SPORTS SECTION E
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
First-ever National High School Baseball Championships set By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net
A press conference held yesterday at the Andre Rodgers Stadium officially launched the first-ever National High School Baseball Championships, a landmark event for the growth of the sport at the secondary school level in The Bahamas. The three-day tournament is slated for January 2-4 and will bring together government and private high schools from across New Providence, with the potential addition of a Family Islands representative still pending. “It is truly a pleasure for us to be a part of this groundbreaking high school competition as we try to create more opportunities and avenues for these young men who are
participating in this tournament that is about to rock the nation,” said BAISS secretary Ezra Beckford. “Young men, you have something that's at your fingertips, that you're gonna embrace, and I'm sure that you're gonna really, really enjoy the camaraderie that is gonna be put on this weekend. We are truly ecstatic and we're glad to be part of this,” said GSSSA baseball commissioner Denykco Bowles. Organisers confirmed that the tournament will feature teams from Queen’s College, Anatol Rogers High School, St. Andrew’s School, C.V. Bethel Senior High, St. Augustine’s College, C.R. Walker Senior High, Kingsway Academy, C.W. Saunders High School, St. John’s College, and C.I. Gibson Senior High. A team from Abaco is also expected to participate once funding arrangements
are finalised, adding a wider national element to the inaugural edition. “I sit here reflecting on what it was like for us to have played or wanted to play so badly in something like this. We were very outstanding in high school softball, we played junior league baseball outside of school, so imagine what it was like for us, hoping that we could play against each other on a field, so you guys should feel good to know that you guys can be the first ones to do this,” said tournament chairman Tommy Stubbs. The tournament will run over three days with games scheduled from 8am straight through to 8pm daily. Matchups will rotate between the Andre Rodgers Stadium and the Baillou Hill Road Sporting Complex baseball field. The championship game will be played at the Andre Rodgers Stadium.
Representatives and coaches from each confirmed school were in attendance at the press conference. Organisers outlined that the goal of the championships is to create a consistent national platform for high school baseball, similar to established frameworks abroad thus boosting the opportunities for more exposure to the sport. By bringing both public and private institutions together in one competition, the tournament aims to raise the overall standard of play and foster healthy rivalries that can sustain interest year after year. “Finally, for us to make sure that we give our young men this opportunity like our neighbours to the north (The United States),” said Theodore Sweeting, secretary general of the Bahamas Baseball Association.
“That's the breeding ground for their professional players, for their top players. They come to their high school system where they are recruited, drafted, or they then move on to high-level college baseball. That's the goal for us here in the country to continue to do in this sport.” Teams are also allowed to feature junior players on the team if available. Several coaches expressed optimism about what the championships could mean for player development, noting that many student-athletes have previously lacked regular high-level competition, especially in the BAISS format as it was only introduced a few years ago. “It's about mentoring and training these young minds to develop and to be strong young men in our society. Sure, everybody wants to win, but we can only have
one winner. Everybody who's participating has already won, in some form or another. “So, and that's what we try to do with our young boys and teach them to be responsible, to be committed, and to be dedicated to something that perhaps would take them further in life,” said St. Augustine’s College head coach Geno Nairn. As preparations continue ahead of the January 2 opening pitch, anticipation is steadily building within the high school baseball community. If successful, the National High School Baseball Championships is expected to become an annual fixture on the local sporting calendar, providing young athletes with a stage to showcase their talent while also strengthening the foundation of baseball in The Bahamas.
