2025 Caribbean Basketball 3x3 Under-23 Cup
Bahamas in win column
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
A change in venue for the start of the Caribbean Basketball 3x3 Under-23 Cup yesterday seemed to have motivated the Bahamian ladies and men’s teams as they took advantage of their familiar territory.
Organisers were forced at the last minute to switch from using the Bahamas Football Association's beach soccer facilities because the makeshift floor was inadequately set up so the games were moved to the DW Davis Gymnasium. But as the tournament got off to a delayed start, The Bahamas managed to win their men’s and women’s double header against Trinidad & Tobago, while the Cayman Islands and St Lucia split their pair of encounters.
A series of games were played later in the evening, but scores were not available up to press time. The tournament organisers hope to switch to the original site at the BFA's beach soccer facilities on Saturday.
Admission is free.
Bahamas 18, Trinidad & Tobago 16 (Overtime)
Team Bahamas men's team had to go to the extra five minutes, but wrapped it up in the first minute as Stevachko Jacques canned the winning shot after the game ended in a 16-16 tie at the end of the 10-minute regulation period.
Davito McIntosh, who missed at least six free throws in regulation, sank his first charity shot to put The Bahamas up 17-16 before Jacques put the icing on the cake to seal the deal. "The ball had to come in my hands. I wasn't going to not let it come to me," Jacques said. "I knew once I got the ball, it was my time to go to work."
With this being his first time playing a competitive 3x3 tournament, Jacques said he wasn't concerned where they played, once they got the win. "Once you have a court with a basketball floor and a rim, you can play anywhere," he stated.
Javon Friday led Trinidad & Tobago with seven.
Bahamas women 14, Trinidad & Tobago 11 Sparked by the loud cheering of the home crowd, Michelle Butler and Jada Francis went to work, providing a 1-2 punch with seven and five points respectively. Butler, who ignited The Bahamas with the first six points of the game, said it's a lot different from playing 5x5 with the pace even faster than she anticipated. "It was a good game. We came together as a team. We got buckets and we moved the ball," she stressed. "So I'm very proud of our team."
Butler, however, said she missed not playing outdoors because she wanted to relive her childhood days growing up in Fox Hill where she played street basketball with the boys. Hopefully she will get that nostalgic feeling on Saturday.
Cayman Islands Men 16, St Lucia 14 Bryan Perez sinked the game's winning shot on the first play in overtime to secure the win after the game was tied 14-14 at the end of regulation.
Nathaniel Anderson and Daric Ebanks scored six and five respectively to lead the attack for the Cayman Islands. Coach Duran Whittaker said it was a slow start for his Cayman Islands' men, who missed a
lot of shots that they usually make, but he noted that they have to improve on the defensive end as well.
As for the change in location, Whittaker said it's the same for everybody. "It's no excuse," he said. "We are all Caribbean people, one people and despite the slow start, the hospitality has been lovely and everything else has been nice."
St Lucia was led by Sidney Didier with a game high eight points.
St Lucia 12, Cayman Islands 3 Janae James and KeriAnne Lewis both produced four points to pace their team to a dominant start to the tournament. Coach Colleen Edwards, coach of St Lucia, said
she was proud of her women's team winning their opener.
"It was the first game of the day, but I hope they can build up their confidence and keep up the intensity," she said. "But I'm very proud of the girls."
Although they would have liked to play in the original facilities, Edwards said they are in the Caribbean and they can make the adjustment and make do with what they have.
She said they hope to show up in every game and give it all they have. At the end of the day, she would be more delighted if they could win the title.
Despite nursing an ankle injury, Vivian Marie Worrell led the Cayman Islands with three points.
Dawn 7th overall at IFBB Battle of the Bay Pro Show
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
SOMETIMES the advice you get doesn't always work out was how Dawn Charlton described her showing at the IFBB Battle of the Bay Pro Show over the weekend.
Chalton, a 5-foot, 7-inch paralegal assistant by profession, returned home from Union City, California, where she placed seventh out of a field of 15 competitors in the masters 40-plus bikini competition on Saturday night.
