SPORTS
TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025
‘Buddy’ excited over VJ’s chances in the NBA Draft
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
With the National Basketball Association’s 2025 Draft all set to take place tomorrow, Bahamian Chavano “Buddy” Hield
said he’s excited to see what happens with fellow Bahamian Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe.
Edgecombe, a 19-yearold native of Bimini who just completed his freshman year with the Baylor Bears, is expected to be one of the top five picks during the draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Hield, at 32, is one of three Bahamian born players currently in the NBA. But during his summer basketball camp at George Town Park in Exuma, Hield said Edgecombe is the next best prospect The Bahamas has to offer.
“He’s come a long way, but I think he’s the best prospect that The Bahamas
has had since Deandre Ayton,” Hield said. “He’s a wonderful talent, but he’s also a great kid.
“I’m just happy for him, I’m just happy for his family, happy for The Bahamas. I think there’s only so many years I can play basketball, but he’s the next one who is going to help propel us to the next level.”
Edgecombe, a guard, is currently pegged as the number four pick in the draft, but could go up as high as No.3. The top pick is expected to be Cooper Flagg, a forward from Duke, followed by guards Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, both from Rutgers. At No.5 is Tre Johnson, a guard from Texas.
Going into the draft,
Edgecombe is considered the most explosive player who complements his considerable upside as a playmaker defensively with an evolving perimeter skill level and feel for the game.
BAYLOR guard VJ Edgecombe drives the ball to the basket in an NCAA college basketball game against TCU on Sunday, January 19, 2025, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerry Larson)
appearance since 1993. They eventually lost to the Milwaukee Bucks.
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
SERENA Salis knew sooner or later she would win her first international medal as a bodybuilder, based on the vast improvement that she’s been making in the sport.
But how he operates on and off the ball at Baylor with his ball-handling and ability to play with pace and make shots off the dribble, are listed as areas of concern.
If he goes at No.3, he could land in Philadelphia where the 76ers could use his skills next to Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr in the backcourt. The fourth pick belongs to the Charlotte Hornets.
The top two picks go to the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs.
Ayton, 26, was the last Bahamian lottery pick, going as the first overall pick in the class of 2018 with the Phoenix Suns out of Arizona.
The following year in 2019, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and in 2021, he helped the Suns to get to their first NBA Finals
But on September 27, 2023, Ayton was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers alongside Jrue Holiday as part of a three-team trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Bucks and Grayson Allen, Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson to Phoenix.
Ayton was only the second Bahamian to be drafted as the No.1 pick.
The first was Mychal “Sweet Bells” Thompson, who broke the barrier as the first foreign born player to be selected No.1 by the Trail Blazers out of Minnesota.
After eight seasons there, he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 1987 and finally made his final home with the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade in 1987 where he went on to win two NBA titles back-toback in 1987 and 1988.
Thompson, 70, now serves as a colour commentator for the Lakers. But he has been joined by
his son, American born Klay Thompson, who won three NBA titles with the Golden State Warriors, one of just five father-son duos to achieve that feat.
Hield, now in his second season with the Warriors after playing for the New Orleans Pelicans (20162017), Sacramento Kings (2017-2022), Indiana Pacers (2022-2024) and the 76ers (2024), is playing in the NBA with Ayton and Kai Jones, who is with the Mavericks.
Hield, a native of Grand Bahama who was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2017 and won the NBA three-point shooting contest during the 2020 NBA All-Star Classic, said the future looks bright for The Bahamas to develop more Bahamian players.
“VJ is the next one and after that, there will be more after him,” Hield said. “So we’re just hoping he can inspire more to follow in his footsteps.
“But I feel like he’s the one that is going to make it to the top.”
O’Brien, Souza take top placings in the Caribbean Equestrian Challenges
BAHAMAS equestrians featured prominently in the final standings of the 2024-2025 Caribbean Equestrian Association (CEA) Jumping and Dressage Challenges, with two riders – Quinn O’Brien and Gabriela Souza –taking top honours in their respective categories.
Eight of the 11 member countries of the CEA participated in the different Challenges, which are contested at different levels in the equestrian disciplines of show jumping and dressage.
At the end of the season the results from each country are compared and individually ranked, with the top three riders from each category of competition named towards the country’s team.
In the Show Jumping Challenges, a total of 170 riders competed over the same courses of obstacles (this year created by FEI course designer Tatiana Kholodniakova of Russia) at different height levels.