CW Saunders Cougars get the win in Providence Storm Christmas Holiday Classic
GAMETIME: The CW Saunders Cougars last night stormed past the Teleos Cherubims in a hard-fought matchup during the Providence Storm Christmas Holiday Basketball Classic, continuing their strong showing in the holiday tournament. The tourney is underway at the CI Gibson Gymnasium. See more coverage in Wednesday sports. Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr/Tribune Staff
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Tuesday, December 30, 2025, PAGE 11
Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers centre Deandre Ayton, right, as guard Marcus Smart, left, watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Jessie Alcheh)
Ayton has double double to help Lakers end skid with 125-101 win over Kings By DAN GREENSPAN Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic scored 34 points, LeBron James had 24, and the Los Angeles Lakers snapped their threegame losing streak with a 125-101 win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night. Deandre Ayton posted a double double - 11 points and 11 rebounds - with two blocks and two assists and Nick Smith Jr had 21 off the bench for the Lakers, who had dropped four of six and all by at least 13 points, including a 23-point demolition at the hands of Houston on Christmas Day in their previous game. DeMar DeRozan had 22 for the Kings, who have won consecutive games just once this season. Maxime Raynaud finished with 16, as Sacramento had six players in double figures. After two-plus days of stewing over the no-show against the Rockets, including a team meeting on Saturday and a rare Sunday morning shootaround, the Lakers found themselves in the second quarter, with Doncic scoring 15 of his
24 first-half points in the period for a 68-53 halftime lead. Smith’s production was just as important, with 10 points in eight minutes while making all four of his shots from the field in the first half. Coach JJ Redick had identified Smith, a thirdyear shooting guard from Arkansas, as the player with the most to gain while Austin Reaves misses the next month because of a strained left calf. Determined to get back into the win column, Los Angeles kept the pressure up after the break. Doncic, Rui Hachimura and James each knocked down 3-pointers during a 13-2 run to start the third quarter that pushed the lead to 26. The Kings couldn't maintain the defensive improvement shown over their previous four games, allowing the Lakers to shoot 52.8% from the floor. James made 11 of his 13 shots from the field. Up next Kings: Visit the Clippers in Inglewood, California, tonight. Lakers: Host the Pistons tonight.
LAKERS centre Deandre Ayton, right, draws a foul against Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) during the first half on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
PAGE 10, Tuesday, December 30, 2025
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BEARS quarterback Caleb Williams passes against the 49ers during the second half on Sunday night. (AP Photo/Eakin Howard)
Brock Purdy and 49ers hang on to beat Bears 42-38 and have shot at top NFC seed By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer SANTA CLARA, California (AP) — Brock Purdy and the San Francisco offence did everything they could for the first 58 minutes in a nearly flawless performance. At the end, they were just spectators when the beleaguered defence finally came through with a stop. Purdy threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Jauan Jennings with 2:15 left, and the 49ers forced an incomplete pass on the final play from the 2 to beat the Chicago Bears 42-38 on Sunday night and set up a Week 18 showdown for the top seed in the NFC. Caleb Williams drove the Bears (11-5) down the field in the closing seconds and had one last shot for the win. But Bryce Huff forced him out of the pocket and his throw short-hopped Jahdae Walker in the end zone to seal a sixth straight victory for the 49ers (12-4). “For them to finish out the game like that, I was so happy for them. I was sitting there not being able to do anything but watch,” Purdy said. “To be able to celebrate was a cool team win. There’s nothing like that. It was pretty special.” That gave the 49ers a chance to win the NFC West and get a bye by beating Seattle (13-3) in the season finale on Saturday night. A win would give San Francisco home-field advantage and a chance to stay home all postseason, with the Super Bowl set to be played at Levi’s Stadium on February 8. “We’ve earned this,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. "This is the game we want. We love that it’s here. We have an opportunity to never leave here again this year.” The loss ends the Bears’ hopes of earning the top seed. Chicago has already clinched the NFC North and can earn the No. 2 seed by beating Detroit next Sunday. Purdy followed his career-high five TD-pass performance last week against Indianapolis by throwing for three scores and running for two to become the sixth player since the AFL-NFL merger with back-to-back games with at least five touchdowns. Purdy finished 24 for 33 for 303 yards, while Christian McCaffrey ran for 140 yards and a score and added 41 more receiving. Williams went 25 for 42 for 330 yards and two TDs but couldn’t deliver at the end after already leading the Bears to an NFL-record six comeback wins after trailing in the final two minutes of regulation.
