02142017 sports by tribune242

SPORTS SECTION E

NBA ACTION

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017

Bahamas ready for Commonwealth Youth Games By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net WITH just five months to go, Commonwealth Games Federation Director Matthew Curtain said he’s satisfied that the Local Organising Committee is where they need to be to host the sixth edition of the Bahamas Commonwealth Youth Games. And BCYG’s managing director Rommel Knowles promised Curtain and the visiting delegates that the Bahamas will put on the best ever games – commonly referred to as the ‘Friendly Games’ - when it’s held July 19-23. The youth games for boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 18 will mark the first time in 50 years that the Caribbean will host a Commonwealth Games event, coming off the Empire Games that was staged in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1966.

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson (right) listens to Matthew Curtain during yesterday’s press conference at Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. Also present is BOC President Wellington Miller. Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff This is also the first multiple games that the Bahamas has hosted. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson said

the games come when the Bahamas will welcome the world to the greatest sporting year ever held in the Bahamas with the games being just one of the many major interna-

tional events that will take place. “The purpose of these games is for us to demonstrate that although we are a small group of islands, that we can be the number one sporting tourist destination on the planet,” Johnson said. “This is to demonstrate to our young people all around the Commonwealth that there is a better way and this is that better way. We look forward to athletes from over 70 countries to come here and to give their best.” On Monday, the visiting delegates wrapped up a five-day trip to the Bahamas to conduct a site inspection and provide any further instructions for the LOC in their preparation for the games that will feature more than 1,000 athletes from over 70 countries in nine disciplines. “We are pleased so far with the progress by the Local Organising

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Roberts helps Bulls pull off major upset By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

ahamian Justin Roberts, in one of his best performances this year, helped the University of South Florida Bulls men’s tennis team pull off a major upset over No.16 Mississippi State University Bulldogs over the weekend. Playing at home in Tampa, Florida, Roberts defeated Mate Cutura 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a come-frombehind victory on Sunday to seal the 4-2 win for the Bulls in their first win over a ranked opponent this season. “It was good. We were playing a team that was ranked in the top 50 in the country so we knew it was going to be a tough fight,” said Roberts, who was preparing for a final exam during the time of his interview with The Tribune yesterday morning. “We had a good home crowd. Everybody just fought as best as they could and I managed to turn my match around after I was down a set. I was able to pull through it and pull off the win.” Roberts, a 25-year-old junior, also teamed up with Peter Bertram to win 6-3 overNuno Borges/ Strahinja Rakic for their only doubles victory over MSU. The 6-0 Roberts is hoping to improve on his 8-2 record in doubles and 3-6 in singles last year. He said he’s excited about the progress he’s made so far this year. “I’m just getting better and better every day so I can only expect great things from here,” he insisted. Head coach Ashley Fisher said it was a well-deserved win for the team before a crowd of more than 300 persons.

JUSTIN ROBERTS in action as he helped the University of South Florida Bulls men’s team pull off a major upset over No.16 Mississippi State University Bulldogs. “The crowd was huge. That’s by far the best crowd and most electric atmosphere that I’ve seen at a home match. The message is constantly that we are looking for any edge we can get…the crowd plays a huge role. That’s a huge edge and a huge reason why we won today.” He further noted that the team performed as expected under the circumstances. “The guys overall did a fantastic job of feeding off each other and helping each other, and that’s something that we are constantly talking about. Tennis is an individual sport, but that’s the beauty of college tennis. We have our team-

mates right next to us.” The Bulls will have this weekend off before they welcome Texas A&M and Pepperdine to Tampa next weekend February 24 and February 26. The Bulls will also be preparing for their American Athletic Conference Tournament in April and hopefully they will get to compete in the NCAA Championships in May. “I’m trying to get a little bit better every day,” Roberts said. “I’m working on all my strokes and the mental aspect of my game. I want to be tougher and last a lot stronger in my matches.”

As for the Bulls, Roberts said they are a lot younger, but the win over Mississippi State proved that they are getting better. “It’s early in the season, but we feel as if we can accomplish some great things this year,” he projected. “I want to see us as a team host NCAAs and the more opponents I beat, the better my ranking will improve for the individual tournaments and even doubles at the end of the year.” And as a typical Bahamian, Roberts said he’s enjoying every moment of being in school, including getting ready for his final exam that he sat last night.

BUDDY HIELD EJECTED FROM GAME By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net BUDDY Hield usually grabs the headlines for his scoring ability, but the New Orleans Pelicans rookie guard was the subject of criticism from analysts and on social media for inadvertent contact, which resulted in his first NBA ejection. With 2:55 left in first half of the Pelicans’ 105-99 loss to the Sacramento Kings Sunday night, Hield was called for a flagrant-two foul after making inadvertent contact with the Kings’ DeMarcus Cousins. Hield spoke about the incident following the game calling it unintentional, but an opportunity to gain valuable learning experience. “Everybody knows me, whoever spent time with me, even if it’s a quick minute, knows the kind of player I am. I’m sure if you ask DeMarcus he’ll tell you it wasn’t intentional. I respect him as a player. If he thought it was intentional he would have come at me. When guys get hit down there they know to go at you,” he said. “It’s like running around a tight curve and you try to grab a hold of something to swing momentum to push off. DeMarcus got me on a flop before and the ref called a foul and it seems like he got me again. It was a rookie mistake I just have to be more aggressive, don’t play defence with my hands, move my feet and fight over screens. It’s something I can learn from. Everyone is going to have their own opinion when they see the video, but I don’t care because I know what kind of player I am. I know my intentions on the court, I never want anyone to get the wrong intention from me.” At the time of the play, the Pelicans led 50-39 but the Kings closed the quarter on a 17-3 run to take a 56-53 lead into the half. Hield finished with five points and two assists in just 14 minutes of play before the ejection. “Everybody was shocked,” Hield said of him being ejected. “Because everybody knows me, knows my personality and my character. They know I’m not that type of person to go at somebody. It was just one of those calls, when you view it in slow motion, you get a different reaction to it. I understand where the refs are coming from. I saw it. It looked bad in slow motion. But I know my intention was not what it

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Trent Deveaux agrees to Angels’ deal with $1.2m bonus By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net ANOTHER young Bahamian baseball player received the opportunity to take his career to the professional level. Trent Deveaux agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim that will reportedly pay the 16-year-old outfielder a $1.2 million bonus. Currently training in the Dominican Republic with Nogae Sports Nation Academy, Deveaux recently completed his physicals and preliminary tests with the Angels when he made the announcement. “I didn’t have a preferred team to go to but my meeting with the

Angels won me over and they made the best offer,” Deveaux said. He said the team has already set lofty goals for his progression through the minor league system. The general manager [Billy Eppler] told me in three years they expect me in the major leagues and expect me to compete for that spot in centrefield with Mike Trout eventually making the move to right field,” he said. “They didn’t really tell me where I was going to start out but I’m expecting that to be in the Arizona Rookie League. Some guys are traditionally sent to the Dominican Republic but I expect to start out in Arizona for the rookie league when the time comes. After spending the past six months in the de facto mecca of

TRENT DEVEAUX

baseball in the Caribbean, he said the rigorous training schedule has prompted a development in his game as he prepares for the minor leagues. “I’ve started to become a more complete hitter, I’ve been working a lot on my bunting so hopefully I can perfect that before I have to report to camp. That’s an extra tool where I can surprise them and make myself an even better asset to the staff,” he said. “The Angels requested me into camp to do my tests this week, but I know they expect their top prospects to report to LA and train a few times with the team ahead of time. It’s exciting and I’m not sure when that will be but I’ll be ready whenever that time comes.” Growing up playing in the

Freedom Farm Baseball league, Deveaux said he first had dreams of professional baseball following his performance at the Bahamas Baseball Federation’s Nationals in 2011. “The Reds organisation knew me since I was 12 years old when I went to Freeport for the Nationals. There was a guy named Jim Stoeckel, a Reds scout, and he was watching the 13-15 game, at the time I was playing 11-12. “He said he heard a big crack of a bat so he turned around and saw a tall kid jogging the bases and it caught his attention. He started watching me and watching our game and afterward he took me and dad aside and he showed me the positives of where my career can go,” he said.

