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SPORTS SECTIO N E

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2026

BUDDY HIELD TRADED TO CHARLOTTE HORNETS Trade overview and analysis of Chavano “Buddy” Hield moving to the Charlotte Hornets By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net

FILE - Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) moves the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Jan. 13, 2026, in San Francisco. Photo: Godofredo A. Vásquez, AP File

Avengers edge Technicians 3-2 in thrilling season opener, Lady Panthers sweep Hornets to start title defence By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net The Avengers needed five sets and more than two hours to get their title defense off to a winning start, edging the Technicians 3-2 in the opening night feature of the 2026-2027 New Providence Volleyball Association (NPVA) regular season on Sunday at D.W. Davis Gymnasium. In a matchup between last season’s champions and regular season pennant winners, the Avengers prevailed 21-25, 25-20, 18-25, 25-22 and 15-12 to take the early bragging rights in what could develop into another closely contested men’s division. Neither team was able to separate itself for long during the two hour, 19 minute battle. The Technicians struck first, taking the opening set 25-21, but the Avengers answered immediately with a 25-20 win in the second set. The Technicians again moved in front by winning the third set 25-18, leaving the defending champions facing the possibility of opening the season with a loss. The Avengers responded when it mattered most, taking the fourth set 25-22 to force the deciding set. The fifth set remained competitive, but the Avengers managed to make the plays needed down the stretch to secure the 15-12 victory and escape with the match. The closeness of the contest was further reflected

in the overall scoring. Both teams finished with 104 points, underscoring how little separated the two sides throughout the match. The Avengers entered the season looking to build on their championship campaign from 2025, while the Technicians came into the matchup after finishing as last season’s regular season pennant winners. The opening result does little to settle the question of which team will emerge from the men’s division this season, but it provided an early indication that the race could be wide open. Earlier in the evening, the Fidelity/Central Gas Lady Panthers began their quest for another championship by sweeping the Johnson’s Lady Hornets. The Panthers won 25-10, 25-7 and 25-18 in a match that lasted one hour and 11 minutes. They controlled the scoring throughout the contest, accounting for 75 of the 110 total points played. The victory was the first step in the Panthers’ bid for a seventh consecutive NPVA women’s championship. The Panthers went undefeated last season on their way to the title and will enter the new campaign with the pressure of defending that record and maintaining their dominance in the division. The Lady Hornets struggled to find an answer during the opening two sets, as the Panthers raced to a 2-0 lead before closing out the match in the third. While the women’s division enters the season with the Panthers expected to once again be at the centre of the championship race, the men’s competition already has a different look following the opening night battle between the Avengers and Technicians. Regular season action continues Wednesday at D.W. Davis Gymnasium. The Lady Warhawks will face the Aces at 7:30 p.m. in the opening game, while the defending men’s champion Warhawks will meet the Baller Boys in the featured matchup. NPVA games are scheduled for Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays at D.W. Davis Gymnasium throughout the regular season.

CHAVANO “Buddy” Hield is trading one Southern city for another, moving from the Atlanta Hawks to the Charlotte Hornets as the Bahamian sharpshooter begins another chapter in his NBA career. Hield, 33, was traded by the Hawks to the Hornets on Tuesday along with Ryan Nembhard and cash considerations in exchange for veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. The deal comes just days before the start of another NBA season and will give Hield a new opportunity heading into his 11th season in the league.

Hield was selected sixth overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2016 NBA Draft before being traded to the Sacramento Kings during his rookie season. He has since played for the Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors and Hawks, with the Charlotte move making the Hornets his ninth NBA organization. The Freeport native spent only seven games with Atlanta after joining the Hawks in February as part of the trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Golden State Warriors. Hield averaged 5.1 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 7.3 minutes per game with Atlanta. His limited role in Atlanta came after he had averaged 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 44 games with Golden State earlier in the 2025-26 season. Across the two teams, he averaged 7.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 43.7 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from threepoint range. Hield’s career numbers remain considerably stronger than his most recent season. Through 765 regular-season games, he has averaged 14.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 43.3 percent from the field and 39.5