“It’s frustrating,” Williams said. “You don’t want to lose a game ever. And then also, in that position, having a shot at the end is all you can ask for on this moment.” Neither defence could slow down the opposing offence for most of the night after a pick-6 by Chicago’s T.J. Edwards on the first play. The Niners led 28-21 at halftime. The teams then traded touchdowns on the first three drives of the second half, with D’Andre Swift scoring on two runs for Chicago and Purdy delivering a highlight-reel play for San Francisco. He rolled to his right on a play from the 6, eluded two pass rushers and then flipped an easy TD pass to Kyle Juszczyk on a play that lasted longer than 8 seconds. “I was hoping he'd throw it away and we'd have a couple more downs,” Shanahan said. “Then I started watching him like every fan does. He made me extremely nervous and then he made my extremely happy.” The Bears finally forced a punt and went ahead 38-35 on a short field goal by Cairo Santos with 5:22 to play when they couldn’t convert on third down in the red zone. The Bears’ opportunistic defence struck on the first play when Edwards caught a deflected pass and returned it 34 yards for Chicago’s first defensive score on the opening play in at least 45 years, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. “It was early in the game so you do have to flush it and be ready to play a whole game after that,” Purdy said. Purdy answered his big mistake to start the game with a 65-yard touchdown drive capped by a 1-yard pass to Jake Tonges, and San Francisco moved the ball with ease all half. Purdy added two touchdown runs and McCaffrey also scored on the ground to give the 49ers a 28-21 lead at the break despite allowing two deep TD passes by Williams. Injuries Bears: LB Noah Sewell left in the third quarter with an ankle injury. ... DE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (concussion) left the game. ... WR Olamide Zaccheaus was a late scratch with an illness. 49ers: LT Trent Williams (hamstring) left after getting hurt on the opening play and never returned. ... CB Upton Stout (concussion) left in the second half. ... TE George Kittle (ankle) was inactive. Up next Bears: Host Detroit on Sunday. 49ers: Host Seattle on Saturday night.
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Tiger Woods turns 50. It’s the one time golf’s greats can relate to him By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer TALK to any golfer who played against Tiger Woods and there is sure to be at least one story about one shot so sublime they were certain it could not be hit by them or anyone else. He was just different. Better. The 2-iron Woods hit into the par-5 10th hole at the TPC Sugarloaf led Stewart Cink to say, “This is a skill set I don't have.” Padraig Harrington once saw Woods hit an 8-iron so majestic at Firestone that it got in his head and led to the Irishman making triple bogey. Nick Price played the opening two rounds with Woods at St. Andrews in the 2000 British Open and felt the tournament already was over. Mark O'Meara played a practice round with him at Pebble Beach before the 2000 U.S. Open and told his wife before the championship started, “Tiger is going to win. And not only is he going to win, he's going to blow away the field.” Woods won by 15. For all those years, so many greats in the game could never relate to Woods. And now, finally, they can. Not even Woods can beat time. He turns 50 today. It’s a milestone for anyone, but it’s different in golf because the sport can be played well after the age when athletes have long retired in other sports. Phil Mickelson won a major at 50. Jack Nicklaus made an early Sunday charge at the Masters when he was 58. With Woods, it's complicated. He now is eligible for the 50-and-older PGA Tour Champions. He also has had more surgeries than the 15 majors he won. This is the first year he didn't play a single tournament, the result of a ruptured Achilles tendon in March and a seventh back surgery in September. “I'm probably going to play 25 events on both tours and I think that should cover most of the year, right?” Woods quipped in The Bahamas when asked about turning 50. He won the U.S. Open just eight days before reconstructive surgery on his left knee. He won the Masters two years after surgery to fuse his lower back. But he hasn't been the same since that 2021 car crash in Los