The top three finishers were Alla Afanasyrva, Chunyan Wilburn and Ladel Lyn Ladner.
It was her third show for the year, but Charlton noted that at the end of her previous show in Fort Lauderdale last month, the judges' critique was that she should come in a little leaner for this show. However, she noted that the head judge advised her on Saturday
that she needed to be more full. She admitted that it was a bit confusing because she could have returned with the same physique she had at the last show. "The shows are subjective and the judges are all looking for something different," Charlton said. "The experience, as usual, was good, meeting new people, making friends and just going against the best. We worked hard on this one."
With the competition limited to just bikini and male physique, Charlton said a lot of competitors showed up to participate. She added that it is one of the more popular shows for the competitors, so the competition was tough. "It was a good season. I got the opportunity to go in front of the two head judges for The Olympia, so now they know me and whenever I come back and compete, they can say, 'hi, that's Dawn.'
"We told her to do this and do that and she did it.
So now I have to continue to compete. I can't stop. I have to keep going out there and letting the judges see me."
Compared to the other two shows she participated in at the Daytona Pro in Daytona where she was second and the Atlantic Coast Pro in Fort Lauderdale where she was fourth, Charlton admitted that this one was tough. She noted that they are all tough because bikinis are one of the largest.
"It's always going to be tough because you can't just step on the stage and think you're going to win," she said. "Bikini is one of the biggest on stage, so you have to be ready."
Charlton said she's aware of the adjustments she has to make to prepare for her next show, which will be in April, 2026 as she works on increasing her carbs to full out her body.
"The overall feedback is that they love my shape.
They love my appearance, my presentation, everything was good," Charlton pointed out. "I just have to come back a little fuller."
While many will take the time off for the Christmas holiday, Charlton said she will be in the gym working out and taking advantage of her vegan menu to get ready for next year.
She said if the funding is there, she can participate in more shows, but as a member of the IFBB Pro Elite, they are not funded by the government, so they have to self-fund their trips to compete.
Once again, Charlton, a former soccer player and track athlete, thanked God, her American coach Paul Riveria, her mother Mavis Charlton, her friend Elroy Weise, her MacFit family, including Kenny Mckey and Craig Bowe, her mentor Joel Stubbs, her co-workers at Providence Law and her family and friends for their continued support.
precursor to the upcoming official visit with the Minister and U.S. Ambassador Herschell Walker. Permanent Secretary Neil Campbell and
senior Ministry officials joined the discussion as the teams explored plans for the ambassador’s engagement and collaboration with the ministry throughout 2026.Bowleg also presented Carter-Olson with a special book as a token of appreciation as they strengthened their partnership with the hopes of building opportunities, and preparing for a dynamic year ahead.
DAWN Charlton at the IFBB Battle of the Bay Pro Show.
TEAM Bahamas players, men on the left, in action yesterday in the Caribbean Basketball
3x3 Under-23 Cup at the DW Davis Gymnasium. Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr/Tribune Staff
THE 37th Father Marcian Peters Basketball Invitational is scheduled to get underway with the opening ceremonies at 4pm on Friday, December 12, at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
The tournament, hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, will feature the primary boys and girls, junior boys and girls, intermediate boys and senior girls. The teams expected to participate are:
Primary Boys A - Xavier’s Lower School, Freedom Baptist, Kingsway Academy, Temple Christian Academy and Thelma Gibson.
Primary Boys B - Prince Williams, Harbour Island, Temple Christian and Thelma Gibson.
Primary girls - Xavier’s Lower School, Freedom Baptist, Kingsway Academy, Temple Christian and Thelma Gibson. Junior Girls A - HO Nash, Jordan Prince Williams, AF Adderley, Queen’s College and SC McPherson.
Junior Girls B - DW Davis, Kingsway Academy, CH Reeves and Anatol Rodgers. Junior Boys B - Patrick J Bethel, Jordan Prince Williams, Harbour Island, CH Reeves and SC McPherson. Junior Boys B - HO Nash, DW Davis, Anatol Rodgers, AF Adderley and Queen’s College.
