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65-member CARIFTA team named ATHLETES IN By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net FOLLOWING its final trials over the weekend, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations has released a list of 65 athletes named to the team that will represent the Bahamas at the 2017 Carifta Games in Curacao over the Easter holiday weekend. After a lengthy selection progress that began around 8am yesterday at Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, Carey said they have decided to stick to their mandate of taking only the qualifiers, but they have added some additional athletes as usual for relay duties. Looking at the make-up, Carey said they are a little weak in the under-20 girls’ division with most of the country’s best competitors off to school in the United States. But after it was ratified by the general body, they are pleased that they will be taking a very strong team that will surpass the performances from last year in Grenada. The team, an increase of the
62 that participated last year, was named on Sunday by BAAA president Rosamunde Carey and Mildred Adderley, who will be returning for her second sting as team manager. Adderley, who headed the delegation that competed last year, said the team would be out to improve on its second place finish with 33 medals and third place in the gold rush. But she admitted that the under-20 division, especially the girls, is not as strong as it was last year because most of the competitors are away in college and won’t be able to compete. Joining Adderley on the management team is Clarita Hall as assistant manager, Fiona Tucker, Ann Bullard, Courtney Wallace and Kendrick Brown. Marvin Darville is the head coach. He will be assisted by Nekeno Demeritte (jumps coach), Corrington Maycock and Dawn Johnson (throwers’ coaches), Kenny Moxey (pole vault coach), Ricky Moxey, Tamar Bodie and Bernard Rolle (sprint coaches) and Ali Rolle (distance coach). Leading Team Bahamas in the
ROSAMUNDE CAREY Photo: Kermit Taylor/ Bahamas Athletics under-18 girls’ division, which will comprise of 14 athletes, is sprint sensation Devine Parker. Jump specialist Daejha Moss will lead the 13-member under-20 division, while sprinters Adrian Curry and Javan Martin will head the boys’ under-18 (20 members) and under-20 (17 members) respectively. Adderley, however, said the
number could increase if they get confirmation from throwing specialist Serena Brown, who is currently attending Texas A&M. “Most of our athletes named on this team were qualifiers,” Adderley said. “We have added about 10-12 athletes who will be competing on the relay team. If the coaches say where they can put them in any events that they compete in, it’s up to their discretion. “We got 33 medals last year and we got 31 the prior year and our goal was to improve our medal count,” Adderley stated. “This year, we not just want to increase our medal count, but we want to increase the gold. “Even though we got more medals than the second-place team, they were named second place because they got one more gold than us. So this year, we are hoping to increase our gold count as well as our overall medal count.” If the Bahamas doesn’t come first, then Adderley said they expect no less than second place as they get ready to contend with the perennial kingpins, Jamaica.
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Buddy ties his career high 22 By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net
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early a week to the day when he set his career high, Buddy Hield equalled that mark last weekend as his efficient shooting continues for the Sacramento Kings. Hield tied his career high Saturday night with 22 points in his team’s 123117 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hield shot 9-15 from the field and 4-6 from threepoint range to lead the Kings in scoring for the fifth time and third time
within the last seven games. His recent play has seen his stock rise on the Kia NBA Rookie Ladder and has him in position as a likely candidate to be named to the All-Rookie First Team. Hield originally set his new career high in scoring with 22 points in a 114-100 loss to the Golden State Warriors on March 24 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. He nearly finished with a triple double, adding eight rebounds and seven assists. Hield finished with 21 points in the Kings’ 11698 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks at the Golden 1
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32-member team all set for the 3rd IAAF/ BTC World Relays By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net WHEN the third edition of the IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2017 comes to the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium later this month, the Bahamas will assemble a 31-member team, focusing primarily on the men and women 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 metre relays. BAAAs president Rosamunde Carey said they originally had a list of more than 40 competitors who had expressed an interest in competing, but they had to reduce the numbers after some were committed to their colleges and universities in the United States. “We do believe that we will have a good team,”
Carey summed up. The goal, according to team manager Philippa Willie, is to ensure that the Bahamas puts itself in the best position before the home crowd at Thomas A Robinson National Stadium to qualify for the IAAF World Championships in August in London, England. Willie, however, is not ruling out the possibility of the Bahamas fielding teams in the 4 x 200m. She also noted that the Bahamas would certainly contest the newly implemented mixed 4 x 400m relay that will close out this year’s twoday programme. “We have ratified a team of 31 athletes. Those team members will comprise the
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KINGS’ BUDDY HIELD, right, shoots over Timberwolves’ Brandon Rush during the first half of Saturday’s game in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
SPOTLIGHT AT FINAL TRIALS
