SPORTS
Bahamas has one goal: Qualify for CAC Games
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
MEMBERS of the Bahamas Baseball Association men's national team say their only goal this week at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium is to qualify for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games.
The team, announced on Sunday at the stadium, will be participating in the 2025 Caribbean Baseball Cup that will open on Wednesday, featuring teams from the Dominican Republic, St Maarten, Curacao and the US Virgin Islands.
The winner will earn the final spot for the CAC Games, scheduled for July 24 to August 8 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The Bahamas' team will comprise of the following players:
Pitchers - Tyreek Sherman, Mateo Ferguson, Cavian Roberts, Shameko Smith, Tahnaj Thomas, Giovante Tomlins, Deshaunghn Forbes, Orxavier Saint, Chad McKenzie and Chavez Fernander.
Catchers - Benjamin Dupuch, Caden Walker and Theodore 'Trae' Sweeting Jt.
Infielders - Daunte Stuart, Cherif Neymour, Jaiden Cartwright, Ellison Hanna II and Daalen Adderley, Outfielders - Kashon Conliffe, Chavez Young,
Byron Murray, Zachary Gibson, Pheron Charlton and Toby Simmons.
In naming the team, BBA president Clarence 'CJ' McKenzie said they could not have assembled a better pitching staff than they did. He called it the strongest that we've had in 20 years.
Thomas, a 26-year-old Grand Bahamian who played for the Sioux City Explorers in the American Association of Professional Baseball, said the pitching staff is expected to be the firehouse or the battery for Team Bahamas.
"We are happy to be back to represent the country," he said. "Myself, Chavez Fernander and Shameko Smith, we will try to lead the younger guys as the pitching staff to be the battery and firepower as we keep us in some close games.
"I feel we have a very good team. I'm confident that we can pull it off. We just have to stay locked in and go in there and stay focused all seven innings. Everything should be about winning. It should not be about stats or history or who played last year. It should be about what we're going to do to win this week."
Hanna II, one of the top infielders to watch, said after he missed the opportunity to compete on the national team last year, he was delighted when his
chance came around this year. "It was amazing," said Hanna II, who is doing coaching full time as well as enrolled in college as he pursues his second masters degree in business and analytics. "I was on the staff when we had the inaugural men's national team in the Caribbean Cup in 2022, so to be back wearing a jersey with The Bahamas on my chest is so sweet. People are called to serve in so many ways for their country like the military, but as athletes, when we're called to serve our country, it is a blessing."
Looking at Team Bahamas, Hanna II said they have the camaraderie, but whenever the lights are turned on and the umpires call play ball, they will have to step out and get the job done.
Stuart, who left The Bahamas at the age of 14 to pursue his professional baseball dream, is back on the national team after playing here last year.
"We have a great group of guys so I just expect for us to go out there, play our game, execute and keep the championship title here at home," said the 24-year-old
Stuart, who played last year with the Lake Country Dockhounds in the American Association Baseball.
"As long as we go out there, keep our heads in the game and play our game, we should have a good outcome."
Murray, a 30-year-old performance training coach at Pine Crest High School in Lake Worth, Florida, said it's a blessing to be able to come home and play for the first time in about 15 years.
"It's good to be back on home turf and to be able to express my talent," he said.
"You can expect for us to
go out and put on a show, compete and to qualify.
"I've heard good things about what we've been doing in the pitching department. We have a good squad to work with defensively.
“Speed has never been our problem, so hopefully we can go out there and fill up the basepaths and score some runs."
Cavian Roberts, the youngest member of Team Bahamas at age 26, is a six-foot 11th grader at CR Walker. He comes in with 10 years of playing baseball, but his debut with the senior men.
"I think it's a great accomplishment for me, knowing that I'm the youngest player," he said.
"I know that many other players my age could have been picked, but I was the one who was picked, so I'm grateful to be here.
"I feel we have a great team, so I'm just going to go out there have some fun and learn as much as I can from the older players. We have a good pitching staff and players who can play defence."
The Bahamas, which will play the US Virgin Islands in the feature game on Wednesday night at 7pm, will be managed by Michael Butler and coached by Nathaniel Butler, Javier Bowe, Ray Stubbs and Ken Adderley. Nicholas Morley is the team's physiotherapist.
Ayton posts double-double to help Lakers beat Pelicans 133-121
By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter
jburrows@tribunemedia.net
IN the Lakers’ 133121 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, Deandre Ayton finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds before exiting late with right-knee discomfort.
He also added four blocks, showing his impact on protection at the rim, something head coach JJ Redick promised he’d contribute to the team at the beginning of the season. The win pushed Los Angeles to its seventh straight victory.
After the game, Ayton addressed the knee scare, saying the knee had “cooled down” and that he felt fine despite a collision earlier in the week that had already caused some swelling.
This season, Ayton is averaging about 15.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game while shooting 70.7 percent from the field, ranking him second in the NBA. Through 17 games, he already has seven performances with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. That total is higher than what he produced in his entire most recent season with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds.
Early in the season, analysts noted how quickly he settled into his role with the Lakers, pointing out that although his debut wasn’t sharp, Ayton “silenced the negativity” with a string of efficient games inside the paint.