The CEA Jumping Challenges were judged by FEI Level 1 jumper judge Heidi Mello. The Bahamas team placed 4th in the Mini Jumping Challenge
and 5th in the Regional Jumping Challenge, but saw some outstanding individual placings in both competitions, notably from Quinn O’Brien, riding Erika Adderley’s Vivawell, who took 1st place in the Mini Jumping Challenge Height Class B (0.60m) and was named the overall 2024-2025 CEA MJC High Score Rider.
In the Dressage Challenges, 126 riders from different Caribbean countries rode tests at different levels according to their ability.
All tests were judged by FEI Level 3 dressage judge Omar Zayrik of Mexico, who travelled to each
country to ensure a consistency of judging in the competition. Despite this being only the second year of competing in the CEA Dressage Challenges, The Bahamas put on a strong performance. The Children’s Mini Dressage Challenge Team placed second overall, while Gabriela Souza riding Erika Adderley’s Casino Royale was the overall winner of the Introductory Test C competition, scoring 69.500%. Several other Bahamian riders posted notable Dressage scores, placing them in the top 10 of their respective categories across the region, as follows:
Introductory Test A (Kennedy Albury – 2nd place; Kaitlyn Russell – 4th place; Emery Dunn – 5th place; Poppy Denning – 6th place; Meadow Dinnick – 10th place)
Introductory Test B (Isla Whylly – 7th place)
Introductory Test C (Gabriela Souza – 1st place; Sennen Fitzmaurice – 2nd place; Hannah Knowles – 5th place; Marlo Pinder – 6th place; Ella Saidi – 10th place)
Training Level 1 Test (Sennen Fitzmaurice – 2nd place; Katerinal Coello –3rd place; Kelsey Pyfrom – 9th place)
Training Level 3 Test (Lorrinda Maura – 2nd place)
In addition to Thompdon winning his two titles, The Bahamas also watched as Rick Fox clinched three titles with the “Showtime” Lakers from 2000-2002 after he was traded from the Boston Celtics in 1997. He was drafted by the Celtics with the 24th pick in the first round of the 1991 draft.
Eleuthera native Dexter Cambridge also played in the NBA with the Mavericks in 1993 out of Texas and Ian Lockhart from Tennessee played with the Suns in 1990. Eric Gordon, who has played with The Bahamas men’s national basketball team, is the other in the NBA. He is listed as of Bahamian descent.
Hield, who played with Gordon, Ayton and Edgecombe in The Bahamas’ bid to qualify for the Olympic Games last year, said he will be heading to New York on Wednesday to support Edgecombe in his latest venture to become the next Bahamian to play in the NBA.
After settling for a top 10 spot last year, Salis returned to the stage on Saturday at the NPC BodyBE1 Classic Pro/Am in Alabama where she emerged as the fifth place finisher in the masters’ division. In her first show for the year at the IFBB Pro Division, Salis said she was proud of the achievement she made training only for the past six months under her new coach, Jason “Jay Shred” Johnson. Salis, a customer service representative at the Lyford Cay Spa and a personal physical trainer, said she is grateful to Gatestone, an international company that has sponsored her for the year.
“We started training in January. But I wasn’t sure that I would compete in the meet until I got the sponsor,” said the 41-year-old Salis, a native of Italy.
“When the sponsorship came through, we worked on getting ready for the show.
“This was my first time competing in the masters and so I was very happy to get fifth place. When you change coaches, sometimes it takes a while for you to see the progress. But I think ‘Jay Shred’ and I worked very well to get ready for the show.”
When her name was called for the top five, Salis said she was shocked.
GABRIELA SOUZA, at left, riding Erika Adderley’s Casino Royale achieved the highest score in the CEA Mini Dressage Challenge Introductory Test C.
53RD ANNUAL BAHAMAS AQUATICS SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
regular season this week with the following games on tap at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium:
Tonight 8pm - Sharks vs Outlawz
Wednesday
8pm - Reapers vs Community League
Friday 6:45pm - Blue Power vs Sharks 9pm - Community vs Outlawz
Sunday 3pm - Blue Power vs Reapers 5:15pm - Community vs Sharks FITNESS STRENGTH & CONDITIONING CAMP
Dr Kent Bazard will host Mark Henry, Olympic powerlifter and the world’s strongest man and WWE Hall of Famer in the World’s Strongest Kids Strength & Conditioning Camp. The camp, opened to boys and girls from ages eight to 18 years, will take
place 5pm Friday, June 27 at the Empire Fitness Center in the Seagrapes Plaza on Prince Charles Drive. Henry will provide tips for speed, conditioning, strength training, stretching, agility drills and technique. Interested persons are urged to email bahabash2.eventbrite.com or call 242-364-2001 for more information.
