01272017 sports by tribune242

SPORTS SECTION E

VENUS ADVANCES

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Australian Open, Pg 7

Georgette Rolle hopes to make today’s final cut DAEJOUR By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

hile American Brittany Lincicome had a sizzling day on the sunny opening day of the fifth Pure SilkBahamas LPGA Golf Classic on scenic Paradise Island, Bahamian Georgette Rolle had her best showing ever. However, as Lincicome emerged on top of the leaderboard of the 108 field of female golfers with a Ocean Golf Club course record nine-under-par 64, Rolle finished in a two-way tie for 102 with Charley Hull at three-over-par 76. “I got started pretty well. I was three-under after eight, but somewhere along the back (nine) I kind of let a few shots slip away for a couple double bogeys, which was very costly,” said Rolle, who experienced her share of problems on

the 11th and 16th holes where she had the double bogeys. “I’m hitting the ball well and I’m putting very well. I’m just going to go back to the putting range later today and work on my game and hopefully I will play even better.” That was yesterday. Today, she will be back on the course as she improved on her performance yesterday when she also bogeyed the ninth, 14th and 17th holes as she finished with a 34 on the front nine holes, but slipped to 43 on the back nine. It’s definitely her best outing in the three previous years she was awarded the Bahamas’ exemption card in the prestigious tourna-

GEORGETTE ROLLE in action. Photo: Gabe Roux

ment. Last year, she shot rounds of 82-85 for 167 as she missed the cut, matching the 167 (83-84) she produced in 2013. “I just have to keep doing what I did today,” said Rolle as she looks ahead to try and avoid getting eliminated from the tournament when the final cut is made today. “Once I get on a hot start, I hope to focus and keep it going.” Despite dropping down in the standings, Rolle said the weather was excellent and she had a golden opportunity to make her shots to keep her hopes alive. Her caddie, Marcus Pratt, decked out in an army outfit, said she’s right where she needs to be. “On those short irons coming into the green, her shots have to be more precise and then, after doing nine holes, our efforts need to be up a tad bit and we will be solid for

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Brittany Lincicome takes 2-stroke lead BRITTANY Lincicome rode a super-hot putter to the top of the leaderboard yesterday morning at the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic, firing a record 9-under-par 64 at the Ocean Club Golf Course to take a two-stroke lead over Stacy Lewis, Megan Khang and P.K. Kongkraphan after 18 holes. The bogey-free effort tied the course record Christine Song set last year in Monday qualifying and set the tournament record, eclipsing the previous mark of 65 held by a half-dozen players, including Lincicome, who closed with 65 last year when she tied for eighth. “My putter was...I was making everything - 30‑footers, 10‑footers, five‑footers. It was a pretty easy day,” said Lincicome, a twotime major winner from Seminole, Florida. ”I didn’t really have to make too many par saves, which was nice. And would have loved to have had a 4 on that last hole to have no 5s on the scorecard. Lincicome, who last won in 2015 at the Ana Inspiration, had seven birdies and an eagle at the par-5 seventh hole when she rolled in a 20-footer. She hit 11 of 14 fairways and 13 greens in regulation. She needed only 24 putts, including a 30-footer for par on the opening hole to get her going. Other key par saves came from 11 feet at the 10th hole and seven feet at 16. A Pure Silk ambassador, Lincicome faced a 15-footer for birdie to set the course record but left it out to the right. “I don’t normally look at the leaderboards,” Lincicome said. “But I happened to see it on the last hole and was like, if I can get it to 10 under, that would be really cool. So I already got ahead of myself.” Lincicome’s career low is 11-under 61 in the first round of the 2010 CVS Pharmacy LPGA Classic at Blackhawk Country Club in Dan-

BRITTANY LINCICOME yesterday took a two-stroke lead over Stacy Lewis, Megan Khang and P.K. Kongkraphan after 18 holes in the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic, firing a record 9-under-par 64 at the Ocean Club Golf Course Photo: Gabe Roux ville, California. She said she only gave a passing thought to a 59, given that that sub-60 score has been shot the previous two weeks on the PGA Tour by Justin Thomas and Adam Hadwin. “Somewhere through there I missed a putt and

I go, ‘well, there goes 59,’ just jokingly,” Lincicome said. “I had no idea where I even stood. So I could have been shooting 59 for all I know.” Khang and Thailand’s Kongkraphan, who began on No. 10, also

