SPORTS
FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2025
QC Comets’ gap shrinks on day 2
By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter
The Queen’s College Comets have all intentions of dethroning the defending champions - St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine - at the 2025 Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) Track and Field Championships and they appear to be on track to do just that.
For the second straight day of competition, the Comets are leading the charge with 716 points.
The Big Red Machine is not roaring too far behind with 701.50 points for second place.
The Temple Christian School (TCS) Suns are
At BAISS Track & Field Championships
comfortable in the third spot at 260.50 points.
It is still a close battle for fourth between the Anglican schools St Anne’s Blue Waves and the St John’s College (SJC) Giants. The Blue Waves own the fourth spot with 138 points but the Giants are on their heels with 135.50 points.
Although the Comets are not entirely happy with SAC shaving a 30.5-point lead down to under 15 points, head coach Everette Fraser said it is still good to have the advantage heading into the final day of the meet.
“I feel good. It is always good to be in front so I feel good about it. I didn’t like how they closed the gap but it is what it is. We are going into day three in front and for me I am going to tell the kids it is zero to zero so we just have to execute tomorrow.
“We have relays, 200m, 800m and hurdles so we have strong events. I am looking for the 200m and 800m to be our strongest events along with the relays,” he said.
Despite some minor hiccups in the sprints, coach Fraser remains confident that once his athletes execute there could be a new champion crowned today.
“Tomorrow is a different day. Let’s just wake up tomorrow and see what happens. If the kids come out and we execute the relays we should be in a good position,” he said.
SETTING THE PACE: Private school students compete yesterday on day 2 of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) Track and Field Championships. SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 8
Athletes continued to hit the CARIFTA-qualifying marks in their respective events while also setting new BAISS records along the way on day two of the track and field championships.
Field Events SAC’s Bayli Major not only won the under-20
girls’ long jump event but also qualified for her third CARIFTA Games event in the process. She leapt to 5.65m for first place. Her mark bested the CARIFTA-qualifying standard of 5.58m. Placing second overall was her schoolmate Alexis Roberts who finished at 5.19m.
CARIFTA GAMES: MIKE SANDS LIKES WHAT HE HAS SEEN SO FAR
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
NORTH American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) President Mike Sands said he likes what he’s seen so far in the lead up to the staging of both the CARIFTA track and field and swimming competitions.
The dual sport competition will be held during the Easter holiday weekend, April 17-24 in Trinidad with about a hour drive separating the two sports.
“There was an intent several years ago to have the CARFITA Games. It was supposed to be a multievents competition,” Sands said. “But there are very few countries in our region who can host multi-events simultaneously.
“The Bahamas is one and of course Jamaica and Trinidad. So, what the Government of Jamaica has done is they have established a joint Local Organising Committee that is coordinating the entire event and then there’s the implementation committee that is organising the two games separately.
“But they are working together to maximise the scheduling and attendance of the fans for both events. So it’s a good thing.”
Chappell Whyms Jr
Jamaya Rolle, competing for QC, dropped to third at 5.08m. Major spoke about how it felt to get the win for the Big Red Machine. “It feels really good to represent my school well and take home a gold,” she said.
CARIFTA track and field, the brainchild of Barbados’ icon Austin Sealy, got started in 1972 in Bridgetown with Jamaica winning its first title. They reeled off a three-peat before Bermuda was the first country to defeat them in 1975.
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
GRAND Bahamian
coach Yolett McPheeMcCuin and her University of Mississippi Lady Rebels are now into their fifth consecutive quarterfinal appearance of the 2025 Southeast Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina.
The number seven ranked Ole Miss, who earned a bye in the first day of competition on Wednesday, came out on Thursday and knocked off coach Sam Purcell’s Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs 85-73 to take on the nation’s top ranked team in the University of Texas Longhorns (15-1), coached by Victor Schaefer, in tonight’s quarterfinal match at 6pm.
“In the last two timeouts, I didn’t say a word. Manny (Madison Scott) had the time out and she was basically telling them we have the lead, we have to build on it, we have to take good shots. She was totally coaching them and they were locked in,” said McPhee-MCuin of her
team leader on the floor.
bstubbs@tribunemedia.net ‘Coach Yo’ and Ole Miss Rebels advance to SEC
“That’s what you want in March, a player-led team. I’m just out there managing and moving pieces, but these young ladies are out here and they are serious about doing something special.”