WRESTLING Baha Bash II All Caribbean Wrestling (ACW) is turning up the heat this summer with a full day of elite opportunities and hard-hitting action
on Saturday, June 28. The festivities begin with a seminar from 11am to 1pm, led by Gabe Sapolsky. Rising talent from across the Caribbean will get first-hand insight from one of the sharpest minds in professional wrestling today.
That afternoon, the spotlight shifts to BAHA BASH II at the luxurious Baha Mar resort in Nassau, The Bahamas. Doors open at 4pm, and fans can expect an unforgettable blend of wrestling spectacle and Caribbean culture. Featured Matches: WWE ID Match: WWE ID Prospect Gal Barkay vs. Former WWE Superstar JTG. Grudge Match: “The Anti-Hero” Davienne vs. Jayme Jameson. Grudge Match: “The Villain” Marty Scurll vs. Kenny King. ACW Women’s Title Match: “ROH Women’s TV Champ” Red Velvet vs. Kaylia Capri (c). ACW Championship Match: Prince Agballah vs. “Pope” Elijah Burke (c). Also in action: Champion Izaiah Zane is expected to defend his Digital Media title. ACW Tag-Team Champions Da Russell Twins will be in action.
BASKETBALL
SOUTHERN
UNIVERSITY CAMP
THE Southern University is all set to host a free basketball camp at the Agape Grace Gym from July 7-8. The camp is designed for boys from grades 7-12. All participating players must bring their own food and drinks. Interested campers are urged to contact coach Stephen Johnson at 1-242-577-1035.
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.
VOLLEYBALL
BBSF TOURNAMENT
BOXING
FUNDRAISER
THE Boxing Federation of the Bahamas is planning to host a souse out as a fundraiser on Saturday, August 2, at the National Boxing Training Center, Blue Hill Sports Complex. The event is scheduled to take place from 9am to 3pm with chicken pig feet and sheep tongue with Johnnycake or rolls on the menu for a donation of $15. Soft drinks, potato, coconut and zucchini breads will also be on sale. This is part of our effort to meet our goal of $60,000, according to federation president Vincent Strachan.
“We are seeking your support by purchasing tickets and additional donations of food items, if possible,” Strachan said.
The 15 members are expected to participate in The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Championships in St Lucia from August 1-3. The team is expected to depart July 31 and would remain there for a training camp with the St Lucia national boxing team. They would depart for Georgetown, Guyana from August 14-18 for the school boys and girls championship and seniors. They would remain in Guyana for another training camp until August 27. Then will head to St Maarten, for The Battle Of The Islands Championships. The team would return home on September 2.
THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation is slated to hold a meeting 5pm Saturday at its office at the Bahamas Baptist College for all churches interested in participating in its co-ed volleyball tournament. The tournament will take place from July 18-19 at the CI Gibson Gymnasium. The registration fee is $200 per team for a roster of 12 players, which includes a mixture of men and women.
PROUD MEDALLISTS: Swimmers receive their medals during the 53rd annual Bahamas Aquatics national swimming championships at the Betty Kelly Kenning Aquatic Centre. Photos: Jonathan Burrows
‘Developing champions on all levels’ DENYCKO BOWLES ELITE
SKILLS SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMP OPENS ITS 12TH ANNUAL SUMMER SESSION
By Jonathan Burrows
THE Denycko Bowles Elite Skills Summer Basketball Camp commenced its 12th annual summer session yesterday with a dynamic opening, marked not only by focused instruction, spirited participation, and a renewed commitment to youth development through basketball, but also by its slogan, “Developing champions on all levels.”
Held at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, the camp welcomed over 100 young athletes between the ages of four and 18, each eager to refine their skills under the guidance of experienced coaches and mentors.
Founded in 2013 by former professional basketball player Denycko Bowles, the camp has evolved into a staple of the island’s summer athletic basketball programmes.
Bowles, who achieved a successful international playing career, established the camp with the mission of instilling discipline, character and leadership in young aspiring athletes.
“I want you all [the athletes] to leave here with more than just basketball skills,” Bowles stated during his welcome address.