escaped without a bogey to shoot 66 on a day of sunshine and unusually light breezes. Khang made her LPGA debut here last year, held a share of the 36-hole lead, and eventually tied for 11th. “Knowing that I did well last year definitely was a little confidence boost again,” she said. Lewis, meanwhile, bogeyed her opening hole, the 10th, and then birdied eight times in the best round from the afternoon wave. “I would say over the last week I’d probably felt it coming,” said Lewis, who last year finished in a three-way tie for second behind Hyo Joo Kim. “I felt like I was doing some better things. Played a match last Saturday at The Floridian and made seven birdies in a row, so it was kind of good because once you get in a groove like that and you start pulling shots off, just seeing that, seeing that happen, it gives you a lot of confidence.” Celine Herbin of France, Simin Feng of China and Gerina Piller were next with 67s, while seven players, including Ilhee Lee, who won the rain-shortened 36-hole inaugural tournament in 2013, carded 68. World No. 5 Lexi Thompson led a large group at 4-under 69. Among the 70s was 56-year-old Juli Inkster, the US Solheim Cup captain. Kim, coming off a win last month in China, opened with a 71. Reigning Rolex LPGA Player of the Year Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand had a 2-over 75. Bahamas native Georgette Rolle shot 76. The second round begins at 7:05am EST today. Live television coverage resumes on Golf Channel from 11:30am to 2:30pm EST. Live coverage of the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday will air on Golf Channel from 3-5pm. Admission is free for all spectators.

LEADS THE NATIONAL RANKINGS FOR NJCAA DIVISION I By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN players are prominently featured on several of the top teams in the latest men’s basketball national rankings for Division I of the National Junior College Athletic Association. Leading the group is Daejour Adderley in his freshman season with the No.4 ranked San Jacinto College Ravens. The freshman guard had his best game for the Ravens in Tuesday night’s 120-60 win over Lonestar College-Tomball. Adderley finished with a season high nine points in just 12 minutes as San Jac remained undefeated at 200. His previous game high was seven points. The 6’2” guard matriculated to San Jac following high school stops at Sunrise Christian and Calvary Christian Academies. Locally he was a student athlete at Queen’s College before he continued his career in the United States. San Jac was predicted to finish first in the Region XIV preseason coaches poll. Kaleel Solomon and the Eastern Florida State College Titans are ranked No.15 in the poll. The former Sunland Baptist Academy product has paid immediate dividends for the Titans in his freshman season. Solomon finished with 11 points in the Titans’ 106-57 win over ASA College on Tuesday night. Through 22 games, Solomon has averaged 5.8 points per game while shooting 45 per cent from the field and 43 per cent from threepoint range. It was the third double figures scoring game for Solomon this season after he scored 10 against Red Devil Academy on November 12 and 11 points against Atlanta Metro College on November 5. The Titans are 19-3 on the season. Nashad Mackey and the Daytona State College Falcons are ranked No.21 in the poll. Mackey, who has committed to join the Embry Riddle Eagles in NCAA Division II next fall is having a stellar sophomore season which has included an NJCAA Player Of The Week award. He posted his third consecutive double double of

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‘Buddy Buckets’ excited to join stacked World Team roster By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net SELECTED as one of the league’s top young talents to participate at NBA All-Star Weekend, Buddy Hield relishes the opportunity to compete alongside other players who received the same honour. Hield was named to the “World Team” roster of the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge, a game that traditionally features the best rookie and sophomore players in the league. “The World is stacked,” Hield said prior to Wednesday night’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. “It’s going to be fun playing with guys like (Joel) Embiid, (Kristaps) Porzingis, Jamal Mur-

ray, (Domantas) Sabonis, Emmanuel Mudiay. It will be fun.” Joining Hield on the World Team is Joel Embiid (Cameroon) of the Philadelphia 76ers, as well as two members of the 2015-16 NBA All-Rookie First Team in Serbian centre Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Latvian forward Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knicks, along with Emmanuel Mudiay (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Jamal Murray (Canada) of the Denver Nuggets, Danté Exum (Australia) and Trey Lyles (Canada) of the Utah Jazz, Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania) of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dario Saric (Croatia) of the 76ers. The US Team features three rookies and seven second-year players headlined by Karl-Antho-

BUDDY HIELD

ny Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The remainder of the team includes Devin Booker and Marquese Chriss of the Phoenix Suns, Malcolm Brogdon of the Milwaukee Bucks, Brandon Ingram and D’Angelo Russell of the Los Angeles Lakers, Frank Kaminsky of the Charlotte Hornets, Jhalil Okafor of the Philadelphia 76ers, Jonathan Simmons of the San Antonio Spurs and Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers. “It’s exciting,” Hield said of getting to participate in the exhibition game. “As a rookie, you’ve got to be excited for the opportunity. It was always on my bucket list to be a part of it. I’ve just got to stay humble, keep getting better and hopefully I can be in the All-Star

Game like (Anthony Davis) one of these days.” With his family expected to attend, Hield called it an honour to be able to represent both the Bahamas and his new home, the city of New Orleans. “It means a lot. It’s New Orleans. My family is going to be here, to see me play and AD,” Hield said. “It’s a big accomplishment. I’m just happy for it to be in the city and for fans to be able to watch us.” Hield had previously expressed his desire to also compete in the Foot Locker Three-Point Contest. “I would like to do it,” the Oklahoma product said, smiling. “It might not happen, but if any guy decides to opt out, I’m willing to take that spot.”