As their coach, McPheeMcCuin has led the Rebels to four consecutive seasons of double-digit SEC wins, starting in the 2021-22 season. She also becomes the Lady Rebels’ first head coach to guide Ole Miss to four consecutive 10-plus conference wins.
Her “uncomplicated” team saw Scott score 20 points with four rebounds, four assists and two steals, Kennedy Todd-Williams also had 20 points with seven rebounds and two steals. Sira Thienou added 18, five rebounds and three assists and Christeen Iwula chipped in with 11 points, seven rebounds and a pair of assists and steals.
Madina Okot led four Mississippi State players in double figures with 14 points and 10 rebounds. It was the second win this season for Ole Miss over Mississippi State after beating the Lady Bulldogs
COACH Yolett McPhee-McCuin and her University of Mississippi Lady Rebels are now into their fifth consecutive quarterfinal appearances of the 2025 Southeast Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina.
86-71 in their regular season match-up on January 16. But they lost to Texas 61-58 in a January 26 game that went right down to the wire.
“We’re just going to have to stick to our defensive principles,” said McPheeMcCuin of the Longhorns led by Madison Booker, the SEC Player of the Year.
“Two defensive teams, so it’s probably going to be a low-scoring game. “We felt we had some opportunities where we felt we
could have pulled away. We will see. We have a lot of respect for them, but we’re hungry and they are in the way. So, we’re going to do our best.”
The Lady Bulldogs opened the tournament on Wednesday with a 75-55 rout over No.15 Missouri for their first SEC Tournament victory, but they couldn’t sustain their intensity against the Lady Rebels.
PAUL GREENE AND PENMEN TO PLAY FOR ANOTHER TITLE
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
GRAND Bahamian
senior Paul Greene and his Southern New Hampshire University Penmen men’s basketball team will now play for another Northeast 10 Conference championship title. Greene, a 6-foot, 6-inch forward, produced a double-double with 20 points, shooting 9-for-19 from the field and 2-for-2 from the free throw line, with 14
points to lead the secondranked Penmen to a 58-56 victory over the third-seed Bentley University on Wednesday night in the semifinal of the tournament at the Stan Spirou Field House in Manchester, New Hampshire. Southern New Hampshire University, who erased an 11-point deficit late in the second half, will now host the fifth-seeded Pace University in the NE10 championship title
SWIMMING LAST CHANCE
CARIFTA MEET
BAHAMAS Aquatics has announced that its Last Chance Meet for swimmers wishing to qualify for the 2025 CARIFTA Swimming Championships will be held over the weekend of March 14-15 at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex.
The event is open to all Bahamas
Aquatics-registered swimmers who have previously competed in a Bahamas Aquatics competition.
Swimmers who have not competed in a specific event previously will not be allowed to register for that event. (No Time Entries will not be accepted for this meet). The first session is scheduled for 6pm on
SEE PAGE E3
Photo:
BAISS TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
ON THE REPLAY: Private school students compete yesterday on day 2 of the Bahamas Association of
Queen’s College Comets’ gap shrinks on day two
FROM PAGE E1
She has now qualified in the under-20 girls’ long jump, triple jump and 100m hurdles events this season. She said it feels great to have a shot at representing her country.“It feels really good to know I have a sure spot on my team and I have a chance to represent my country well,” she said.
Annae Mackey, representing QC, had a standout performance in the under20 girls’ shot put event.
She posted a winning mark of 14.27m for not only first place but a new BAISS record and to surpass the CARIFTA-qualifying mark of 12.49m.
The previous BAISS record of 13.52m belonged to Serena Brown and it was set on February 11, 2016. Mackey was not only grateful to get the victory for QC but also to leave her mark in the shot put event. “I’m feeling honoured to be used in God’s glory and being able to leave my mark in shot put. It feels great to contribute and lead the team, especially for our younger athletes so they can feed off our energy and do their best out there,” she said.