Angeles. Woods has played 11 times the last five seasons, finished only four of those tournaments and hasn't been closer than 16 shots to the winner. “Come back to what point?” Woods said. “I'd like to come back to just playing golf again.” And so this celebration is more about looking back than forward. Ernie Els was most prescient in 2000 at Kapalua when he was on the losing end again — no one finished second to Woods more than the Big Easy. They matched eagles on the 18th in regulation, birdies on the 18th in a playoff and Woods got him with a 40-foot birdie putt on the second extra hole. Vintage Tiger. “I think he’s a legend in the making,” Els said that day. “He’s 24. He’s probably going to be bigger than Elvis when he gets into his 40s.” That's up for debate, of course. Undeniable is the impact Woods has left on golf. Popularity soared and prize money skyrocketed. Woods made golf look different and he made it cool. And perhaps his greatest legacy is he unwittingly trained a generation of players who wanted to be like him. Scottie Scheffler said nothing inspired him more than watching the intensity of Woods when he
was out of contention at the 2020 Masters. Woods made a 10 on the 12th hole and followed with five birdies over his last six holes. He tied for 38th. “Tiger was just different in the way he approached each shot. It was like the last shot he was ever going to hit,” Scheffler said. It was the only time they played together. Scheffler now is coming up on three years at No. 1 in the world, the longest stretch since Woods. But it started with that skill set unlike any other. “He's the only guy I've ever known who continually exceeded expectations,” Tom Lehman said. “No matter how much you heaped on him, he found a way to exceed them.” Lehman recalls one moment at the Memorial on the 17th hole, a green so rock-hard it felt impossible to get it close. Lehman hit 5-iron as high and far as he could and was pleased to see it roll out 25 feet from the cup. “He hits this shot way up in the air and it was coming down like a parachute,” Lehman said. "Lands by the cup and bounces 2 feet and stops. I figure he must have hit a 7-iron. I said, ‘Tiger, what club was that?’ He said, ‘That was a little, three-finger 5-iron.’ He just filleted it in there. “When I think of him, that's what I think of. Only one guy could hit that shot. And he did it often.” Woods had the career Grand Slam at age 24, the youngest of anyone. He had 50 wins worldwide and 10 majors before he turned 30. It wasn't as easy as he could make it look. The late Dan Jenkins once said when Woods was in peak form, “Only two things can stop Tiger — injury or a bad marriage.” Turns out it was both. His path was derailed at the end of 2009 by revelations of multiple extramarital affairs, and the injuries kept piling up. He still made it back to No. 1 in the world in 2013 and he ran his PGA Tour victory count to 82, tied with Sam Snead. “If he never got injured, he'd have 25 majors and 125 wins,” Fred Couples said. Matt Kuchar saw it differently. He felt the injuries contributed to the legend of Woods, particularly that 2008 U.S. Open win at Torrey Pines. Woods was playing that week on shredded ligaments in his left knee and two stress fractures in his left leg. Often overlooked is that Woods had not walked 18 holes since the Masters until the opening round at Torrey Pines. “The legacy is bigger because of the injuries,” Kuchar said. “What he did at Torrey Pines, what he did at the (2019) Masters is sort of Hoganesque. At some point I, like most everybody, counted him out. And then he wins again.” Woods is keeping plenty busy outside the ropes. He was appointed to the PGA Tour policy board without a term limit in 2023 as the tour was in the midst of its battle with Saudi-funded LIV Golf. He now heads up the Future Competition Committee charged with reshaping the tour model. The next question is when — and where — he plays. Woods is the only player to have won the U.S. Junior Amateur, U.S. Amateur and U.S. Open. The U.S. Senior Open is at Scioto, the Ohio course where Jack Nicklaus learned to play. April at Augusta isn't the same without Woods. He set the Masters record in 2024 by making the cut for the 24th consecutive time. How much more? How much longer? “People want to see him,” Kuchar said. “And if he shoots 76, people still want to see him. He's unique in our sport.”
