SPORTS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2025
Bahamas earns a shot at the promotion round
By BRENT STUBBS
Captain Kim O’Kelley had two words to describe the performances of The Bahamas’ team at the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup tie yesterday in Santa Tecla, El Salvador - focused and confident.
After winning their pool play with an impressive 3-0 win-loss record, Team Bahamas went to the crossover playoffs and pulled off a huge 2-1 victory over host
El Salvador to earn a shot at the promotion round today against Uruguay.
In their crossover playoff match, Simone Pratt suffered her first loss in four matches, losing 4-6, 6-1, 6-0 to El Salvador’s Susana Souhrada in the opening singles.
But top seed Sydney Clarke got revenge by knocking off El Salvador’s top seed Sara Valentina Cruz Bonilla 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 to even the tie at 1-1.
It came down to the doubles and O’Kelley said it was just a “joy” to watch as Clarke and Pratt teamed up to secure a 6-1, 6-3 win over Bonilla and Souhrada to clinch the tie.
“It was emotional,” said O’Kelley, the former number one tennis player for The Bahamas during the Fed Cup era. “Simone played a girl who was very tough. She just couldn’t pull it out. Maybe it was the heat.
“But Sydney just played an incredible match. She was so focused and confident. The girl was good. She was very good. But she just pulled it out.”
What really amazed O’Kelley was the way Clarke and Pratt played in doubles.
“They are just an incredible doubles team. I just love watching them play,” O’Kelley stated. “They are really good at playing together. They did it.” Clarke concurred with O’Kelley that it was a long day filled with emotions.
“I was able to hold it together in my singles and get us to 1-1 and then Simone and me were able to win the doubles and now tomorrow (today) we play
Uruguay,” Clarke said. “Hopefully we can keep the momentum going.
“We haven’t had a day off this week, which was really tough. We’re really tired, but we’re pushing through and all we can do is wish for the best and just pray that we go out there
AFTER two successful exhibition games and a training camp this past week, head coach Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn said The Bahamas men’s national basketball team is prepared for the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup.
The team, which was named yesterday, will be playing at the Polideportivo Alexis Arguello Arena in Managua, Nicaragua, from August 22-31.
The team, coming off two successful exhibition games against Nicaragua, will be playing its opener against the United States of America on Saturday at 3:40 pm, followed by Brazil on Sunday at the same time and then Uruguay on Tuesday at 4:10pm. According to Nairn, a former national team player who has been given his first assignment as head coach for this team, the players are all eager and ready to go.
Named to the team are Domnick Bridgewater, Jaraun Burrows, Franco Miller, Lathaniel Bastian, Wilkenson Isnord, Radshad Davis, Garvin Clarke, Sammy Hunter, Kentwan Smith, Joshua Dames and Isaiah Mobley.
Joining Nairn on the coaching staff are Addie Walters, Michael Thompson, Rashad Mackey and Willis Mackey.
“We’re looking pretty good. We had a few days to actually practice and pick
ESPN’S FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT WEEKEND ON AT BAHA MAR
By JONATHAN BURROWS
NEW YORK (AP) —
Kamilla Cardoso had 22 points and a career-high 16 rebounds, Angel Reese scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and the Chicago Sky beat Jonquel Jones and the New York Liberty 91-85 last night to end a five-game losing streak.
Chicago (9-26), which had lost 13 of 14 overall, also snapped a five-game skid against New York.
Ariel Atkins scored 19 points, nine in the fourth quarter, and Michaela Onyenwere added 13 for the Sky in a game that featured 21 lead changes and 11 ties.
Jones made a careerhigh tying five 3-pointers and scored 25 points for the Liberty. Sabrina Ionescu added 16 points and Natasha Cloud 14. Ionescu made two free throws that gave the Liberty an 85-83 lead with 2:23 left in the game.
DAY one of ESPN’s Fantasy Football Draft weekend got underway yesterday at the Baha Mar resort.