Her schoolmate Farrah Saunders was a distant second place finisher at 9.02m. Third place went to Kamera Strachan, of SAC, at 8.91m.
Terrin Beckles, representing SAC, landed exactly on the CARIFTAqualifying standard of 6.51m for the first spot in the under-17 boys’ long jump event.
Kamron Henfield, competing for QC, came away as a second place finisher at 6.18m.
The Big Red Machine’s Daniel Hepburn was third in the jumps at 6.09m.
Ethan North pulled off the victory for the Comets in the under-20 boys’ javelin throw event. He won with a heave of 52.58m. His teammate Ashton Moxey took the second position at 45.76m. Quinn Scott, of Nassau Christian School, placed third overall with his throw of 41.03m.
The Comets doubled up in the under-17 girls’ triple jump and discus throw events. Tarjahnaye Green and Malia Strachan made the Comets look good in the under-17 girls’ discus throw event.
The former notched a throw of 31.31m while the latter posted a mark of 29.60m.
SAC’s Paris Leonce settled for third at 28.92m in the event.
Seraphima Maillis and Caitlin McWilliam provided the perfect one-two punch in the under-15 girls’ javelin throw event. Maillis came first with her toss of 25.13m and her schoolmate dropped to second at 22.33m. Shimya Wilson, of Charles W Saunders, rounded out the top three at 22.15m. CARIFTA triple qualifier Jazae Johnson made some noise for St John’s in the under-15 girls’ high jump event. The Giants placed first thanks to Johnson’s leap of 1.63m. Her recorded mark was just below the BAISS
record of 1.65m set by Janice Ezegbunam back in 1997.
Taree Forbes came second for SAC with a jump of 1.54m. Logan Johnson, of Kingsway Academy, soared to 1.42m for third.
On the Track
The Big Red Machine won three out of the 10 track events yesterday evening.
Jahcario Wilson, representing SAC, ran a swift time of 10.97 seconds in the under-17 boys’ 100m finals.
QC’s Henfield clocked 11.02 seconds for the second position and Beckles came third at 11.25 seconds. SAC’s Khylee
SEE PAGE E8
Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) Track and Field Championships.
Shatalya Dorsett named 2025 Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year
By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net
GRAND Bahamian
sprinter Shatalya Dor-
sett has performed up to standards for the Georgia Southern University Eagles to be named the 2025 Sun Belt Women’s Track Newcomer of the Year.
The announcement was made last Friday by the Sun Belt Conference.
Dorsett received recognition from head coaches in the Sun Belt Conference to become just the first Eagle to run away with this honour.
The Georgia Southern University student had
a particularly impressive showing at the 2025 Sun Belt Indoor Championships in Birmingham, Alabama last month.
She clinched a first place finish in the women’s 60 metres dash, running a personal best and school record of 7.33 seconds.
Trinity Flager, representing Southern Miss, claimed the second spot in the race with a personal best time of 7.36 seconds.
Dorsett’s teammate Naj Watson came third with a personal best time of 7.36 seconds.
The 18-year-old Grand Bahamian sprinter was a force to be reckoned with in the 60m dash all indoor
season. She made the top three at every meet she competed in to earn her the first team All-Sun Belt honours.
The Georgia Southern sophomore also had a strong performance in the women’s 200m finals.
She posted a time of 23.56 seconds in the event which was the fifth fastest in the Sun Belt.
It was a new personal best and placed her at third all-time in the programme’s history.
Texas state junior Taejha Badal took the first spot in the women’s 200m finals in 23.37 seconds.
Watson was right on her heels but crossed the finish
line at 23.38 seconds for second place.
Georgia State senior Maleah Heard dropped to third at 23.54 seconds.
Dorsett was not the only Georgia Southern University athlete to receive recognition in the Sun Belt Conference.
Her teammate Imani Moore made first team allconference after winning her first conference title in the long jump at the conference championship with a mark of 6.22m.
Moore also placed third in the triple jump event at 12.70m.
Watson also clinched second team all-Sun Belt for her performances in the women’s 60m and 200m finals respectively.
The Power of Heat: When warmth works in recovery
By Dr Kent L Bazard
IN the world of sports medicine, cold therapy has long been the standard response to injury, but the benefits of heat therapy are equally significant - if applied correctly.