Tuesday, December 30, 2025, PAGE 9
PAGE 8, Tuesday, December 30, 2025
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Sporting leaders’ expectations for 2026 ALGERNON CARGILL
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net WITH the crossover from one year to the next fast approaching, some of the leaders of the various sporting disciplines provided their annual expectations for 2026. The expectations reflect what has been a banner
EUGENE HORTON
year for some in 2025 and they hope to carry over those successes into 2026, while others look at turning around what has been a somewhat dismal year. Algernon Cargill, President Bahamas Aquatics "2026 will be an exciting year for Bahamas Aquatics. We are focused on extending our legacy
VINCENT STRACHAN
as the dominant junior swimming country in our region when we go after our eighth straight CARIFTA Aquatics swimming title in Martinique in April," said Cargill, who has served as president since 2003 and is planning to retire after his term ends in 2028. "We are projected to have a strong team with more than 70 per cent of
MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN RENEWAL
COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS Island of New Providence
NOTICE OF POSSESSION
Given Under THE ACQUISITION OF LAND ACT (Chapter 252) WHEREAS by Declaration of Intended Acquisition dated 22th day of September, A.D., 2025, and published in the Extraordinary Gazette dated 22th day of September, A.D., 2025, the Minister responsible for Housing, the Promoter, declared that the lands described in the Schedules thereto annexed were required for a public purpose namely, for the housing of persons of low or middle income. AND WHEREAS the Minister responsible for Acquisition and Disposition of Lands, is of the opinion that possession of the lands described in Schedule A (1) hereto should be obtained before payment is made to the rightful claimants thereto. AND WHEREAS the promoter has decided not to pursue acquisition of the lands described in Schedule B (1). NOW THEREFORE it is hereby declared that the said lands described in Schedule A (1) have been appropriated for the public purpose, namely, for the housing of persons of low or middle income as mentioned in the said Declaration of Intended Acquisition with effect from the date thereof. Dated this 30th day of December, A.D., 2025. Signed KEITH R. BELL, M.P. Minister Responsible for Housing SCHEDULES (Annexed)
SCHEDULE A (1) Area = 4,270 SQ. FT ALL THAT certain lot piece or parcel of land containing by admeasurement Four Thousand Two Hundred and Seventy square feet or thereabouts being Lot Numbered 272 on a Plan recorded in the Department of Lands and Surveys as Plan numbered 473NP of New Providence in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in a Subdivision known as Sunshine Park Estate in the Constituency of Golden Gates ABUTTING AND BOUNDING towards the North by Public Road known as Moonshine Road toward the East by Lot Numbered 273 toward the South by Lot Numbered 281 and toward the East by Lot Numbered 271 or however else the same may abut and bound which said lot piece or parcel of land is more particularly delineated and shown coloured pink on the plan of the area. SCHEDULE B (1) Area = 3,200 SQ. FT ALL THAT certain lot piece or parcel of land containing by admeasurement Three Thousand Two Hundred square feet or thereabouts being Lot Numbered 462 on a Plan recorded in the Department of Lands and Surveys as Plan Numbered 581 NP of New Providence in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in a Subdivision known as Yellow Elder Gardens Phase 2 in the Constituency of Mount Moriah ABUTTING AND BOUNDING towards the North by Public Road known as Dennis CT. East toward the East by Lot 459 toward the South by 100 Feet Wide Way Leave and toward the West by Lot Numbered 465 or however else the same may abut and bound which said lot piece or parcel of land is more particularly delineated and shown coloured pink on the plan of the area.
WELLINGTON SEARS
the team returning from the seventh straight team in Trinidad and Tobago in April 2025."Looking at their calendar of events, Cargill said it is full of competitions with the Central American and Caribbean Games, Commonwealth Games, Junior Pan Pacific Championships and the World Indoor Championships taking centre stage. "Lamar Taylor, who is training professionally in Tennessee and simultaneously attending graduate school, is expected to lead Bahamas Aquatics in the senior level meets in 2026," Cargill said. "We continue to ask for corporate Bahamas’ support for our federation as representing The Bahamas at these competitions will require a collective fund-raising effort." Vincent Strachan, President Boxing Federation Of Bahamas "Our entire Caribbean region needs to put the interest of our athletes first," he said. "We need to find common ground and unite, creating a strong voice. Sadly the cancer of disunity and personal agendas, has eroded the fabric that once binds us together. "We allowed us to become the laughing stock of boxing in the world. Because of our weakness we cannot do much if anything at all to assist St Vincent & The Grenadines with their problems with IBA." Strachan, who has agreed to stick with AIBA, has noted that the formation of World Boxing has sounded the deathnel of the growth and development of boxing in our region."Their main objective is to out shine and outflank IBA. This effort is dead on arrival. IBA will remain the formidable leader in the world of boxing, to construe the idea that IBA is weak and fading away is believing the world is flat," he continued. "The fighting between WB, IBA and IOC can only destroy boxing in our region. When local and regional leaders adapt the role of followers, the end result is what we are reaping today.Strachan was even critical in calling out some of the leaders, claiming that they are "wearing their underpants on their heads" and are comfortable with that." There are still a few good men and women who have a strong desire to right our ship," he added. "As we say in The Bahamas, straighten up and fly right, let us start early in 2026 by communicating with each other, effectively, toward the re-establishing our Caribbean Boxing Association. "Where there is unity there is strength. Think Caribbean first and all others follow," he declared. "May the peace of God be with us all. Season's greetings to all, be blessed."