Over the years, the camp has expanded in both size and reputation, drawing participants from across the island and earning recognition for its emphasis on fundamentals, teamwork, and mentorship.
“We want them to leave as different individuals than when they came, we
teach them how to be good, decent, and honourable young men,” said Bowles when describing one of the main missions of the camp.
A notable presence among the coaching staff this year is Lavardo Saunders, who was once a young aspiring athlete who was cut from his then-school Doris Johnson’s basketball team by Denycko Bowles, who was the head coach at that time, to attending the Elite Skills Camp himself the very next summer as a pre-teen.
Now an adult, Saunders returned not as a camper, but as an instructor, bringing a journey that began nearly five years ago full circle.
“He [Denycko Bowles] has helped me develop not only as a player but as a person, this camp is more than just a program, it’s a family,” Saunders said about how Bowles and the camp have benefitted him.
“We have to thank him for what he did for us, he is like a father figure to me and these athletes,” Saunders also added.
As the first day concluded with defensive exercises, dribbling clinics and scrimmages, the atmosphere was one of anticipation and optimism.
With weeks of structured training, curated mentorship and competitive play ahead, the Denycko Bowles Elite Skills Basketball Camp is once again poised to deliver a high-impact experience grounded in athletic excellence and community values.
SERENA SALIS FIFTH OVERALL IN THE MASTERS’ DIVISION
FROM PAGE E1
“I have a full time job working in the spa, I train people and Jay Shred made the time to train me, so everything came together,” she said. “I always work hard and I think the training I got from him really helped me to perform at my best in the show.
“He understands exactly what my body needs. He did a good job in getting me ready for the show. I was very happy with my performance.”
Johnson, a professional bodybuilder, said he wasn’t surprised at Salis’ performance because he saw the improvement she made during their training sessions.
“From the last package, her posing was much better. I felt she did very well for just her first show for the year,” Johnson said. “From what I saw, she had one of the best performances on stage.” Salis, formerly married to Jimmy Norius, who previously coached her, said she’s
just waiting on the feedback from the judges so she knows what areas she has to concentrate on to plan for her next show.
“We will focus on her back, giving her more width,’ Johnson said. “She just needs a little more size and with some glucose, she should be able to get it.”
While they are undecided on exactly when she will return on stage this year,
Johnson said he’s working with his coach Joel Stubbs to get ready for four shows he will compete in this year.
THE DENYCKO Bowles Elite Skills Summer Basketball Camp’s 12th annual summer session, held at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, welcomed over 100 young athletes between the ages of four and 18 years.
PARTICIPANTS perform drills during the Denycko Bowles Elite Skills Summer Basketball Camp’s 12th annual summer session yesterday.
SERENA Salis with her new coach Jason “Jay Shred” Johnson.
Freedom Farm wins three
FROM PAGE E1
And in the 12-and-under division, Freedom Farm won the title ovr GBLL. The JBLN got third place. The junior nationals followed on the heels of the BBA’s successful hosting of the 2025 Andre Rodgers Baseball Championships that was held in honour of Fred ‘Papa’ Smith at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium two weeks ago. Freedom Farm captured the 18-and-under title, while the Ed Armbrister Baseball League was the winner of the 23-and-under division.
Grand Bahama Port Authority Junior Nationals at the Emera field in Grand Bahama on Sunday. Freedom Farm returned to New Providence with three of the four
Photos: Vandyke Hepburn/BIS
PARTICIPANTS enjoy the Nex-Gen Elite Training Basketball Camp which got started yesterday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
‘Taking your skills to the next level’
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
THE Nex-Gen Elite Training Basketball Camp, geared to “taking your skills to the next level,” got started yesterday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
And although camp director JR Cadot expected a little more participation, he was pleased with the many boys and girls, between the ages of 7-18, who showed up for the camp that will run through July 4.
“This is a good turnout. Any time we can get the kids out in the summer in a positive environment, it’s good,” Cadot said. “It doesn’t matter the turnout. There’s a lot more kids missing, but we’re happy with the turnout.”
Cadot, now an assistant coach at Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita, Kansas, Nike EYBL Scholastic, Elite Team USA and founder of JRC Basketball Academy, said during the rest of the camp, the instructors will take them through a series of drills to develop their skills.
“We expect to get better and get them to the next level,” said Cadot, a former division one basketball player who also represented The Bahamas on the men’s national basketball team.
“We use basketball as a vehicle to teach them life skills because no matter what profession they want in life, they have to work at it. So being a professional, it’s also what they have in their mind and that is what we are trying to instil in them.”