PAGE 2, Friday, January 27, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

CHAMPION: Andrew Landry receives his trophy from Joy Jibrilu, director general of tourism, after winning the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic on Wednesday. Photos: Kemuel Stubbs

Bahamas Great Abaco Classic tops the Web.com leaderboard By Krystel Brown THE Bahamas Great Abaco Classic is high on the Web.com leaderboard with several PGA golfers raving about their experience at the event. After a victorious finish at the inaugural Bahamas Great Abaco Golf Classic, Andrew Landry is considering eventually moving to the island where he secured his second Web.com win. Landry came from behind to beat out 131 other golfers during the four-day tournament, which was hosted at the Abaco Club. He walked away with a $108,000 purse. Landry finished three shots ahead of Jimmy Gunn, of Scotland. Zecheng Dou, of China, secured the third spot. During a post-game interview, Landry, who had a disappointing finish at The Bahamas Great Exuma Golf Classic earlier this month, said while he’s anx-

GEORGETTE FROM PAGE 1

tomorrow,” he stated. “There’s no need for concern. She has this under control.” Back to improve on her tied eighth place last year, Lincicome (64) had everything under control as she held a two-stroke lead over veteran Stacy Lewis, PK Kongkraphan and Megan Khang (66 each) in taking the top spot at the end of day one. In a bogey-free performance, Lincicome tied the course record Christine Song set last year in Monday qualifying and set the tournament record, eclipsing the previous mark of 65 held by a half-dozen players, including Lincicome. “My putter was, I was making everything, 30‑footers, 10‑footers, five‑footers,” said Lincicome on putting her name on the course record. “It was a pretty easy day. I didn’t really have to make too many par saves, which was nice. And would have loved to have had a 4 on that last hole to have no 5s on the scorecard.” It wasn’t until she came in on the 18th hole that Lincicome realised that she was on the verge of something big. ” I don’t normally look at the leaderboards, but I happened to see it on the last hole and was like if I can get it to 10 under, that would be really cool,” she stated. “So

ious to get home to his wife, he hopes to be back soon. “This was an absolutely beautiful course,” Landry said. “The fairways were perfect, the bunkers were good, and it was just a great layout. I didn’t get off to that great of a start but I finished strong with three great rounds. “Everyone here has been absolutely the nicest people in the entire world. I’m definitely coming back for vacation and maybe move down here.” Landry was one of several golfers who raved about Abaco Club’s golf course, which is considered one of the best in the Caribbean. Brooks Downing, president of Bd Global Sports, said many of the golfers expressed awe when they saw the course. “They can’t believe a course like this exists in The Bahamas,” he said. “This was a great secret in golf that these types of I already got ahead of myself.” Maybe it was swimming with dolphins after playing in the Pro-Am or it was playing blackjack in the casino in the evening as she was so consumed that she missed dinner that made the difference. Whatever it was, Lincicome is hoping that the streak can continue today. Bogey free as one of the three players tied for second trailing Lincicome, Kongkraphan said she was quite pleased with her start. “I’m very happy have a good (indiscernible) for the season and I’m very comfortable to get back to Bahamas again,” said the Thailander, who was tied for 38th last year. “I really like the Bahamas a lot. Nice to be here (again).” Khang, coming off her LPGA rookie debut here last year when she was tied for 11th, said the course played right into her hands yesterday. “I think I just feel a lot more confidence coming here. I know this course a little better. I just have a lot of good memories,” she said. “So I think having all that behind me, that definitely gave me a lot of confidence coming in here. I know I played well here so I think that definitely helped.” While she will be rooting for her Patriots to win the Super Bowl title, Khang is hoping her start will also help to propel her to the title on Sunday.

AMERICAN golfer Andrew Landry took home the grand prize. courses exist so close to the US off shore.” Bd Global, an event management and public relations firm, worked with the Ministry of Tourism to bring the Web.com Tour to The Bahamas.

Jaimie Kennedy, director of tournament business affairs, said The Bahamas received great exposure as a result of the two tournaments. What’s more, with the addition of the two new classics, The Bahamas has

become a top golf destination, he added. “Other than California and Texas, The Bahamas now rivals the top destination for professional golf with two Web.com events, Tiger (Wood’s) Hero (World) Challenge and of course the LPGA Pure Silk Classic,” he said. “The Bahamas is turning into the golf capital of the Caribbean.” That sentiment was music to the ears of Joy Jibrilu, the Ministry of Tourism’s director general. “This was the second week of two weeks of exceptional golf in The Bahamas and we couldn’t be more pleased,” Jibrilu said. “The PGA’s Web.com event at Sandals Resort in Exuma was truly wonderful. The athletes’ response to the island was phenomenal. To top that off, Abaco was truly a fantastic experience. “As a Bahamian, I’m not allowed to say that one was

CHEYENNE WOODS “It was kind of an easy round. I had a great group so I didn’t really have to worry,” she said of her opening round. “Last year last round I didn’t know anyone so I was pretty nervous about who I was playing with. “But no, I had a great group. Sara and Lizette were awesome. I think kind of knowing them definitely eased the nerves. I mean first tournament jitters is always a thing.” For Lewis, it wasn’t the start she wanted, but she will settle for it.

