New national tennis champions crowned
By Jonathan Burrows
The country’s top tennis talents took centre stage this past week as the Bahamas AID Junior Tennis National Championships concluded at the National Tennis Centre in Nassau, with several exciting matchups and breakout performances in both singles and doubles competition across all age groups.
The tournament, organised by the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA), brought together elite junior players from Exuma, Eleuthera, Abaco, Grand Bahama and New Providence to compete for national titles.
After several days of gruelling matches under the sun, new champions were crowned and some familiar faces returned to the winner’s circle. Here
is a category-by-category look at the individual winners and runners-up in both singles and doubles competitions.
Boys Under 12 Singles - Champion: Rohan Johnson. Runner Up: Owen Mather.
Girls Under 12 Singles - Champion: Rebecca Bitan. Runner Up: Londyn Mortimer.
Boys Under 14 Singles - Champion: Chase Newbold. Runner Up: Harrison Van Onselen.
Girls Under 14 Singles - Champion: Addyson Munroe. Runner Up: Caitlyn Pratt.
Boys Under 16 Singles - Champion: Patrick Mactaggart. Runner Up: Synaj Watkins.
Girls Under 16 Singles - Champion: Addyson Munroe. Runner Up: Tatyana Madu.
Boys Under 18 Singles - Champion: Jackson Mactaggart. Runner Up: Patrick Mactaggart.
Girls Under 18 SinglesChampion: Jalisa Clarke. Runner Up: Sarai Clarke.
Girls Under 14 Doubles - Champion: Rebecca Bitan and Marina Bostwick. Runner Up: Victoria Sandi-Aguilar and Londyn Mortimer.
Boys Under 18 Doubles - Champion: Patrick Mactaggart and Cohen Knowles. Runner Up: Dylan Carey and Ian Rolle.
Girls Under 18 Doubles - Champion: Tatyana Madu and McKenzie Herma. Runner Up: Saphire Ferguson and Addyson Munroe. In one of the most enjoyable matches of the day, brothers Jackson and Patrick Mactaggart squared off against one another
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2025 SEE PAGE E3
WHILE their focus was on their three-game series against the Orlando Monarchs, the Atlanta Smoke professional women’s softball team also participated in a free clinic for young players in the country.
During the Don’t Blink Sports Entertainment and B4Real Sports’ inaugural Queen of Paradise Women’s Professional Softball Series, the Smoke staged the clinic on Friday at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.
Smoke’s head coach Cat
Tarvin said they couldn’t ask to be in a better location to share their experiences with the young generation of players in The Bahamas.
“The camp was awesome. I was just talking about how to build softball here,” said Tarvin, who also serves as the head of the Hampton University women’s softball team.
“We want to help the kids here to get off to universities and eventually go on to play at the professional level. The opportunities are there for them. They just have to embrace it.”
Not only was it the first time a professional women’s softball tournament was played here, but it was also the first time that a camp also took place.
Silentrain Espinoza, one of the Smoke players, said it was awesome to be a part of it. “It was just amazing to have so many girls out here. they are really excited about the sport,” she pointed out. “So it’s good to be able to participate in it.”
Baha Mar Resort Foundation in vibrant display of
By Jonathan Burrows
IN a vibrant display of philanthropy, the Baha Mar Resort Foundation hosted a press conference yesterday following its annual Royal Blue Golf Tournament Invitational, held on June 14, during which it raised over $275,000.
Held at the Baha Mar Convention Center, the post-tournament event was headlined by one of Baha Mar’s senior vice presidents, Robert Sands, who presented a series of generous donations to a wide range of local beneficiaries across The Bahamas.
With dignitaries and media in attendance, the conference served as the philanthropic crescendo of the multi-day golf tournament held at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course Royal Blue, which drew local and international participation and raised significant funds earmarked for charitable causes.