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THE TRIBUNE

Super Value Cybot Queens rout Elites, 59-35 THE New Providence Women’s Basketball Association continued its regular season action with games played in both the junior and senior divisions over the weekend. Super Value Cybot Queens 59, Elites 35: Keva Barry scored a game high 14 in the win and Sasha Nixon had 13 in a losing effort. Bommer G Operators 69, Career Builders Cheetahs 61: Philicia Kelly pumped in a game high 26 points to lead the winners. Brirenique Ferguson added 14 and Sherelle Cash chipped in with 10. In a losing effort for the Lady Cheetahs, Leashia Grant scored 19 and Shantel Rolle had 11. In the junior division, the Lady Falcons defeated Consolidated Water 9-2, the ASF Insurance Brokers nipped the Super Value Cybot Princesses 9-8 and Water & Sewerage routed Consolidated 25-3. On Thursday night, two more senior games were played as the Elites stunned the Super Value Cybots Queens 57-55 and the Career Builders Lady Cheetahs knocked off the Bommer G Lady Operators. Elites 57, Queens 55: LaTeisha Rolle led three players in double figures with 14 points as the Elites

ON THE REPLAY: Super Value Cybot Queens beat the Elites 59-35 over the weekend. Photos: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff won their first game in two years on Thursday night. Dominique McPhee added 13. For Super Value, Tracy Lewis had 14 and both LaTondra Brown and Tercel Rolle had 10 apiece in a losing effort. Lady Cheetahs 73, Lady Operators 71: Leashia Grant scored a game high 33 points and Shantel Rolle helped out with 32 as Career Builders held on for a big win. In a losing effort for Bommer G, Sheldeen Joseph had 13 points, Albertha Russell and Britinique Harrison both had 12 and

Chrisandra Rahming finished with 10. The NPWBA play every Thursday with just senior games and on Saturdays with both junior and senior games. • Here’s a look at this week’s schedule: Thursday 7:30pm - Operators vs Cybots 8:30pm - Elites vs Lady Cheetahs Saturday 5:45pm - Junior games 7:30pm - Cybots vs Cheetahs 8:30pm - Operators vs Elites

MOBILE

APP

Take us with you Everywhere you go!

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Tuesday, February 14, 2017, PAGE 3

Romo and Cowboys’ 1st round pick for JJ Watt makes whole lot of sense THE long NFL offseason is upon us and, between now and the NFL Draft in April, there will be millions of trade rumours swirling. Some rumours are put out by teams to gauge league-wide interest, others are spot on, while others are pure and utter nonsense. One such rumour that sounds nonsensical at first, but actually makes tons of sense after you think about it seriously for a minute, is the one that has QB Tony Romo and the Cowboys first round pick (#28 overall) in this year’s NFL Draft going to Houston for All Pro DE JJ Watt. See, I told you, initially it sounds like lunacy, but once you look at the numbers it makes a whole lot of sense. Arguably, if the Texans had a quality QB, they would have upset the eventual champions Patriots in the playoffs. The Texans’ defence (without Watt) stifled Tom Brady and the Patriots offence, unfortunately for the Texans QB Brock Osweiler and his huge free agent contract, is a monumental bust! He snatched defeat from the jaws of potential victory once again, leaving the Texans the long offseason to ponder on a solution to

their $40m problem. THE PROS AND CONS The Houston Texans ended 2016 with the best defence statistically. They only allowed 301.3 yards per game and 201.6 yards a game through the air. The offence only mustered 17.4 points per game, so we know which side of the ball carried the team to the playoffs two years in a row. The Dallas Cowboys ended 2016 as one of the best offences statistically. They were fifth in total yards and second in rushing yards. The way Dallas plays offence, keeping its defence off the field for large stretches, defines the team. They had the best record in the NFC two of the last three years, but the inability to rush the passer knocked them out both times. The Texans’ biggest issue has been their lack of a competent quarterback. They drafted Tom Savage a few years ago, and signed Brock Osweiler to a pretty big free agent contract into 2016. After starting six different QBs in the two seasons, coach Bill O’Brien can’t

SPORTING

MISCHIEF

& MAYHEM

BY INIGO ‘NAUGHT Y’ ZENIC

AZELAYA

JJ WATT (AP) feel much confidence they are any better off in 2017. Romo would change everything. The Cowboys’ biggest issue has been a lack of star power on the defensive line. Nobody has been able to bring consistent disruption to opposing offences. There’s no one who commands double teams and still can beat them. J.J. Watt would change everything.

FINANCIALLY IT MAKES SENSE Financially, a trade is feasible for both sides. Watt has five years remaining on his deal. He is slated to count $14.5 million against the Texans’ cap in 2017, with $4 million a prorated bonus. That $4 million is part of $10 million of dead money that would remain with the Texans should they trade him. Removing Watt from the ledger via trade would mean Houston would temporarily gain $4.5 million of cap space. For Dallas, Romo has three years remaining on his deal. He is slated to count $24.7 million against their cap in 2017, with $10.7 million of that being prorated bonus. That $10.7 million is part of $19.6 million of dead money that would remain with the Cowboys

should they trade him. Removing Romo from the ledger via trade would mean Dallas would temporarily gain $5.1 million of cap space in 2017. Adding Romo’s $14 million base salary to the $4.5 million of space gained by trading Watt would be a net of $9.5 million added to the Texans 2017 cap. Adding Watt’s $10.5 million base salary to the $5.1 million of space gained by trading Romo would be a net of $5.4 million added to the Cowboys 2017 cap. Even better, both teams would have the option of converting much of the 2017 base salary into a bonus. Dallas could convert $9.5 million of Watt’s base to restructure bonus, spreading the cap hit over five years and shave $7.5 million off his first-year cap impact. The Cowboys could make the trade and actually gain cap space. There’s no doubt the Houston Texans’ defence has a chance of being historic if Watt were to return, now that Jadeveon Clowney has turned into the beast he was projected to be coming out of South Carolina. Houston finished seventh in defensive DVOA and does have areas to improve

on, specifically stopping the run. But is bringing Watt back going to have as big an impact on the overall quality of the team the same way Romo could if he were lining up under centre? On the Cowboys’ side, it sure would be nice to have Romo there as a safety net in case of ‘sophomore jinx’ hitting Dak Prescott. Once Romo is willing to take a major pay cut for it to be feasible, and he deserves the chance to start somewhere. BACK-TO-BACK As far as both superstars’ ailing backs are concerned, as a Cowboy fanatic, I will take the 28-year-old bad back, rather than the brittle 36-year-old bad back. The Cowboys didn’t start winning and dominating in their dynasty days in the 90s until All Pro and future Hall of Fame inductee DE Charles Haley was added via trade. Looking at this current Cowboys roster, offensively we are loaded, the new version of ‘The Triplets’ (Dak, Zeke and Dez) is intact, so now is the time to let history repeat it self defensively, make the trade for JJ Watt, and watch a new dynasty arise in ‘Big D’.

Bahamas all set for the Commonwealth Youth ‘Friendly Games’ FROM PAGE 1 Committee,” Curtain said. “It’s not a criticism, but the nature of the event, but at this point and time, you are right where you need to be at this time.” Curtain, who hails from Australia where he has served in a number of capacities as a sports administrator, praised the level of cooperation that they have received from Minister Johnson, Bahamas Olympic Committee President Wellington Miller and secretary general Knowles, who serves as the managing director. Curtain said they are here to ensure that everything is in place as they forged towards July when the athletes will compete in athletics, aquatics (swimming), beach soccer, boxing, cycling (road), judo, rugby sevens, tennis and beach volleyball. It will be the first time judo, beach soccer and beach volleyball will be included in the

Commonwealth Youth Games. Knowles said when they decided to take up the mantel after Saint Lucia, who was awarded the original bid but was unable to carry out its commitment, they have proven so far that the games are “in the right place at the right time.” He recalled how they began the process of getting their team together once they got the approval of the Bahamas Government through Minister Johnson and Prime Minister Perry Christie. “We’ve had our ups and we’ve had our downs, but this is the first time that the Bahamas will be hosting a multi-sporting event and I can assure you that these will be the best Commonwealth Games ever held,” Knowles said. He publicly thanked Grafton Ifill Jr, who played an integral role in the organising of the games from the day they put their tender to bid and he has continued to en-

sure that the work is getting done. Likewise, he also commended Drumeco Archer, the secretary general of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations and Cora Hepburn, a vice president of the BOC, who have both assisted in the operation of the LOC. Keith Joseph, known as the voice of Carifta from St Vincent & The Grenadines, said the Bahamas has always had great organisations and leaders who have stepped up to the plate from former BOC president Arlington Butler to former BAAAs president Dr Bernard Nottage. And coupled with the success of the Bahamian athletes from the ‘Golden Girls’ women’s 4 x 100m relay team to the ‘Golden Knights’ men’s 4 x 400m team, Joseph said the Bahamas has held its own in the region and indeed around the world in terms of sports. With just about a year and-ahalf ago when many people threw

their hands up in the air after St Lucia pulled out of hosting the games, Joseph said they were quite relieved when the Bahamas put in a bid with Glasgow and Sri Lanka and was eventually granted permission. “I believe it was because of your courage and your commitment to sports that you were awarded the bid to host the Bahamas,” Joseph said. “In everything you have done in sports, you have always aspired to excellence and we are proud of your tradition.” Joseph said although they have been here from time to time, they are leaving this time with more confidence that the Bahamas will live up to that commitment to hosting a successful games. “The young athletes of the Caribbean are looking up to you,” Joseph said. “Your place in history is indeed remarkable.” Miller said they appreciate the Bahamas being in the spotlight

as the host of the sixth edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games and he assured the rest of the Commonwealth that while they have accomplished a lot, they would make sure that the games are indeed a success. “The Bahamas is taking the games as if it’s our very own personally,” he said. “The Bahamian people are depending us and the 70 countries in the Commonwealth are depending on us and we will deliver the kind of games that everybody will be proud of.” In 2000, the Commonwealth Games Federation, headed by president Louise Martin of Scotland, hosted the first Commonwealth Youth Games in Edinburgh. The second games was in 2004 in Bendigo, Australia. It went to Pune, India for the third edition in 2008 and The Isle of Man hosted in 2011 with the 5th edition in Samoa in 2015.