BAHAMIAN pro golfer Georgette Rolle in action yesterday. Photos: Gabe Roux “Bit of a slow start, a little bit of nerves I guess not really trusting what I was doing to start, but really

got the putter rolling kind of middle of the round and birdied the par 5s, which is what you have to do on

better than the other but I believe that all would agree with me that the golf course here at the Abaco Club at Winding Bay is spectacular. It is rated as one of the best in the Caribbean. What we are trying to do is showcase The Bahamas as the golfing capital of the Caribbean and we are well on our way to doing that, if we are not already there. The Bahamas is certainly becoming known as the place to pay golf. Golf is better in the Bahamas.” The historic golf tournaments were carried on the golf channel and broadcast to 100 million homes in 150 countries and territories. The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic took place at Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course from January 5 to 11. The Hero’s World Challenge was held at Albany in New Providence in December and the Pure Silk Classic at Ocean Club on Paradise Island is underway. this golf course,” Lewis stressed. “Still a couple things I can do better, but overall it was a really good day.” Just like she did in her previous years, Lewis was solid and consistent. She finished in a two-way tie for second last year, indicating that she enjoys playing on Paradise Island. “Yeah, I like this golf course, you know, you have to really be comfortable with the tee shots and it’s all about making birdies which I usually do a pretty good job of,” she said. “So taking advantage of the par 5s is a key and I was able to do that today.” After the first round, the top player on the projected cut is American Cheyenne Woods, the niece of legendary Tiger Woods, who was just here in December to play in the Hero World Challenge that was organised by his foundation. This is Cheyenne Woods’ second appearance in the tournament and she indicated that she’s just excited to be back in the Bahamas. “I was excited about playing again and I was in a really good group,” Woods said. “I had a few birdies and bogeys and even pars. I left a few out there, but overall first round of the year, I will take a lot out of it.” The second round of the tournament will begin at 7:05am and, at the end of the day, the top 70 will advance to the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, January 27, 2017, PAGE 3

Our pro golfers should be commended for handling the home court pressure IT IS not how you start, nor how you get there. Most importantly, it’s how you finish.

“I TIP MY HAT OFF TO ROLLE AND RILEY FOR THEIR EFFORT IN THE CLASSIC THIS YEAR. I JUST WISHED THAT THEY WERE IN A MUCH BETTER POSITION TO PREPARE THEMSELVES SO THAT THEY COULD LAST THROUGH THE FINAL TWO ROUNDS. THIS IS A GRUELLING EVENT TO PARTICIPATE IN AND JUST THEIR RAW TALENT WON’T BE ENOUGH TO GET THEM OVER THE HUMP. THEY NEED A LITTLE MORE FUNDING TO ENSURE THAT THEY GET THE EXPERIENCE COMPETING AGAINST THE WORLD’S BEST IN MORE TOURNAMENTS, EVEN IF IT’S JUST IN THE FLORIDA AREA.”

• The Finish Line, a weekly column, seeks to comment on the state of affairs in local sports, highlighting the highs and the lows, the thrills and the spills and the successes and failures. THE WEEK THAT WAS FOR the rest of the week, some of the top female golfers in the world will be teeing off at the Ocean Golf Club on Paradise Island in the fifth annual Pure Silk/ Bahamas LPGA Golf Classic. The week got started with windy conditions as Raquel Riley fell short and missed advancing out of the qualifying round to join the field of 108 golfers that include another Bahamian, Georgette Rolle. Rolle, playing for the fourth time in the classic and her third straight after sitting out the second version as Riley got the local exemption, will probably not make the final cut when the second round is played today, unless she turns in an incredible performance. But both players should be commended for the way they handled the home court pressure of playing in such a high level tournament, which kicks off the official calendar for the LPGA. This is definitely no easy feat for both Riley and Rolle to overcome, considering the fact that they are based here at home, Rolle heading her own Fourteen

PRO GOLFERS Georgette Rolle and Raquel Riley (inset). Clubs Academy for juniors at the Bahamas Golf Association’s Driving Range and Riley, a teaching professional at the Baker’s Bay Golf Club in Abaco. Both ladies have proven to be among the top professional female golfers in the country, but it’s obvious that for any of them to be real contenders, they need to get more financial support from the Bahamian community.

Rolle and Riley have had to abandon their plans to go on the pro tour and compete in the Futures events in a bid to stay competitive because of the lack of funding. This has been the case with a number of top collegiate athletes, who have decided to stay in the United States and try to survive on the monthly subvention provided by the Bahamas Government.