By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net DEVINE Parker, Megan Moss, Denvaughn Whymns, Tavonte Mott, Shaun Miller and Bronson Rolle were among some of the outstanding performers at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ final trials for the CARIFTA Games over the weekend. The athletes competed in the two-day trials on Friday and Saturday at Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, just before the BAAA selected a 65-member team to travel to compete in Curacao over the Easter holiday weekend. Parker, the 17-year-old St Anne’s superstar, turned out to be the cream of the female sprinting core as she clocked 11.74 seconds to win the under-18 girls’ 100 metres to once again run under the qualifying time of 12.05. She came back on Saturday and did the same in the final of the 200m, posting her winning time of 23.80 and was followed by Moss, who ran 24.20, as they both surpassed the qualifying time of 24.60. “It was good. I did better than I expected to do,” said Parker about her performance in the half-lap race. “I came off the curve as fast as I can to cover the field and gave it all I could coming home.” The performance, along with the century feat, has left Parker looking forward to going back to the biggest junior regional meet with more incentive to lead the way for Team Bahamas. “I know my competition and I know I have a lot to work on,” Parker said. “So going forth in Carifta, I just plan to do the best that I can to get the gold for the Bahamas.” If she can get her finish in both races worked out like her mentor and coach Pauline Davis, Parker said she’s confident that she can do well in both events. “The competition was good here with Megan Moss and Wendira Moss,” Parker said. “As team-mates, I hope we can all go to Carifta with a good mindset that we have a job to do.” Although she solidified her spot in the 200m, 15-year-old Megan Moss was even more thrilled about her fantastic accomplishment in the 400m. The St Augustine’s College standout turned in an incredible 53.79 time and was joined by Doneisha Anderson (54.78),
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Cuckoos win Heineken Regulators v Cybots, High Flyers v Truckers Cup Bahamas for 2nd in NPBA showdowns consecutive season By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net THE much anticipated final matchups are all set and a thrilling series of semi-final deciding games have set the stage for the championships in the New Providence Basketball Association. Both Division I semis were decided Friday night at AF Adderley Gymnasium and now the Mr Ship It Freight Regulators will face the Mail Boat Cybots for the 2017 title. In Division II championship series, the Breezes High Flyers will face the GIANTS player in action. Johnson Truckers. Photo: Terrel W Carey/ Tribune Staff SEE PAGE 8
By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net
FOR the second consecutive season, Cuckoos RFC claimed the ultimate prize of the Bahamas Rugby Football Union - the Heineken Bahamas Cup. At the Winton Rugby Centre, Cuckoos delivered a dominant performance in the finale with a 35-12 win over the Buccaneers RFC on Saturday to close out the season in a rematch of last year’s championship. Brian Baker’s penalty kick gave the Cuckoos an early advantage and they led wire-to-wire en route to the win. Team captain Kevin Deveaux scored the hat trick with three tries to lead his team to the title. Charles
Richardson and Charles Smith also added tries. T’Quan Blyden was named the Most Valuable Player. Cuckoos wing Ashley Roberts said the team effort led to the win. “It was team rugby and that’s how rugby should be played. No one was selfish out there, guys hit, guys supported, guys passed and once someone was given the opportunity they made the best with what they could do. Fortunately for us just about everything worked in our favour,” he said. “The important thing is that it was all about the team.” Cuckoos finished the season at 9-2 and were ranked No.1 headed into the playoffs and received an automatic bye while the Bucs
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The countdown begins SWITZERLAND World ranking: 6 Group A: with the Bahamas, Senegal and Ecuador The road to Nassau Switzerland began the European qualifiers with three wins out of three in the first group phase, in which they scored 33 goals and conceded just one, against Lithuania. After needing extra time to see off Turkey in the second group phase, the Swiss then beat Azerbaijan 7-6 and Spain 8-4 to make sure of their place at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017. A 3-1 win over Portugal took them into the final, where they fell to a surprise 6-3 defeat to Poland.
TEAM SWITZERLAND has become one of the powerhouses of European beach football and have proved with their style of play and performances that they can take on anyone in the world.
Players to Watch DEJAN Stankovic and Noel Ott (right) are the players to watch on the Swiss team.
Strengths and style Angelo Schirinzi’s team has impressed since finishing runners-up at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009. Known for their cultured brand of football, the Swiss have become one of the powerhouses of European beach football and have proved with their style of play and performances that they can take on anyone in the world. FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup record Switzerland surprised everyone when making their Beach Soccer world finals debut at Dubai 2009, easing to the final, where they went down 10-5 to Brazil. A repeat of those exploits was beyond them at Ravenna, Italy 2011, when they went out in the group phase after narrow defeats to Italy and Senegal. Absent from Tahiti 2013, the Swiss returned at Portugal 2015, reaching the quarter-finals before going out to the hosts and eventual champions. • The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 will be held in Nassau from April 27 to May 7.
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Monday, April 3, 2017, PAGE 3
‘Division-by-division breakdown’ of who will win it all in the MLB WITH a swing and a drive to deep left field, back, back, back, gone - a homerun. Oh, excuse my enthusiasm, but baseball is back. So welcome in all of you ‘competition thirsty’ football fans and all of you ‘this season isn’t as good as I thought it would be’ basketball fans. We, the lovers of power-swings and remarkable fielding plays, are happy to have you on board for however short of a time you may be here. In case you missed last season’s historic World Series, the championship starved Chicago Cubs defeated the lowly Cleveland Indians in a grand sevengame series – yes the Cubs enter the 2017 campaign as defending champions. However, despite having one of the league’s youngest, healthiest and talented rosters, a repeat for the boys from the Northside isn’t really set in stone. • Here is my divisionby-division breakdown and slight, who am I kidding, clear indication of who I think will win it all this year. AL WEST The story out west in the American League will be all Texas. With two of the league’s most wellconstructed rosters, these teams are built for the marathon known as the MLB season. While one should not overlook the top-heavy