From warming up before competition to easing muscle stiffness after a demanding training session, heat plays a vital role in athletic recovery.
But when is heat the right choice?
And how should athletes incorporate it into their training routines?
How Heat Therapy Works
Unlike cold therapy, which reduces inflammation by slowing blood flow, heat therapy stimulates circulation, increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to
muscles and joints. This process helps relax tight muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce stiffness, making it an ideal remedy for chronic soreness, joint pain, and mobility issues. Heat also promotes neuromuscular efficiency, meaning muscles contract and relax more efficiently when warmed.
This is why a proper warm-up before physical activity is essential - and why applying heat before training or competition can be particularly beneficial. When Heat Helps and When It Hurts
The key to heat therapy is knowing when to use it. It is most effective for:
Chronic Muscle Tightness – Common in runners, weightlifters, and swimmers, chronic tightness benefits from increased
blood flow and muscle elasticity.
Joint Stiffness and Arthritis – Athletes with joint discomfort often find relief with heat, which helps loosen stiff connective tissue.
Post-Workout Recovery (Without Swelling) – After intense training, heat can aid in recovery by increasing relaxation and promoting circulation. However, heat should not be applied in every situation.
For acute injuries, swelling, or bruising, heat can actually worsen
inflammation. In such cases, cold therapy is the better option.
Additionally, individuals with circulatory disorders, nerve damage, or diabetes should be cautious with heat, as it can cause burns or sensitivity issues.
Methods of Applying Heat
Athletes have several options for applying heat therapy, depending on their needs:
Moist Heat – Warm towels, steam rooms, and hot baths provide deep muscle relaxation.
Dry Heat – Heating pads and infrared therapy offer longer-lasting warmth but may cause dehydration.
Contrast Therapy –Alternating between heat and ice helps manage recovery, especially for overuse injuries.
Considerations for Bahamian Athletes With The Bahamas’ naturally warm climate, athletes already experience some level of heat exposure during training.
However, targeted heat therapy still has a place in a structured recovery plan.
For track athletes and swimmers, warming up with heat before training can enhance flexibility, while for baseball players or weightlifters, heat may help ease post- training stiffness. Despite the benefits, athletes must be mindful of hydration and overheating, as excessive heat exposure can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and heat-related illness.
A balanced approach - incorporating proper hydration, recovery periods, and the right mix of heat and cold therapy - ensures
optimal performance and long-term well-being.
Final Thoughts
While cold therapy is often the go-to for acute injuries, heat therapy remains a powerful tool for recovery, relaxation and injury prevention. Used appropriately, it can help athletes maintain mobility, recover from intense training, and perform at their peak. As with any recovery strategy, the key is knowing when to apply it and using it as part of a well-rounded training programme. medicine physician at Empire Sports Medicine, specializes in ensuring athletes reach their peak performance safely. With extensive experience and a passion for sports health, Dr. Bazard provides insights and guidance for athletes of all ages.
MIKE SANDS: ‘I’VE BEEN WITHOUT AN OFFICE FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW’
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
AS he sits in his second four-year term as president of the North American, Central American and Caribbean, Mike Sands would like nothing better than to have an office space to occupy.
Prior to the renovations to the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, Sands, through World Athletics, was able to negotiate with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for an office in the stadium.
Sands, who was able to host a number of events in the Bahamas with his counterparts in the region, said it’s disheartening that he wasn’t given a space to operate from since the renovations began. “There is a level of disappointment that I’ve been without an
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Friday, March 14. The second session is slated for 9am Saturday and the final session at 4:30pm on Saturday.
The entry deadline is on March 11, 2025 at 11:59pm. All Hytek Electronic Files only should be forat meetmananagement@ bahamasaquatics.com Confirmation emails will be sent on receipt of all entries. Following the meet, Bahamas Aquatics will select its team that will travel to Trinidad & Tobago over the Easter holiday weekend in April.
office for quite some time now,” Sands said. “I know that the repairs are going on at the stadium.
“But apart from that, I know that not having an office has created some logistic problems to be able to operate and in a sufficient manner that would be required of an area headquarters.”