Intermediate Boys APatrick J Bethel, RM Bailey, Anatol Rodgers, Government High and Jordan Prince Williams.
Intermediate Boys B - CV Bethel, CI Gibson, Teleos, Harbour Island and Queen’s College
Senior Girls A - CR Walker, Harbour Island, Freedom Baptist, Teleos and Kingsway Academy Senior Girls B - Queen’s College, Anatol Rogers, CI Gibson, Government High, Jordan Prince Williams and RM Bailey.
CARIFTA CHARTER
WITH the 2026 CARIFTA Games all set for Grenada over the Easter holiday weekend, persons are being encouraged to
secure their seats on the Bahamasair-chartered flight.
The charter will depart Nassau on Thursday, April 2 and return on Tuesday, April 7. The airfare is $1,099 per passenger. A non-refundable deposit of $200 per passenger is required.
However, it can be transferred.
Cash or direct deposits can be made at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) under the account name: Bah Association of (business checking account). Transit No.95165/ Account No.1011089.
Interested persons can contact Laura Pratt-Charlton at 357-3109 or Laketah Charlton at 468-5592 or email baaafriendsandfamily@gmail.com for more information.
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 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 13, at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium. The camp is designed for boys and girls between the ages of seven and 18 years. Check-in will begin at 3pm and the camp will run from 4-6 pm. Interested persons can sign up at dbhrderby.
com
TRACK
ALL-BAHAMIAN
AWARDS
THE Bahamas Association of Athletic
THE Legends Track Invite will be held in honour of Devynne Charlton. Her younger sister, Anthaya, is expected to be one of the special guests.
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.
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 groups from under-7 to masters.
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.
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.
FLYERS TRACK
CLASSIC
THE 2026 Flyers Track Classic is scheduled for the weekend of January 9-10. The event is being held in memory of the late Gregory Clarke. The meet will run from 6pm on January 9 and close out on January 10 from noon.
The registration fee is $22 per athlete. Trophies will be presented to the winners for all first-place finishers. Medals will go to second and third place. There will also be divisional team winners and the male and female MVP winners.
Local quartet emerge as champions of Global Sun Celebrity Golf Tournament
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
THE local quartet of Richard Gibson Jr, Rashad Gibson, Taran Rogers and Randy Rogers out-duelled a group of international stars to emerge as the champions of the Global Sun Celebrity Golf Tournament at the Royal Blue Golf Course.
The quartet combined for a score of -14 as they further cemented their dominance in the tournament’s history with a two-stroke victory over the team of Edwin Jackson, CC Sabathia, Lewis Brinson and Gary Shafford with a +12.
The international stars were one stroke better than the third place team of Nolan Johnson, Kelsey Rolle, Julian Seymour and Stephen Johnson, who finished in third with -11.
Sabathia, one of the former big names in Major League Baseball, said anytime he can come to The Bahamas, especially during the Christmas season, is a lot of fun.
He noted that his quartet put up a good score, but they're here for the "greatest show on sand" on Saturday when the Don't Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise will take place at Montagu Bay.
"These guys have been putting on a good show with the world watching," said Sabathia about the Home Run Derby. "So to bring down the guys is a lot of fun. Hopefully we can see a lot of home runs."
A total of 80 players, including a mixture of legends, professional baseball players and avid golfers participated as they embraced everything the award-winning picturesque course had to offer.
The Global Sun team once again delivered what many considered to be a standout performance, especially with the array of
prizes that were offered for the third consecutive year. Tournament organiser Gina Gonzalez Rolle was delighted in what she saw at the tournament.
“We had a great mix of players, legends, baseball players and golfers who simply love the game,” she said. “It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves and embracing the spirit of the tournament.”
And Todd Isaacs Jr and Lucius Fox, who joined forces together to deliver what has been described as the "greatest show on sand," felt that the tournament was just a preview of
what is to come on Saturday in Montagu Bay.