IAAF WALK-THROUGH - Officials from the IAAF recently conducted a walk-through of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. Shown (l-r) are Natasha Adderley, LOC CFO, Lionel Haven, managing director, Veronique Marchal-Rejaud, IAAF event manager, Keith Parker, LOC chairman, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Daniel Johnson, Ashley Hamilton, Miss Bahamas World, Carlo de Angeli, IAAF head of event operations, Melanie Bleuler, AMS, Rowena Samarasinhe, AMS, Grafton Ifill, executive committee/government liaison; Pauline Davis-Thompson, LOC deputy chairman/IAAF Council, Luis Saladie, IAAF head of competition management and Tonique Williams, deputy managing director.

IAAF OFFICIALS ‘WALK-THROUGH’ NATIONAL STADIUM FOR WORLD RELAYS OFFICIALS from the International Association of Athletics Federations have conducted a walkthrough of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium where the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2017 will be held April 22-23. IAAF officials have established that IAAF “Established Practices and Approved Guidelines” are being adhered to. The Local Organising Committee held a press conference recently to update the media and The Bahamas on preparations for IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2017. Carlo de Angeli, IAAF head of event operations, said part of the official team who came to inspect preparations for the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2017, makes it clear that The Bahamas is going in the right direction in preparing for the Relays.

“We are impressed with what we have seen so far,” noted de Angeli. “This event is now officially within the IAAF World Athletic Series and we have to give merit to The Bahamas for having organised it so well and having made it so successful. We know that there is a big demand to organise this event and also to participate in it. We have held meetings with the LOC where we have seen increased commitment to organise this to the best standard. Of course this has been a learning experience for them but also from our side.” De Angeli went on further to give The Bahamas credit for its work on organising the event thus far. “The practices and the guidelines that we have put in place since 2014 have been taken on board almost entirely by the LOC and we have to say we are really

pleased with what we have seen so far. We are confident it will be a very organised event in April and we really look forward to that – Not only us, but all the member federations.” This event qualifies athletes for the World Championships in London in the 4X100M men and women and in the 4X400M men and women. De Angeli said there is going to be a lot of demands to come here from all those federations that

want to ensure a starting place in London and not go through the ranking and the qualification process. “I think this is the best athletic event in the world, period,” boasted Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson, “This is a good time to demonstrate that this athletic series is a partnership where two global brands lend themselves to each other. We have a brand called, ‘It’s Better in The Bahamas’ and everywhere you go in the world people understand it, no matter what language you speak it in. We have the best of what the world has to offer. We have all the ingredients and this is the right place to do it in. “I am happy to say that the IAAF, under then President Diack, was the first one to say, ‘That’s a great idea we should be in The Bahamas’. We know the

first two events were really test events for all of us and I am very proud to know that we now have IAAF World Relays 2017 and we have signed on to 2019 and we are going after 2021. This event has also broke a glass ceiling for us as a country. “Since we have now partnered with the greatest athletics federation in the world, we are now with the greatest football federation in the world, we had Tiger Woods return to golf in The Bahamas in December, we are the only country outside of the United States to have sanctioned NCAA sports, we have seen the Commonwealth Games Federation come here for the summer and the list goes on.” Minister Johnson said The Bahamas is the greatest sports tourism country and destination on the planet in 2017. Keith Parker, chairman of the Local Organising

Committee, also spoke at the press conference and expressed great pride at The Bahamas being chosen for a third time to host the esteemed athletics series. “It is a great honour for me, for a third time, to be the chairman of LOC. As in the past we continue to work together to make sure that the 2017 relays are at least as successful as the two previous ones. The Bahamas is a very small country and we are honoured that a new president and a new council of the IAAF, have seen fit to entrust the third relays event to our small country. “I can assure everyone concerned and our local press, of course, will do everything in our power to fulfil that trust. As everyone knows, The Bahamas is crazy about Track and Field and many of our LOC members are steeped in Track and Field.

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THE OFFICIAL RESULTS: GSSSA’S 24TH ANNUAL SENIOR TRACK & FIELD MEET • RESULTS of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s 24th Annual Senior Track & Field Meet are as follows: Girls 17-19 200M Dash UNDER 20 Finals - (w: NWI) 1, Brown, Renee, C.R. Walker, 25.98. 2, Adderley, Alice, C.I. Gibson, 26.72. 3, Cartwright, Esther, R.M. Bailey, 26.88. 4, Davis, Laurenique, C.R. Walker, 27.80. 5, Francois, Shandiline, C.I. Gibson, 28.07. 6, Roberts, Breanna, C.V. Bethel, 28.66. 7, Gayle, Isheba, Doris Johnson, 29.24. 8, Thompson, Whitney, C.V. Bethel, 30.75. Girls 17-19 400M Dash U-20 Finals - 1, Strachan, Anthonia, C.R. Walker, 1:00.56. 2, Lotmore, Anishka, C.R. Walker, 1:04.57. 3, LaRoda, Carltonique, C.I. Gibson, 1:09.88. 4, Roberts, Breanna, C.V. Bethel, 1:10.29. 5, Camille, Duna, C.I. Gibson, 1:13.28. 6, Cartwright, Esther, R.M. Bailey, 1:14.63. 7, Vernot, Carline, C.C. Sweeting, 1:18.50. 8, McPhee, Keviesha, Government High, 1:32.29. Girls 17-19 800M Run UNDER 20 - 1, Strachan, Anthonia, C.R. Walker, 2:35.60. 2, McKenxie, Kerryann, C.V. Bethel, 2:46.63. 3, Hudson, Vernecia, C.R. Walker, 2:58.19. 4, LaRoda, Carltonique, C.I. Gibson, 3:01.81. 5, Hepburn, Makeda, R.M. Bailey, 3:06.00. 6, Rolle, Aaliyah, C.C. Sweeting, 3:11.10. 7, LaFrance, Jaleasa, C.I. Gibson, 3:12.47. 8, Ferguson, Jasmine, Anatol Rodgers, 3:18.51. Girls 17-19 1,500M Run UNDER 20 - 1, McKenxie, Kerryann, C.V. Bethel, 6:03.31. 2, Hudson, Vernecia, C.R. Walker, 6:19.65. 3, Wilson, Shawonya, R.M. Bailey, 6:20.39. 4, Gilcud, Kaylisa, C.V. Bethel, 6:24.59. 5, Rox, Alberniesha, C.I. Gibson, 6:26.13. 6, Gembalies, Kendira, C.R. Walker, 6:46.47. 7, Miller, Dwaynell, R.M. Bailey, 6:49.68. 8, Ferguson, Jasmine, Anatol Rodgers, 7:15.70. Girls 17-19 3,000M Run UNDER 20 - 1, Camille, Lovena, C.I. Gibson, 12:51.52. 2, Prophet, Arianna, R.M. Bailey, 13:43.10. 3, Gilcud, Kaylisa, C.V. Bethel, 14:26.68. 4, Gembalies, Kendira, C.R. Walker, 14:52.92. 5, Hudson, Vernecia, C.R. Walker, 15:16.03. 6, Hepburn, Makeda, R.M. Bailey, 15:34.94. 7, Ferguson, Jasmine, Anatol Rodgers, 16:46.21. 8, Trembly, Jetane, C.I. Gibson, 17:38.28. Girls 17-19 100M Hurdles (2’ 9”) UNDER 20 Finals - (w: -3.3) 1, Rolle, Althea, C.R. Walker, 18.22. 2, Rolle, T’Quavia, C.V. Bethel, 18.24. 3, Miller, Alexis, Doris Johnson, 18.82. 4, Braynen, Latavia, C.I. Gibson, 19.44. 5, Edgecombe, Destinique, Doris Johnson, 19.65. 6, Rox, Alberniesha, C.I. Gibson, 20.75. 7, Smith, Lendeic, C.R. Walker, 20.80. 8, Joesph, Anjeneka, C.C. Sweeting, 24.36. Girls 17-19 400M Hurdles (2’ 6”) UNDER 20 Finals - 1, Rolle, Althea, C.R. Walker, 2:28.50. 2, Evans, Rachel, R.M. Bailey, 2:31.57. 3, Joesph, Anjeneka, C.C. Sweeting, 2:34.17. 4, Thelamour, Janae, C.R. Walker, 2:37.67. 5, Rox, Alberniesha, C.I. Gibson, 2:38.93. 6, Slyverian, Martia, C.I. Gibson, 2:39.28. 7, Artilus, Marie, R.M. Bailey, 2:46.46. 8, Maycock, Christy, C.V. Bethel, 2:56.23. Girls 17-19 4x100M Relay UNDER 20 - 1, C.R. Walker Sr. High ‘A’ (Strachan, Anthonia 17, Petty, Destinee 18, Gomez, Tonnisha 18, Davis, Laurenique 18), 51.39. 2, C.I. Gibson Sr. High School ‘A’ (Lysias, Mical 18, Adderley, Alice 18, Lewis, Tavonya 15, Francois, Shandiline 18), 53.08. 3, Government High School ‘A’ (McKinney, Carleane 18, Curry, Stephanique 18, McPhee, Keviesha 17, Petit-Jean, Mckell 18), 55.20. 4, R.M. Bailey Sr. High School ‘A’ (Miller, Destiny 16, Cartwright, Esther 18, Bryan, Tenneil 18, Evans, Rachel 17), 55.35. 5, Doris Johnson Sr. High School ‘A’ (Miller, Alexis 18, Riley, Briontae 17, Edgecombe, Destinique 18, Gayle, Isheba 18), 55.99. 6, C.V. Bethel Sr. High ‘A’ (Maycock, Christy 17, Thompson, Whitney 18, Bain, Lechea 18, Roberts, Breanna 17), 57.28. 7, Anatol Rodgers Sr. High School ‘A’ (Voltaire, Mylenny 18, Strachan, Ajna 18, Smith, Alisha 17, Romer, Alexcia 17), 59.03. 8, C.C. Sweeting Sr. High ‘A’ (Gibson, Felecia 18, Culmer, Rykeisha 18, Joesph, Anjeneka 16, Vernot, Carline 18), 1:00.21. Girls 17-19 4x400M Relay UNDER 20 - 1, C.R. Walker Sr. High ‘A’ (Lotmore, Anishka 16, Strachan, Anthonia 17, Davis, Laurenique 18, Brown, Renee 19), 4:19.93. 2, R.M. Bailey Sr. High School ‘A’ (Wilson, Shawonya 18, Williams, Kenya 18, Cartwright, Esther 18, Evans, Rachel 17), 4:35.70. 3, C.I. Gibson Sr. High School ‘A’ (Camille, Duna 17, Adderley, Alice 18, LaRoda, Carltonique 17, Rox, Alberniesha 17), 4:42.82. 4, Doris Johnson Sr. High School ‘A’ (Gayle, Isheba 18, Scott, Alicia 18, Edgecombe, Destinique 18, Thompson, Thyrell 19), 4:53.13. 5, C.C. Sweeting Sr. High ‘A’ (Joesph, Anjeneka 16, Louis, Lanikita 17, Vernot, Carline 18, Rolle, Aaliyah 19), 4:54.81. 6, C.V. Bethel Sr. High ‘A’ (Bain, Lechea 18, McKenxie, Kerryann 17, Thompson, Whitney 18, Roberts, Breanna 17), 5:10.96. Girls 17-19 Long Jump UNDER 20 - 1, Braynen, Latavia, C.I. Gibson, 4.39m, w:0.4. 2, Miller, Alexis, Doris Johnson, 4.19m, w:0.1. 3, Hepburn, Miracle, C.V. Bethel, J4.19m, w:0.6. 4, Cartwright, Esther, R.M. Bailey, 4.16m, w:0.8. 5, Rolle, T’Quavia, C.V. Bethel, 4.15m, w:+0.0. 6, Mitchell, Makayla, C.I. Gibson, 4.13m, w:1.0. 7, Rancy, Olivia, C.R. Walker, 4.06m, w:0.6. 8, McKinney, Carleane, Government High, 3.89m, w:0.4. Girls 17-19 High Jump (4’ 3”) UNDER 20 - 1, Hepburn, Miracle, C.V. Bethel, 1.44m. 2, Miller, Alexis, Doris Johnson, 1.39m. 3, Clarke, Makaya, Anatol Rodgers, 1.34m. 4, Brown, Grenique, C.V. Bethel, J1.34m. 4, Rancy, Olivia, C.R. Walker, J1.34m. 5, Slyverian, Martia, C.I. Gibson, J1.34m. 6, Lotmore, Anishka, C.R. Walker, J1.29m. 6, Harris, Willanna, R.M. Bailey, J1.29m. Girls 17-19 Discus Throw (1k) UNDER 20 - 1, Hanna, Gabrielle, Government High, 25.63m. 2, Curtis, Marvia, Doris Johnson, 25.30m. 3, Chozz Floyd, Menarvia, C.R.