Wellington “Cat” Sears, PresidentBahamas Bodybuilding, Wellness & Fitness Federation "As we step into the New Year, the BBWFF reaffirms its commitment to athlete development, national growth, innovation, and unity," said Sears, who is in his second year as president. "Our mission is to build champions, strengthen character, and expand opportunities for bodybuilding and fitness across the entire Bahamas."Sears outlined the strategy that they will focus on in 2026: • Full Athlete Development"We will implement a structured, national training system with clearly defined progression pathways for athletes at all levels," he said. "This programme will emphasize proper technique, strength development, conditioning, recovery, discipline, and overall athlete wellness." • Elite Amateur & Professional Growth "We will provide advanced coaching clinics, certification workshops, mentorship programmes, and competitive preparation to help elite amateur and professional athletes refine their skills and successfully compete at regional and international levels," he stressed. • Junior Programme Expansion "We will develop age-specific training modules and partner with schools, youth organisations, and community programmes to identify, nurture, and guide young talent while promoting healthy lifestyles and long-term athletic development," he stated. • Family Island Connection & Expansion"We will extend the BBWFF programmes beyond New Providence by hosting bodybuilding competitions, fitness festivals, workshops, and development camps throughout the Family Islands," he pointed out. "Offer mentorship, scholarships, and competitive pathways for promising athletes from these islands to ensure equal opportunity nationwide." • Innovative Fundraising & Wellness Support"We will introduce optional wellness and fund-raising initiatives to assist professional athletes in raising funds for competition preparation, travel, and development," he further explained. "These initiatives may include outreach wellness events, motivational alignment sessions, collaborations, and community-based fundraising activities designed to support mental focus, personal balance, and financial sustainability."Through discipline, unity, innovation, and purpose, the BBWFF, according to Sears, will continue to elevate Bahamian bodybuilding and fitness, empower athletes at every
PERRY NEWTON
level, and strengthen our presence locally, regionally, and internationally. Perry Newton, President Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association "As we begin the new year, the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s resolutions are centred on sustainability, development, and broader national impact," he said. He noted that key priorities include the following: • Strengthening junior development by expanding grassroots programmes to ensure a strong pipeline of young athletes across New Providence and the Family Islands. • Raising competitive standards through improved coaching education, officiating development, and increased local and international tournament opportunities. • Growing tennis participation and visibility by promoting tennis as a lifelong sport and strengthening partnerships that support sports tourism and community engagement. "Our goal for the year ahead is to continue building a sustainable tennis environment that develops athletes, empowers coaches and officials, and positions Bahamian tennis for long-term success both on and off the court locally and internationally," he summed up. Eugene Horton, President Bahamas Basketball Federation Horton revealed that they had a very comprehensive programme this year, which included the senior men's national team participating in the FIBA AmeriCup Pre-Qualifier, the senior women returning to the Caribbean Basketball Championships, their hosting of the inaugural Under-23 3x3 Caribbean Cup and Development Camp as well as coaching and officials development courses. In a continuation of what they started, next year Horton said they are looking forward to the men's national team preparing for the next windows of the World Cup Pre-Cup qualifiers and the women's national team preparing for more competition. Here's an overview of the plans Horton has revealed for the federation for the new year: 1. All teams qualify for major tournaments. 2. Financial security (able to fund all events and initiatives). 3. Family Island Development and building new federations and reestablishing old ones. 4. Technical training. 5. 3x3 continued growth. 6. Bahamas Games (finding new talent). 7. Building a sales platform to sell merchandise and promote athletes and coaches while raising muchneeded funds to aid in continued success.