Isaacs Jr, indicating that he didn’t want to be biased, noted that “this was truly the best tournament I’ve played in so far this year.”
He teamed up with Fox, sponsor Jimmy Clarke from Global Sun and Olympian Nathaniel McKinney, a representative from the Ministry of Tourism, who combined for a score of +1 for 12th place. “It’s always good to come out with friends and golfers alike and compete not just for first place, but to really enjoy the game of golf.”
The event once again showcased the powerful
combination of sport, camaraderie, and community, reinforcing why the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise continues to grow in prestige each year.
Today, the focus of attention will be placed on the Don't Blink Celebrity Softball game that will be played at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium, starting at 8pm. Then at 1:30pm on Saturday, all eyes will be placed on the Don't Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise when the majority of the players will be paraded on Montagu Bay to see who can hit the most home runs into the water.
Young, aspiring baseball players take advantage of Don’t Blink Youth Clinic
ON THE REPLAY: YOUNG, aspiring baseball players participate in the Don’t Blink Youth Clinic on Wednesday at the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium, officially kicking off four days of events leading into the highly anticipated Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise on Saturday, December 13.
Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr/Tribune Staff
Mingoes surge past RBDF Patrollers
THE University of The Bahamas Mingoes men’s basketball team used a strong fourth quarter to surge past the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Patrollers 78-66 in the UB Showcase at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium on Wednesday.
UB was coming off a win on Monday night as they were once again led by guard Kevaro Russell who finished with a gamehigh 34 points and pulled in seven rebounds.
He said it was a good win without their starting centre Jerehemiah Miller.
“We came out a little slow and we had to make up for our big man by going down there and fighting with the big guys and trying to rebound," Russell said.
Terrance Higgs flirted with a double-double with 18 points and nine rebounds in the win and Lorenz Carter, who filled in for Miller, also flirted with a double-double with eight points and 10 rebounds.
Russell was key in the opening stretch of the fourth quarter when he had
his personal 7-0 run that included a three-pointer that took UB up 63-52 with 8:37 left in the game. That was part of a 9-0 UB run that ended with a Higgs layup that put them up 65-52 with 8:12 remaining in the game.
UB was in foul trouble late in the fourth and they did a good job in ensuring their key players did not foul out late in the game.
UB held on for its fourth straight victory. The game was tied at 47 points apiece with under four minutes left in the third quarter but UB ended that quarter up 56-52. UB saw themselves sink into a 13-2 hole early in the first quarter but they were able to regroup and ended the quarter with the game tied at 22 points.
Kareem Lightbourne led the Patrollers with 18 points and eight assists, and Ishad Rolle contributed 15 points in the loss.
Mingoes were in action yesterday against the Bahamas Department of Corrections for their final game of 2025.
MINGOES guard Kevaro Russell drives in the paint.
MINGOES forward Terrance Higgs goes for the layup. MINGOES forward Alex Minus fights off a defender.
MINGOES centre Lorenz Carter battles for the ball.
MINGOES forward Alex Minus collides with a defender.
Photos: UB Athletics
Gilgeous-Alexander scores 28 as Thunder tie NBA record for best start with 38-89 blowout of Suns
By CLIFF BRUNT AP Sports Writer
OKLAHOMA
CITY
(AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder matched the best 25-game start to an NBA season by dominating the Phoenix Suns 138-89 in an NBA Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday.
The Thunder's 24-1 mark ties the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who won their first 24 games before finally losing.
Chet Holmgren added 24 points and eight rebounds for the Thunder, who set a franchise record with their 16th straight win. They advanced to the semifinals on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs. It seemed this could be a tough one for the Thunder. Oklahoma City’s 123-119 win over the Suns in NBA Cup group play on Nov. 28 was its closest game during its win streak.
But Phoenix star Devin Booker missed his third straight game with a strained right groin. Booker scored 21 points in the previous matchup and said in the postgame that the “secret is out” about the Thunder’s league-leading defense.
It appears the Suns have more to learn. They shot
39.3% from the field and scored a season-low point total in the most lopsided loss in franchise history. Dillon Brooks led the Suns with 16 points, but he made just 4 of 16 shots. It was the fewest points Oklahoma City has allowed this season.