Sands, a seasoned executive and prominent voice in the nation’s hospitality sector, took the stage with visible pride as he announced the
Humane Society received $25,000 to help with the commitment to aid and facilitate abused and abandoned pets and animals in The Bahamas.
foundation’s latest philanthropic efforts. “This morning was a tangible demonstration of our giving back to the community,” said Sands, addressing the press. The highlight of the morning came when Sands presented ceremonial cheques and donations to a series of non-profit organisations, community groups, and a single mother in need after losing not only her home to a fire but also her child. Each recipient was recognised for their tireless work in areas such as youth development, social welfare and animal welfare. Among notable beneficiaries were: Shantia Marshall - received $15,000 to assist with the rebuilding of her home following the fire that had destroyed it.
and
with
of Physically
and
CHAMPION JALISA CLARKE, left, and runner-up Sarai Clarke.
CHAMPION in under-18 boys’ singles Jackson Mactaggart, left, and runner-up Patrick Mactaggart.
Photos by Jonathan Burrows
BAHAMAS
Photo by Jonathan Burrows
NEW NATIONAL CHAMPIONS: After several days of gruelling matches, new champions were crowned and some familiar faces returned to the winner’s circle.
New national tennis champions crowned
FROM PAGE E1
in the Under 18 Boys Singles championship.
The match featured powerful serves, explosive exchanges and playful yet intense brotherly rivalry which ended in the older brother, Jackson Mactaggart, winning the championship match.
“It’s hard to concentrate on playing your older brother but we both played well and had an overall really good match,” said Patrick Mactaggart on his experience playing his older brother in this championship.
SPORTS CALENDAR FROM PAGE E1
Thursday
7pm - Bowe vs Reloaded
Players9pm - Ballers vs Platinum Pool Sharks
Saturday
7pm - Cyber Tech Lady
Marlins vs Bowe
9pm - Renegades vs Titans FITNESS STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
CAMP
Dr Kent Bazard will host Mark Henry, Olympic
Jackson Mactaggart enjoyed the experience as well.
“I thought it was fun playing my brother, he definitely has gotten better since being away at Baylor, so I have to work a little harder now to beat him,” said Jackson Mactaggart on what it was like playing his younger brother in the championship.
In what was arguably the match of the tournament, Addyson Munroe, just 14 years old, won her first-ever national tournament title in her debut appearance in the Under 16 Girls Singles championship.
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
Addyson defeated her competitor Tatyana Madu for the title.
After dropping the first set, Addyson rallied with poise beyond her years, showcasing precise groundstrokes and relentless court coverage.
“It feels good, I felt like I played really well and enjoyed my first experience,” said Addyson about her first title in her firstever Nationals match.
Addyson also captured the title in the Under 14 Girls Singles.
Addyson attributed this win to the relentless encouragement from both
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 firsthand insight from one of the sharpest minds in professional wrestling today. That afternoon, the spotlight shifts to BAHA
of her parents and also great training and mentorship from her coach.
Two players who competed in this year’s AID Junior Tennis National Championships, Jalisa Clarke and Saphire Ferguson, will be competing later this year in the 62nd annual Billie Jean King Cup, showing a clear path from junior to adult tennis with the assistance of these championships.
This year’s AID Junior Tennis National Championships was hailed as a resounding success, with smooth operations, strong turnout citing an
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.
SUMMER FEST TOURNEY
approximate 20 per cent increase in participation from last year, and a high level of sportsmanship across all divisions and age groups.
Senior head referee Esther Newton, who has overseen the tournament for several years, praised both the players and organisers for their dedication and discipline throughout the week-long event.
“This year’s championships were a great success, I’m very thankful to our sponsor’s AID and Custom Computers as well as the officiating team because it is very hard work,” said
Newton on the success of this year’s tournament. With passionate crowds, close matches and strong performances across divisions, this year’s national championships serve as both a celebration of the sport and a launching pad for new talent.
As the BLTA looks to expand development pathways for youth and increase international competition exposure, the depth and diversity of talent on display signals a promising future for tennis in The Bahamas.