percent from three-point range. He has made 2,9 three pointers per game during his career. His ability to stretch the floor could be the biggest part of his potential role in Charlotte. The Hornets already have several perimeter players, including Coby White, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel, meaning Hield could be used primarily as a veteran shooting option who creates space for Charlotte’s ball handlers and scorers rather than being asked to carry a large offensive load. A recent analysis from Charlotte Hornets On SI described the potential addition as giving Charlotte a proven veteran shooter and noted that Hield could change the makeup of the team’s perimeter group. The trade also follows weeks of reported discussions between the two teams. Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported Sunday that Atlanta and Charlotte had been involved in “on-and-off trade discussions” surrounding Hield and Finney Smith. Fischer also reported that Atlanta had been exploring trades involving Hield’s $9.7 million salary throughout the summer. Trade- See Page B10

Dekel 'Bowflex Barbie' Quant makes history as first Bahamian woman to compete at Joe Weider's Olympia By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net DEKEL 'Bowflex Barbie' Quant is pumped up and ready to take the stage for the biggest performance of her life at the Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness and Performance Weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada. Quant, who left home on September 13, is in Las Vegas making last minute preparations for the figure competition as becomes the first Bahamian female to compete in the prestigious global event. She will follow former Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation president Joel Stubbs as the only other Bahamian to compete in the Olympia. In an interview with The Tribune, Quant outlined her preparation, her attendance and her expectations. With just days away from competition, she was asked how her training and preparation had been going in these final weeks. "Training has gone extremely well. This has probably been one of the best preps I’ve had, not only physically, but mentally. I’m really proud of the level of discipline, consistency and execution I’ve brought to this entire process," said the personal fitness trainer by profession. "These final weeks have been about staying focused, trusting the plan my coach and I have in place, and taking everything one day at a time." She was also asked about her preparation beyond the workouts and what she's been doing physically and mentally to make sure you arrive at your best? "There’s so much more that goes into preparing for a show at this level than what people see in the gym. Training is obviously a huge part of it, but so are nutrition, cardio, posing, recovery, sleep and managing stress," she stressed. "I’ve also been balancing my businesses and responsibilities at home while preparing for the biggest competition of my career. Mentally, I’ve been very intentional about protecting my energy, controlling what I can control and not allowing outside noise to take me away from the goal." Fitness- See Page B10

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, September 23, 2026, PAGE 9

A Weekend of Sports and Community Spirit: 5K Run, Volleyball Action, and Celebrating a Local Legend!

CHAMPIONS Jordan Prince Williams receive their awards from Kendal Rolle of the BBSF

Jordan Prince William Falcons victorious at AID High School Basketball Tournament THE Jordan Prince Williams Falcons emerged as the champions of the Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation's 2026 AID High School Basketball Tournament. The one-day event was held on Saturday at the CI Gibson Gymnasium as the Falcons flew past the RM Bailey Pacers in a nail-biting 42-40 victory. Cleshawn Newton, named the most valuable player, led Jordan Prince Williams, coached by Ernest Sanders, with a game high 21 points. Clay Azor led RM Bailey, coached by Lamont 'Redhead' Armly, with 10 points. In the consolation third place game, the CI Gibson Rattlers/Providence Storm knocked off the Charles W Saunders Cougars in a 43-28 decision. Khamani Davis led CI Gibson, coached by Kevin 'KJ' Johnon, with 15 points. The round robin tournament came down to. three-way tie for first place between Jordan Prince

Williams, RM Bailey and Charles W Saunders, all with a 2-1 win-loss record. In the tie-breaker, Jordan Prince Williams secured the top spot with the most points in their games to secure their berth into the championship game. The Pacers and the Cougars were tied on points, but in the headto-head match-up, RM Bailey got the edge and clinched the other championship spot. Charles W Saunders, coached by Dario Saunders, and CI Gibson, who didn't win a game in the round robin, played for third. The Rattlers put together their best game to get their share of the hardware. Here's a look at the results from the round robin: Pacers 40, Rattlers 37: In the opening match that showcased the two government school teams, RM Bailey came out clicking as Windskey Paul and Clay Azor both scored 10 points. Ednel Pierre and Justin Lafleur matched