Looking at the way they both performed this week, there’s no doubt that they both have the ability to compete against these women, who would have already had a warm up tournament to compete in before they came here and already have a list of tournaments that they will be going to compete in after they leave here. This country, as we’ve seen by the amount of outstanding athletes we have produced in just about every sporting discipline, is blessed with talent in both the male and female categories. Just imagine if we had the proper funding mechanism in place like a national lottery where we could provide the opportunities for our top notch athletes to access how much more professional athletes that we can produce. I tip my hat off to Rolle and Riley for their effort in the classic this year. I just wished that they were in a much better position to prepare themselves so that they could last through the final two rounds. This is a gruelling event to participate in and just their raw talent won’t be enough to get them over the hump. They need a little more funding to ensure

that they get the experience competing against the world’s best in more tournaments, even if it’s just in the Florida area. Let’s find a way to push them a little more, just as we do in some of the other sports like basketball, track and field, volleyball, swimming and baseball, just to name a few. IMPROVEMEN T AT TAR STADIUM Last week, the local coaches complained that their athletes were denied the opportunity to compete in front of their families and friends in the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium during the local BAAA club meets. Over the weekend at the Roadrunners Track Classic, the National Sports Authority rectified the situation and erected the apparatus to allow the throwers to utilise portions of the infield. The NSA also ensured that there is more law and order on the perimeter of the track with less athletes roaming freely about while the meet is being conducted. There’s nothing that a little preparation won’t do to make a situation a little better as the NSA continues to work on the resurfacing of

the infield at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium. In moving forward, if only calmer heads prevail we can accomplish a whole lot more. After all, we are all working on improving things for everybody involved. CONGRATS TO OUR ATHLETES OVERSEAS From basketball to track and field, swimming to volleyball to soccer to baseball, the Bahamas has already seen quite a number of athletes excelling overseas. We need to continue to push them in their endeavours as they bring accolades to the Bahamas whether it’s on an individual basis, head-to-head or in a team concept. The Bahamas is and will remain in the spotlight, not just because of the tremendous amount of events that are here and will be coming to our shores, but also because of the achievements of our athletes on foreign soil. If you’re a sporting fanatic, you should love being a Bahamian. If you’re not, jump on the bandwagon because there are plenty accomplishments for you to celebrate.

34th Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic February 20-27 By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net THE date has been set and the country’s longest running basketball tournament will continue its legacy in 2017. The 34th edition of the Hugh Campbell Basket-

ball Classic is scheduled to be hosted February 2027. Tournament organisers made the announcement via the event’s official page on Facebook. For over three decades, the tournament has established a reputation as the pre-eminent training ground for senior boys’ bas-

SPORTS NOTES TRACK CLUB MONICA MEET THE Club Monica’s 14th Annual Track and Field Classic is scheduled for 9am Saturday at Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. All of the local clubs and athletes are expected to compete in the one-day meet. The admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. RUGBY HEINEKEN CUP THE Bahamas Rugby Union will continue its Heineken Cup competition at the Winton Rugby Centre 3:30pm Saturday when the Buccaneers take on Baillou. The Cuckoos, in two games played, are leading the standings with a 2-0 win-loss record and nine points. The Buccaneers are sitting in second place with a 1-0 record and four points in just one game played. Baillou is sitting in third with a 0-1 record and one point. Freeport is also winless in two games with one record. BOWLING FINANCIAL LEAGUE THE top scorer in the Financial Bowling League competition last night was Sonith Lockhart of Rubis Oil Stars, who downed the pins for a 244 high game and a 643 high three game set. The runner-up was Alfred Burrows of the BTC Night Hawks with a 637 second high set. Philip Davis of the Moonlight Strikers toppled the pins for the second high game of 241. The ladies’ MVP was Joy Lockhart of the BTC Night Hawks with a 199 second high game and a respectable 542 high three game set. She was followed by Tara Culmer of Forsythe Communications with a 512 second high set. Betsy Taylor, of the Best Deal Kirki Bar, struck for the second high game of 177. In team scores for the evening, Forsythe Communications blanked Leno Corporate Services 3-0, Moonlight Strikers def. BTC Night Hawks 3-0, Best Deal Kirki Bar def. the Strike Force 2-1 and Rubis Oil Stars def. Deloitte & Touche 2-1.

ketball teams throughout the country. In 2016, the CC Sweeting Cobras captured their fifth title in school history with a 55-54 win over the Sunland Baptist Stingers. The programme has won four titles under current head coach Mario Bowleg (2012-13, 2015-16) and one under Ian