LA Angeles, the two Texas teams are all about debt and skill. The Rangers took the division last year in convincing fashion, while the Astros showed up big in big spots. Texas is favoured by the odds-makers, but the small ball style of the Astros has me recalling a lot of things I saw from the Kansas City Royals a few seasons back – the Royals won the World Series that year. The middle-infield combo of Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa may be the league’s best and, if it isn’t, it is certainly top-three. Add to that the mix of a bull-pen capable of winning games when called upon, the Astros are built for a big year. Astros AL CENTRAL What the experts will tell you is that the Indians may not be able to recover from their World Series debacle against the Chicago Cubs. They may be right. However, I am of the view that no other team in this division can keep up with the Indians. There is virtually no way these guys can lose this division. Yes, the Royals are a respectable club and shouldn’t be overlooked, but the Indians are just better at every level where it matters. I am all in with the Cleveland Indians and my favourite skipper, Terry Francona. Indians
FOURTH QUARTER PRESS
all-star, Steven Right. I hate to say it, but face facts, the Red Sox are on course to make up for their poor showing last post-season. Red Sox
BY RICARDO WELLSedia.net rwells@tribunem
“HOPING FOR AN INJURY FREE YEAR, I THINK MY METS WILL NOT ONLY GET BY THE DEFENDING DIVISION CHAMPS, WASHINGTON NATIONALS, BUT THEY WILL BE A LARGE THORN IN THE SIDES OF THE CHICAGO CUBS.” AL EAST Speaking of Francona, his former squad is also primed and ready for a big run – a World Series kind of run. Let’s face it, a division title for the Blue Jays or Yankees could only come as a result of a rash of major injuries for the Sox’. If one was to take a deep look at the rosters in the AL East, one would quickly conclude that the youth movement in New York is two years off, the Orioles
haven’t been able to put it together for Manny Muchado and the Toronto Blue Jays are not, in my opinion, built for a deep postseason run. As my father always used to say, ‘time to face facts, bats is only one part of the game, who’s throwing’? For the Red Sox, well just the second best lefty in the game, Chris Sale, Rick Porcello, remember the name, the stats will shock you at the end of this season, David Price and a little known
NL WEST As long as Clayton Kershaw calls Los Angeles home, my smart money is on the Dodgers winning this division. While the San Francisco Giants are certainly capable of sneaking up on the Dodgers during the back-half of the year and stealing the pennant, I just can’t forsake Mr Kershaw. Dodgers NL CENTRAL I would dare not speak ill of the defending World Series champs. The St Louis Cardinals are nice. The St Louis Cardinals have quality depth. The St Louis Cardinals have quality pitching. But for me, ‘issa no’. The Chicago Cubs last season did something I thought could never happen. In fact, up until the waning moments of that series last year, I was one leading the coronation of the Cleveland Indians. But the tenacity of guys like Jake Arrieta, David Ross and Kris Bryant proved me wrong. Ross is gone, but the Cubs roster was and still is stalked with a multitude of guys capable of stepping up in multiple positions. Again, I would not speak
ill of the World Series champs. Cubs NL EAST Those that follow my column, you know that I am a homer. Teams that I support, I am fully devoted to and rarely bet against them – even my Lakers. When it comes to baseball, my Mets and the city of Queens is near and dear to my heart. This year, like much of the last three, I feel like my Mets are built to win it all. Never mind their limited offence, the starting rotation of the Mets is second to none. Hoping for an injury free year, I think my Mets will not only get by the defending division champs, Washington Nationals, but they will be a large thorn in the sides of the Chicago Cubs. Mets MY PICKS Now as promised: AL Wildcards – Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays NL Wildcards – Washington Nationals, San Francisco Giants AL Champs – Boston Red Sox NL Champs – (heart) New York Mets, (logic) Cubs World Series Champions – Boston Red Sox
JUNIOR FED CUP TEAM 5TH IN EL SALVADOR TOURNAMENT By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas Junior Fed Cup team will return home from El Salvador with a fifth place finish in the 2017 North/Central American and Caribbean Under-16 Tournament. However, the boys’ team in the Jr Davis Cup had to settle for 13th place in the week-long tournament. The girls’ team pulled off their final match, beating the Dominican Republic 2-1 as Elana Mackey won 6-0, 6-1 over Maria Elmudesi, while top seed Sydney Clarke won 6-1, 6-2 over Maria Mella. However, Elmudesi and Mella won by a walkover over Clarke and Mackey after fifth place was already clinched. “Our performances were very good,” said Bradley Bain, who coached the girls. “The girls really haven’t played a tournament since they were in Freeport about a month ago. “So in terms of being match ready, I think that was a problem right there. It showed in our first match against San Salvador where
THE Bahamas Junior Fed Cup team will return home from El Salvador with a fifth place finish in the 2017 North/Central American and Caribbean Under-16 Tournament. Shown (l-r) are Elana Mackey, Sydni Kerr, Sydney Clarke and coach Bradley Bain. we didn’t have the match toughness. As we played on, the girls got better because they played a couple of matches.” Guatemala went on to win the overall title, but
Bain said after losing to them in the semi-final, they rebounded to take care of business in their final match against the Dominican Republic. “We were hitting our
stride just a little too late,” he said. “But they showed great promise. I would have liked to finish a little higher, but it was tough playing against Guatemala. It just showed
that we could play with the best in the region. The girls did very well.” As for the boys’ team, coached by Ricardo Demeritte, they swept Honduras 3-0 as Danali Nottage
won his singles 7-5, 6-2 over Miguel Lopez and Donte Armbrister, the top seed, won 6-1, 6-0 over Rodrigo Diaz. The Grand Bahamian combo of Kofi Bowe and Nottage won the doubles 5-7, 7-5, 12-10 over Diaz and Lopez. Bain, speaking on behalf of the team, said he felt the boys team didn’t achieve the expectations, even though it wasn’t the strongest team that could have represented the country. “I think that Donte (Armbrister) could clearly play with the boys here, but his supporting cast was a little weak for 16. They had a challenge at 14, so 16 was a stretch for them as a team. “But they seemed to hold their own. They need more match play, tougher matches and they have improved their overall game in order to compete with the 16s boys.” With the experience they gained under their belts this year, Bain said they have another shot next year so, if they can work on their game, they can come back next year and perform even better. The team was scheduled to return home yesterday.