Since first winning the presidency in 2019 in Costa Rica, Sands said he was first given the office space on his return from the World Relays in Yokohama, Japan. He was re-elected unopposed in 2023, which will take him into 2027 when he will be eligible for his third consecutive term.
One of the goals on his agenda is to make The Bahamas the headquarters for NACAC, not just the president holding its office here. But he said he’s hoping that he can get back
The Bahamas will be going after its seventh straight championship feat. NOBLE PREP ACADEMY TRACK CLASSIC THE Noble Preparatory Academy is all set to hold its 2025 Track and Field Classic from 9am to 6pm on Saturday, March 15 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The registration deadline is March 11. Athletes can register at info@npabahamas.com UNCLE LOU FUN RUN/WALK THE St Augustine’s College and the Alumni Association is inviting the general public to come out and participate in the Uncle Lou Fun Run/Walk.
into an office space as soon as possible so he can function in the matter that fits the president of the highest executive body in the region.
As president of NACAC, Sands heads a total of 38 member federations from the United States, Canada,
Under the theme: “Paint the streets red,” the event will take place on Saturday, March 15, starting 6am at SAC’s campus off Bernard Road. The route will leave SAC’s campus and head on Bernard Road, turn onto Soldier Road to Prince Charles Drive, turn east onto Prince Charles Drive and head back to SAC.
The registration fee is $20 for adults and $10 for persons under the age of 20. The first 200 participants will receive road race t-shirts. Persons can register now by logging onto www. saintaugustinescollege.com. Following the race, a health screening will take place.
There will also be a souse out with chicken priced at $10, pig feet at $12 and sheep tongue at $15. Drinks
Cuba, South America, North America and the Caribbean.
“I’ve been trying to negotiate an office space, but it has been met with its challenges,” Sands said. “It’s not been successful at this juncture, so it would be remiss of me if I don’t express my level of disappointment and frustrations.”
Sands said he has presented a case of having The Bahamas as the headquarters for NACAC because of the ease of movement for member federations in the region.
“There’s always going to be a slowing of the process when you don’t operate in an optimal environment,” he said. “So, at the end of the day, I would hope that the situation would be resolved in a timely manner so that you can catch up to speed to be where you ought to be. “But right now,
will also be on sale. For more information, persons can call 242-324-1511 or email Thesacalumni@ gmail.com
RUGBY GAMES AT WINTON AFTER making some minor repairs to the Winton rugby pitch, the Bahamas Rugby Union is scheduled to play matches on Saturday, March 8 and Saturday, March 22. All ages and all abilities are welcome, including men and women, ‘Golden Oldies’ teams and beginners and seasoned players. The BRU is also inviting persons to come and try rugby this year. The only equipment needed are tennis/cleats and PE kit. For further information, persons are urged to call (242) 812-0417.
we are not operating on all cylinders. But it’s not too late to have corrected and regrouped. But it is out of my hands.” Sands did, however, say there is a commitment to provide an office space, either at the stadium or somewhere else that is committed to, but it’s yet to be seen. As the NACAC president, Sands also serves as the regional representative for World Athletics.
He said The Bahamas has put in a bid to return the World Relays to the stadium in 2026 and 2028.
“The bids were presented
and a decision will be made by the Council in the coming weeks as to which countries would be successful in their bids submissions,” Sands said. “There are two bids on the table for 2026 and 2028 and I believe that The Bahamas has expressed an interest in hosting both of them.” NACAC is currently working with the Local Organising Committee in Trinidad & Tobago for the hosting of the 52nd CARIFTA Track and Field Championships, alongside the CARIFTA Swimming Championships over the Easter holiday weekend.
BAZARD DR KENT
GRAND Bahamian sprinter Shatalya Dorsett.
MIKE SANDS
‘She is 1,000’ Golf Series set for March 22
MILLIONS of women around the world will be celebrating International Women’s Day on Saturday but the celebrations will continue locally as the inaugural ‘She is 1,000’ Golf Series, under the theme Empowering Females Through the game of golf, is slated to commence on March 22 at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s par three golf course. The women-centred event will cater to inexperienced and experienced golfers alike between ages three to 103 years old.
