6 to secure the title.
Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, Lakers West’s name pops into the list again, this time with Wilt Chamberlain in the Lakers’ 1970 finals appearance against the New York Knicks.
— May 6, 1970: Chamberlain scored 45, West scored 33 and the Lakers beat the Knicks 135-113 in Game 6 of that series. New York would win the title two nights later in Game 7. John Havlicek and Bailey Howell, Celtics Hard to believe it’s happened only once in Celtics lore, but that’s indeed the case. The Boston teammates did it against the Lakers in 1968.
— May 2, 1968: Havlicek scored 40, Howell scored 30 and the Celtics won 124-109 in Game 6 of that series, clinching yet another championship.
Cliff Hagan and Bob Pettit, Hawks Not the Atlanta Hawks, the St. Louis Hawks. Hagan and Pettit were the first members of the finals 40-30 club.
—
April 5, 1961: Hagan scored 40, Pettit scored 30 and the Hawks lost to the
Celtics 116-108 in Game 2 of that series. Boston won the series in five games.
OKLAHOMA City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) dunks over Indiana Pacers center
Myles Turner (33) during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Indianapolis.
(Matthew Stockman/ Pool Photo via AP)
NBA mock draft: While Duke’s Flagg stands out,
their own big Round 1 showing
By The Associated Press
WHILE Duke’s Cooper Flagg is the headliner, this month’s NBA draft could be just as much about the high-end guard prospects available.
Flagg has long been the heavy favourite to be the No. 1 overall pick. But beyond the versatile forward is a bevy of guards prominently positioned in the top tiers of the talent pool, which could make for a very good night for the position when the first round begins June 25.
It starts with multiple freshmen in Rutgers’ Dylan Harper, Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, Texas’ Tre Johnson and Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears. Throw in Illinois’ Kasparas Jakucionis, and guards make up five of the top nine picks — and ultimately, roughly half of the first-round selections — in the second edition of The Associated Press’ NBA mock draft.
1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, forward, Duke Fresh off trading away Luka Doncic, the Mavericks luck into a versatile 6-foot-8, 221-pound forward who led the Blue Devils to the Final Four while becoming only the fourth freshman named AP men’s college basketball national player of the year. He can thrive as a scorer (Atlantic Coast Conference freshman-record 42 points against Notre Dame) or playmaker (team-best 4.2 assists). His length and competitive edge can impact games defensively (team highs of 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks). And he has an all-around game more advanced than his age with room to develop as he turns 19 in December.
2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, guard, Rutgers
The son of former NBA guard Ron Harper offers size at the point (6-5, 213 pounds) and averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists as a freshman. He could join NBA rookie of the year Stephon Castle in the backcourt for star Victor Wembanyama. Still, there’s an awkward question of how a team with Harper and fellow one-anddone prospect Ace Bailey went just 15-17.
3. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, guard, Baylor
The only benefit to injury-riddled seasons for stars Joel Embiid and Paul George was landing a high pick for a team that still has designs on contending in the Eastern Conference.
The 6-4, 193-pound Edgecombe, who turns 20 in July, could help with two-way potential, rim-attacking athleticism and 3-point shooting.
4. Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey, forward, Rutgers
The 6-8 forward is a versatile athlete capable of stretching defences (five January games with at least four made 3s) and tools to develop defensively. He averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds, though for a losing team despite featuring Bailey and Harper as the NBA-bound headliners. The Hornets already have 2023 No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller as a wing forward, so this would bet on talent over position need.
5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson, guard, Texas
It’s a simple selling point for the league’s worst team: the 6-5, 190-pound freshman can score. He averaged 19.9 points to lead the
Southeastern Conference and all freshmen nationally while shooting 39.7% on 3s. He broke Durant’s freshman Longhorns record when he scored 39 points against Arkansas in February.
6. Washington Wizards: Jeremiah Fears, guard, Oklahoma
The Wizards need help in multiple areas after winning 18 games. They can start with the 6-3, 180-pound combo guard who averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists in his lone college season. Highlights included a four-point play to beat a ranked Michigan team, along with scoring 57 points in two SEC Tournament games. He also got to the line 6.3 times per game while ranking tied for 11th in Division I by making 183 free throws. But he made just 28.4% of his 3s and must add bulk.
7. New Orleans Pelicans: Kon Knueppel, forward, Duke
The 6-7, 217-pound Knueppel is an efficient scorer who was named ACC Tournament MVP while Flagg was sidelined by injury. Knueppel shot 40.6% on 3-pointers and ranked sixth in Division I by shooting 91.4% at the foul line. The freshman also had 10 games with at least four assists to show potential as a secondary playmaker for a Final Four team.
8. Brooklyn Nets: Khaman Maluach, centre, Duke With four first-round picks, the Nets could start with a long-term bet on the 7-1, 253-pound South Sudanese big man to hit his potential as a rim-protecting lob threat. Maluach had the combine’s biggest wingspan (7-6 3/4) and showed stretches of capably defending guards on switches in his lone college season. He shot 71.2% largely on dunks and putbacks, so he’ll need time to refine a raw offensive game.