Training Center, Blue Hill Sports Complex.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Baha Mar Resort Foundation in vibrant display of philanthropy
disabled in the Bahamas.
Baark! - Received 25,000 to aid with the continued facilitation of abused and abandoned animals in The Bahamas Humane Societyreceived $25,000 to help with the commitment to aid and facilitate abused and abandoned pets and animals in The Bahamas.
Bahamas Council on Alcoholism - received $25,000 to aid in their continued effort to help and spread awareness to Bahamanians struggling with alcoholism.
Salvation Armyreceived $25,000 to help in their continued effort to clothe and feed those in need in the Bahamas.
Hands For Hungerreceived $25,000 to aid in their continued effort to feed the less fortunate in the Bahamas.
Down syndrome Committee - received $20,000 to aid with a new building fund.
Bahamas Red Cross - received $25,000 to strengthen its disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities ahead of the 2025 hurricane season.
Nassau Chapter of Links Incorporated - received $25,000 to help with their continued effort to stop violence against women in the Bahamas.
REACH - received $20,000 to help provide parents and children dealing with autism the necessary tools needed.
Bahamas Golf Education Youth Programmereceived $15,0000 in efforts to further the development of golfing in the Bahamas. Bahamas Aquatics Foundation - received $15,000 to further the development of swimming in the Bahamas. Christ the King Church
- received $15,000 to help with various charity work done in their respective communities.
St Agnes Churchreceived $15,000 to help with various charity work done in their respective communities. Royal Bahamas Police Force - received
$30,000 to help with various youth programs and the implementation of the program to assist families of slain officers.
Sands confirmed that the foundation will continue expanding its reach in 2025, with new initiatives.
“The Baha Mar Resort
Foundation is committed to giving back to the community,” said Sands about the future of the foundation.
The Baha Mar Resort Foundation, established to formalize the resort’s charitable work, has grown into one of the most active philanthropic organizations
During the camp, the Smoke took the players from ages 7-17 through a series of drills.
They were assisted by some of the local coaches and top softball players in the country.
Coach Deshay Stubbs brought about 30 players from their BAP softball programme to provide them with what she called a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for all of them.
“I wished we had this when we were growing up,” she pointed out. “So to give these girls this opportunity is something great.”
As Bahamians, Stubbs said they noticed that the local players are very strong, but the Smoke showed them a way in which they can enhance their performances.
Shaunte Curtis, the director of player development at LDK Performance, said it’s a big deal to interact with the Smoke as they entertained them in the game and imparted their knowledge through the camp.
“It’s really fun to be a part of this because growing up, this is what we dreamed about,” Curtis said.
“Being a part of this and being one of the leaders in the sport, I’m really proud of it.
“And with them seeing the professional players, they can now look at taking their game to the next level because this is a part for them to follow.
“They can aspire to be better than the players on SAC or Queen’s College’s team or JBLN, but they can become professional players.”
Mikala Cartwright, a 15-year-old versatile athlete from St Anne’s School, said the camp gave her an opportunity to look at all of her options as she looked ahead to her future.
“It’s such a fun experience to learn and to grow,” said Cartwright, who is also one of the top gymnasts and a soccer player.
“Today, I’m so happy to have this opportunity to flourish even more in the sport.
“Softball is like a safe space where I can have fun and just be myself on the field, make friends and explore all of my opportunities. I hope I can take it to the next level.”
Already at the next level, Kemora Gibson, a 17-yearold attending high school, said she was delighted to come home for the summer and get the chance to
participate in the camp.
“This is really great because we’re at a baseball stadium and it’s really only boys around here,” Gibson said. “It’s just great to be able to see and learn from these professional players.”
Sari Albury, one of the top players in the country, said she was thrilled to be able to join the Smoke in assisting with providing some of the players with the necessary tools to improve their game.