Event organiser Denise Poitier spoke about what inspired her and Georgette Rolle to jumpstart the women’s empowerment golf series.
“Our ‘She is 1,000’ event came about because I wanted to do something for International Women’s Day and I wanted to incorporate golf.
“Golf is now trending among women and women are coming out and playing more golf; it is not just for the men,” she said.
This month’s ‘She is 1,000’ golf event will
commemorate International Women’s Day but there will be up to four events of this nature hosted in the future.
Women and girls will have the rare opportunity to train with female golf professionals while participating in a clinic that teaches the drive, chip and putt methods.
After training sessions, the more experienced golfers will have the opportunity to put their skills to the test.
Poitier spoke about the importance of including the
young and older generation of golfers in the golf series.
“Sports builds integrity, teamwork and confidence and these are all the tools that we as women need to strive in our everyday lives.
“What I have learned from being out on the golf course, I see little ones that start from age three and my dad is in his 70s and he can also play with his grandchildren.
“It is a sport for everyone as it does not put a lot of labour on the body. That is why we said up to 103 years old because as long as you
can move, you can play,” she said. The women’s empowerment event will run from noon to 4pm and will also include a kid’s corner for the little ones.
Poitier encouraged women to come out and enjoy the many benefits of playing golf with peers.
“For all of us who started the New Year with some sort of fitness resolution, golf is a very good sport to try.
“Walking on the golf course, you can easily get in your 10k steps. “Golf is not
their fifth consecutive quarterfinal appearances of the 2025 Southeast
‘Coach Yo’ and Ole Miss Rebels advance to SEC quarterfinals
FROM PAGE E1
Ole Miss got off to a slow start, falling behind 6-0 before they came alive, sparked by consecutive three-point plays from Sadler and Todd-Williams with an 11-0 run of their own to take an 11-6 lead in the first 4:58 of the first quarter.
only beneficial from the fitness aspect. “If you want to learn discipline, if you want a sport that is outside and enjoy nature and, if you want to meet other like-minded persons, this is a sport that encompasses all of that. Come on out, it is going to be loads of fun,” she stated. Individuals interested in registering can contact 242-423-8002 for the registration link.
PAUL GREENE AND PENMEN TO PLAY FOR ANOTHER TITLE
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game on Saturday at the Stan Spirou Field House.
The Penmen, coached by Jack Perri and David Steckel, head into the game having won 11 of its last 13, including eight of nine and seven straights. They reached the 20-wins plateau for the third consecutive season – the first time they have accomplished the feat since 2014-15 to 2016-17.
SNHU improves to 28-16 (.636) in its 20th appearance in the NE10 Championship. After winning their third NE10 title last season, the Penmen have captured six straight NE10 postseason contests. They are now 4-2 against Bentley in the NE10 championship, as the two teams met for the first time since the Penmen captured their second title with a road win over the Falcons in 2016.
At the end of the first quarter, Madison Scott got a lay-up in the paint with just one second left to put the Lady Rebels ahead 19-15.
Mississippi State managed to take a 31-29 lead in the first 5:25 of the second quarter, but Ole Miss got a three-pointer from Sadler with 33 seconds to surge ahead 42-35 at the half.
Although the Lady Bulldogs made a run for it, the Lady Rebels used a 23-21 surge to control the tempo for a 65-56 advantage at the end of the third quarter. And in the fourth quarter, Ole Miss stayed poised as they withstood every challenge from Mississippi State with a 20-17 spurt to seal the deal. It was the Ole Miss’s first game since they pulled off their stunning 85-77 victory over the Louisiana State University in their final regular season game to get them a bye into the second round of the SEC Tournament.
SNHU split the regular-season series with the Setters and is 2-2 against Pace in the NE10 postseason. The teams, who have never met past the quarterfinal round, hooked up in the NE10 Championship last season when SNHU went on the road and secured a win to advance to the semifinals. If Southern New Hampshire is successful in winning the title, they will be the seventh repeat NE10 champion and first since Bentley in 2007 and 2008. The Penmen are the first team to play in the NE10 finals in back-to-back years since the University of New Haven in 2019 and 2020, as well as the first programme to host consecutive NE10 title tilts since Bentley in 2007 and 2008.