9. Toronto Raptors: Kasparas Jakucionis, guard/ forward, Illinois
The 6-5 freshman has shown an all-around floor game. He averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists as a freshman, including one run of six straight 20-point games that featured matchups against three ranked teams — including then-No. 1 Tennessee. He also had four double-digit rebounding games and eight games with at least seven assists.
10. Houston Rockets: Derik Queen, centre, Maryland
The 6-9, 248-pounder earned a spot in March Madness lore by banking in a buzzer-beating runner to beat Colorado State and reach the NCAA Sweet 16. The nimble move illustrated the still-developing upside for a skilled freshman who nearly averaged a double-double (16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds).
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Collin Murray-Boyles, forward, South Carolina
The sophomore has a strong frame (6-7, 240) that could allow him to work some on the wing and bang inside with a nearly 7-1 wingspan. He contributed as a capable scorer (16.8), rebounder (8.3) and defender (1.3 blocks, 1.5 steals).
12. Chicago Bulls: Carter Bryant, forward, Arizona
The 6-7, 215-pound freshman reserve shot 37.1% on 3s and showed defensive potential by averaging a block per game despite playing just 19 minutes a
THE
night. He had one of the top max vertical leaps at the combine (39.5 inches).
13. Atlanta Hawks: Asa Newell, forward/centre, Georgia
The 6-9, 224-pound freshman who helped the Bulldogs return to the NCAAs for the first time in a decade offers an upside that could allow him to contribute as a small-ball big man or alongside another big man as a power forward. He could be a home-state frontcourt boost for the Hawks, though the 19-yearold must get stronger and improve his shooting (29.2% on 3s).
14. San Antonio Spurs: Noa Essengue, forward, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
The lanky 6-9, 194-pound forward from France has been honing versatile skills in Germany and turns 19 in December. He has the ability to run the court and attack off the dribble, averaging 12.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in Germany this season.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Thomas Sorber, centre, Georgetown
The 6-9, 263-pound freshman offers a sturdy interior presence with a 7-6 wingspan, proving capable of operating in the post or in traffic while also flashing face-up skills. Sorber, 19, also averaged 2.0 blocks
to offer defensive potential. It would help for him to improve his 3-point shot (6 of 37, 16.2%) but he would be a luxury boost up front for a team that won a league-best 68 games and reached the NBA Finals.
16. Orlando Magic: Jase Richardson, guard, Michigan State
The son of former NBA guard Jason Richardson is small (6-1, 178) for a combo guard, and he mentioned after a recent workout with Portland that he’s working to prove he can play the point. Shooting 41.2% on 3s is enticing regardless.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Rasheer Fleming, forward/centre, Saint Joseph’s
The 6-8, 232-pound Fleming increased his output in three college seasons and brings a sturdy frame to the NBA. He averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, and has improved his 3-pointing from 31.3% through his first two college seasons to 39% last year. He also had one of the combine’s biggest wingspans at better than 7-5.
18. Washington Wizards: Egor Demin, guard/forward, BYU
A top international prospect from Russia, the 19-year-old Demin spent a season at BYU as a playmaker with size (6-9, 199). That could allow teams to
run offence through him as a strong passer who had 15 assists against two turnovers in 54 minutes of work during his last two NCAA Tournament games for a Sweet 16 team.
19. Brooklyn Nets: Ben Saraf, guard, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
After grabbing Maluach at eight, the Nets could bolster their perimeter with the 6-6, 201-pound lefty from Israel. Saraf has proven adept as a scoring playmaker, averaging 12.8 points and 4.6 assists this season in Germany.
20. Miami Heat: Liam McNeeley, forward, UConn
The 6-7, 215-pound McNeeley jumped right in as a freshman starter for the two-time reigning NCAA champion Huskies and projects as a floor-stretching wing, including with 22 points in the NCAAs against eventual champion Florida and a 38-point showing against then-No. 24 Creighton.
21. Utah Jazz: Danny Wolf, forward/centre, Michigan
The 6-11, 252-pound junior thrived in moving from the Ivy League (Yale) to the Big Ten as a low-post presence, averaging 13.2 points and 9.7 rebounds while ranking among Division I leaders with 15 double-doubles. He also showed the ability to step outside (38 made 3s in 37 games).
22. Atlanta Hawks: Nolan Traore, guard, SaintQuentin BB (France) The 6-5, 175-pound guard from France is a scoring playmaker and has been regarded as a possible lottery prospect. The 19-year-old had previously drawn recruiting interest from programmes like Duke, Alabama and Gonzaga before opting to remain in his home country last year.
23. Indiana Pacers: Cedric Coward, guard, Washington State The 6-5, 213-pound Coward has taken an interesting path. He started his career at Division III Willamette and spent two seasons at Eastern Washington, then played six games at Washington State due to injury and planned to transfer to Duke. But he stayed in the draft after testing well at the combine, including the best wingspan (7-2+) and standing reach (8-10) among guards, a 38.5-inch max vertical leap, and solid shooting-drill showings.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Nique Clifford, guard, Colorado State The 6-5, 202-pound Clifford took his time developing as a five-year player, though the 23-yearold is coming off a huge year (18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists). He also improved his outside
shot, going from making 33.8% over three seasons at Colorado to 37.7% on higher volume in two years with the Rams.