His fit in the offence and improvement in finishing around the rim have contributed to one of his most efficient starts to any season. Ayton
VERONAYE
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Some members of the Bahamas Baseball Association men’s national team during a practice session at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr/Tribune Staff
Giants and Sparks emerge as champions Catholic
THE Xavier's Lower School Giants and St Thomas More Sparks emerged as the Catholic Diocesan Primary Schools 2025 girls and boys basketball champions.
The Giants' coach Raygail Smith had predicted Xavier's Lower School girls team wanted the sweep and they did it as they repeated as champions, wrapping up the best-of-three series with a 17-7 win over the St Francis/Joseph Shockers at Loyola Hall, Gladstone Road, on Thursday.
St Thomas More, after falling short of getting into the final, made sure they took home some hardware as they too completed a sweep with a slim 5-4 margin over the St Cecilia's Strikers in the girls' thirdplace consolation game.
As for the boys, St Thomas More was too much for the defending champions St Francis/Joseph to handle as they secured the sweep with a 16-9 win in game two in their best-ofthree series.
The consolation third place game for the boys went the distance as Xavier's Lower School pulled off the third and deciding game on Friday with a 15-11 decision.
Giants 15, Shockers 13
After coming out with its closest margin of victory all season long, the undefeated Xavier's Lower School powered to a 10-point win as most valuable player J'Lynn Bain and D'Antia Rose both scored six and Eosdh Dovandonte had five.
Kamora Darmeus led the way for St Francis/Joseph with three and J'Kiki Moxey and Paris Johnson got two apiece.
Strikers 5, Sparks 4
St Cecilia's made sure that they went home with a
trophy as Catalaya Vargas canned the game-winning basket, their only points scored in the fourth quarter to clinch third place.
TaCara Curtis scored the other two in the third quarter.
Nathalia Ferguson put the Sparks on the scoreboard first in the first quarter, but it wasn't until the fourth quarter that they got their other two points from Tanaz Davis.
Sparks 16, Shockers 9
Coach Renaldo Knowles knew that as long as his St Thomas More team played defence, they would win. They did them both.
Brian Bullard was unstoppable for the Sparks as he carried the team on his back with a game high 11 points to earn the MVP honours. Aiden Archer and Carron Miller contributed two points each and Michel Saunders had one. Clarado M led the losers with three points.
Davion Suckra, Mason Gardiner and Deandre Stubbs both had two.
Giants 15, Shockers 11
Kyle Rolle had five points and Rajae Smith chipped in with four points for Xavier's Lower School to third place.
Carter Coulibily scored five and both Colton Forbes and Donathan Johnson added four points each for St Cecilia's.
Giants 17, Strikers 16
Kyle Rolle scored eight and Carren Matt had four as Xavier's Lower School took game two of the boys' third-place consolation game on Thursday and forced a third and deciding game on Friday.
Zion Paul scored five, Colton Forbes had four, Carter Smith and Carter Coulibily both had three and Aldin King one in the loss for St Cecilia's.
THE Xavier’s Lower School Giants (top) and St Thomas More Sparks emerged as the Catholic Diocesan Primary Schools 2025 girls and boys basketball champions.
DIRECTOR of Education Alexandria Bowe presents Xavier’s Lower School Giants girls’ coaching staff and principal with their championship trophy and, at centre right, Xavier’s girls’ MVP J’Lynn Bain and St Thomas More boys’ MVP Brian Bullard, far right, with their awards.
‘VJ’ scores seven for 76ers in return
‘from injury, stands at fifth place in ‘NBA Rookie of the Year’ race
By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net
IN Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks, Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe Jr returned from a three-game absence due to a left calf injury. He played 21 minutes and produced seven points (3-of-6 FG, 1-of-4 from three), two rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The rookie guard had been sidelined for the previous games after being listed with calf tightness, marking the first real break in his otherwise heavy minutes this season.
As his coach Nick Nurse put it: “We got the imaging. It’s all clean, just precautionary.”
Nurse added that once Edgecombe is fully ramped up, he expects him to resume a 30-plus-minute role.
Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 draft, has produced solid numbers this season. Before his injury, he was averaging 15.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, along with roughly 2.0 three-pointers, while shooting 40.7 per cent from the field.
After the return, his rolling season averages stand at 13.8 points, 5.7 rebounds,
4.1 assists, 1.7 threes, and 1.3 steals in 36.0 minutes per game.
It’s clear that the injury and associated minutes restriction caused a temporary dip, but Edgecombe sounded confident about bouncing back.
“My calf feels great. I was able to run up and down with no pain or anything like that, I’m not sore or anything right now so God is good and my calf is great,” said Edgecombe.
He also told reporters he would “keep being aggressive and keep playing with joy.” He added: “If I’m wide open, if it’s the right shot, I’m gonna shoot the ball.”
As for his standing in the race for NBA Rookie of the Year (ROTY), most early power rankings still list Edgecombe among the leading candidates.
In the most recent ladder, Edgecombe now stands at fifth place behind Derik Queen, Cedric Coward, Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel.
Despite the minor injury scare, it seems Edgecombe and the Philadelphia 76ers are optimistic about his recovery and ability to return to a high-usage, high-impact role.
Edgecombe and the Sixers play again today against the Washington Wizards.