Yankees activate 2B Jazz Chisholm Jr. following short IL stint with sprained right thumb

the effort for CI Gibon in the loss. Cougars 59, Falcons 48: The battle of the two private schools went to Charles W Saunders, thanks to the 1=8 points from Dario Musgrove. Ephraim Hepburn had a game high 20 and Elijah Pierre added 18 for Jordan Prince Williams. Falcons 58, Pacers 48: Cleshawn Newton poured in a game high 19 points and was followed by Ephraim Hepburn PWH and Kristian Wilson PWH with 14 each. Clay Azor scored 17 for RM Bailey. Cougars 43, Rattlers 42: In a game that could have gone into overtime, Charles W Saunders held on for the win behind the 10 points a piece from Breon Poitier and Daniel Munroe. Justin Joseph had a game high 23 in a losing effort for CI Gibson. Falcons 50, Rattlers 37: As they made sure they got into the championship, Jordan Prince Williams produced the

MVP winner Cleshawn Newton get his award from Kendal Rolle of the BBSF (left) with his coach Ernest Saunders (right)

TRACK

ROAD RACE

RUNNERS up RM Bailey Pacers gets their award from Kendal Rolle of the BBSF

THE Providence Advisors, celebrating 20 years from 2006-2026, will host a 5K and 10K fun run walk on Saturday starting and finishing at 6 am from Goodman's Bay Corporate Centre. All paces and all ages are welcomed with registration fees of $35 for adults and $25 for children 17 and under. All proceeds will go to the Bahamas Kidney Association. To register, persons can write to www.providecedvisors.net/fun-run.

VOLLEYBALL NPVA ACTION

THIRD place finishers CI Gibson Rattlers highest scoring output with Elijah Pierre and Kristian Wilson providing a 1-2 punch with 15 and 13 points respectively. Kaleb Chandler led CI Gibson with nine points.

Pacers 47, Cougars 38: As they assured their place in the championship RM Bailey saved their best game for the last with Kemaj Dean scoring 15 points. Laquane Collins had 13 for Charles W Saunders.

The BBSF will now close out its 2026 campaign and will now prepare for 2027 with their annual Family Fun Run/Walk race that will be held in between January and February. The date has not yet been confirmed.

New York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts in the dugout during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in New York. Photo: Noah K. Murray/AP

THE New Providence Volleyball Association, having kicked off its regular season on Sunday will resume competition tonight at the DW Davis Gymnasium. In the ladies' opener t 7:30 pm, the Lady Warhawks will take on the ces and in the men's feature game at 9 pm, the Warhawks will face the Baller Boys. The scheduled for the rest of the week are as follows: Friday's schedule 7:30 pm Aces vs Valkyrie (L). 9 pm Intruders vs Titans (M). Sunday's schedule 3:30 pm Panthers vs Lady Warhawks (L). 5 pm Warhawks vs Avengers (M).

TRACK

FUNERAL SERVICE

By LARRY FLEISHER ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK (AP) — The Yankees activated Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the 10-day injured list Tuesday following a short absence with a sprained right thumb. Chisholm returned after missing 12 games and was batting sixth and playing second base for the nightcap of a doubleheader against the Rays, who need a win to clinch the AL East. Chisholm was placed on the IL Sept. 10, two days after getting injured on a slide at second base attempting to stretch a single in the eighth inning of New York’s 5-3 win over Colorado. He was tagged out by Ezequiel Tovar and his thumb appeared to hit the Colorado shortstop’s cleat. Eligible for free agency after this season, Chisholm is hitting .232 with 19 homers and 55 RBIs in 134 games. He also has 40 stolen bases in 49 attempts, becoming the first Yankee with 40 steals since Brett Gardner had 49 in 2011. Before getting hurt, Chisholm was batting .391 (18 for 46) with two homers and six RBIs in his past 15 games. Anthony Volpe started 10 times at second base during Chisholm’s absence and made a rousing return to the majors with a grand slam and five RBIs Sept. 10. Volpe is hitting .263 (10 for 38) in 11 games since being called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre, and .244 with two homers and 26 RBIs in 67 games this year. “We’ll see,” manager Aaron Boone said about Volpe’s playing time. “Obviously, Anthony’s done a good job, but looking forward to getting Jazz back as well.” To clear a spot for Chisholm, Max Schuemann was optioned to the FCL Yankees. In three stints with the Yankees, Schuemann is hitting .194 with two homers and eight RBIs in 43 games.