“We are so appreciative just to have these professional players in town. This is the first time that we have had these pro players here,” she stated. “So we’re just happy that the sport of softball is growing for us. We, as coaches, are learning from them as well because they are teaching us, these young people. They will leave a lasting impression
and hopefully we can get them down again.”
With The Bahamas known for its wealth of talent, having been ranked at one point as high as number three in the world, Albury said the only thing left is for a player to make the breakthrough as a pro.
“With these players here playing such a high level series of games, it allows us as players to see the potential for the future,” Albury said. “So for those of us who have been playing for a long time, we can see where we could end up.
“So it would be interesting down the line in the future to see if we can get a few Bahamians playing at the pro level. We definitely have the talent to do it.”
Lucius Fox Jr, who along with Todd Isaacs Jr, who brought the pro players to The Bahamas as a part of
within the Bahamas. With a mission rooted in culture, community, and conservation, the foundation has touched thousands of lives since its inception through a combination of funding, partnership, and volunteerism.
Keep on giving!
their Don’t Blink Sports Entertainment group, said they were pleased with the turnout.
“We have some players who played the game before and some who are trying out for the first time,” Fox Jr said. “I’m just happy that it’s a diverse group of all ages from seven to 17, all here working hard.
“The Atlanta Smoke team came out and we are appreciative of them coming out and learning their expertise with our players. It’s been great energy and we look for this to keep going.”
Fox Jr said they brought the players to The Bahamas to inspire the next generation of players. He noted that just as the players have demonstrated in all of
sports,
THE HIGHLIGHT of the morning came when Sands presented ceremonial cheques and donations to a series of non-profit organisations, community groups, and a single mother in need after losing not only her home to a fire but
Photos by Jonathan Burrows
the other
once they get to the women’s pro league, they will take it over.
ROBERT Sands presented ceremonial cheques and donations to a series of non-profit organisations, community groups, and a single mother in need after losing not only her home to a fire but also her child. Each recipient was recognised for their tireless work in areas such as youth development, social welfare and animal welfare. SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE E6
The NBA draft will have tons of international talent, which is to be expected
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer
THERE’S no Victor Wembanyama in the class headed to the NBA draft this week. There’s no Zaccharie Risacher, either. For the first time since 2022, the first pick in the draft will not be someone from France.
Wembanyama had that title in 2023.
Risacher had it last year.
This year, Duke’s Cooper Flagg is almost certain to go No. 1. That doesn’t mean there isn’t going to be a ton of international representation in these 59 picks.
Far from it.
It’s not outside the realm of possibility that somewhere around one-third of the picks called tonight and Thursday will be players who either originally or currently hail from outside the United States — from The Bahamas, South Sudan, Russia, Canada, China, Australia, Lithuania, Spain, Israel, France and more.
Some went to college in the United States, others will be looking to come play in this country (or Canada, if the Toronto Raptors come calling) for the first time.
“The guys who came before us, these are guys that kind of created a path, like prepared the NBA to welcome Europeans and to make life easier for us,” said Stanford centre Maxime Raynaud, a first-round prospect from France.
“And I think the best way to pay respect to that is just coming in with the
hungriest mentality and the best work ethic possible.”
The one-third estimate — if it works out that way over the draft nights — might sound like a lot, but it isn’t. It actually is consistent with where the game is now, considering that roughly 30 per cent of the players in the NBA this past season were born somewhere other than the United States.
Some are names that are known in the U.S. from playing in college: Baylor’s Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe hails from The Bahamas and almost certainly will be a top-five pick, and Duke centre Khaman Maluach — originally from South Sudan, and someone still learning the game — is a top-10 candidate. “If you told me three years ago, I didn’t think I would be sitting here,” Maluach said. “But I knew one day I would be sitting here.”
A few stories from the international perspective to watch today and Thursday: Noa Essengue, France He is a 6-foot-10 power forward who plays for the German club Ratiopharm Ulm. He is going to be drafted and almost certainly as a lottery pick.