Head coach Nick Nurse expects rookie guard to resume 30-plus-minute role
Point guard Veronaye Charlton posts double-double - 19 points and 10 rebounds - in win
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
VERONAYE Charlton, another top women’s collegiate player in the pipeline for The Bahamas, posted her best game so far this season on Saturday to help the Austin Peay State University Governors women's basketball team to a 20-point win over Kansas City.
Charlton, 20, had 19 points and 10 rebounds in securing her first double-double for the season, joining Snovia Sheals, who also had 19 points with two block shots in the Governors’ 66-46 win at the Swinney Center in Kansas City. She also added five assists. With the win, Austin Peay improved to 4-1 on the
Local Sports Calendar
BASKETBALL
BSAA SEASON THE Bahamas Scholastic Athletic Association opened its basketball season yesterday at The Hope Center located University Commons and Bahama Games Blvd.
Here’s a look at today’s schedule: PG – Thelma Gibson Primary VS St. John’s College
PB – Lighthouse Prep.
Academy VS Freedom Baptist Academy
PB – Nassau Christian
School VS Kingsway Academy
JB – HO Nash VS Genesis Academy
SB – Akhepran Int.
Academy VS Government High School A
SB – ISBET VS Teleos Christian School
BASEBALL HOME RUN DERBY
CLINIC
THE organisers of the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby 2025 will host youth baseball and softball camp on Saturday, December 10th at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.
The cmp is designed for boys and girls between the ages of 7-18 yers. Check-in will begin at 3 pm and the
cmp will run from 4-6 pm. Interested persons can sign up at dbhrderby.com
TRACK ALL-BAHAMIAN AWARDS
THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations is scheduled to hold its 2025 All Bahamian Awards ceremony on Sunday, December 14, starting at 6pm at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium. Under the theme: "Honouring the Spirit of The Bahamas: Every Athlete, Every Victory," the BAAA will use the opportunity to recognise all 2024-2025 national team members. A reception and dance will follow the presentations.
STAR PERFORMERS MEET
THE Star Trackers Track Club is scheduled to hold its 23rd edition of the Star Performers Track and Field Classic on Saturday, January 24, from 9am to 6pm at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The event, sponsored Baker Concrete International Division Greyco Limited, will be open to competitors in all age groups to the open divisions for boys and girls and men and women. Interested persons can contact Laura
Pratt-Charlton at 357-3109 for more information.
BASEBALL TICKETS FOR CARIBBEAN CUP
TICKETS for the Caribbean Baseball Cup, scheduled for December 3-8 at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium, is priced at $15 for general admission daily pass, $25 for VIP passes and $80 for tournament pass for all days combined. Children 11-and-under will be charged $5. The event is being sponsored by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and hosted by the Bahamas Baseball Association. Interested persons can contact BBA's secretary general Theodore Sweeting at 4221399 for more information.
RED-LINE
SONJA KNOWLES
TRACK CLASSIC
RED-LINE Athletics, “Where Champions are Made,” will hold its sixth annual Sonja Knowles Track Classic over the weekend of January 31 and February 1.
The event will take place at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium on January 31 from 11am to 6pm and Sunday, March 1 from 1-6 pm. Competition will be held in the various age
season, but Charlton said they were not as rusty as she thought they would be stepping back on the court.
"I believe that we had good stretches in the moment and that we could be better in different areas," Charlton said. "It was kind of what I expected in how we played because we had a week off and we didn't have a game in a couple of days."
As for her individual performance, Charlton said she's proud of her efforts.
"I just knew how the game was going, I think I stepped up to push them and to show them how to lead," said the talented point guard. "I know I played hard and I continue to do my role as a leader."
With one turnover to her ledger, Charlton said she wants to stay focused
groups from under-7 to masters. Medals and trophies will be presented to the various winners.
Interested persons are urged to contact club founder and head coach Tito Moss at 425-4262 for more information.
LEGENDS TRACK
THE Legends Track and Field’s Devynne Charlton Invitational is scheduled for Saturday, February 7 at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The meet, to be held in honour of world indoor 60m hurdles record holder and two-time champion Devynne Charlton, will have her younger sister Anthaya Charlton as one of the special guests.
Powered by Speed Capital, it will feature athletes competing from the ages of seven to the open categories for boys and girls.
T-BIRD FLYERS
THE T-Bird Flyers will hold its 2026 Track Classic, held in memory of the late Gregory Clarke, on Friday, January 9, starting at 6pm and Saturday, January 10 at noon at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
Interested persons are urged to contact Foster Dorsett at 427-3883 for more details.
and committed to leading her team. She said that the only way she can do that is to continue to put up the numbers like she did on Saturday.
Charlton and the Governors, coached by Brittany Young, will be back in action on Saturday when they take on Murray State at the F@M Bank Arena in Clarkesville.
"My expectations for this season is that we are top three in our conference because I believe the sky is the limit for us," Charlton said. "We have so much talent. We want to win and we all work.
"So as long as we get into the rhythm of playing together, staying together and just finishing games and not getting into any droughts, I believe we
ROAD RACE MACEDONIA
AS a part of its 60th anniversary, Macedonia Baptist Church will hold a Family Fun Run/Walk race that is open to the general public on January 24.