TYNIA GAITHER 2ND IN 200M AT TEXAS RELAYS By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net TYNIA Gaither, preparing for her trip to the inaugural Grenada Invitational this weekend, led a field of Bahamians at the 90th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays with a second place finish in the women’s 200 metres. On Saturday in the Mike A Myers Stadium at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas, Gaither clocked 23.01 seconds to trail American Natasha Hastings, who won the race in 22.78. Gaither, who is also expected to be home for the IAAF World Relays April 22-23, teamed up to run the third leg, passing the baton to Hastings on anchor as the TG Elite also featuring Sharika Nelvis on pop off and Olivia Ekpone on second, got third in 44.237. Track Station (43.40) and Axis Athletics (43.93) got first and second respectively. Also at the meet, Serena Brown, who is being considered for par-
ticipation in the Carifta Games in Curacao over the Easter holiday weekend, picked up a victory in the women’s college discus with her toss of 51.68 metres or 169feet, 7-inches. Devynne Charlton, a junior at Purdue University, qualified for the women’s 100m hurdles with the fifth fastest time of 13.17. But in the final, she clipped the final hurdle and didn’t get to finish as top qualifier Tobi Amusan, a sophomore of UTEP, won in a meet record of 12.72. When contacted, Charlton told The Tribune that she’s okay. She noted that after hitting the hurdle, she played it cautiously and decided not to finish the race. A number of other Bahamians also participated in the meet, mostly on relay teams. Charlton’s teammate Carmiesha Cox ran the opening leg for Purdue as they went on to finish third in the women’s 4 x 200m relay invitational in 1:34.66. Texas A&M won in 1:29.89 and the USC got second in 1:32.45. Purdue’s men’s 4 x 400m relay
team that featured Kinard Rolle on the lead off leg was third in 3:10.17. The University of Houston won in 3:07.15 and the University of Georgia was second in 3:09.37. And in the women’s 4 x 400m, Dreshanae Rolle ran the lead off leg for the University of Texas at El Paso as they finished third in 3:40.95. The University of Oklahoma won in 3:35.51 and the University of Georgia was third in 3:39.11. One other individual performance came from LaQuan Nairn, a freshman at South Plains, who was third in the men’s long jump with a leap of 7.83m (25-81/4). Over at the 2017 Pepsi Florida Relays in Gainesville, Florida, Michael Mathieu had to settle for 8th place in the men’s 400m on Thursday in 46.53, while Andretti Bain got 11th in 46.78. Henry Delauze, a junior, ran the second leg for the University of Miami as they posted a second place finish in the men’s 4 x 400m college division in 3:08.89. Shorter B won in 3:07.99.
TYNIA GAITHER led a field of Bahamians at the 90th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays with a second place finish in the women’s 200 metres. (FILE)
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W O R L D RELAYS
4 x 1, 4 x 4 and we might have a 4 x 2. But the majority of the members will comprise the men and women 4 x 100 and 4 x 400m relays,” Willie said. Named to the women’s team are the following: Devine Parker, Jamicka McBride, V’Alonee Robinson, Wendira Moss, Rashan Brown, Brianna Bethel, Christine Amertil, TyNia Gaither, Shaunae Miller, Lanece Clarke, Kayla Carter, Anthonique Strachan, Tamara Myers and Ivanique Kemp. Named to the men’s team are: Andretti Bain, Chris Brown, Warren Fraser, Steven Gardiner, Adrian Griffith, Shavez Hart, Michael Mathieu, Ramon Miller, Blake Bartlett, Samson Cole-
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brooke, Javan Martin, Ian Kerr, Robert Johnson, Demetrius Pinder, Stephen Newbold, Ashley Riley, Andre Colebrooke and Elroy McBridge. “I’m excited about the team,” Willie said. “For the most part, I think we will have a successful 4 x 1 and 4 x 4. The 4 x 1 and the 4 x 4 are qualifiers for the World Championships in London.” Fritz Grant will be the head coach of the team, assisted by Sidney Cartwright, Wendall Collie, John Ingraham, Rudolph Ferguson, Ravanno Ferguson and Cherishe Hollingsworth. According to Willie, the BAAA intends to hold a relay camp that will begin on April 12 here at the stadium and she confirmed that the majority of the athletes have confirmed their participation. BAAA president Rosamunde Carey said that while they have named Grand Bahamian Javon Martin - the top high school sprinter - to the team, he’s still nursing
an injury sustained during the Test Run last month. “He has to prove fitness next Saturday,” said Carey, who noted that he was exempted from competing in the final Carifta trials this weekend, but was named to the team heading to Curacao over the Ester holiday weekend after qualifying in the under-20 boys’ 100 and 200m. “He just wanted to rest, but he will show fitness at 10 o’clock on Saturday in Freeport.” Based on the performances turned in at the World Relays, Carey said the BAAA would be selecting a team that will represent the Bahamas at the Penn Relays Carnival, scheduled for the end of April. The team will be competing in the USA against the World 4 x 400m relays for men and women. “We are hoping that we will be in the top eight here at the World Relays,” Carey said. “That same team will go to the Penn Relays with coach Grant and coach Cart-
wright and our understudy coach Ravanno Ferguson.” The IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2017 is set for April 2223 at the TAR National Stadium. The United States of America are the two-time defending champions of the Golden Baton, the award presented to the winning country. In 2015 when the second addition was held, only the Bahamas men’s 4 x 400m team advanced to the final where they qualified for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janerio, Brazil. The women’s 4 x 400m had to wait for a last chance meet and the ban on Russia to get in. Both the men and women 4 x 100m relay teams failed to get into the final in 2015 and missed out on the opportunity to qualify in any other events to go to Rio de Janeiro to compete. The BAAA is hoping that the teams selected this year will advance to the finals and book their tickets to London.
ended the year with a pair of last second wins to claim the coveted Heineken Bahamas Cup. Baker’s game-winning kick in extra time gave Cuckoos a 13-10 win over Bucs for the title. In 2015 Buccaneers defeated Freeport 18-7 to claim the cup. Since 2012, Heineken and the BRFU partnered to rename the Annual Bahamas Rugby Cup as the Heineken Bahamas Rugby
Cup, and the brewing company now also provides branding, marketing and advertising support. Cuckoos also captured the first two editions of the renamed event in 2012 and 2013, while Baillou took the cup in 2014. “Bahamas Rugby is again extremely grateful to all our friends and supporters who have been with us through the season,” said BRFU executive Elystan Miles in a
press release, “We are particularly grateful to our sponsors and partners, too numerous to mention. However Heineken and Bahamas Waste have been the backbone to Bahamas Rugby for another year and deserve a specific expression of gratitude.” The BRFU is taking a break over Easter but will be back at the end of April when they will be focusing on the national team.