FAST TRACK: Athletes compete in the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s 24th Annual Senior Track & Field Meet last week. SEE THE JUNIOR RESULTS IN SPORTS WEDNESDAY Photos: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff Girls 17-19 Shot Put (4k) UNDER 20 Walker, 25.14m. 4, Northe, Shanley, C.V. Bethel, 24.48m. 5, Hield, Stevanna, C.C. - 1, Braynen, Latavia, C.I. Gibson, 9.08m. Sweeting, 24.10m. 6, Penn, Sarah, C.I. 2, Northe, Shanley, C.V. Bethel, 8.94m. 3, Gibson, 23.83m. 7, Riley, Briontae, Doris Penn, Sarah, C.I. Gibson, 8.86m. 4, Hanna, Johnson, 23.14m. 8, Braynen, Latavia, C.I. Gabrielle, Government High, 8.37m. 5, Petty, Destinee, C.R. Walker, 8.02m. 6, Chozz Gibson, 21.37m. Girls 17-19 Javelin Throw (600gms) Floyd, Menarvia, C.R. Walker, 7.80m. 7, UNDER 20 - 1, Thelamour, Janae, C.R. Evans, Rachel, R.M. Bailey, 7.76m. 8, CurWalker, 29.72m. 2, Penn, Sarah, C.I. Gib- tis, Marvia, Doris Johnson, 7.21m. Boys 17-19 5,000M Run UNDER 20 son, 25.66m. 3, Northe, Shanley, C.V. Bethel, 24.58m. 4, Paul, Petra, C.R. Walker, 1, Butler, Charles, C.I. Gibson, 17:54.10. 21.27m. 5, Sturrup, Shaunda, C.C. Sweet- 2, McKenzie, Glenroy, C.C. Sweeting, ing, 19.79m. 6, Turner, Jimela, R.M. Bailey, 18:06.28. 3, Rahming, Abrien, C.R. Walk17.75m. 7, Clarke, Mykia, Anatol Rodgers, er, 18:21.85. 4, Williams, Secil, C.C. Sweet17.56m. 8, Riley, Briontae, Doris Johnson, ing, 20:15.53. 5, Major, Kelvin, C.V. Bethel, 20:15.73. 6, Deleveaux, D’Soraji, C.I. Gib16.10m. Boys 17-19 100M Dash UNDER 20 Fi- son, 20:43.97. 7, Cousin, Bulinsky, C.R. nals - (w: -0.8) 1, Dean, Kayron, C.I. Gib- Walker, 21:40.88. 8, Farquharson, Simeon, son, 10.90. 2, Knowles, Pearlajio, Doris C.V. Bethel, 22:06.68. Boys 17-19 3,000M Steeplechase UNJohnson, 11.16. 3, Simmons, Vincent, C.R. Walker, 11.25. 4, Culmer, Javaughn, C.V. DER 20 - 1, Butler, Charles, C.I. GibBethel, 11.26. 5, Huyler, Theofanis, C.R. son, 11:52.46. 2, McKenzie, Glenroy, C.C. Walker, 11.27. 6, Newton, Delano, Doris Sweeting, 12:18.27. 3, Williams, Secil, C.C. Johnson, 11.40. 7, Rolle, Dacoda, Govern- Sweeting, 12:18.32. 4, Major, Kelvin, C.V. ment High, 11.55. 8, Ferguson, Ronald, Bethel, 12:23.64. 5, Fox, Atonio, R.M. Bailey, 13:33.81. 6, Johnson, Cenecharles, AnaC.V. Bethel, 11.63. Boys 17-19 200M Dash UNDER 20 tol Rodgers, 13:55.64. 7, Alcenor, Anselet, Finals - (w: NWI) 1, Dean, Kayron, C.I. C.V. Bethel, 14:02.38. 8, Hanna, Robetian, Gibson, 21.79. 2, Octave, Wadja, C.I. Gib- C.R. Walker, 14:17.87. Boys 17-19 110M Hurdles (3’ 3”) UNson, 22.25. 3, Simmons, Vincent, C.R. Walker, 22.46. 4, Knowles, Pearlajio, Doris DER 20 Finals - (w: -2.6) 1, Dixon, Kenton, Johnson, 22.62. 5, Culmer, Javaughn, C.V. C.I. Gibson, 24.11. 2, Hanna, Brandon, C.I. Bethel, 22.70. 6, Newton, Delano, Doris Gibson, 24.15. 3, Curry, Deontae, R.M. Johnson, 22.75. 7, Williams, Sherald, C.V. Bailey, 24.30. 4, Coakley, Theophilus, C.R. Walker, 24.54. 5, Brown, Tavin, C.C. SweetBethel, 23.35. Boys 17-19 400M Dash UNDER 20 Fi- ing, 24.98. 6, Prosper, Antonio, Anatol nals - 1, Gomez, Michael, C.R. Walker, Rodgers, 26.39. 7, Coakley, Terrell, R.M. 49.97. 2, Octave, Wadja, C.I. Gibson, 50.01. Bailey, 27.26. Boys 17-19 400M Hurdles (3’ 0”) UN3, Dumas, Benny, R.M. Bailey, 50.68. 4, Hanna, Brandon, C.I. Gibson, 50.75. 5, DER 20 Finals - 1, Hanna, Brandon, C.I. Miscaline, Robensky, C.C. Sweeting, 54.13. Gibson, 58.37. 2, Prosper, Antonio, Anatol 6, Strachan, Alfred, C.R. Walker, 55.03. 7, Rodgers, 59.84. 3, Strachan, Alfred, C.R. Coakley, Terrell, R.M. Bailey, 1:09.33. 8, Walker, 59.87. 4, Dixon, Kenton, C.I. Gibson, 1:02.81. 5, Farrington, Lamon, C.V. Rolle, Simon, C.C. Sweeting, 1:24.83. Boys 17-19 800M Run UNDER 20 - 1, Bethel, 1:02.89. 6, Miller, Ramone, C.V. Gomez, Michael, C.R. Walker, 2:01.08. 2, Bethel, 1:02.94. 7, Coakley, Theophilus, Dumas, Benny, R.M. Bailey, 2:06.65. 3, Ad- C.R. Walker, 1:06.05. Boys 17-19 4x100M Relay UNDER 20 derley, Livingston, R.M. Bailey, 2:06.67. 4, Deleveaux, D’Soraji, C.I. Gibson, 2:09.01. 1, C.R. Walker Sr. High ‘A’ (Huyler, Theo5, Gibson, Reginald, Anatol Rodgers, fanis 18, Simmons, Vincent 19, Gomez, 2:09.64. 6, McKenzie, Glenroy, C.C. Sweet- Michael 19, Carey, Edvaughn 17), 44.09. 2, ing, 2:11.48. 7, Kemp, Tyrese, Government Doris Johnson Sr. High School ‘A’ (NewHigh, 2:12.44. 8, Charles, Clint, C.I. Gib- ton, Delano 19, Goodman, Eleazar 18, Knowles, Pearlajio 18, Joachin, Patrick 18), son, 2:12.49. Boys 17-19 1,500M Run UNDER 20 - 44.31. 3, C.V. Bethel Sr. High ‘A’ (Miller, 1, Butler, Charles, C.I. Gibson, 4:34.97. 2, Ramone 18, Bowe, Edrico 19, Ferguson, Joseph, Nixon, C.C. Sweeting, 4:42.58. 3, Ronald 18, Culmer, Javaughn 18), 44.32. 4, Adderley, Livingston, R.M. Bailey, 4:43.64. C.C. Sweeting Sr. High ‘A’ (Graydon, Mi4, McKenzie, Glenroy, C.C. Sweeting, chael 17, Miscaline, Robensky 19, Nairn, 4:45.91. 5, Deleveaux, D’Soraji, C.I. Gib- Donre 17, Smith, Prince 18), 47.29. 5, R.M. son, 4:50.13. 6, Farrington, Lamon, C.V. Bailey Sr. High School ‘A’ (Rigby, Travis Bethel, 5:02.89. 7, Rahming, Abrien, C.R. 18, Dumas, Benny 18, Curry, Deontae 18, Walker, 5:10.51. 8, Kemp, Tyrese, Govern- Major, Alistar 19), 47.61. 6, Government High School ‘A’ (Josue, Reno 17, Rolle, ment High, 5:14.53.