The dual event is scheduled to start at 6am at the church on Bernard Road, Fox Hill. The categories include male and female 15-and-under, 20-and-under, 40-and-under, 60-and-under and over-60 with awards presented to the first three finishers.
The walk will leave the church and head west on Bernard Road to the junction at Wulff and Soldier Roads. The competitors will turn around and head east back to the church. The run will also leave the church and head west on Bernard Road onto Soldier Road, head south to Prince Charles Drive, head east to Fox Hill Road, head north to Bernard Road and head west back to the church.
could be really scary for other teams. I know the talent we have and I know my team-mates."
By supporting each other and having each other's backs, Charlton said they are on the right track for success this season.
"I just need to continue to be a leader and just bring energy, working hard," she said. "My teammates look up to me to bring energy, so just being that fuel that they need, I can push them by being a leader."
Charlton, who previously played for Universiry of North Alabama, is the daughter of Christen and Verron Charlton and sibling to Ckaimya, Cherea, and Maquell. The 5-foot, 4-inch guard is majoring in graphic design and photography.
Interested persons can call 426-7265 or 324-1583 for more details.
BAHAMAS AQUATICS
BAHAMAS Aquatics has a pair of swim meets on its calendar for the rest of the year in New Providence and Grand Bahama.
• Nassau at Betty Kelly Kenning Swim
VERONAYE Charlton, a top women’s collegiate player in the pipeline for The Bahamas.
BACK FROM INJURY: Philadelphia 76ers’ VJ Edgecombe comes out for player introductions on Sunday during an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Kix Academy fields three teams at Plantation Thanksgiving Classic
KIX Academy successfully fielded under-8, under-10 and under-13 teams at the 39th Annual Plantation Thanksgiving Classic, held in Plantation, Florida, November 28-30.
The tournament, one of the longest-running youth soccer events in South Florida, featured competitive teams from across the region and provided an invaluable developmental experience for the young Bahamian players.
Kix Academy’s under-8 squad, consisting of players born in 2018 and 2019, competed in the under-9 Future Stars Division, the youngest category of the tournament.
The team finished group play with one draw and two losses. In their opening match, Kix earned a 3-3 draw against Springs Soccer Club 2018, with all three goals scored by rising talent Peyton Archer. Their second match ended in a 4-2 loss to Southern Homestead Soccer Academy, with goals from Dontae Jones and Aquilo Deveaux.
The final match, played in heavy rain, saw the under-8s fall 5-1 to Plantation FC, with Archer scoring again to bring his tournament total to four goals.
The under-10 team concluded the weekend with one win and two losses. Their opening game resulted in an 8-1 defeat to Miami Athletic Club Academia Método, with the lone Kix goal scored by Adom Kwakye.
In their second game, Kix battled to a 6-3 loss against Miami Stars Soccer Homestead, with Kwakye securing an impressive hat trick. The team ended the tournament on a high note, defeating Fort Lauderdale United FC 3-1. Kwakye delivered another hat trick in this match, closing out the event with a remarkable seven goals.
Kix Academy’s under-13 team mirrored the under10s’ results, finishing with one win and two losses. The under-13s opened with a narrow 1-0 loss to Florida West FC before rebounding strongly in their second match. In that game, Kix earned a 3-0 victory behind a standout performance from Cael Ramsey - on loan from Renegades and FutPrep - who scored all three goals. Team captain Rohurley Alexis contributed significantly with two assists.
The final match saw Kix face a powerful Plantation FC side, resulting in a 6-1 loss, with Alexis scoring the team’s only goal.
Head coach Jared Higgs praised the teams for their commitment, resilience and growth over the weekend.
“Playing in South Florida represents a really excellent level of soccer,” Higgs said. “There is a very strong soccer culture in South Florida, and the players faced off against some very organised, passionate and committed teams.”
He added that the experience provides a strong developmental foundation moving forward.
“We are beyond proud of all the players, and we are
Pritchard scores
42, Brown gets triple-double as Celtics outlast Cavaliers 117-115
By TOM WITHERS
Associated Press
CLEVELAND (AP) — Payton Pritchard scored a season-high 42 points, Jaylen Brown got his fourth career triple-double and the Boston Celtics barely held on to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-115 on Sunday night after giving up most of their big lead.
The Celtics led by 21 points in the third quarter and were still up by 11 with less than two minutes left before Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell made consecutive 3-pointers to pull the Cavs within 114-112 with 20.5 seconds left.
Pritchard, who made several big buckets down the stretch, then made two free throws to put Boston ahead 116-112 with 5.9 seconds remaining.
Cavs guard Darius Garland buried a 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds to go, and Cleveland fouled Brown on the ensuing inbounds pass following a timeout. Boston's All-Star guard could only split a pair of free throws, giving the Cavs a final chance.
But Evan Mobley's jumper was short at the final horn, allowing the Celtics to escape.
Brown finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds and
11 assists for his first triple-double since January 21, 2024, at Houston. He scored 41 in a loss at Minnesota on Saturday.
Mobley led the Cavs with 27 points and 14 rebounds and Garland scored 21. Mitchell was quiet until the final minutes and finished with 18 — 12 below his average.