65-member CARIFTA team named FROM PAGE 1 “We are ready to contend with the world,” she emphasised. “I believe in our athletes. We have a strong team and I would never tell anybody that we are second string. We are ready to compete with the world.” Carey stressed that the “Bahamian pride runs deep.” Also during the congress that will be held at the games, Carey said the Bahamas would be making a presentation on their preparation for the hosting of the 2018 Carifta Games. “For us, that is an easy sell,” she pointed out. “We are hosting the World Relays for the third time so we are using the same facilities. We have the venue, we have the accommodations and we have the transportation. So we can say we have all the components to host a very successful 2018 Carifta Games.” Note: A meeting will be held at 6pm today at the stadium for the parents and athletes named to the team. At that time, the BAAA will outline the requirements for the athletes to compete in Curacao.
HEINEKEN CUP
were ranked No.4 and beat out Freeport RFC and Baillou to reach the final. It was a role reversal from the 2016 playoffs when Cuckoos overcame an up and down season and
CARIFTA TRIALS Wendira Moss (55.70) and Marissa White (56.00) as they all dipped under or matched the standard of 56.00. “I just wanted to execute as I was told to do by my coach (and father Tito Moss),” Moss said. “I just wanted to maintain my effort through the first 300 and bring it all home.” Moss said the time was so amazing that she’s grateful of where she’s at going into the games with high potential to be a contender for the gold. “My coaches and my father have been training me for it,” Moss said. As for the 200m, she said she was just as proud and pleased of that effort as well. “I just want to be able to go to Carifta and represent my country,” she insisted. “Whatever happen happens. I am very proud of my accomplishments so far.” Anderson, also from St Augustine’s College, fell just short of surpassing the qualifying standard of 1.65m in the high jump when she cleared 1.62m for the win. The under-20 girls’ division, which is not as strong as it was last year, saw Daejha Moss and Charisma Taylor producing the only two qualifying standards at the trials. Moss, a Queen’s College triple threat in the jumps, soared 5.85m to equal the long jump standard, while Taylor, a former Queen’s College team-mate now attending
high school in the United States, cleared 12.28m as the lone competitor in the triple jump to surpass the standard of 12.25. Moss also won the high jump with 1.67m, just of the standard of 1.70m and Taylor also won the 100m hurdles in 14.39 over Sasha Wells, who did 14.40, but they both failed to reach the standard of 14.00. Wells was the winner of the 200m in 25.11, well of the standard of 23.90 as she turned the tables on Renee Brown, who did 25.16. Brown won the straightaway race in 12.17, followed by Wells in 12.22 and Catayln Blayre in 12.409. They were shy of the standard of 11.80. Whymns, who had previously qualified in the 100m, concentrated on the under-18 boys 200m, 110m hurdles and the long jump at the trials. He was impressive in winning all three, but surpassing the standards in both the 200m and long jump. In the long jump, Whymns cleared 6.92m to surpass the standard of 6.90m. Michael Adderley was his closest rival in second with 6.41m. He ran 14.20, which was just shy of the qualifying standard of 14.00 in the hurdles. But his clocked 21.51 and was joined by Joel Johnson, who did 21.60, as they achieved the qualifying time of 21.80. “I came out here and I wanted to do my best so that I can represent the Bahamas and bring back home a few medals from Carifta,” said Whymns, who indicated that he would only compete in the three individual events he did at the trials.
“I enjoy the 200 because I feel I have the legs for it and I just love the curve once I get out of the blocks.” The 16-year-old 6-feet versatile athlete, who also competed in basketball and volleyball, said he is anticipating winning four gold, including the 4 x 100m relay, at Carifta. Javan Martin, the Grand Bahamian under-20 boys sensation, opted not to compete in the trials as he recovered from an injury sustained at the BAAAs test event for the IAAF World Relays last month. But there was still a lot of excitement as Tavonte Mott picked up the win in the 200m in 21.29 to dip under the standard of 21.45. Holland Martin, who had the fastest qualifying time of 21.36, was second in 21.46. Mott, another student from St Augustine’s College, also won the 110m hurdles in 14.42, falling short of the standard of 14.00, while Martin took the long jump with 7.60m to surpass the standard of 7.25m. “My hurdles was really rough because we had a strong head wind,” Mott said. “It was kind of difficult in the 200 because we had the heat, semifinal and final so close. But all and all it was good.” With just two weeks left before the competition gets underway, Mott said he just want to work on his technique in the hurdles and get stronger in the 200 and he will definitely pull of something special for the Bahamas. In the high jump, Jyles Etienne and Kyle Alcine both did 2.12m to
surprass the under-20 boys’ standard of 2.05m and four competitors – Ramel Poitier (3.50m), Douvankijlin Rolle (3.15m), Tristan Hanna (3.06) and Brandon Hanna (3.06) either surpassed or matched the under-230 boys pole vault standard of 3.06m. Another standard was surpassed in the under-20 boys triple jump with Tamar Greene clearing 15.08m to win. The standard was 15.00m. There was also some excitement in the under-18 boys’ high jump with Shaun Miller soaring 2.00m to beat out Benjamin Clarke, who did 1.95m. They both went over the qualifying height of 1.90m. “The performance today was great. I just want to thank God for it,” Miller stressed. “It was a personal best for me so I was very impressed. To jump in this type of competition was very inspiring because you can’t judge what other people would jump.” The 15-year-old Queen’s College standard, who missed the trip to Grenada last year because of an injury, said he intends to go to Curacao and compete for the gold. He acknowledged that his coach Ronald Cartwright and his father, Shaun Miller, would have him ready to achieve that goal. “Coach Cartwright understands how I feel as an athlete so we communicate on one page,” he stated. “So it’s a nice experience to be with him and to train with him.” Also two competitors qualified in the under-18 boys’ 400m with Sherrod Carey running 48.30 for the win over Tyrell Simms, who did 48.77. The standard was 48.90. Two others also qualified in