Dacoda 17, Thompson, Nathon 17, Nairn, Mario 17), 48.50. Boys 17-19 4x400M Relay UNDER 20 1, C.I. Gibson Sr. High School ‘A’ (Dean, Kayron 18, Octave, Wadja 18, Dixon, Kenton 17, Hanna, Brandon 19), 3:24.99. 2, C.R. Walker Sr. High ‘A’ (Gomez, Michael 19, Rahming, Abrien 18, Simmons, Vincent 19, Strachan, Alfred 19), 3:28.73. 3, C.V. Bethel Sr. High ‘A’ (Dean, Clifford 18, Bowe, Edrico 19, Culmer, Javaughn 18, Williams, Sherald 18), 3:32.70. 4, C.C. Sweeting Sr. High ‘A’ (Brown, Tavin 19, Graydon, Michael 17, Miscaline, Robensky 19, Joseph, Nixon 18), 3:38.23. 5, Doris Johnson Sr. High School ‘A’ (Newton, Delano 19, Minnis, Raheem 18, Knowles, Pearlajio 18, Taylor, Denari 18), 3:41.84. 6, Anatol Rodgers Sr. High School ‘A’ (Prosper, Antonio 18, Andrews, Anton 17, Morley, Tyreek 19, Gibson, Reginald 18), 3:45.28. 7, R.M. Bailey Sr. High School ‘A’ (Curry, Deontae 18, Adderley, Livingston 17, Major, Alistar 19, Dumas, Benny 18), 3:55.34. 8, Government High School ‘A’ (Fox, Reagon 17, Rolle, Dacoda 17, Kemp, Tyrese 18, Nairn, Mario 17), 3:55.62. Boys 17-19 Long Jump UNDER 20 1, Dean, Kayron, C.I. Gibson, 60.09m@, CARF, w:-0.1. 2, Ferguson, Ronald, C.V. Bethel, 6.37m, w:-0.7. 3, Rahming, Wranden, C.I. Gibson, 6.13m, w:0.7. 4, Bain, Tyriq, Anatol Rodgers, 6.12m, w:0.6. 5, Nairn, Mario, Government High, 5.74m, w:0.9. 6, Lindsey, Gary, C.C. Sweeting, 5.67m, w:1.3. 7, Brown, Tavin, C.C. Sweeting, 5.65m, w:0.1. 8, Duncombe, Josh, C.R. Walker, 5.56m, w:0.6. Boys 17-19 Triple Jump UNDER 20 1, Ferguson, Ronald, C.V. Bethel, 13.44m, w:0.4. --, Morris, Alano, C.I. Gibson, FOUL. --, Dean, Kayron, C.I. Gibson, FOUL. --, Nairn, Mario, Government High, FOUL. Boys 17-19 High Jump (5’ 5”) UNDER 20 - 1, Dean, Kayron, C.I. Gibson, 1.85m. 2, Strachan, Alfred, C.R. Walker, 1.80m. 3, Brown, Keiron, C.C. Sweeting, 1.70m. 4, Dixon, Kenton, C.I. Gibson, J1.70m. 4, Nairn, Donre, C.C. Sweeting, J1.70m. 5, Nairn, Mario, Government High, J1.70m. Boys 17-19 Shot Put (6k) UNDER 20 1, Jean-Jacques, Johnie, C.R. Walker, 14.55m@. 2, Sauds, Rayanache, C.R. Walker, 12.07m. 3, Archer, Stephano, C.I. Gibson, 10.76m. 4, St Vil, Keno, C.I. Gibson, 10.54m. 5, Miller, Dwayne, C.V. Bethel, 10.53m. 6, Campbell, Ikell, Doris Johnson, 10.20m. 7, Brown, Chakeil, Doris Johnson, 10.05m. 8, Jules, Wilfred, Government High, 9.52m. Boys 17-19 Discus Throw (1.75k) UNDER 20 - 1, Jean-Jacques, Johnie, C.R. Walker, 38.90m. 2, Sauds, Rayanache, C.R. Walker, 37.17m. 3, Johnson, Dante, C.V. Bethel, 37.09m. 3, Minnis, Raheem, Doris Johnson, 37.09m. 5, Miller, Dwayne, C.V. Bethel, 29.87m. 6, Archer, Stephano, C.I. Gibson, 26.80m. 7, Duvalier, Theo, C.C. Sweeting, 24.67m. 8, Burrows, Derico, C.I. Gibson, 24.33m. Boys 17-19 Javelin Throw (800gms) UNDER 20 - 1, Walllace, Rashawn, C.R. Walker, 43.64m. 2, Seymour, Comardo, C.R. Walker, 39.70m. 3, Mackey, Antonio, Anatol Rodgers, J39.70m. 4, Pierre, Frankie, C.V. Bethel, 38.53m. 5, Burrows, Derico, C.I. Gibson, 37.66m. 6, Smith, Ashton, R.M. Bailey, 36.14m. 7, Nairn, Donre, C.C. Sweeting, 35.03m. 8, Miller, Jefferson, C.C. Sweeting, 32.87m. Girls 15-17 High Jump (4’ 0’’) UNDER 18 - 1, Rolle, Aldonique, C.V. Bethel, 1.37m. 2, Clearly, Monica, C.I. Gibson, 1.32m. 3, Tucker, Marvenique, C.I. Gibson, J1.32m. 4, Darling, Basanique, C.R. Walker, J1.32m. 5, Taylor, Cardrinique, C.V. Bethel, 1.22m. 5, Nelson, Bernadette, C.R. Walker, 1.22m. 5, Evans, Khadazia, R.M. Bailey, 1.22m. 8, Stubbs, Sheena, Doris Johnson, J1.22m. 8, Whymns, Shakara, R.M. Bailey, J1.22m. 8, Adderley, Adaria, Doris Johnson, J1.22m. Boys 15-17 High Jump (4’ 8’’) UNDER 18 - 1, Riley, Kelson, Anatol Rodgers, 1.85m. 2, Johnson, Patrick, C.I. Gibson, 1.82m. 3, Wilson, Jahmal, R.M. Bailey, 1.79m. 4, Whymns, Denvaughn, C.C. Sweeting, 1.76m. 5, Rolle, Keianno, C.V. Bethel, 1.73m. 5, Pratt, Georgio, C.R. Walker, 1.73m. 5, Belle, Jaythan, C.R. Walker, 1.73m. 8, Rahming, Vano, C.C. Sweeting, J1.63m.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 14, 2017, PAGE 5