Boston's Jordan Walsh had career-highs with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
ROCKETS 129, JAZZ 101
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 25 points in his return from a two-game absence, leading Houston to a victory over Utah.
Alperen Sengün had 27 points to help the Rockets win their fifth straight road victory. Steven Adams chipped in 13 points and 12 rebounds off the bench, and Amen Thompson had nine assists.
Houston’s defensive pressure led to the Rockets forcing 17 turnovers and scoring 22 points off those takeaways. The Rockets outscored Utah 21-8 in fastbreak points.
Ace Bailey led the Jazz with 19 points. Lauri Markkanen added 18 points and eight rebounds. Jusuf Nurkic totalled 14 points, nine assists, and six boards.
The Rockets held Keyonte George scoreless on 0-of-6 shooting. George also committed eight turnovers.
KNICKS 116, RAPTORS 94 NEW YORK (AP) — Josh Hart had 20 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points and eight rebounds and New York beat Toronto for their fourth straight victory.
Jalen Brunson had 18 points, seven assists and six rebounds, and Mikal Bridges and Miles McBride each scored 14 points. The Knicks improved to 10-1 at home and 13-6 overall. They are perfect since Hart joined the starting lineup last week.
Immanuel Quickley had 19 points and eight assists for Toronto against his former team, and Scottie Barnes added 18 points. The Raptors dropped to 14-7, a night after their nine-game winning streak ended at Charlotte.
TIMBERWOLVES 125, SPURS 112
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)
— Anthony Edwards scored 32 points to became Minnesota’s all-time leader in games with 30 or more points, Julius Randle added 22 points, 12 assists and six rebounds, and the
excited to get back on the training ground to make adjustments based on how we performed.” Kix Academy continues to expand its youth
development programme, offering training for players from age three (under-4) up to age 14 (under-15). The club remains committed to creating
opportunities for young Bahamian footballers to compete, grow and challenge themselves in high-level environments overseas.
Timberwolves pulled away from San Antonio in the fourth quarter.
Donte DiVincenzo scored 18 points and Naz Reid added 15 for Minnesota, which went 2-0 at home on the weekend after losing three straight on the road. The Spurs fell to 5-2 without Victor Wembanyama, who missed another game with a left calf strain.
The Wolves outscored San Antonio 36-19 in the fourth quarter of the teams’ first matchup this season. On two separate occasions in the first four minutes of the final period, DiVincenzo and Reid made back-to-back 3s to help the Wolves seize momentum.
De’Aaron Fox led the Spurs with 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting. After being acquired in a seven-player, seven-pick trade involving San Antonio, Sacramento and Chicago in February, Fox entered Sunday second on the team in scoring behind Wembanyama with 24 points per game.
Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson added 22 points apiece for the Spurs, who went 2-2 on their four-game road trip.
THUNDER 123, TRAIL BLAZERS 115
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 points, Chet Holmgren had 19 points and nine rebounds, and Oklahoma City beat Portland for their 12th straight victory. In his second game back from wrist surgery, Jalen Williams had 16 points and eight rebounds in 34 minutes. Deni Avdija finished with 31 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists for Portland. Toumani Camara had 19 points and eight rebounds, and Jerami Grant scored 18 points. Holding a 76-74 lead, the Thunder unsuccessfully challenged Holmgren’s fourth foul with 5:00 left in the third quarter. He returned to start the fourth quarter but picked up his fifth foul. Portland cut the lead to 95-93 before Holmgren returned with 8:08 left. That’s when the Thunder regained control.
A layup by Kenrich Williams pushed the lead to 102-93 with 6:53 left. Williams made it 105-96 on a 3-pointer a little more than a minute later.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s fadeaway pushed Oklahoma City ahead 107-100 with 4:18 to go. Portland got back within two points 107-105 with 2:58 left. But the Thunder led by Gilgeous-Alexander used their experience to close out the game.
GRIZZLIES 115, KINGS 107 SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Zach Edey had a career-high 32 points and 17 rebounds to help the Memphis Grizzlies hold off the Sacramento Kings. Edey recorded his third double-double of the season in 29 minutes, shooting 16 of 20 from the floor. He scored six points in the final 3 1/2 minutes to lead the Grizzlies to their fourth straight road win. Cam Spencer had 16 points, Jaylen Wells scored 15 and Jaren Jackson Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope each had 13 points.
Playing without Ja Morant, the Grizzlies — who rallied from double-digit deficits in their previous two games — led much of the way and then had to hold off a late surge by the Kings.
CAVALIERS’ Donovan Mitchell, centre, is guarded by Boston Celtics’ Jordan Walsh, left, and Jaylen Brown during the first half in Cleveland on Sunday night. (AP Photo/Phil Long)
KIX Academy teams at the 39th Annual Plantation Thanksgiving Classic held in Plantation, Florida, November 28-30.
Top juniors clash in the International Tennis Federation J30 Goombay Splash
THE International Tennis Federation (ITF) J30 Goombay Splash came to a very successful close this weekend after a week of competitive matches amongst the top talented juniors from all over the world. The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) hosted this international tournament at its National Tennis Centre.