This marks the beginning of the four-day event, with the official draft on Saturday, August 23. The opening ceremony was buzzing with energy as fans worldwide gathered to celebrate the start of the fantasy football weekend.
And there were NFL veterans, including former All-Pro running back Todd Gurley, free agent running back Jamal Williams and NFL veteran wide receiver Golden Tate.
The head event organiser shared what the event was about and the future of the event. “This is the second time we have hosted this event here at Baha Mar and we just want to create
THE Atlantis Softball League has announced that its All-Star Weekend is scheduled for 3:30pm Wednesday, September 3, in the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds. The draft is slated to be held for the team
selection for the All-Star Game and Community Family Fun Day that will be staged at 11am on Saturday, September 13. BASKETBALL BBSF TOURNAMENT THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation is scheduled to hold a meeting 6pm Thursday, August 28 at its office upstairs in the
AUG. - See Page E3
Head coach Lourawls Nairn: Men’s national basketball team prepared for FIBA AmeriCup
up stuff that we need to do and to play together as a team,” Nairn said. “So I think we’re looking pretty good.”
“I think this is a group that is willing to pass. We had 52 passes in the first two games of the scrimmages against Nicaragua,” he pointed out.
“So that is very encouraging.
From their sessions together, Nairn said the players have been very receptive to what he and his coaching staff have been trying to implement.
“In our practices, we continued to move the ball and continue to compete on the defensive end of the floor as well. So these guys have been doing a great job working out together.”
Against the USA in the opener, Nairn said it will certainly be a big test for Team Bahamas.
“They are the number one team in the world, but I’m excited about the challenge for us,” he pointed out. “They will have a lot of shooters on the floor and they can run a lot of different things defensively.
“But our guys are excited and ready for the challenge. In the last window when we played them, the game was close in the first half, but it kind of got away from us in the second half. We just have to clean up the mistakes we made for this one.”
“This is a very great group of guys. All of them are professional players and they love playing for The Bahamas,” Nairn said.
“They play for each other, so I’m very excited about the guys here. I’m excited to see what we can do.”
Without the services of the National Basketball Association players such as Chavano “Buddy” Hield, Deandre Ayton, Kai Jones and Eric Gordon, along with head coach Chris DeMarco, Nairn said The Bahamas still has a quality team that can compete in this tournament.
TEAM BAHAMAS 17U BOYS DOMINATE HOOPFEST IN PARADISE TOURNAMENT
THE Bahamas’ 17U boys national team claimed the Bahamas Hoopfest in Paradise platinum division with a 57-52 win over Team NYC Puma in the championship at Loyola Hall.
The team did not lose a game in the tournament , going 4-0.
Michael Munnings led the team with 12 points, six assists and four steals in the championship.
Darius Hanna scored 10 points, including three three-pointers, Nathan Rolle put up eight points to go with eight rebounds and Tayshaun Taylor scored seven points along with four assists and four steals.
“This team came together and represented the country to the highest degree possible at the tournament,” said assistant coach Marco Cooper after the championship win.
“This team dug deep to win each and every game of the tournament.
“This was a team made up of great players who came together with one
goal and that goal was to win. And they did that.” The team advanced to the championship with a 50-33 win over Jaguars in semifinal action on Saturday.
Darius Hanna led all scorers with 15 points and four assists in that game.
Michael Munnings had eight points and six assists. Tayshaun Taylor scored seven points with four assists. Donovan Samuels and Quincey Rolle each pulled down seven boards in the win.
The team sailed through the tournament without a loss.
The team defeated NYC BLUE 55-19 Friday with guard Donovan Samuels leading all scorers with 12 points and eight rebounds in the win.
Guard Antonio Knowles scored nine and Ethan Burrows had seven points to go with five rebounds. Taylor posted six assists as well.