A celebration of legacy and life for the late former thrower and track and field coach Khyle Anfernee Sharife Higgs, will be held on Friday, October 2 at 10 am at Evangelistic Temple on Collins Avenue. He will then be interred in Lakeview Memorial Gardens. Higgs, 31, passed away on Wednesday, September 16th at his home in Golden Gates. He was the head coach of the Triple Threat Throwers Club and was a member of the Bahamas national track and field teams as both an athlete and a coach.

SWIMMING

SEASON OPENING THE Bahamas Aquatics Federation has released its schedule for the new season, starting with the federation's first event over the weekend of October 2-3 at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex. The meet will begin at 5 pm on the day online and 9 am the next morning. That will be followed by the Alpha Aquatics Invitational on Saturday, October 7at the same venue, starting at 9 am. Three more meets will be staged in November and another in December before breaking for Christmas. The action will pick back up in January, 2027.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, September 23, 2026, PAGE 11

Noble Preparatory Academy Spartans shine at 2026 Fall Track and Field Finale in Canada By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net NOBLE Preparatory Academy's founder and president Geno Bullard said he was extremely proud of the way his Spartans athletes performed at the 2026 Fall Track and Field Finale over the weekend. The one-day meet on Saturday was held at the Canadian Games Park in Thorold, Canada. While there, the Spartans teammates interacted with some of their former team-mate from Noble Preparatory Academy, who are now attending

colleges and universities in Canada. This was the third consecutive year that Noble Preparatory Academy got the invitation from coach Fife in Canada and they have enjoyed their experience once again. The Spartans, coached by Andrew Smith and Bullard, were represented by a total of 12 athletes, who all performed exceptionally well against their international counterparts. "It was more than just a track meet, it was more of a cultural experience," Bullard said. "It came full circle, letting the students out there, especially those who

came from the Bahamas, that anything is possible once you put your mind into it and you work hard." Bullard noted that the Spartans turned in some personal best performances, which will only bode well for Noble Preparatory Academy as they prepare for the upcoming season in the Bahamas. Here's a look at the Spartans' performances in Canada:

NOBLE Prep track team

U13 Girls 100m - Serenity Dean - 1st place; 200m - Serenity Dean - 1st place; 600m - Brooklyn Adderley - 2nd place and

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-DAY FORECAST

TODAY

TONIGHT

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Butterfield - 1st place and 1000m - Kaiden Roberts 2nd place. U20 Boys 200m - K'Andre Adderley - 1st place; 400m - K'Andre Adderley - 1st place and High Jump - K'Andre Adderley 1st place. Bullard said the whole objective is for Noble Preparatory Academy to prepare its students for success in a changing world and exposing their students to the world.

U18 Girls 100m - Rihanna Kellman - 2nd place; 200m - Rihanna Kellman - 2nd place and long jump - Rihanna Kellman 3rd place. U18 Boys 100m - Jeremiah Gibson - 1st place; 200m - Jeremiah Gibson - 1st place; 400m Dario Butterfield - 2nd place; 400m - Kaiden Roberts 4th place; 1000m - Dario

1000m - Brooklyn Adderley - 1st place. U14 Girls 600m - Kandis Cash - 1st place and 1,000m - Kandis Cash - 2nd place, U15 Boys 400m - Aiden Smith - 1st place; 400m - Jemo Hamilton Jr. - 4th place and 400m - Keran Russell - 5th place. U16 Boys 100m - Jonathan Linton - 1st place and 200m - Jonathan Linton - 1st place.