Some Bahamians competed in qualifyings and some in main draw:
Briana Houlgrave
Tatyana Madu
Patrick Mactaggart
Synaj Watkins
Cohen Knowles
Zamere Davis
Aiden Ritchie
Spencer Taylor
Reeves Mahelis
Eleanor Nash
Caila Bowe
Jasleen Salkey
Dashan Gardiner
Jalisa Clarke
Ayai Bethel
Victoria Sandi-Aguilar
Harrison Van Onselen
Pano Mousis
According to a press release, the juniors displayed exceptional tennis talent that many spectators were pleased to witness.
On Saturday, the boys’ finals matchup featured two German players, the No.1 seed from Germany Nick Mertgens who won over his fellow German Johann Schick.
“Nick has been dominant all tournament long, not dropping a set to his opponents. Johann came into the tournament unseeded but had some good victories on his way to the finals. The finals match was very competitive with Mertgens winning the first set 6-1 and coming up big in the second set after the score was tied 5 all to win the next two games and the second set 7-5. “Mertgens emerged as the boys’ singles and doubles J30 Nassau champion. Mertgens teamed up with American Abner Pulin Yu in doubles, winning 6-4, 6-4 over Luke Basiji and Julian Mahdavi from Canada.
The final match of the tournament, the girls’ singles finals, featured two Canadian players - No.1 seed Layla Notta and No.2 seed Alexie Normandin.
“Both ladies teamed up the previous day to win the doubles championship. They now faced off on opposite sides of the net in the singles championship.
The match was one of the most exciting matches of the tournament with Layla going up early 6-4 in the first set. Alexie Normandin captured the second set 6-3. “In the final set, both ladies turned up the heat with Layla edging out Alexie 7-5 to emerge as the girls’ J30 singles and doubles champion. Layla and Alexie captured the girls’ doubles title in straight sets 7-5, 6-1 against fellow Canadians Diane Brustur and Ellie Tucci.
Said Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association president Perry Newton: "The ITF J30 Goombay Splash was a resounding success, it was a celebration of Bahamian spirit, fairplay and as one our young tennis players said it was a show of community unity. Watching rising talent, both local and international, and fans come together reminds us of why we work so hard to grow tennis across the islands.
“I am proud of the 18 Bahamian athletes for the
work and preparation they put in and their performance in the tournament.
We are thankful to the BLTA team (administrators and officials) that ensured the efficient management of the tournament. We received excellent reviews from the players and spectators. We are thankful to the sponsors, Fidelity our main sponsor who provided refreshing treats to the athletes and fans throughout the tournament, Custom Computers who also supported the tournament and to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism for their support in showcasing The Bahamas on this international platform."
“The level of international competition was high as players from over 10 countries were represented on the courts at the National Tennis Centre in Nassau, Bahamas. There were many who made this event the success that it was including tournament director Darnette Weir, tournament referee George Baxter, chief umpire Esther
Newton, Officiating team Paula Wallace-Whitfield, Steve Taylor, Theophilus Weir Sr and Jr, Eugene Gibson, Stephen Thompson and Everette Munroe.
Thanks to the team of physiotherapists, coach Philan Bowe, Clarise and Victor Sandi-Aguilar, the on-site chefs, the maintenance crew and the many hands that contributed to the smooth running of the event.
Eighteen Bahamian tennis players had the opportunity to compete locally in an international tournament, for some it was the first time they competed on the international junior circuit.
“Thirteen out of the 18 Bahamians played in the main draw of either singles or doubles.
“Many players took advantage to either get their feet wet or to expand their exposure on a global level playing against countries such as Germany, Canada, United States, Sweden and Brasil.
“Briana Houlgrave was seeded third in the
tournament and advanced to the round of 16. Patrick Mactaggart advanced to the quarterfinals of the boys’ singles and doubles.
“The BLTA is pleased to provide this wonderful opportunity to the juniors. Special thanks for the representatives from Fidelity (Ms Duncombe) and from Custom Computers(Ms Fox) who were on hand at the trophy presentation and The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism representative who attended the event, we are truly appreciative of your partnership.
“Congratulations once again to the 2025 J30 Champions, Runners up and all the talented participants. The BLTA's J30 Goombay Splash is now in the history books!
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association hosted the International Tennis Federation J30 Goombay Splash at its National Tennis Centre.
Maye passes for two TDs, Patriots become first team to 11 wins, beating Giants 33-15
By KYLE HIGHTOWER AP Sports Writer
FOXBOROUGH, Mass.
(AP) — Drake Maye passed for two touchdowns, Marcus Jones had a 94-yard punt return for a TD and the New England Patriots became the first NFL team to reach 11 wins this season, beating the New York Giants 33-15 last night.
It was the 10th straight win for the AFC-leading Patriots (11-2), the franchise's longest streak since winning 10 consecutive games in 2015. Coach Mike Vrabel also became the third coach since 1970 to have a win streak of 10 or more games in his first season with a team.
Maye completed 24 of 31 passes for 282 yards with no interceptions.
The Giants (2-11) lost their seventh straight game, and third in a row since firing former coach Brian Daboll. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart returned after missing two games because of a concussion, but there wasn't much he could do.
Dart threw a touchdown pass to Darius Slayton and finished 17 of 24 for 139 yards. Devin Singletary added a touchdown run.
Dart played with his usual style in his return. On a second down on the team's second offensive series, Dart scrambled toward the New York bench and tried to tip-toe up the sideline for extra yards.