Also on Friday’s opening night, the team took out NYC WHITE 59-43. Darius Hanna led all scorers with
15 points, including four three-pointers. Taylor put up eight points and five assists while Samuels scored six points with eight rebounds. “This group of talented players never faltered even though every game we started off slow,” Cooper added. “They had to push in the second and third quarters of every game to pull off the wins.”
Head coach Jay Philippe added: “The fact that the team went undefeated says something about the talent that we have in that age group and the potential future of the men’s basketball programme. The future looks bright.”
Hoopfest in Paradise is an international event that brings together top American prep teams and standout Bahamian squads in competition annually in an effort to provide local athletes with valuable exposure and the prep teams competition.
Christopher Saunders is the U17 boys’ national team manager.
GO TEAM BAHAMAS: After two successful exhibition games and a training camp this past week, head coach Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn said The Bahamas men’s national basketball team is prepared for the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup at the Polideportivo Alexis Arguello Arena in Managua, Nicaragua, from August 22-31.
FIBA - from page E1
CHAMPIONS: The Bahamas 17U boys national team won the Bahamas Hoopfest in Paradise platinum division in the championship at Loyola Hall.
Creatine in youth athletes: Safe supplement or shortcut?
By Dr Kent L Bazard
WALK into any high school weight room today, and you’ll likely hear someone ask, “You on creatine?” Once reserved for elite bodybuilders and professional athletes, creatine has entered the mainstream — and now, many parents and coaches are wondering if it’s safe or even necessary for teens.
The good news? Creatine is one of the most studied and safest supplements available — even for youth athletes. But it’s not magic powder, and it’s certainly not for everyone. Here’s what every parent, coach, and athlete needs to know.
What Is Creatine?
Creatine is a natural compound made in the liver and found in foods like red meat and seafood. It helps fuel short bursts of highintensity activity — think sprinting, jumping, and lifting.
Supplementing with creatine increases the body’s energy reserves, allowing athletes to train harder, recover faster, and build more strength over time.
Is It Safe for Teen
Athletes?
Yes — when used properly, creatine is safe for athletes as young as 15–16 years old who: - Are in structured training programmes - Have consistent nutrition and hydration habits - Are past their early puberty growth spurt
- Have medical or parental clearance
The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) has stated that creatine is likely safe and may even support performance and recovery in adolescents involved in intense training. What creatine won’t do is replace hard work, healthy eating, or sleep.
The Benefits — Backed by Science
Research supports creatine for the following benefits in trained youth athletes:
- Improved sprint speed and strength
- Faster recovery between workouts
- Possible neuroprotective effects in contact sports
- Potential reduction in injury rates due to improved training output
In sports like track and field, swimming, football, and soccer — where repeated short bursts matter — creatine can be a useful edge.
How to Take It: Dosing
Made Simple Type: Creatine Monohydrate (skip the fancy stuff) Loading Phase (optional): 0.3 g/kg/day for 5–7 days
Maintenance Phase: 3–5 g/day with water
Timing: Post-workout or with a carb-rich meal for better absorption
Hydration is critical. Creatine pulls water into the muscle — athletes must drink more fluids daily, especially in hot climates.
Common Myths —
Busted Let’s clear the air: “Creatine damages your kidneys.”
Not true in healthy individuals with no preexisting kidney disease. “It causes bloating or water retention.”
A small, temporary increase in water weight is normal — not harmful.
“Only boys or bodybuilders need it.”
Creatine benefits female athletes just as much, especially in power sports.
When It’s Not the Right Choice
Creatine isn’t for:
Athletes younger than 15
Those not yet consistent with training, nutrition, and sleep
Individuals with kidney disorders or metabolic issues
Anyone looking for a quick fix without effort
Before starting, speak with a sports medicine physician or dietitian — and remember, it’s a supplement, not a substitute for training.
The Takeaway Creatine isn’t hype — it’s science. But like any tool, it works best when used wisely.