BUDDY Center in Sacramento, California, just two days prior on March 24. He shot 50 per cent (816) from the field, 2-3 from three-point range and added four rebounds and two assists. That game tied a previous career high of 21 points in a 102-95 January win over the Indiana Pacers when he shot 8-17, including 5-8 from three. Since the trade to the Kings, Hield has shot 49 per cent overall and 43 per cent from three-point range. Hield is fourth among rookies in scoring at 10.1 points per game, sixth in three point percentage at 39 per cent and fourth in free throw shooting at 87 per cent. Kings.com writer Benedict Tagle charted Hield’s shooting progress since joining the Kings through advanced analytics. “Taking a look at advanced statistics, his numbers become even more impressive. His effective field goal percentage is 59.7 per cent and his true shooting percentage is an astronomical 62.3 per cent. His baskets are coming at approximately an equal ratio of assisted and unassisted attempts. Exactly 49.5 per cent of his made field goals are assisted, while 50.5 per cent come unassisted. The uncertainty of how to defend the rookie guard is leading to open baskets. “About two-thirds of his shots, 67.2 per cent, come when the defender is at least four feet away - a distance the NBA characterises as an open basket. Hield is making opposing teams pay for their porous defence, making 50 per cent of his total open attempts. When the defender is four to six feet away, Hield’s effective field goal percentage jumps up to 68.3 per cent. When the defender is more than six feet away, it remains a very good 62 per cent,” he said. “When the rookie makes quick decisions, his results improve. When he holds the ball for two to six seconds during his touches, his effective field goal percentage is 57.4 per cent. When his touches are less than 2 seconds, his effective field goal percentage leaps to 64 per cent. Another key to his improvement has been the development of repeatable, consistent shots. For Buddy, his go-to attempt is a step-back jumper. On these attempts, he’s shooting 69.2 per cent from the field, as well as 80 per cent from downtown. On stepback jumpers, he has an effective field goal percentage of 84.6 per cent. He has also displayed good touch when pulling up. On pull-up jumpers, he is shooting 69.2 per cent overall and 100 per cent from long distance. His effective field goal percentage is 80.8 percent on these attempts.”
the under-18 boys’ javelin as Sean Rolle threw 61.41m and Michael Bullard did 60.18m. Their standard was 57.00m. Normally he would be contesting the individual events, but Bronson Rolle opted to compete in the under-20 boys’ octathlon and he came out on top at the end of the two-day competition. “It wasn’t as good as I wanted it to be, but that’s track and field,” he stated. “You don’t always do your best, so you have to get over it and focused on the next time that you compete.” For Rolle, after watching the event last year in Grenada, he felt he had the potential to go for the multiple events for his first year in the under-20 division. “I think it’s one of the event where you can have a lot of fun competing in track and field,” he pointed out. You compete with a set group and after going hard at it for so many events, you get to know them closer than in any of the other individual events.” The 18-year-old Queen’s College standout said the second day is his best because he has the 110m hurdles, long jump and javelin, which are his three strongest events. He just doesn’t like the 1,500m, which compete the competition. “I just have to work on being consistent because at these trials, I messed up on a couple of events,” said Rolle, who considers the shot put as his weakest event. “That’s track and field, but over the next two weeks, I will train and study my craft so I can win the gold at Carifta and hopefully I can break the record.”
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, April 3, 2017, PAGE 5
Celtic seals 6th Scottish title in row with 8 games to spare GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — Celtic clinched a sixth straight Scottish Premiership title yesterday with eight games to spare, reinforcing the Glasgow club’s complete supremacy of the domestic game. Brendan Rodgers’ unbeaten side established an insurmountable 25-point lead by beating Hearts 5-0 on Sunday, a 28th victory in 30 league games. The only draws came away at Inverness and then at home to Glasgow rival Rangers. Celtic’s unbeaten run across three domestic competitions currently stands at 36 games. The Glasgow team coached by former Liverpool manager Rodgers won the Scottish League Cup in late November and is also through to the semifinals of the Scottish Cup. Celtic is still three titles from matching the club’s record run of success from 1966 to 1974. “It is only the start for us,” Rodgers said. “I have the responsibility to the supporters. I am one of them, I know what they think and what they want and I want to try to bring them as far to that as I possibly can.” This league campaign started at Hearts in August with a 2-1 victory sealed by Scott Sinclair scoring on his debut — and he netted a hat trick in Sunday’s return trip to Edinburgh. Celtic has demonstrated its prowess, even with Rangers back in the top flight after a four-year ab-
CELTIC’S PATRICK ROBERTS, centre left, and Scott Brown celebrate winning the league after the Scottish Premiership match at Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland, yesterday. (Andrew Milligan/PA via AP) sence resulting from a financial meltdown. There were no wholesale changes to the squad inherited by Rodgers from Ronny Deila. Rodgers brought in the experienced former Manchester City and Arsenal defender Kolo Toure to help out at the back in the early stages of the cam-
paign. He tempted the exciting 20-year-old French striker Moussa Dembele from Fulham and he has gone on to score 17 league goals, plus 15 more so far in other competitions. Scotland striker Leigh Griffiths, who scored 40 goals last season, has been often been consigned to the
bench although he missed Sunday’s game through injury along with Dembele. Rodgers has rejuvenated the career of Sinclair since bringing the former Manchester City and Aston Villa attacker to Scotland. “When I signed, I expressed myself to say that I wanted to enjoy my football again, get my form back,
which I have, and just be under a manager who believes in me,” Sinclair said after taking his Celtic tally to 21 goals on Sunday. “And you can see that on the field and I’m just enjoying every minute of it.” Rodgers has also impressed transforming players who under-performed under Deila.