Jalen Williams hit a 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer to give the Thunder a 74-48 lead. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 17 points in the first half despite just eight shot attempts. It was Gilgeous-Alexander's 96th straight game with at least 20 points.
He reached the total on a breakaway dunk that put the Thunder up 84-50 with 9:15 left in the third quarter. Phoenix guard Grayson Allen was ejected after he shoved Holmgren and knocked him to the floor. The Thunder led 94-58 with 5:18 left in the third quarter when the two collided while Holmgren appeared to be setting a screen. Allen extended both arms, knocking Holmgren off balance, and was called for a Flagrant 2.
Up next Suns: Host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Thunder: Advanced to the NBA Cup semifinal on Saturday against San Antonio in Las Vegas.
THUNDER guard Shai
Gilgeous-Alexander shoots during the
OFFICIALS try to keep the Oklahoma City Thunder players away from the Phoenix Suns as a scuffle breaks out during the second half of an NBA Cup basketball game, Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photos/Kyle Phillips)
second half.
Deandre Ayton scores 11 points for Lakers in 132-119 loss to Spurs
By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP)
— Stephon Castle scored 21 of his 30 points in the second half, and De'Aaron Fox added 20 points in the San Antonio Spurs' 132119 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night in an NBA Cup quarterfinal.
Keldon Johnson had 17 points and eight rebounds as the Spurs maintained a healthy double-digit lead for most of the final three quarters to claim the last Cup semifinal spot in Las Vegas, where they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.
Luka Doncic scored 35 points and LeBron James had 19 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists for the Lakers, who lost for only the third time in 12 games.
Los Angeles trimmed its deficit to eight points late in the fourth quarter, but couldn't get closer.
Marcus Smart scored a season-high 26 points with
Stephon Castle scores 30 to lead San Antonio into NBA Cup semifinals
eight 3-pointers for the Lakers, and Austin Reaves had 15 points.
Deandre Ayton contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, a steal and one assist.
San Antonio has won nine of 12 overall after steadily controlling this meeting of two Western Conference teams hoping to challenge the defending champion Thunder, both this week and in the postseason.
Castle was outstanding in his second game back from a 10-game absence with a hip injury, adding 10 rebounds and six assists.
Eight Spurs scored at least eight points, and their bench outscored Los Angeles' reserves 48-31.
The Lakers won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023, and they went unbeaten through group play this fall before running into the Spurs.
San Antonio made a 17-2 run and jumped to an 18-point lead in the second quarter, with Castle and Harrison Barnes exploiting Los Angeles' season-long struggles in perimeter shooting defense.
Victor Wembanyama missed his 12th straight game with a calf injury, but he travelled with the Spurs.
Up next Spurs: Face Oklahoma City in the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas on Saturday. Lakers: At Phoenix on Sunday.
THE WEATHER REPORT
SPURS guard Stephon Castle (5) puts up a shot under pressure by Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) and centre Deandre Ayton (5) during the second half of an NBA Cup basketball game on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C Hong)
2025 Caribbean Baseball Cup Championships
An historic silver
Team Bahamas reaches
of
championship game
the Caribbean Baseball Cup for the first time but suffers 5-1 defeat to Curacao
THE championship game of the Caribbean Baseball Cup took place at the Andre Rodgers Stadium as the tournament continues to serve as the regional qualifier.
The Bahamas entered the final with a 3-1 record and faced undefeated Curacao for the gold medal.
The matchup already carried meaning for the home team, as The Bahamas had made history by reaching the finals of the Caribbean Baseball Cup for the first time.
The Bahamas would eventually lose 5-1 and take the silver medal, but the appearance in the championship alone marked a major milestone for the programme.
CARIBBEAN BASEBALL CHAMPIONS: Curacao players celebrate after defeating The Bahamas 5-1 last night in the championship game to win the gold medal in the Caribbean Baseball Cup at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.
Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr/Tribune Staff