It left him open for a clean hit to the midsection by Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss, who sent Dart hard to the turf. The forceful tackle caused a brief shoving match between several players.
No flags were thrown for Elliss’ tackle, but after a discussion by officials, Giants tight end Theo Johnson was called for unnecessary roughness for his role in the post-play scrum. Dart was not evaluated following the hit and remained in the game for the next play.
After the Patriots took a 17-0 lead on a 3-yard TD pass by Maye to Kayshon Boutte, Dart found traction
on the Giants’ third possession and capped a six-play, 62-yard drive with a catchand-run TD pass to Slayton that covered 30 yards.
The Giants defence started the game well, holding the Patriots to a field goal on the game’s opening possession in its first game under the direction of interim coordinator Charlie Bullen.
Bullen was elevated to the role after Shane Bowen
was fired 12 games into his second season. It didn’t last.
Trailing 10-0 after Jones’ punt return TD and a quick three-and-out that included the Elliss hit on Dart, Maye used a 36-yard pass to Hunter Henry to set up his touchdown pass to Boutte.
New England led 30-7 at halftime.
It marked the first time since Week 17 of 2009 season that the Giants had
allowed 30 points in the first half.
Return game Jones became the fourth player in Patriots history to return two punts for TDs in a single season, joining Troy Brown (2001), Irving Fryar (1985) and Mike Haynes (1976).
Benched again Giants rookie linebacker Abdul Carter didn’t play in the first quarter for what coach Mike Kafka told
ESPN at halftime was the coach’s decision. It marks the second time the No. 3 overall pick in the draft was benched for disciplinary reasons.
He was previously held out of the first series of New York’s Nov. 16 loss to Green Bay.
Hold on
Lined up for a 47-yard field-goal attempt in the second quarter, Giants kicker Younghoe Koo got his cleat caught in the turf and never got off a kick.
Holder Jamie Gillan tried to get up and run but was tackled for what was scored as a 13-yard sack by Jeremiah Pharms.
It wasn’t New York’s only special teams mishap. Gunner Olszewski also fumbled on a kickoff return late in the first half after being sandwiched on a tackle by Marte Mapu and Elliss.
The Patriots recovered on the Giants 27 and eventually added Andy Borregales’ second field goal of the half.
Injuries Giants: Olszewski was ruled out with a concussion following the hit that caused his fumble. Replays showed him taking a helmet-to-helmet blow from Elliss. ... RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. was helped off in the fourth quarter with a hip injury. Patriots: RB Terrell Jennings left in the first quarter with a head injury and didn’t return. ... LB Jack Gibbens was shaken up in the third quarter.
Up next Giants: Bye. Host Washington on December 14 Patriots: Bye. Host Buffalo on December 14.
Nik Bonitto bats away two-point try in overtime and Broncos escape with 27-26 win over Commanders
By MICHAEL PHILLIPS Associated Press
LANDOVER, Md. (AP)
— Nik Bonitto batted away Marcus Mariota’s pass in overtime to deny Washington a winning 2-point conversion, and the Denver Broncos held on for their ninth straight victory, a 27-26 thriller on Sunday night.
After Denver's RJ Harvey ran for a touchdown on the first possession of overtime, Mariota drove the Commanders down the field, aided by a pass-interference penalty on fourth-and-6. Washington had fourth-and-goal at the 3 when Mariota connected with Terry McLaurin for a TD. Commanders coach Dan Quinn went for 2 and Mariota had an open receiver, but Bonitto leaped and knocked the ball down.
“I knew he was buying time,” Bonitto said. “At that point I was just trying to make it hard for him to throw the ball, and I ended up knocking it down and we ended up winning the game.”
Bo Nix threw for 321 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the AFC West-leading Broncos (102), who have eight victories in one-score games. Broncos coach Sean Payton spoke during the week about the importance of getting a first-round bye in the playoffs, and Denver remained even with New England for the best record in the AFC. “We didn't escape. We won,” Payton declared. “The journey of a good team’s season involves
games like this. And then you believe you can do it again.”
Washington, meanwhile, now has consecutive overtime losses as part of a seven-game losing streak. Making his sixth start this season in place of the injured Jayden Daniels, Mariota threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns with one pick.
“We're going in the right direction,” Mariota said.
“It's not exactly where we want to be, but I think putting together a great week of practice, I think we just continue to stack these.
"Regardless of what it looks like for us, it's all about the process and the journey, and the more we can find ways to improve week-to-week, I think that sets a solid foundation for what's to come.”
One of Mariota's TD tosses was an incredible catch by Treylon Burks, who leaped in the corner of the end zone and made a falling, one-handed grab over cornerback Riley Moss. For the Commanders (3-9), a woeful defence has shown signs of improvement in the two games since coach Dan Quinn took over play-calling from coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
“I was pleased with the run game — this is a team that's been able to get on the edge, which is something we haven't done as well,” Quinn said. "There was progress that was made, certainly in the run game, and we've got plenty of room to grow in that.
“Hate the outcome, but I do love the fight and where we're at.”