This year’s camp features the instruction from Cadot’s fellow coach at Sunrise Christian Academy, Spencer Dexter, who was just thrilled to be able to assist in any way he can.
Cadot said he’s just thrilled to have Dexter here because of the wealth of knowledge he brings to the table, having worked with so many players who have gone on to play college and in the professional ranks.. Having gotten to know both Chavano “Buddy” Hield, who now plays in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors and Lourawls ‘Tum Tum’ Nairn, now a collegiate assistant coach, as former players for Sunshine Christian Academy, Dexter said he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join Cadot in the camp here.
“I’m lucky to come here and do this. This orange ball can get you anywhere,” said Dexter of the basketball.
“It got me to my second time in The Bahamas. I was here when Sunrise Academy came here to play.”
From what he’s seen so far, Dexter said there’s a lot of energy that comes with the first day. He noted that they just have to maintain that by incorporating some things every day.
“I’m looking for growth. I want to see how many young men and young ladies we can get better in a short amount of time,” he insisted.
“Development is a big part of basketball. That’s the goal. If you can get one person better from this camp, that’s a win.”
Before the camp is done, the participants will hear from a number of local and international speakers, including Jamie Johnson, the founder of Crossfire.
During the camp, participants will be taught the
ELITE TRAINING BASKETBALL CAMP GETS STARTED AT KENDAL ISAACS
ALTHOUGH camp director JR Cadot expected a little more participation, he was pleased with the many boys and girls who showed up for the camp that will run through July 4.
basic skills in game situations, shooting, passing, ball handling, defence and footwork. Already, two of the campers felt it was a good decision for them to attend the camp.
Brianna Hanna, a 12-year-old heading into grade eight at Queen’s College, said as a member of the Comets’ junior girls basketball team, she wanted to improve her skills so she
decided to attend the camp.
“It would be good to get more practice so I can be better in our high school games,” Hanna said.
“It’s been a good experience so far. I’ve learned a lot more than I would in a regular practice, so I’m just ready to learn more.”
Ian Mills Jr, a 12-year-old, who will be heading into grade seven at St. Andrew’s International School, said he wanted to come out to
work on dribbling with his left hand.
“I couldn’t use it at all,” Mills Jr said. “Now I can handle it.”
For the rest of the camp, Mills Jr said he’s looking forward to playing some scrimmages, so the experience here will help him as he tries out for the Hurricanes’ junior boys team in September. The camp runs daily from 2-6 pm.
LYFORD CAY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DRAGONS CELEBRATE THREE NATIONAL SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES
THE National High School Soccer Championships last month marked an historic achievement for the Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) Dragons, who won three championship titles.
The school recently celebrated this incredible achievement with a special assembly, which was attended by the athletes, students, teachers, administrators and special guests, including LCIS alumnus and the school’s first-ever national team captain, Charles Allan (Class of 2018), and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg.
“That victory was not just about the trophy but also about representing our school with pride, teamwork and determination. It’s inspiring to see how this exciting achievement continues at LCIS today,” said Allan.
Said Minister Bowleg:
“You have made your school, country and families proud, and it is the aim of this government to support athletes like you every step of the way. We believe in your talents and, more importantly, we want to see you take your talents to the world.”
The 2025 Samuel P Haven Jr High School Soccer National Championships saw the BAISS champion LCIS senior girls claim their second back-toback victory.
They defeated the Queen’s College Comets 2-1 with both goals coming from Molly Lambson (grade 10).
For the second year in a row, Issa Bournas (grade
9) earned the MVP award. They were led for the second year by co-head coaches Anissa Albury and Sarah Ilgenfritz.
The BAISS pennantwinning senior boys had a spectacular final match, beating the Government High School Magic Phoenix 2-0 to become national champions for the fourth time.
Goals in this game were scored by Camryn Bethell (grade 11) and Joshua O’Brien (grade 11).
Team captain Jack Massey (grade 11) won the MVP award, and goalkeeper Alec Hooper (grade 10) won the Golden Glove Award.
This year, they were coached by men’s national team member and LCIS elite and developmental sports (EDS) coach Ronaldo Green.
This year’s championships also included the inaugural New Providence Junior High School Soccer Championships, providing junior high school teams a new opportunity to compete at the national level.
The BAISS champion LCIS junior boys became the first-ever boys’ champions of the New Providence Junior High School Soccer Championships.