Whether he gets to the draft is anyone’s guess; his team is still playing in its league championship series, so getting to New York might be tough. It could clinch Tuesday, so a Wednesday arrival isn’t entirely impossible.
Joan Beringer, France At 6-foot-11 with a wingspan of about 7-4, Beringer — who played
professionally in Slovenia — is intriguing because of his combination of size, footwork and high-level knowledge of how to play defense.
Expect him to go somewhere around the middle of the first round.
Hugo González, Spain
He debuted with Real Madrid in 2023 and long has been considered someone who’ll lead the next wave of players on Spain’s national team.
That is extremely high praise for the 6-6 wing.
Nolan Traoré, France
A very intriguing point guard, the 6-3 (but very slender) teenager should be a first-rounder, but where he actually will land is a bit of a mystery.
It’s not going to be a surprise if he’s one of at least three Frenchmen in the first 20 or so picks.
Hansen Yang, China
The inevitable Yao Ming comparisons will follow Yang into the NBA, but a solid showing at last month’s draft combine have the Chinese centre — who stands 7-1 and still may be growing — listed by many as a serious first-round prospect. He has excellent footwork and passing ability, and he knows he can still get much better.
’s VJ Edgecombe hails from The Bahamas and almost certainly will be a top-five pick.
BAYLOR
Baha Mar Resort Foundation in vibrant display of philanthropy
ROBERT Sands presented ceremonial cheques and donations to a series of non-profit organisations, community groups, and a single mother
was
Photos by Jonathan Burrows
Bodybuilder Serena Salis brings home
medal
SERENA SALIS, far right, poses on stage with
‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr ejected in 9th for confronting home plate umpire Mark Wegner
By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer LUX’S
CINCINNATI (AP)
— Spencer Steer and pinch-hitter Gavin Lux hit run-scoring singles in the 11th inning and Cincinnati rallied from a three-run deficit for a 5-4 victory over the New York Yankees last night after Chase Burns made an impressive major league debut for the Reds.
Aaron Judge scored on Connor Phillips’ wild pitch in the 11th for a 4-3 lead.
With Matt McLain as the automatic runner, Elly De La Cruz led off against Mark Leiter Jr. (4-4) with an infield single.
Spencer Steer hit a tying single as De La Cruz jogged to second, apparently thinking the game was over.
Steer advanced on a wild pitch, Tyler Stephenson walked to load the bases and Lux singled to centre over the five-man infield for his second career walk-off hit.
Christian EncarnacionStrand hit a three-run double in the seventh off Jonathan Loáisiga.
New York dropped to 1-6 in extra innings this year and is 1 for 21 with runners in scoring position in losing the first two games of the series.
Burns, the second overall pick in last July’s amateur draft, became the first starting pitcher in the expansion era to strike out the first five batters he faced in his debut.
The 22-year old righthander allowed three runs and six hits in five innings and struck out eight.
Ben Rice homered and Anthony Volpe had a tworun triple in the fourth inning as the Yankees built a 3-0 lead.
Bidding to become the major league’s first 10-game winning, Carlos Rodón pitched six shutout innings.
Key moment Yankees third baseman
Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr. was ejected in the middle of the ninth by plate umpire Mark Wegner after continuing to argue over a called strike on a 2-0 pitch in the top half.
WALKOFF SINGLE
IN 2-RUN
NEW York Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone takes Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr. to the dugout after he was ejected for confronting home plate umpire Mark Wegner after being called out on strikes during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds last night in Cincinnati.
(AP Photo/Joshua A Bickel)
YANKEES’ manager Aaron Boone, centre, stands between “Jazz” Chisholm Jr, left, and home plate
umpire Mark Wegner, right, as Chisholm confronts Wegner after being called out on strikes during the ninth inning last night.
(AP Photos/ Joshua A Bickel)
NEW York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr., left, confronts home plate umpire Mark Wegner, right, while taking the field after being called out on strikes during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Cincinnati.