He gave a new lease of life to Stuart Armstrong by bringing him in to centre midfield — to the point he gained his first Scotland cap against Slovenia. Veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon’s form earned him a new deal. Left-back Kieran Tierney, still only 19, has kept his standards high and winger James Forrest has improved his consistency. Belgian defender Dedryck Boyata was a forgotten figure at Celtic Park before Rodgers restored him to the side on a permanent basis at the start of the year. Mikael Lustig, Jozo Simunovic and Erik Sviatchenko have been solid in defence and skipper Scott Brown has driven the team on again. There have been valuable contributions from players like Patrick Roberts, Callum McGregor, Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic. The next challenge for Rodgers is to take Celtic deep into a European competition. A 1-0 Champions League qualifying first-leg defeat away to Lincoln Red Imps of Gibraltar in Rodgers’ first game in charge raised eyebrows but the result was overturned in Glasgow and the team advanced to the lucrative group stages of the competition. A 7-0 defeat by Barcelona was a blot but Rodgers achieved two draws with Manchester City in a campaign which ended with the Scottish champions bottom of their group.
ARSENAL COMES FROM BEHIND TWICE TO HOLD MANCHESTER CITY IN LEAGUE By ROB HARRIS AP Global Soccer Writer LONDON (AP) — Arsenal twice fought back to hold Manchester City 2-2 in the Premier League yesterday after the attacking resilience of Arsene Wenger’s side was undermined by defensive deficiencies. Although goals from Theo Walcott and Shkodran Mustafi prevented Arsenal from sinking to a fifth loss in six league games, the failure to collect three points further damages the team’s bid to qualify for the Champions League. Arsenal remains seven points behind fourth-placed City, albeit with a game in hand over Pep Guardiola’s side. For City, which led through Leroy Sane and then Sergio Aguero, it is now about locking down a Champions League spot rather than winning
the league trophy for the first time since 2014. After a third consecutive league draw, Guardiola complained that his team “forgot to play” in north London. “We missed a little bit, forgot a little bit to attack,” he said. “Of course, we had the chance to make the counterattacks, but we missed easy balls and when this happens, you cannot control the ball.” Chelsea gave title rivals a glimmer of hope by losing to Crystal Palace on Saturday, but City is 11 points behind the leaders with nine games left. Guardiola has time to turn it around at City with the Spaniard in his first season in charge. Patience is wearing thin at Arsenal, though, with the title drought in its 13th year. Arriving at the Emirates Stadium can now resemble attending a political protest movement. There
are street rallies against the longstanding immovable leader and trucks carrying campaign messages. Gauging how deep the feelings run against Wenger is hard to assess. One supporters’ trust published a survey earlier in the week that showed a clear majority of fans want the manager to leave in May rather than sign a new contract, but it yielded only a few hundred responses. “I am here for 20 years and if I have shown one thing it is complete loyalty to this club,” Wenger said. “I will continue that and I will always support this club and wish after me it goes very well and even much better.” Inside the 60,000-capacity stadium, there was more apathy than anger throughout the game in the spring sunshine — even after conceding within five minutes of kickoff. Kevin De Bruyne picked out
the run of Sane with a long ball and the German outpaced Hector Bellerin, then rounded goalkeeper David Ospina before slotting in his eighth goal of the season. This should have been a game when City was more susceptible in defence with Jesus Navas deployed as a makeshift right back but Arsenal was producing little to unsettle goalkeeper Willy Caballero. It took a defensive muddle for Arsenal to equalise five minutes before halftime. Nicolas Otamendi’s poor clearance was seized on by Mustafi who headed high over the defence and, as Gael Clichy dithered, Walcott knocked in the equaliser. Parity only remained for 131 seconds before City was back in front. Once again, Arsenal was too open at the back and made to pay for it. David Silva laid the ball off to Aguero and the Argentina
WESTERN CONFERENCE
forward slotted into the bottom corner. “We started with quite a high level of anxiety and we are punished straight away,” Wenger said. “It was a mental test and overall you could see that the team was touched on the confidence front. The fluency in our game suffered, but as well we have shown great mental resources, because we are twice down and one time at the worst moment in a football game, just before halftime.” Arsenal did draw level again eight minutes into the second half. Mesut Ozil was the provider, and Mustafi rose above Otamendi to head in the forward’s corner. “We came back to 2-2 and overall I would say that it will help us to rebuild confidence,” Wenger said, “because ... we have shown some mental strength and that will help us to come back to our natural fluency.”
EASTERN CONFERENCE
LAKERS forward Brandon Ingram, right, shoots as Grizzlies forward James Ennis III defends during the first half on Sunday. (AP)
LAKERS BEAT THE GRIZZLIES 108-103 LOS ANGELES (AP) — D’Angelo Russell scored 28 points and three Los Angeles Lakers had double-doubles in a 108-103 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies yesterday. Memphis fell to 42-35, 1 ½ games back of Oklahoma City for the sixth spot in the Western Conference with five games to play. Mike Conley had 20 points and had 12 assists for the Grizzlies, but missed a 3-pointer with 6.3 seconds left that would have tied the score. Troy Daniels also had 20 points for Memphis. Julius Randle had 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers, while Larry Nance Jr added 12 points and 14 boards. Thomas Robinson finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds, the first time the Lakers had three double-doubles in a game since December 16, 2014 (Wesley Johnson, Jordan Hill and
Ed Davis). The Lakers are tied with Phoenix with the NBA’s third-worst record (22-55). TIP-INS Grizzlies: Vince Carter, 40, was rested. He had appeared in 50 of the Grizzlies’ last 51 games. “He’s running on fumes right now and giving me everything he has. I had to find a way to get him a break,” coach David Fizdale said. C Marc Gasol missed his fourth consecutive game with a left foot strain. Lakers: The Lakers continue to lead the league in scoring (48.1 points per game) off the bench. That could have something to do with having used 23 different lineups. After having started 10 consecutive games, rookie centre Ivica Zubac missed his second consecutive game with a sore right knee.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, April 3, 2017, PAGE 7
KONTA UPSETS WOZNIACKI FOR TITLE
Federer beats Nadal in Miami Open final By STEVEN WINE AP Sports Writer KEY BISCAYNE, Florida (AP) — Weary from three months of winning, Roger Federer hit one last shot yesterday, whacking a celebratory forehand into the stands to punctuate his victory over Rafael Nadal in the Miami Open final. Now comes a well-deserved two-month break. “I’m not 24 anymore,” Federer said. “I need a rest. My body needs healing.” He’s not complaining. At 35, Federer is playing some of the best tennis of his career — so good he’s even dominating his longtime nemesis. Federer beat Nadal for the third time this year, 6-3, 6-4, to become the oldest men’s champion in the 33-year history of the tournament. Federer also defeated Nadal in the Australian Open final in January, and two weeks ago en route to the Indian Wells title. He’s the first three-time champion this year on the
men’s tour — and ready for a break. The father of four has an exhibition scheduled next week, but plans to skip the bulk of the clay court season before returning for the French Open in late May. Federer said he arrived at Key Biscayne with low expectations, given his heavy workload of late, and felt tired in the final. Humid, 85-degree weather didn’t help. He won anyway. Nadal wore neon yellow, but there was no slowing Federer. The victory turned back the clock, as Federer has done so often of late. He also won Key Biscayne in 2005 and 2006. Nadal fell to 0-5 in Key Biscayne finals, including in 2005 against Federer. He was also runner-up in 2008, 2011 and 2014. Both players agreed the match was closer than the score and decided by a handful of points. Federer erased all four break points he faced, and while he failed to take ad-
FEDERER celebrates after beating Nadal yesterday. (AP) vantage of five early breakpoint chances himself, he broke in the next to last game of both sets. Serving for the championship at 5-4, Federer hit his only double-fault on the first point but quickly regrouped. The next point was the longest of the match, and Federer ended the 19-shot rally with a forehand winner in the corner.