The Lady Rebels finished their regular season at 10-6, tied with Alabama, but ended up seventh based on their head-tohead match-up and are now 31-43 since the inception of the SEC women’s tournament in 1980.
CARIFTA GAMES: NACAC PRESIDENT MIKE SANDS LIKES WHAT HE HAS SEEN SO FAR
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After regaining the title and winning four straight, The Bahamas emerged as back-to-back champions in 1980 and 1981. Jamaica won again in 1982 and The Bahamas picked up another repeat feat in 1983 and 1984.
That turned out to be the last time that Jamaica relinquished the title, which they have held from 1985-2025, covering a span of 38 years, missing out on 2020 and 2021 because of COVID-19 when the games were not held.
Originally there were also some concerns about Trinidad’s ability to still host the double games because of the nationwide State of Emergency (SOE) imposed by the government on December 30, 2024 based on continued criminal activity that could endanger public safety.
On January 13, 2025, Parliament extended the SOE by three months.
But Sands said Carnival, which is the biggest festival staged in Trinidad & Tobago, was just concluded
and so they are convinced that the sporting activities can also take place.
“The local implementation committee for track and field is working on it and we get a report from them every day,” Sands said.
“Everything is going according to plan, including the resurfacing of the track.
“So, there should be a brand-new track in place (Hasely Crawford National Stadium), which should be completed in the coming weeks. But the LOC is working hard to ensure that it is an incident-free event.”
THE NACAC family, according to Sands, is made up of about 38 local federations, including the United States, Canada, Cuba and South America, who are not a part of the CARIFTA family.
“So, we expect about 26 of the member federations that a part of the CARIFTA family to participate in the track and field competition,” said Sands of the longest running junior competition in the region.
While he couldn’t confirm how many will participate in swimming, which the Bahamas will be going after its seventh straight title, Sands said it’s going to be tough to upstage Jamaica, the perennial kingpins of the track and field competition.
“If you check the history of the games, all of our top athletes in the region, with very few not included, who would come through the CARIFTA programme,” Sands said. “So, it’s always very exciting to see which next star will be born out of CARIFTA and whether any country can dethrone Jamaica or come close to competing with them. That’s the excitement of the CARIFTA Games in terms of performances.”
In trying to be impartial, Sands said the Bahamas, like every other membership, will have their rising stars as he’s monitoring the performances in each country.
“So, it’s building to be a very exciting CARIFTA Games, as it is every year,” Sands said. “It’s also a good CARIFTA family
reunion. It’s the one event in the region where you have the camaraderie of the member federations because it’s a fun-filled festival atmosphere.”
Sands also noted that former International Amateur Athletic Federation president Lamine Diack made it a point to attend the games up to his tenure in office, making his first appearance in the Bahamas in 2000. Since his departure in 2015, Lord Sebastian Coe, who took over, has followed suit by putting the event on his agenda to attend the games. He said the first thing he puts on his calendar is CARIFTA.
And in recent years, Sands said CARIFTA has become a major recruiting ground for many of the top collegiate coaches, who are now taking advantage of being at the same event to attend the games where they get to view all of the top athletes in the region.
As a note, the first CARIFTA Swimming Championships took place in Martinique in 1991 with The Bahamas winning
the title. Martinique won the next three titles from 1992-1994. Jamaica, however, topped the most consecutive wins with six from 1999-2004 until The Bahamas tied that feat (2017-2024) for a total of 10 overall. Like track and field, swimming also skipped 2020 and 2021 because of COVID-19.
SNHU has not captured back-to-back conference crowns since 1997-98 and 1998-98 when it was a member of the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC).
Greene’s double-double was his 19th of the season, as well as his 11th in the last 16 games and seventh in the last nine. Greene, who had never scored 20 points in his career before the NE10 postseason began, has now reached the 20-point plateau in back-toback games after dropping a career-high 27 against Saint Anselm in the semifinal round Sunday. Greene, a business major, is the son of Paul and Shantel Greene. He is a former member of the St George’s Jaguars’ team who went to play at Independence High School, J Addison Prep in Canada and Chipola Junior College. His hobby is listening to music and his favourite sports team is the Milwaukee Bucks and favourite movie is Friday.