TRACK UB AT FRED WILT OPEN THE University of The Bahamas will kick off its international track and field calendar in Indiana on January 28 when a 12-member team participates in the 2017 Fred Wilt Open at Purdue University. The team consists of seven males and five females. • The team includes the following athletes: Males - Aaron Cox – 60m and Long Jump; Yurick Dean – 200m and 4 x 400m; Tyler Gardiner – 400m and 4 x 400m; Ken Mullings – 60m hurdles and high jump; 4 x 400m; Avery Thompson – 60m hurdles; 4 x 400m; Leonardo Romer – 200m and Stony Duncanson – high jump. Females - Antonishka Deveaux – 200m and 4 x 400m; Ronnecia Ferguson – 60m, 60m hurdles and 4 x 400m; Beyonce Scott – 60m hurdles, high jump and 4 x 400m; Gabrielle Shannon – 200m and 4 x 400m and Alexandria Strachan – 60m and 60m hurdles. The team is being coached by Rupert Gardiner, assisted by Ednal Rolle. The team leaves on Friday and returns on Sunday. 14TH ANNUAL CLUB MONICA CLASSIC THE 14th Annual Club Monica Track Classic is all set for this Saturday at Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. The one-day meet, featuring more than 30 clubs and schools, is scheduled to begin at 9am. SOFTBALL NATIONAL GIRLS TEAM PRACTICE THE Bahamas has been invited to participate in the Junior Women’s Softball World Championships, July 23-30, 2017 in Clearwater, Florida. The process of selecting young ladies to participate on the Bahamas 19U National softball team began Tuesday and continued last night at the Junior Baseball League of Nassau (JBLN) Field of Dreams at St Andrew’s High School. Additional practice dates and venues will be announced. Interested persons can contact Shane Albury at 552-0653 or via email shanealbury@aol.com for more details.

Pinder (2007). The Tabernacle Baptist Falcons, under head coach, Norris Bain, still hold the record of having won the title six times (1995-96, 1998, 2000, 2009-10). Bain has stepped aside as Kevin Clarke now mans the helm for the Falcons. The Rattlers and coach Johnson are close behind with five (2002, 2004-2006 and 2014), while Catholic High has also won it five times, three times under Gladstone ‘Moon’ McPhee (1983, 1989 and 1991) and twice under Charlie ‘Softly’ Robins (1999 and 2003). The initial tournament, which was only played between the New Providence schools, in 1982 was won by the LW Young Golden Eagles, coached then by Walter Rand with Bernard

Storr as the MVP. The next year, the Grand Bahama teams joined and McPhee and the Crusaders with Ben Russell as the MVP won their first title in 1983. The other tournament winners were LW Young, coached by Watler Rand and led by MVP Bernard Storr, as the initial champions in 1992, Sir Jack Hawyard Wildcats, coached by Ivan Butler in 2001, RM Bailey Pacers, coached by Nigel Ingraham, in 2011, Eight Mile Rock Bluejays, coached by Gary McIntosh in 1985 and 1990, CR Walker Knights, coached by Jimmy Clarke in 1997 and Trevor Grant in 2008 and the host AF Adderley Fighting Tigers, coached by Doug Collins, back-to-back in 1987 and 1988 before they became a junior high

school, but continue to host the invitational tournament as their major fundraiser. No Family Island or BAISS school has ever won the tournament, which was cancelled once in 1986 because of a dispute with the teachers that eventually led to the formation of the GSSSA and the BAISS. A tournament rich in history and traditionally hosted at the AF Adderley Gymnasium returned to the school’s campus in 2014 following a five-year hiatus. Due to the deterioration of the floor in the gym, organisers were forced to relocate the entire tournament to the Kendal Isaacs Gym. But once the renovations were completed, the event relocated to “Tiger Country” for the 31st version.

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THE TRIBUNE

ROADRUNNERS’ 11TH ANNUAL DIANNE LYNN THOMPSON CLASSIC HIGHLIGHTS

ON TRACK: Young athletes compete in the Roadrunners’ 11th annual Dianne Lynn Thompson Classic on Saturday. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, January 27, 2017, PAGE 5

Kings stop the Hype, Cybots top Pros THE Bargain Wholesale Kings and the Mail Boat Cybots pulled off the New Providence Basketball Association’s double header at the AF Adderley Gymnasium on Wednesday night. While the Kings knocked off Hype Basketball Club 68-62 in the men’s division II opener, the Cybots routed the Island Game Pros 84-73 in the men’s division one feature contest. • Here’s a summary of the games:

Cybots 84, Pros 73 Lerecus Armbrister, who played 26 minutes and 41 seconds, had 17 points with five steals, three assists and two rebounds to lead the Mail Boat to their comfortable win. Cordero Pinder finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds, Livingstone Munnings had 14 points, 14 rebounds, three blocked shots, three assists and

two steals, Delvonne Duncombe had 11 points and five assists and Dominique Beadle added 10 points and three assists. For Island Game, Judino Wilson, in 36 minutes, had 22 points with four assists, three steals and two rebounds to pace the losers. Derrick Ferguson came off the bench and added 14 points and Patrick Leadon also came off the bench and added 12 points with 13 rebounds, three assists and two

steals. Kings 68, Hype Basketball 62 Richard King, in 29 minutes, had 16 points with two assists and two steals and Will Culmer, in 26 minutes, also had 16 points with seven rebounds to power Bargain Wholesale to victory. Clayton Tucker added 12 points, Carlos Forbes had eight points and five rebounds and

Leon Rahming (nine assists and six rebounds) and Antoine Levarity both helped out with six points. In a losing effort, Andreas Black had a game high 21 points with eight rebounds in 26 minutes. Dale Davis added 10 points with eight rebounds, Lerond Colebrooke had nine points and three assists and Kenneth Johnson chipped in with nine points and five rebounds off the bench.