Spurs top Pacers for NBA-record 20th straight winning season By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 32 points and the San Antonio Spurs clinched their NBA-record 20th consecutive winning season with a 110-106 victory over the Indiana Pacers last night. LaMarcus Aldridge scored 10 of his 19 points during the final 6 1/2 minutes as the Spurs improved to 42-13 in the season following Tim Duncan’s retirement. They have had a winning record every season since 1997-98, when Duncan was a rookie, and broke a tie with the Utah Jazz, who had 19 straight winning seasons from 1985-2004. Paul George scored 27 points and Myles Turner had 22 for the Pacers, who have lost four straight — three on their home court. George’s 3-pointer with 21 seconds left cut it to 107104, but the Spurs closed it out at the free-throw line to bounce back from their loss in New York on Sunday. Indiana took a 95-91 lead with 5:17 left. But the Pacers missed five free throws after that and turned the ball over with 29 seconds left in a four-point game. San Antonio looked ready to pull away when it used an 11-0 run in the third-quarter to make it 81-72. But the Pacers closed the quarter on a 7-2 flurry to get within 83-79 and opened the fourth on an 8-1 spurt

SPURS’ Dewayne Dedmon dunks during the first half of last night’s game against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis. (AP) to retake an 87-84 lead on back-to-back breakaway dunks from Monta Ellis. They just couldn’t hold it against the team with the NBA’s second-best record. Leonard has scored 30 or more points in five straight games. TIP-INS Spurs: Leonard also extended his streak of double-digit scoring games to 84, the longest streak by a

San Antonio player since Duncan’s 91-game streak ended in 2003. ... Danny Green, Tony Parker and David Lee each scored 12 points and Dwayne Dedmon had six points and 12 rebounds. San Antonio was 23 of 27 from the free-throw line. ... Coach Gregg Popovich earned win No. 1,031, moving within 24 of Phil Jackson for sixth in league history.

Pacers: Jeff Teague had 15 points, Rodney Stuckey finished with 13 and Kevin Seraphin had 12 in his first start of the season. ... Indiana has lost eight of its last nine home games against San Antonio. ... Indiana was outscored 15-4 on second-chance points and 44-36 on points in the paint. ... The Pacers were 21 of 30 on free throws. ... Starting forward Thaddeus Young sat out again with a

sprained left wrist. ... C.J. Miles made one 3 to move within two of Mike Dunleavy (408) for No. 7 in the franchise’s NBA history. UP NEXT Spurs: Will make their sixth stop on an eightgame road trip at Orlando on Wednesday. Pacers: Will try to avoid a sixth consecutive loss at Cleveland on Wednesday.

Magic snap 4-game losing streak, beat Heat 116-107 By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer MIAMI (AP) — Evan Fournier scored 24 points, Elfrid Payton added 20 off the bench and the Orlando Magic beat the Miami Heat 116-107 last night to snap a fourgame losing streak. Serge Ibaka scored 17 points and Nik Vucevic finished with 13 points and 17 rebounds for Orlando, which swept two games in Miami for the first time since 2007-08. Fournier scored nine points in the fourth quarter, including a 3-pointer with about a minute left to put Orlando up by six. Dion Waiters returned from a sprained ankle and scored 23 points for Miami, whose eightgame home winning streak was snapped. Goran Dragic scored 22 points for the Heat, who have lost two straight following a 13-game

HEAT’S GORAN DRAGIC, left, is fouled by Orlando Magic’s Serge Ibaka last night. (AP) winning streak. James Johnson scored 15 points and Hassan Whiteside grabbed 19 rebounds for the Heat, who were outrebounded 52-37.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

The Heat hadn’t trailed by more than 11 at home in 2017, and the Magic changed that quickly, leading by 12 before the first quarter was over and as many as 14 in the first half. Dragic beat the clock with a layup to cap a 14-3 run, and Miami got within 60-57 at the half. Miami led by four early in the fourth, before Mario Hezonja and Payton combined for a 9-0 run that put Orlando up for good. Waiters made a stepback jumper with 1:14 left to get the Heat within three, but Fournier’s 3-pointer on the next possession put the Magic back in total control. TIP-INS Magic: After shooting 26 for 110 from 3-point range in their last four road games, the Magic were 8 for 14 from deep. ... Orlando started 10 for 10 from the foul line, then missed six of its next eight. ... The Magic surprised 17 nonprofit com-

munity groups in Central Florida with donations totaling $1 million last week, the ninth time the team’s youth foundation has managed to do so. Heat: Miami led for a total of 21 seconds in the first three quarters, then for another 1:57 in the fourth. ... Johnson was scoreless until 1:35 remained in the third, then scored nine points in 90 seconds. ... This was Miami’s lone home game between Feb. 4 and Feb. 25. GORDON RETURNS Aaron Gordon was back in Orlando’s lineup after missing two games with a bone bruise on his right foot. He’s still planning to compete in the dunk contest on All-Star Saturday night in New Orleans. Monday marked exactly one year since Gordon lost the dunk contest to Minnesota’s Zach LaVine at Toronto’s All-Star weekend.

BUDDY EJECTED

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Dario Saric had 18 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the slumping Charlotte Hornets 10599 last night for their third straight win. Charlotte guard Nic Batum failed to make good on his guarantee that the Hornets would beat the 76ers. He had 16 points on 5-of-12 shooting, but the Hornets lost for the 10th time in 11 games. Perhaps desperate to snap his team out of its losing ways, Batum told the Charlotte Observer after Saturday night’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers that he was guaranteeing a win against Philadelphia. Robert Covington had 17 points for the 76ers. T.J. McConnell added 14 points and seven assists. Kemba Walker scored 29 points for the Hornets, who lost to the 76ers for the second time this season. The 76ers led by eight entering the fourth quarter, but extended it to 98-84 on a driving layup by McConnell. Charlotte would get it back to six with less than a minute to go when Walker hit a jumper. Batum had a chance to cut the lead to two when he stole the ball from Gerald Henderson in the backcourt, but his 3-point attempt from the corner hit the rim and bounced over the backboard and out of play.

CONLEY, GASOL HELP GRIZZLIES SEND NETS TO 13TH STRAIGHT LOSS NEW YORK (AP) — Mike Conley scored 32 points, Marc Gasol had 19 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the hapless Brooklyn Nets 112-103 last night. Brandan Wright added 17 points and Vince Carter had 14 as the Grizzlies won for the fourth time in their last five games. Brook Lopez and Spencer Dinwiddie each had 17 points as the Nets lost their 13th straight overall and 15th straight at home to set a new franchise record for futility. The Nets trimmed the Grizzlies' 16-point lead to 99-92 on Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's dunk with 3:55 left. However, Conley scored Memphis' next nine points to clinch the victory.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

FROM PAGE 1 looked like.” Following the game, Hield was the target of ridicule on social media with teammate Anthony Davis joining in, sneaking a picture of Hield asleep on the team’s flight to Phoenix with a caption referencing the incident in Sacramento. “It was just one of those plays where the hand ended up in the wrong place,” Hield said. “There was nothing intentional. After that, DeMarcus sold it. The refs reviewed it, and when you (watch) in slow motion, it looks worse than what it is. But if it was intentional, knowing DeMarcus’ personality, he would’ve come at me and made a big fuss about it. So I know it was not intentional. When the cameras are in slow motion you get a different look at it. I’ve never been in this position. I’ve never had a technical in a game. I’ve never been in the situation before where I was ejected. The only technical I’ve ever had in the NBA was defensive 3-seconds. It doesn’t feel good for me, it’s a bad feeling, I was mad because the refs took away a half of basketball from me, a half where I could’ve helped my teammates and try to get a win.” Hield had an opportunity to put the incident behind him as the Pelicans took on the Phoenix Suns in the second game of a back-to-back. This Friday, February 17, he will also be a participant in the NBA’s All-Star Weekend as a member of “World Team” roster of the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge, a game that traditionally features the best rookie and sophomore players in the league. 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