They beat the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves 3-2 with Dirk Simmons (grade 7) winning the MVP award.
After only joining BAISS in 2017, LCIS has now won eight national soccer titles.
Said outgoing athletic director Craig Massey of the achievement: “This is unprecedented in school soccer. It is a true reflection of the continued growth of
our BAISS and elite and developmental sports football programmes here at LCIS and the quality of investment in all of our coaches.
To win three national titles this year is an amazing achievement and puts Lyford Cay International School firmly on the map both athletically and academically.
The future of LCIS athletics is bright.
LCIS footballers will be eager to defend their titles next year and keep the trophies in Dragon country.
Founded in 1962, Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) is the only internationally accredited day school located in western New Providence, offering a world-class educational programme for students aged 18 months to 18 years (preschool to grade 12).
LCIS students and staff come from 45 different countries and speak 14 languages.
LCIS is the only school in the Caribbean to offer all International Baccalaureate programmes across all grades.
Upon graduation, LCIS students move on to top universities around the world.
Visit www.lcis.bs to learn more.
Photos courtesy of the Bahamas Football Association
Olympics’ champion
Intriguing Colorado Duo
Ayear a er quarterbacks dominated the top dozen picks, Miami s Cam Ward is the only sure re high pick among premier passers this year Bringing the intrigue into the dra are Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Travis Hunter, who aims to play both cornerback and wide receiver in the NFL like he did in B oulder
Where will Shedeur Sanders land when teams gather in the land of Vince Lombardi to restock their rosters? at s the biggest stor yline of the NFL dra in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with mocks all over the map
New IOC president Coventry inaugurated to start 8-year leadership
Bypassing Colorado’s precision passer could lead to deep regrets among talent evaluators, suggested longtime ESPN dra analyst Mel Kiper Jr Sanders overcame a substandard ground game and at times poor pass protection to throw for 37 touchdowns and more than 4,000 yards last season while completing more than 74% of his throws.
By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — The first female and first African president of the IOC, Kirsty Coventry, was inaugurated in the role yesterday on the organisation’s 131st birthday with praise that the Olympic movement was “in the best of hands.”
Coventry, a two-time Olympic gold medallist in swimming for Zimbabwe, finally and formally takes office today aged just 41 after decisively winning a seven-candidate election in March to succeed Thomas Bach.
Bypassing on-the- eld workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine and the Big 12 pro day only added to the doubts that suddenly swirled around the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who dr yly wondered how his son ’ s stock could have slipped when he hasn’t thrown an interception since the Alamo B owl At the conclusion of the year a er 4,000-some yards, all of a sudden his arm is weak, Deion Sanders cracked I don t know when his arm got weak. But he protects the ball He had the highest completion percentage in college football this past year He s the pillar of consistency
Coventry cited her family including her two young daughters as “my rocks, my inspiration” to lead the International Olympic Committee through the next eight years including the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. “You are my constant reminders of why we do what we do every single day,” Coventry said,
“But you ve got to understand when that last name is on your back you ’ re going to be attacked and ridiculed But we ’ re built for that. He was raised for this moment Kiper concurred, saying Shedeur Sanders is accurate, he s precise –everything ever ybody wants. Decisionmaking, accuracy, toughness, he has Now, he’s 6-foot-and-a-half can’t change that right? But six-foot-and-a-half is more than good enough now in this day and age Although
current Olympic athletes, plus leaders of Olympic sports. In a team photo taken after the handover ceremony, the IOC member who stayed closest to Coventry was Nita Ambani, a member of the richest family in India who is key to the country’s ambitions to host the 2036 Olympics. Picking the host shapes as one of the biggest decisions during the new president’s first term. Asia seems favoured and Middle East neighbours Qatar and Saudi Arabia also are preparing bids in the more flexible and unpredictable process that lets the IOC fast-track a preferred option to avoid
A theme of Coventry’s election opponents — including one of her four IOC vice presidents, Juan Antonio Samaranch — was the members’ wish to be more involved in consultation and decision-making after Bach’s hands-on presidency. Their first chance to air views comes today.
“It’s an important step to listen and to give people the opportunity to talk,” William Blick, a member from Uganda, told The Associated Press while welcoming the powerful symbol of electing a first IOC leader from Africa who also was a young woman. “It’s a very good way for her to start.”
Travis Hunter
PRESIDENT-elect Kirsty Coventry speaks yesterday during the handover ceremony of the IOC Presidency at the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland.
(AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)