NEW PROVIDENCE BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION REGULAR SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

THE REAL DEAL Shockers defeated the Rockets 73-68 in New Providence Basketball Association regular season action at the AF Adderley Gymnasium on Saturday night. Photos: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

DAEJOUR ADDERLEY LEADS THE NATIONAL RANKINGS FOR NJCAA DIVISION I FROM PAGE 1 the season Saturday night with 12 points and 16 rebounds in an 80-66 win over Florida State Jacksonville. In his freshman season with the Falcons, he averaged 9.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game while shooting 47 per cent from the field and 26 per cent from three-point range. This season, Mackey has seen

his numbers increase across the board and through 23 games he is averaging 12.8 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 53 per cent from the field and 39 per cent from three. The Falcons are 19-4 on the season, currently in the midst of a 13-game winning streak. A pair of Bahamian players for the Northern Oklahoma-Enid Jets continue to spark the programme’s rise, although the remain outside of the national poll.

Freshman wing Sebastian Gray and sophomore guard Robert Joseph have been key contributors to the Jets’ 12-5 start to the season. Gray, in his first year out of Sunrise Christian Academy, has emerged as a leading scorer for the team and has reached double figures in all five games since the calendar flipped to 2017 and has posted two double doubles. He opened with 21 points against Rhema College, 20

against Redlands, 17 and 11 rebounds against Eastern Oklahoma State, 14 against Connors State and most recently 10 points and 10 rebounds against Northeastern Oklahoma A and M. The Jets have been 4-1 through that stretch. Joseph, in his second year with the programme, has averaged 6.3 points and 2.8 rebounds per game this season while shooting 60 per cent from the field and 50 per cent from beyond the arch.

DAEJOUR ADDERLEY

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, January 27, 2017, PAGE 7

Williams sisters, Federer advance to Australian Open finals By JOHN PYE AP Sports Writer MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Win or lose, Serena Williams sees another all-sister final at the Australian Open as cause for celebration. The 35-year-old Williams arrived in Australia bidding for a 23rd Grand Slam title, aiming to break the Open-era record she shares with Steffi Graf. By winning, she’d also regain the No. 1 ranking she lost after her US Open semi-final exit. She doesn’t enjoy the suspense, or talk about the number. Her older sister, Venus, knows that better than anyone after their two decades of competing together in the majors. Now the 36-year-old Venus is the potential roadblock, back in a major final for the first time since she lost the previous all-Williams Grand Slam final at Wimbledon in 2009. “I just feel like no matter what happens, we’ve won,” Serena said. “A Williams is going to win this tournament.” Venus hasn’t added to her seven major titles since Wimbledon in 2008, but is in her best form since being diagnosed with energy-sap-

ping Sjogren’s syndrome in 2011. In fact, she was the first Williams into the 2017 final, rallying to beat 25-year-old CoCo Vandeweghe — the only player in the women’s semi-finals who was younger than 34 — 6-7 (3), 6-2, 6-3. A jubilant Venus could barely contain her emotions after clinching a spot in the final on her fourth match point, putting her hands to her face, her jaw dropping, before she crossed her arms over her heart and did a stylish pirouette. Feeling like “it was in my hands to force this Williams final” in the subsequent match, six-time Australian Open champion Serena overwhelmed 34-year-old Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 6-2, 6-1. By the time Roger Federer beat fourth-seeded Stan Wawrinka 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, 6-3 in an allSwiss night match to became the oldest man to reach a Grand Slam final since Ken Rosewall made the 1974 US Open final at 39, they were calling it Throwback Thursday at Melbourne Park.

first slam or it’s the epic battle with Rafa,” Federer said. “All I care about is that I can win. Doesn’t matter who’s across the net, but I understand the magnitude of the match against Nadal. “I’ll leave it all out here in Australia and if I can’t walk for another five months, that’s OK.” The all-Williams final will be the first in Melbourne since 2003, when Serena won what Venus has described as a “battle royale.” Venus hasn’t returned to the Australian final since then. And when she walked out onto Rod Laver Arena, it will be as the oldest player in the Open era to contest an Australian Open women’s final. She’ll be the oldest finalist at any major since Martina Navratilova’s run to the Wimbledon final in 1994. Venus has lost six of her eight Grand Slam finals against her younger sister, and is 11-16 overall in their tour-level career matches. But Serena noted that nobody has beaten her more than her older sister — their sibling rivalry is friendly, but goes a long way back. “When I’m playing on the court with her, I think I’m playing, like, the best competitor in the game,” Venus said. “I don’t think I’m chump change, either. I can com-