76ERS BEAT HORNETS

PELICANS guard Buddy Hield (24) is fouled by Kings defender Arron Afflalo (40) Sunday night. (AP) 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 ThreePoint 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.”

scientist (12 24has THE TRIBUNE 23 Artisan log (9) 24 24 Fast ships (5 25 2526Particle of t by fellow (7 26 Ruler’s wife 27 out28(7) 27 Provide with FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100 CASH medical tubr 28 letters in the highlighted squares to reveal the 28 Cold, about TO ENTER: Call 0904 161 1603 and mountainou leave your answ

23 PAGE 6, Tuesday, February 14, 2017

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100 CASH read down the to 84010. Calls cost £1.50 plus your telephone comp letters in the highlighted squares to reveal thetonight. mystery word. at midnight Or send your grid containing the

12578, Sutton Coldfield B73 9BT. Entries must be post

TO ENTER: Call 0904 161 1603 and leave your answer and●details, or text DXMON fol call helpline number. The winner will be the first ra to 84010. Calls cost £1.50 plus your telephone company’s network access charge. Text NEED HELP? Call 0904 161 1609 for 5 extra clues at midnight tonight. Or send your grid containing the answer in the shaded squares by 12578, Sutton Coldfield B73 9BT. Entries must be postmarked by November 22 at the lat NAME call helpline number. ● The winner will be the first random correct entry drawn from ADDRESS NEED HELP? Call 0904 161 1609 for 5 extra clues! Calls cost £1.50 plus your telepho

LAST

POSTCODE

NAME

ACROSS: 1 Magnitude, 6 14 Second-guessed, 17 Ef THE DAILY EXPRESS 30-SECOND 25 Nurse, 26 Noel, 27 Sunﬂ TODAY’S ANSWERS: BEGINNER = 81; INTERMEDIATE = 4 Undoing, 5 Enslave, 7 Be 16 Reindeer, 18 Redress, 1

ADDRESS POSTCODE

CROSSDOUB

Can you make two common five-letter words from the nine letters given, using each =letter only once? You can TODAY’S ANSWERS: BEGINNER = 81; INTERMEDIATE 72; ADVANCED = 615. – but only if one letter features in both words in the squares on the right. There’s at least one way to do it, and you have to have the right letter at the Can you make two common five-lettercrossover – but which one is it? See if you can find the answer within words from the nine letters given, using each letter only once? You can our target time. If you need help, ring our clue-line below to find out the – but only if one letter features in both crossover letter. Solution tomorrow.

THE DAILY EXPRESS 30-SECOND CHALLENGE

CROSSDOUBT

mens

The celeb and all age your own h

Take the on

words in the squares on the right. email book I us There’s at least one way to do it, and Target times: Average: A A C G and 16 mins Good: 12 mins you have to have the right letter at the STUCK? CALL FOR A CLUE Excellent: 8 mins crossover – but which one is it? 09 0901 322 5601 Wh Friday’s solution: Bot Halve your Target Time! See if you can find the answer within NIECE (across) *Calls cost 75p plus your tel TOTED (down) our target time. If you need help, ring network access our clue-line below to find out the 2 crossover letter. Solution tomorrow.

A A C GTARGET I K N N R

THE

Target times: Average: The Target 16 mins Good: 12 mins SOLUTION STUCK? CALL FOR A CLUE uses Excellent: 8 mins words in 0901 322 5607 0901 322 5601 Friday’s solution: the main Both today’s words in a moment Halve your Target Time! NIECE (across) body of *Calls cost 75p plus your telephone company’s Chambers TOTED (down) network access charge.

TARGET

L Y P O P O N Y H

The Target uses words in the main body of Chambers 21st Century Dictionary (1999 edition)

HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here? In making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each must contain the centre letter and there must be at least one nine-letter word. No plurals or verb forms ending in “s”. TODAY’S TARGET Good 10; very good 15; excellent 19 (or more). Solution tomorrow. SATURDAY’S SOLUTION pepo pert petty poet poetry poop poor pope popery pore port potter pottery potto potty prep pretty prey prop PROTOTYPE pyre pyrope repo repot repp rope ropey ropy tope toper topper troop trope type typo

Call 0907 181 2585 for today’s Target solution *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.

*SP: Spoke – Helpline 0333 202 3390

L Y O P N Y THE

CAN you crack Alphabeater? E number represe – or black squar Alphapuzzle,*Ca ev the alphabet and is lasu you have to com grid too! Use th letters and blac below the grid t grid is ‘rotationa symmetrical’ – i words, it looks t you turn the pag 14 down.39 Solution

P For yo O H ALPHABE 21st Century Dictionary (1999 edition)

HOW many CAN you crackwords the of four letters A 15 or more canEach yougrid make from the Alphabeater? B a lettersrepresents shown here? In making number a letter each letter C 9 – word, or black square. Asmay in be used once only. Each Alphapuzzle, everymust letter contain of D the centre letter and there the alphabet is used. But must be at least one word.ENo21 you have to nine-letter complete the plurals forms ending in “s”. grid too! or Useverb the given F letters and black squares TODAY’S TARGET G 13 19 below start.15; Theexcellent Goodthe 10;grid verytogood grid ‘rotationally (or is more). Solution tomorrow. H symmetrical’ – in other I 32 SATURDAY’S words, it looks theSOLUTION same if pepo pert petty poet poetry J you turnpoor the page poop popeupside popery pore down. tomorrow. port Solution potter pottery potto Kpotty 23

prep pretty solution prey prop Saturday’s Lrepo PROTOTYPE pyre Black squares: 2, 5,pyrope 9, M repot repp rope ropey ropy tope 12 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, trope 26, type toper topper troop N 32, 37, 38, 40. typo Across: White, O 28 Wedding, Girth, 181 2585 for Call 0907 P Obfuscate, Dyed, Trip,solution today’s Target Calypso,*Calls Pint,cost Sway, Q 17 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s Equivocal, Urban, network access charge. R Falafel, Kneel. S 30 Down: Dimple, Hairy, Quay, Doctrinal, Echo, *SP: Spoke – Helpline 0333 202 T 3390 Bowl, Joked, Venue, 18 U Puma, Luck, Educators, Knit, Amaze, Expiry. V

Extra letter clues

0907 181 2560 (Deduct three minutes for each extra clue letter heard)

Full solution

0907 181 2558

W 10 X Y 4 Z

*Calls cost 80p per minute 21 plus your telephone company’s network access charge.

Saturday’s s

26 Black 12 square 33 16, 18, 19, 21, 2

32, 37, 38, 40 22 Across: 14 Whit 8 Wedding, Girt Obfuscate, Dy Calypso, Pint, 4 Equivocal, 40 Ur 10 Falafel, Kneel Down: Dimple 25 Quay, 22Doctrin 24 Bowl, Joked, Puma, Luck, E 5 Knit,24Amaze,29

Extra lette

0907 181 27 (Deduct 20 three 14 each extra clue

16Full solu 13

0907 181

80p 35 plus*Calls 24cost 1 your telepho

network acce

PLAY MO

● Alternatively, for six Extra Letter

PLAY MORE CROSSWORDS AND

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 14, 2017, PAGE 7

COPA DEL REY FINAL SET FOR VICENTE CALDERON STADIUM IN MAY

PSG must cope without key defender Silva against Barcelona By JEROME PUGMIRE AP Sports Writer PARIS (AP) — Paris SaintGermain will face Barcelona’s mighty strike force without its best defender and talismanic captain, after Thiago Silva was ruled out of the first leg of their Champions League knockout match today. The centre half sat out training and was not included when the squad was announced yesterday. No further details were given, but Silva missed Friday’s French league match away to Bordeaux because of muscle problems. His absence is another blow for PSG coach Unai Emery, who is without his most experienced midfielder Thiago Motta through suspension. “He’s one of the pillars of their defence,” Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said of Silva. “I would like all of PSG’s best players to be on the pitch.” PSG could line up with an inexperienced centre half pairing of Frenchman Presnel Kimpembe, who has never played in the Champions League, and Brazilian Marquinhos. If not, Emery needs to risk putting a full back in central defence.