For well-trained youth athletes who are eating right, sleeping well, and pushing to the next level, creatine may be a safe and effective way to support performance and recovery. Start with education, not peer pressure. And if you’re unsure whether your athlete is ready, book a consult with a sports medicine expert.
medicine physician at Empire Sports Medicine, specialises in ensuring athletes reach their peak performance safely. With extensive experience and a passion for sports health, insights and guidance for athletes of all ages - men and women.
‘Focused and confident’ Billie Jean King Cup ladies pull off huge 2-1 win over host El Salvador in crossover playoffs
VICTORY - from page E1
and give it our all.”
Clarke thanked God for giving the team the opportunity to get to the playoffs and now a chance to get promoted, so if they can maintain their “team energy, the level of support, especially during the crucial moments,” she feels they will have a chance to succeed.
Pratt, a southpaw, said despite not playing up to par, the team prevailed and that is all that matters.
“I lost today, but the girl was a pretty good player,” Pratt said. I tried my best. I put up a pretty good fight. But Sydney really came through for the team. She made me very proud.
“In the doubles, we were both ready to go. We came out and played some smart doubles, very strategic. We played our games and came together and got the win.” Pratt, the oldest playing member on the team, said they are now looking forward to facing Uruguay today. Hopefully they will get the 2026.
SPORTS CALENDAR
AUG. - from page E1
TRACK & FIELD
CLASSIC
each category as well as medals for the third-place teams. Interested persons can contact Sean Bastian at seanbasbastian@gmail.com or call 826-8535 or Brent Stubbs at stubbobs@gmail. com or call 426-7265 for more information.
THE Baptist Sports Federation is slated to hold its 2025 Track and Field Classic during the Baptist month of activities on Saturday, October 25 at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. Odd distance events will be staged for competitors in the under-7, under-11, under-15, under-17, under20, under-40, under-60 and
60-and over categories for men and women. There will also be a Pastors/Ministers category. Trophies will be presented to the divisional champions and medals to the top three finishers in each event. Interested persons can contact Ann Thompson at ann87609@gmail. com or call 425-3667 or Brent Stubbs at stubbobs@ gmail,com or call 426-7265 for more information.
Official Fantasy Football Draft on Saturday, August 23
DRAFT - from page E1
TEAM Bahamas’ members Saphirre Ferguson, Simone Pratt, Sydney Clarke and Jalisa Clarke with the ball boys.
SIMONE Pratt and Sydney Clarke after their doubles triumph.
Clarke after her
Bahamas’ men fall to Suriname in 4 sets
Bahamas’ ladies suffer 3-1 loss to Jamaica
ON THE REPLAY: Day five of the CAZOVA Senior Volleyball Championship brought another action-packed evening at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium with the women of Team Bahamas in action. The women’s team faced the defending champions, Jamaica, who once again proved why they are a force in women’s volleyball. Despite a spirited effort by The Bahamas, Jamaica won 3-1.
Photos by Chappell Whyms Jr
19TH CAZOVA SENIOR VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 5
By JONATHAN BURROWS
Photos by Chappell Whyms Jr
ON THE REPLAY: Day five of the 19th Cazova Senior Volleyball Championships brought mixed results for team Bahamas yesterday at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.
‘Buddy’ organises 24 Elite Basketball Coaches’ Clinic
FOR SOME OF THE TOP HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYERS IN THE ISLAND NATION
ON THE REPLAY: The 24 Elite Basketball Coaches Clinic continued yesterday at AF Adderley Gym.The event, organised by National Basketball Association player Chavano “Buddy” Hield, was held for some of the top high school basketball players in the island nation. The event started on Wednesday and is scheduled to wrap up today.
Photos by Chappell Whyms Jr
GOLDEN MOMENT
Kaiwan Culmer wins triple jump title
Photos by Vandyke Hepburn
GOLDEN MOMENT: World Championship qualifier Kaiwan Culmer won his first major international gold medal in the men’s triple jump at the 2025 North American, Central American and Caribbean Championships (NACAC) at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.