25. Orlando Magic: Walter Clayton Jr., guard, Florida
The 6-2, 199-pound combo guard was an AP first-team All-American and Final Four’s most outstanding player in the Gators’ national title run. That included monster tournament performances — notably the frantic comeback against Texas Tech in the Elite Eight and a career-best scoring effort against Auburn in the Final Four — that bode well for a gamer who repeatedly rose to the challenge.
26. Brooklyn Nets: Will Riley, guard/forward, Illinois
The freshman from Canada worked as a top reserve averaging 12.6 points. Riley, 19, has potential as a scorer and passer with size (6-8) as he refines his game and develops physically (186 pounds).
27. Brooklyn Nets: Drake Powell, guard/forward, North Carolina
The 6-6, 195-pound freshman offers athleticism, outside shooting (37.9% on 3s) and defensive potential. Powell led all combine players in standing vertical leap (37.5 inches, 4+ inches more than anyone else) and max vertical (43.0) to go with a 7-foot wingspan.
28. Boston Celtics: Maxime Raynaud, centre, Stanford
The fourth-year senior from France is a skilled 7-footer who can step outside and space the floor. He joined Flagg as the only unanimous AP all-ACC first-team picks after averaging 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds while making 67 3s in 35 games.
29. Phoenix Suns: Joan Beringer, centre, Cedevita Olimpija (Slovenia)
Beringer, who turns 19 in November, projects as a mobile threat who can work in the pick-and-roll and as a lob threat. The French big man needs time to strengthen a lean 6-11, 230pound frame.
30. Los Angeles Clippers: Hugo Gonzalez, guard/forward, Real Madrid (Spain) The 19-year-old with a 6-6, 205-pound frame has flashed shooting range and the ability to attack off the dribble. He earned MVP honours after helping the Under-18 Real Madrid team win last year’s Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament (ANGT) in Berlin. Also considered (in alphabetical order): Kam Jones, guard, Marquette; Ryan Kalkbrenner, center, Creighton; Noah Penda, forward, Le Mans Sarthe Basket
Hansen
(France);
Yang, center, Qingdao (China).
DUKE’s Cooper Flagg in action. (AP Photo)
6-4, 193-pound VJ Edgecombe Jr, who turns 20 in July, could help with two-way potential, rim-attacking athleticism and 3-point shooting for the Philadelphia 76ers. (AP Photo)
BLTA CROWNS AID NATIONAL CHAMPIONS IN U8-U10
THIS past weekend
The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association crowned the 2025 AID junior tennis national champions in six divisions.
“There is an increase of approximately 20 per cent of participants over last year’s nationals, as more and more players are attracted to the sport; there are 100 participants at this year’s nationals from all over The Bahamas, representing Abaco, Exuma, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama and New Providence,” according to a press statement.
The U8 AID Champions are as follows:
Girls Champion: Cailey Ferguson
Girls Runner Up:
Aja-Rinai Adderley
3rd place: Blaire Toote
4th place: Alya Meredith
Boys Champion: Finlay Bacon
Runner Up: Ajay Bethel
3rd place - Cai Bowe
4th place - Matthias
Yallop
The U10 AID Champions are as follows: Green Dot Champions
Girls Champion: Zainya
Davis
Girls Runner Up: Liv
Nsouli
3rd place Anjolie Mer-
edith and 4th place Tatum
Moss
Boys Champion: Tatum
Culmer
Runner Up: Finlay Bacon
3rd place Rayne Perez
Orange Dot Champions
Girls Champion: Zara
Braithwaite
Runner Up: Floriana
King Semifinalists: Brielle
Houlgrave and Melody
Thompson
Boys Champion: Matthias Yallop
Runner Up: Cai Bowe
3rd place - Cairo Miller
The BLTA congratulates the AID national champions and runnersup for performing at a very high level during the competition.
“All the participants played well. The U8 and U10 divisions are very important stages as they are the key foundational stages in the player’s tennis journey,” said the release.
The BLTA added the U10 orange ball, which provides a bridge between the red ball and the green dot ball.
“We recognise all the coaches who continue to seed into the young people at this level. We are extremely thankful to our
title sponsor, AID, which has continually supported the sport of tennis in The Bahamas.
“In particular, AID has partnered with the BLTA for three consecutive years to provide a forum for the junior athletes to display their tennis skills.
“We are also grateful to Custom Computers for their sponsorship of the National tournament.
The second instalment of the AID Jr Tennis Nationals is scheduled for this coming weekend, and the BLTA is excited to welcome the U12, U14, U16 and U18 divisions June 20-24.
“The competition will feature singles and doubles from the top tennis juniors in The Bahamas. You do not want to miss it.”
THE 2025 AID junior tennis national champions in six divisions who were crowned by the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association .