Should they start, Kimpembe and Marquinhos have the enormous task of containing Lionel Messi — the competition’s top scorer with 10 — as well as Neymar and Luis Suarez, who is the Spanish league’s top scorer and has seven goals in his last six games. Despite this, Luis Enrique expects to face a significantly better PSG side than from two years ago. When it won the Champions League in 2015, Barcelona swatted PSG aside in the quarterfinals, winning home and away for a resounding 5-1 win that would have been even heavier had the Catalan side not eased up in the second half of the return leg in Spain. “If you compare PSG to before, they are better organised in terms of their attack and more aggressive,” Luis Enrique said at pregame news conference yesterday. “Form goes up and down over a season, but PSG have raised their game to a very high level recently.” Luis Enrique thinks PSG is “more structured” and credits Emery for that improvement. The Spaniard replaced Laurent Blanc over the summer after guiding Sevilla to three straight Europa

cowering with fear at the prospect of facing Barcelona’s redoubtable attack, which has the catchy nickname of MSN (Messi-SuarezNeymar). “My players are good enough, they want to grow. It’s an opportunity to show we can go far,” Emery said. “We will play to our strengths and not try to imitate Atletico (Madrid), for example. My players don’t feel that they are inferior to the MSN.” After a difficult start to the season, punctuated by four league defeats away from home, PSG’s players are thriving under Emery and the side is undefeated in the last 11 games — the same as Barcelona. Emery has also rekindled the spark in striker Edinson Cavani, who has thrived since Zlatan Ibrahimovic left to join Manchester United. Cavani has 33 goals, and is closing in on his career best of 38 with Napoli. Luis Enrique points to the unselfish Cavani’s excellent work ethic as a rare quality for such a prolific forward. “Cavani has an enormous ability to sacrifice himself in defence,” Luis Enrique saud. “Very few players achieve his level.”

BARCELONA’s Lionel Messi at a training session yesterday. (AP) League titles, and Luis Enrique rates him as “one of the best coaches” he has faced. “Emery knows us perfectly well, he knows very well the threat that we pose as a team,” Barca’s soft-spoken coach said through a translator. “I know Emery and he will try to make life complicated for us. Of course, PSG will be audacious.” Emery is confident of imposing his own methods rather than

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 61° F/16° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

A morning shower; mostly sunny

Mainly clear

Partly sunny

A few showers, especially later

Clouds and some sunny breaks

Generally cloudy

High: 82°

Low: 69°

High: 85° Low: 70°

High: 82° Low: 66°

High: 81° Low: 67°

High: 83° Low: 68°

AccuWeather RealFeel

91° F

69° F

87°-69° F

87°-67° F

84°-69° F

88°-71° F

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 64° F/18° 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: 79° F/26° C Low: 62° F/17° C

7-14 knots

WEST PALM BEACH High: 80° F/27° C Low: 62° F/17° C

6-12 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

FREEPORT

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 66° F/19° C

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 66° F/19° C

MIAMI

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 66° F/19° C

6-12 knots

KEY WEST

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 70° F/21° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 69° F/21° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 63° F/17° C

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

tiDes For nassau High Today

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

10:04 a.m. 10:30 p.m.

2.7 2.6

3:57 a.m. -0.4 4:24 p.m. -0.4

Wednesday 10:45 a.m. 11:15 p.m.

2.5 2.5

4:42 a.m. -0.1 5:04 p.m. -0.2

Thursday

11:28 a.m. -----

2.3 -----

5:29 a.m. 0.1 5:46 p.m. -0.1

Friday

12:02 a.m. 12:14 p.m.

2.4 2.1

6:19 a.m. 6:31 p.m.

0.3 0.1

Saturday

12:52 a.m. 1:04 p.m.

2.3 2.0

7:13 a.m. 7:20 p.m.

0.5 0.2

Sunday

1:46 a.m. 1:59 p.m.

2.3 1.9

8:11 a.m. 8:13 p.m.

0.6 0.3

Monday

2:43 a.m. 2:57 p.m.

2.3 1.8

9:11 a.m. 9:08 p.m.

0.6 0.3

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 63° F/17° C

W S

3-6 knots

6:45 a.m. 6:03 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

9:38 p.m. 9:08 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Feb. 18

Feb. 26

Mar. 5

Mar. 12

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 63° F/17° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 67° F/19° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 64° F/18° C

W S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map H

uV inDex toDay

CAT ISLAND

3-6 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 ................................................... 82° F/28° C Low .................................................... 58° F/14° C Normal high ....................................... 77° F/25° C Normal low ........................................ 64° F/18° C Last year’s high ................................. 78° F/26° C Last year’s low ................................... 56° F/13° C Precipitation As of 1 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ................................................. 0.79” Normal year to date ..................................... 2.07”

MADRID (AP) — No need to get Bruce Springsteen involved this time. The Spanish football federation says the Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Alaves will be staged at Atletico Madrid’s Vicente Calderon Stadium on May 27. Last season’s final between Barcelona and Sevilla was set to be at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, but Madrid avoided seeing its biggest rival celebrate on its grounds after a Springsteen concert was scheduled at the venue. This time, Madrid president Florentino Perez hinted the Bernabeu would likely undergo renovation work during the final, but the venue had not yet been discarded until the federation’s announcement yesterday. Barcelona will be going for a record 29th Copa title, while recently promoted Alaves will be playing in its second ever final in a major competition.

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 64° F/18° C

4-8 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 79° F/26° C Low: 65° F/18° C

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

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 82° F/28° C Low: 65° F/18° C

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 64° F/18° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 80° F/27° C Low: 67° F/19° C

6-12 knots

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

Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday:

WINDS E at 6-12 Knots SSW at 15-25 Knots S at 3-6 Knots S at 8-16 Knots WSW at 3-6 Knots SSW at 8-16 Knots E at 4-8 Knots S at 6-12 Knots WSW at 3-6 Knots SSW at 10-20 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots SW at 12-25 Knots S at 3-6 Knots SSW at 8-16 Knots NE at 6-12 Knots SSE at 6-12 Knots ESE at 4-8 Knots S at 8-16 Knots NE at 3-6 Knots S at 6-12 Knots SW at 3-6 Knots SSW at 10-20 Knots E at 6-12 Knots SSE at 7-14 Knots SW at 4-8 Knots SSW at 10-20 Knots

WAVES 4-7 Feet 4-7 Feet 0-1 Feet 1-3 Feet 2-4 Feet 3-6 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-6 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-6 Feet 0-1 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet 0-1 Feet 1-3 Feet 3-5 Feet 4-8 Feet 0-1 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 2-4 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 73° F 73° F 77° F 77° F 75° F 75° F 78° F 78° F 74° F 74° F 76° F 76° F 76° F 76° F 79° F 79° F 78° F 78° F 78° F 78° F 74° F 73° F 78° F 78° F 75° F 75° F

PAGE 8, Tuesday, February 14, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

TYSON ISAACS (far right in front row) and fellow coaches at the international coaching course in Budapest, Hungary.

Wrestling coach Tyson completes intense course By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Amateur Wrestling Federation president Clarence Rolle welcomed home Tyson Isaacs after he completed an intense three-month international coaching course in Budapest, Hungary. The course was made possible by the International Olympic Committee in partnership with the Bahamas Olympic Committee. “We had the opportunity of having him go to train specially in strength and conditioning with a view of wrestling in mind,” said Rolle, who also serves as the assistant treasurer of the BOC. “We’re happy that we got that opportunity because we really need individuals who will train properly to come and make a contribution to our federation, but more importantly to our country because we see wrestling as a means to develop our country.

“We have so many young people who can benefit from what wrestling has to offer. It can offer education, it can offer international exposure and it can lead to jobs in this field or through scholarships to institutions in the United States.” As a part of his commitment to the BAWF, Rolle said Isaacs has agreed to work directly with their organisation for at least the first portion of the year with an option to continue. In that regard, Rolle said they would also provide Isaacs with the opportunity to participate in a continental coaching course, once it’s made available by the Pan American Wrestling Federation. “He’s one, but we would like to do it with more,” Rolle said. “So we are appealing to those persons who have been trained in wrestling to come out and get reacquainted with their national training programme as they continue to develop their athletes. “We also want to get to the next

WRESTLING coach Tyson Isaacs (left) and Clarence Rolle, assistant treasurer, BOC. level where we have persons who can contribute to our growth and development and eventually add to our medal count internationally.” Isaacs, who was actively involved in combat fighting for the past seven years as a mixed martial artist and kickboxer, said when the opportunity came for him to get involved in wrestling,

he couldn’t turn it down. On September 16, 2016, he headed to Budapest where he spent three months in the coaching course, only to return home in December. “The course was based around strength conditioning and improving the performances of the athletes,” he said. “I was very active and I got to grow a lot as a person, as a coach and as an athlete. “I’m just looking forward to applying what I’ve been taught so I can improve myself and the athletes for the federation.” Since he returned home, Isaacs has already assumed his coaching chores in wrestling, but he admitted that it’s not as glamorous as some of the other popular sport. “Coaching in wrestling is not an easy job,” he declared. “It’s not going to be easy rolling out what is useful and what is not useful. But with the training that I received in Hungary, I’m sure I’m on the right path.” Isaacs said his ultimate goal is

to get the next Bahamian to compete on the international scene for the Bahamas at the next Commonwealth Games in 2018 on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia and eventually the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan in 2020. “We’ve already proven ourselves in other disciplines as being true competitors,” he stressed. “We have a very deep talent pool down here regardless of what people might think. So what we need to do is start to cultivate it from here.” Rolle said through Isaacs, he would be able to work on the elite wrestling programme, which they hope will enhance the developmental programme that currently caters to boys 6-18 years old in the fundamentals of the sport. “Tyson has been commissioned to work specifically with those young boys as he get involved right away,” Rolle said. “As time progresses, he will eventually get to the stage where he will work with our elite athletes.”