Washington leaned on tight end Zach Ertz, who finished with 10 catches for 106 yards and passed Shannon Sharpe for the fifth-most receptions by an NFL tight end. McLaurin added seven catches for 96 yards. Although Denver had just two sacks, its pass rushers frequently made Mariota uncomfortable and forced him into a bad interception at the start of the second quarter that was pulled in by Dre Greenlaw. But Mariota delivered
at the end of regulation, leading an 18-play, 71-yard drive that ended with a tying, 32-yard field goal by Jake Moody, who was playing in his first game for Washington. For Nix, an uneven outing ultimately led to the desired result. After Denver scored just six points on its first three drives, Nix settled in and delivered an acrobatic strike to Courtland Sutton for an 11-yard touchdown right before halftime, avoiding a sack just long enough to release the ball. “I was
honestly a little bit close to being down, but stayed up just long enough,” Nix said.
“(Sutton) did a great job of starting on the other side of the field and ran all the way to the other side. He scrambled with me and in a game like that — we literally talk about a game of inches, but it really is. It comes down to an inch or two every once in awhile.”
The fourth quarter opened with Nix throwing an interception to Bobby Wagner that led to a Washington field goal.
The Broncos punted on their final three possessions of regulation, and the Commanders finally took advantage. Quinn said there was never a doubt the team would go for two in overtime, declaring it a “game you love to be a part of — two teams absolutely going at it, throwing punches back and forth.”
What’s next Broncos: At Las Vegas on Sunday. Commanders: At Minnesota on Sunday.
COMMANDERS wide receiver Treylon Burks (13) catches a touchdown pass as Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss, left, defends during the second half on Sunday.
(AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
NEW England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams (18) catches a touchdown pass against New York Giants cornerback Paulson Adebo (21) during the first half last night.
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Chandler Bing:
second home,
‘I’m at my
so it means the world to be able to win the title’
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
EVERY Thanksgiving he was able to come home, Chandler Bing said he got to attend the Battle 4 Atlantis with the hopes of one day getting the opportunity to play in it.
This past weekend, Bing was at the tournament again but this time he got to fulfil his dream as he not only got to play with the Vanderbilt Commandos, but they won the title with a 96-71 decision over the Saint Mary's Gaels on Friday on Paradise Island. Bing, a 6-foot, 6-inch freshman guard, played 10 minutes and 50 seconds as he contributed four
points with a rebound and steal to make his presence felt in front of his Bahamian and American family members.
"It feels amazing, I'm at home. I'm at my second home, so it means the world to be able to win the title," Bing said.
He said it was an even more thrilling feeling to play in front of his family.
"It means a lot to have them here supporting me and the team," Bing said.
His mother, Tara Bing, who was born in Grand Bahama, said it was exciting but surreal at the same time watching her son perform at home in such an environment.
"He's worked so hard at this and we're so proud
Bahamas Roadmasters shine in the Space Coast Half Marathon in Florida
BAHAMAS Roadmasters participated in the Space Coast half Marathon in Florida on Sunday.
The Space Coast Half Marathon started in 1972 and is the oldest half and full marathon in Florida which is held annually in Cocoa, Florida, near the Kennedy Space Center.
Michael Cunningham was second in the 65 age category (a little over 70 runners) with a time of 1:45:40 or an average pace of 7 minutes and 59 seconds per mile. This running time for the half marathon puts Michael in the elite category by age, according to established world running levels.
Michael is on a mission to complete a full marathon on all seven continents with three more to go. In 2024
he was awarded the Abbott marathon majors six star medal for completing the major marathons in Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, Tokyo and New York. The other Roadmasters who participated in the Space Coast Half Marathon on Sunday are Anthony Longley, Anastasia Turnquest, Ken and Monique Stubbs and Shavaughn Blades. All Roadmasters completed the 13.1 miles. Each member of this contingent completed two or more international full or/ and half marathon this year. The Bahamas Roadmasters Running Club is primarily known for long distance running with 75 plus members. Many of them have travelled all over the world to run in marathons.
of him," said Bing, who came from Georgia with her husband Calvin, and two other sons, Christian and Cooper, to join their family members from New Providence and Grand Bahama. As for the Commandos' victory, Bing said it was the icing on the cake for their trip here. "That was amazing. The boys have worked so hard and it's nothing like being able to see the results of their hard work pay off. So we're excited for them."
She noted that they will continue to support the Vanderbilt team, coached by Mark Byington, as they progress through the remainder of their college season.
The undefeated 8-0 Commandos will be back in action on Wednesday when they take on their Southeastern Conference rivals Southern Methodist University Mustangs at 8:15pm at the Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tennessee.
"I expect for us to keep this momentum going, to keep it rolling and continue to grow and build our team and the connection as a team and push that for the rest of the season."
Bing and the Commandos have four more games to play in December before they go through 18 more from January to March and the historic March Madness basketball tournament.
“It feels amazing, I’m at home. I’m at my second home, so it means the world to be able to win the title. It means a lot to have them (family) here supporting me and the team.”
— Chandler Bing
MICHAEL Cunningham is on a mission to complete a full marathon on all seven continents with three more to go.
BAHAMIAN descent basketball player Chandler Bing with his family at the Battle 4 Atlantis. Bing and the Vanderbilt Commandos won the title with a 96-71 decision over the Saint Mary’s Gaels on Friday on Paradise Island.