COACH Yolett McPhee-McCuin and her University of Mississippi Lady Rebels are now into
Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina.
UB Mingoes suffer 3-0 loss to Warhawks
THE University of The Bahamas Mingoes women’s volleyball team suffered a tough 3-0 loss to the Warhawks in UB Volleyball Showcase on Tuesday at the Kendal Isaacs National Gymnasium.
It was a tough game for UB who were missing a few starters due to injury.
Head coach for UB Raymond Wilson saw his bench player step up to the challenge. “The second team that performed tonight –most of whom came off the bench communicated well and played to the best of their abilities” Wilson said.
“It was a learning experience for them. We have to understand that in these games, every team we play is stacked. It prepares us for when we travel and the level here is far higher than the teams we are going to play when we are abroad.”
Right hitter Davanna Douglas led UB with nine attacking points that included five kills. Right side hitter Shekinah Gaitor had two kills to finish with six attacking points
by UB Athletics
The Warhawks went up 7-1 early in the first set. UB regrouped mid-set but it was too late as the Warhawks won the first set 25-14. It was a better start in the second set for UB but the Warhawks used their experience to take a 24-12 lead. UB tried to make a comeback by cutting the lead 24-16. The Warhawks came out with a 25-16 win to take the second set. UB came out in the third set to try and extend the match, but it was an uphill battle. The Warhawks came out victorious with a 25-10 victory.
Wilson is hoping to get some of his starters back in the lineup for their next match.
UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas Mingoes opposite Shaquantay Burrows returns the ball against Warhawks Tuesday, March 4, at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. Mingoes lost 3-0.
UB Mingoes right side hitter Shekinah Gaitor spikes the ball.
UB Mingoes opposite Shaquantay Burrows spikes the ball.
UB Mingoes setter and captain Zarria Rose bumps the ball.
MINGOES opposite Shaquantay Burrows returns the ball.
UB Mingoes right hitter Davanna Douglas goes up to play the ball.
Photos
BAISS TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
SAC Big Red Machine closes the gap on day 2
FROM PAGE E2
Wallace was flawless in the under-20 girls’ 100m finals. She stopped the clock at 12.21 seconds along with QC’s K’Leigh Davis.
The Comets’ Shekinah Johnson clinched the final podium spot in 12.52 seconds.
Nijae McBride delivered for the Big Red Machine in the under-20 boys’ 100m finals.
He held off QC’s Ishamel Rolle with his winning time of 10.94 seconds. Rolle was just a few steps behind at 10.97 seconds.
K’Juan Johnson, of Nassau Christian School, crossed the line third at 11.09 seconds.
Charles W Saunders’ Kyden Thurston picked up his second victory of the BAISS meet in the under17 boys’ 3,000m event.
He executed a perfect run to finish in 9:44.85. The second best finisher was SAC’s Johanathan Marsh at 10:58.60.
His teammate Caylen Brown collected a third place finish in 11:02.21. Thurston was pleased to get the victory for not only himself but also the Cougars.
“It feels good. I thank my coaches for being here. I am thankful for setting a new record between coaches and God. I did that. My strategy was just to run and keep moving forward. I didn’t have my exact strategy of what I could do but I just ran and went with God,” he said.
St Anne’s racked up a pair of wins in the 100m finals.
Philip Ferguson turned in a winning time of 13.93 seconds in the under-13 boys’ 100m finals. SAC’s Javari Edgecombe and Evan Deal clinched the second and third spots with times of 14.22 seconds and 14.24 seconds respectively.
The Blue Waves got another victory this time from Macnair Beneby in the under-15 boys’ 100m finals. Beneby bested his competitors with a time of 11.97 seconds.
SAC’s Zylen Burnside placed second and Jordan Prince William’s Khari Ramsey finished third.
SAC head coach Jason Edwards was happy that defending champions made up ground but expects it to be a fight to the finish line on the final day.
“Day two was a lot better for us, that means the field did a lot of work. We did a lot in the field today and we needed that boost,” he said.
“The
Photos by Chappell Whyms Jr
FAST TRACK: Private school students compete yesterday on day 2 of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) Track and Field Championships.