VENUS WILLIAMS reacts after defeating compatriot Coco Vandeweghe in the semi-final yesterday. (AP) Three players who can combine for 46 Grand Slam titles and 106 years in age advanced to the a final one after the other. Federer, returning from six months out to rest his injured left knee, will next play Sunday against either 14-time major champion Rafael Nadal and Grigor Dimitrov. With the Williams locked in for Saturday night, expectations are rising for another vintage RogerRafa bout. “It’s going to be special either way — one is going to go for his

pete against any odds. No matter what. “You also have to hopefully put your opponent in a box,” she added. “This opponent is your sister, and she’s super awesome.” After winning four straight majors up to Wimbledon 2015 to get within one of Graf’s record, Serena lost in the semi-finals at the US Open and then finals in Melbourne last year and at Roland Garros before equalling the mark back on the grass courts of southwest London. Serena acknowledged LucicBaroni, who was playing in her first semi-final match at a major since Wimbledon in 1999, as an inspiration for her comeback to the highest level after years of struggle. Lucic-Baroni took a selfie as she left the stadium, hoping to capture the moment. Then Serena turned her attention to Venus, who was seeded 13th, for overcoming the odds, too. “Obviously I was really proud of Venus,” Serena said, explaining how the siblings will continue their relationship as per usual ahead of the final. “She’s basically my world and my life. I was so happy for her. For us both to be in the final is the biggest dream come true.”

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

TONIGHT

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Partly sunny

Partly cloudy with a shower

Partly sunny with a shower in spots

Mostly cloudy with a few showers

Breezy in the morning; partly sunny

Mostly sunny and beautiful

High: 81°

Low: 64°

High: 79° Low: 66°

High: 77° Low: 62°

High: 75° Low: 60°

High: 75° Low: 62°

AccuWeather RealFeel

89° F

71° F

89°-66° F

77°-57° F

77°-61° F

82°-64° F

ORLANDO

High: 67° F/19° C Low: 44° F/7° C

TAMPA

High: 67° F/19° C Low: 49° F/9° C

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

almanac

ABACO

High: 76° F/24° C Low: 69° F/21° C

7-14 knots

WEST PALM BEACH High: 78° F/26° C Low: 54° F/12° C

7-14 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

FREEPORT

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 58° F/14° C

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 61° F/16° C

MIAMI

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 59° F/15° C

8-16 knots

KEY WEST

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 65° F/18° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 64° F/18° C

High: 76° F/24° C Low: 70° F/21° C

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

7:15 a.m. 7:31 p.m.

2.9 2.3

12:54 a.m. -0.4 1:41 p.m. -0.2

Saturday

7:54 a.m. 8:12 p.m.

2.9 2.4

1:35 a.m. -0.4 2:20 p.m. -0.3

Sunday

8:34 a.m. 8:54 p.m.

3.0 2.5

2:17 a.m. -0.5 2:58 p.m. -0.4

Monday

9:14 a.m. 9:37 p.m.

3.0 2.6

3:00 a.m. -0.4 3:38 p.m. -0.5

Tuesday

9:56 a.m. 10:24 p.m.

2.9 2.6

3:45 a.m. -0.4 4:19 p.m. -0.5

Wednesday 10:41 a.m. 11:14 p.m.

2.8 2.7

4:34 a.m. -0.3 5:04 p.m. -0.5

Thursday

2.6 -----

5:27 a.m. -0.2 5:52 p.m. -0.5

11:30 a.m. -----

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:54 a.m. 5:51 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

6:28 a.m. 5:46 p.m.

New

First

Full

Last

Jan. 27

Feb. 3

Feb. 10

Feb. 18

CAT ISLAND

High: 77° F/25° C Low: 69° F/21° C

4-8 knots

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

Statistics are for Nassau through 1 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 77° F/25° C Low .................................................... 64° F/18° C Normal high ....................................... 77° F/25° C Normal low ........................................ 65° F/18° C Last year’s high ................................. 81° F/27° C Last year’s low ................................... 66° F/19° C Precipitation As of 1 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ................................................. 0.57” Normal year to date ..................................... 1.11”

uV inDex toDay

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 77° F/25° C Low: 70° F/21° C

High: 77° F/25° C Low: 69° F/21° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 67° F/19° C

W S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 71° F/22° C

4-8 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 80° F/27° C Low: 70° F/21° C

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

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 77° F/25° C Low: 73° F/23° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 81° F/27° C Low: 71° F/22° C

N E

High: 77° F/25° C Low: 71° F/22° C

4-8 knots

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

Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday:

WINDS SW at 7-14 Knots NW at 6-12 Knots SW at 4-8 Knots NNE at 6-12 Knots SSW at 4-8 Knots SW at 4-8 Knots SSE at 4-8 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots SW at 6-12 Knots W at 4-8 Knots W at 7-14 Knots NNW at 7-14 Knots SW at 4-8 Knots SW at 3-6 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots ENE at 6-12 Knots S at 4-8 Knots S at 4-8 Knots S at 4-8 Knots S at 4-8 Knots SSW at 3-6 Knots NNW at 3-6 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots ESE at 6-12 Knots SW at 4-8 Knots SW at 4-8 Knots

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

VISIBILITY 8 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 73° F 73° F 77° F 77° F 75° F 75° F 78° F 77° F 75° F 75° F 79° F 79° F 75° F 75° F 78° F 78° F 77° F 77° F 77° F 77° F 75° F 75° F 76° F 76° F 76° F 76° F