SATURDAY

UV INDEX TODAY

SUNDAY

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+ LOW

ORLANDO

Rain at times

Overcast with a brief shower or two

Cloudy with rain and a thunderstorm

A stray afternoon thunderstorm

Partly sunny, a couple of t-storms

A couple of t-storms in the morning

High: 85°

Low: 78°

High: 86° Low: 77°

High: 87° Low: 78°

High: 86° Low: 77°

High: 88° Low: 78°

AccuWeather RealFeel

99° F

85° F

98°-84° F

100°-86° F

97°-82° F

98°-84° F

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 75° F/24° C

TAMPA

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 75° F/24° C

ABACO

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 77° F/25° C

6-12 knots

WEST PALM BEACH High: 86° F/30° C Low: 75° F/24° C

6-12 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

FREEPORT

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 75° F/24° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 77° F/25° C

MIAMI

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 76° F/24° C

4-8 knots

The higher the AccuWeather UV Index number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection. Shown is the highest value of the day.

TIDES FOR NASSAU Ht.(ft.)

Today

5:59 a.m. 6:21 p.m.

2.7 3.1

12:04 a.m. 1.1 12:07 p.m. 1.0

ALMANAC

Thursday

6:42 a.m. 7:02 p.m.

3.0 3.2

12:43 a.m. 0.9 12:53 p.m. 0.8

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 86° F/30° C Low .................................................... 74° F/23° C Normal high ....................................... 87° F/31° C Normal low ........................................ 74° F/24° C Last year’s high .................................. 89° F/32° C Last year’s low ................................... 79° F/26° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 1.06” Year to date ................................................ 20.65” Normal year to date ................................... 27.90”

Friday

7:23 a.m. 7:41 p.m.

3.2 3.3

1:20 a.m. 1:37 p.m.

0.7 0.6

Saturday

8:03 a.m. 8:20 p.m.

3.4 3.3

1:56 a.m. 2:20 p.m.

0.5 0.4

Sunday

8:44 a.m. 9:01 p.m.

3.5 3.2

2:33 a.m. 3:04 p.m.

0.3 0.3

Monday

9:26 a.m. 9:42 p.m.

3.6 3.1

3:11 a.m. 3:49 p.m.

0.2 0.3

Tuesday

10:11 a.m. 10:27 p.m.

3.7 3.0

3:51 a.m. 4:36 p.m.

0.2 0.4

KEY WEST

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

Ht.(ft.)

Sunrise Sunset

6:59 a.m. Moonrise 7:05 p.m. Moonset

5:20 p.m. 4:00 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Sep. 26

Oct. 3

Oct. 10

Oct. 18

CAT ISLAND

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 80° F/27° C

6-12 knots

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 80° F/27° C

4-8 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Low

SUN AND MOON

N W

VERY HIGH EXT.

High

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 82° F/28° C

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 78° F/26° C

HIGH

The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is the only index that includes all the weather factors that play a role in how we perceive temperature, including the effects of wind, humidity, sunshine, precipitation, pressure, and elevation. Shown are the highest and lowest values for each day.

MODERATE

ANDROS

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

W S

LONG ISLAND

TRACKING MAP

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 79° F/26° C

4-8 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 90° F/32° C Low: 79° F/26° C

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

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 80° F/27° C

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 91° F/33° C Low: 78° F/26° C

4-8 knots

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

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

WINDS NW at 6-12 Knots WSW at 4-8 Knots SE at 6-12 Knots WNW at 6-12 Knots SE at 3-6 Knots S at 4-8 Knots ESE at 6-12 Knots ESE at 6-12 Knots E at 4-8 Knots SW at 6-12 Knots S at 6-12 Knots WNW at 4-8 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots S at 4-8 Knots NE at 4-8 Knots E at 4-8 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots ESE at 6-12 Knots SE at 6-12 Knots ESE at 4-8 Knots WNW at 6-12 Knots E at 4-8 Knots ESE at 4-8 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots S at 6-12 Knots

Tribune First Alert Weather

NASSAU WhatsApp Channel

WAVES 1-3 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-2 Feet 0-1 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 0-1 Feet 0-1 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 0-1 Feet 2-4 Feet 2-4 Feet 0-1 Feet 0-1 Feet 1-2 Feet 0-1 Feet 0-1 Feet 1-2 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 84° F 84° F 85° F 85° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 85° F 85° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 85° F 85° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F

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