By STEVEN WINE AP Sports Writer
When Nadal sailed a return long on the final point, Federer took the ball on a bounce behind the baseline and sent it into the stands, then waved both hands in jubilation. The sellout crowd was evenly divided in its support but roared for the popular champion. Federer saved two match points in his quarterfinal win against Tomas Berdych, and earned a three-tiebreaker win in the semi-finals against Nick Kyrgios. He didn’t face six-time champion Novak Djokovic or two-time time champion Andy Murray, who missed the tournament because of elbow injuries. Even so, Federer’s recent run is remarkable. He has the best record on men’s tour this year at 19-1, including 7-0 against players ranked in the top 10, and has won 11 matches in a row. His best start since 2006 comes after he missed the final six months of last year with a left knee injury.
KEY BISCAYNE, Florida (AP) — Johanna Konta lofted a lob off the baseline for a winner on championship point, waited for instant replay to confirm the call and even then hesitated to celebrate the biggest title of her 11-year career. “To be honest, I actually couldn’t kind of believe it was over,” she said with a grin. Seeded 10th, Konta was an unlikely champion, but the Australian-born Briton beat Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 6-3 in Saturday’s final at the Miami Open. Konta, a late bloomer at 25, improved to 19-3 this year and will climb to a career-high No. 7 next week. She was the first British woman to reach a Key Biscayne final, a tournament she was unable to qualify for just two years ago. “On paper it looks like a quick turnaround,” she said. “But it definitely has been a lot of years and a long time coming.” Konta was the more ag-
THE WEATHER REPORT
5-Day Forecast
TODAY
ORLANDO
High: 88° F/31° C Low: 68° F/20° C
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Partly sunny and pleasant
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A t‑storm in spots in the afternoon
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High: 87° Low: 70°
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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.
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Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 84° F/29° C Low .................................................... 69° F/21° C Normal high ....................................... 80° F/27° C Normal low ........................................ 67° F/20° C Last year’s high ................................. 89° F/32° C Last year’s low ................................... 76° F/24° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ................................................. 1.93” Normal year to date ..................................... 4.60”
ELEUTHERA
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High: 87° F/30° C Low: 70° F/21° C
Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2017
High: 79° F/26° C Low: 74° F/23° C
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Wednesday 3:49 a.m. 4:21 p.m.
2.8 2.4
10:20 a.m. 0.1 10:33 p.m. 0.0
Thursday
4:52 a.m. 5:24 p.m.
2.8 2.5
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6:41 a.m. 7:07 p.m.
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7:26 a.m. 7:50 p.m.
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gressive player in the final and finished with 33 winners, compared with eight for the 12th-seeded Wozniacki. Konta showed her versatility on the final point, drawing Wozniacki to the net with a drop shot and then floating a lob off the back of the line for the clincher. Konta received $1.18 million. Her other titles came at Sydney this year and Stanford in 2016. “She’s very aggressive,” Wozniacki said. “She takes the ball early and stresses the opponent.” Both finalists benefited from the absence of eighttime champion Serena Williams, who missed the tournament because of a knee injury.
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High: 88° F/31° C Low: 73° F/23° C
JOHANNA KONTA after her victory on Saturday. (AP)
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MAYAGUANA High: 80° F/27° C Low: 74° F/23° 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: 74° F/23° C
High: 82° F/28° C Low: 72° F/22° C
GREAT INAGUA High: 82° F/28° C Low: 75° F/24° C
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marine Forecast ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR
Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday:
WINDS SE at 10‑20 Knots S at 8‑16 Knots SE at 10‑20 Knots SE at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots SE at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 12‑25 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots SSE at 8‑16 Knots SE at 10‑20 Knots S at 10‑20 Knots SE at 10‑20 Knots SE at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots SSE at 10‑20 Knots E at 12‑25 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots SE at 10‑20 Knots SE at 10‑20 Knots
WAVES 3‑6 Feet 4‑7 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑6 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑6 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑6 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑6 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑6 Feet 4‑8 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 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. 72° F 72° F 79° F 79° F 77° F 77° F 79° F 79° F 75° F 75° F 78° F 78° F 77° F 77° F 78° F 78° F 79° F 79° F 80° F 79° F 76° F 76° F 79° F 79° F 77° F 77° F
PAGE 8, Monday, April 3, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
NEW PROVIDENCE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS
Cybots Queens stun Lady Cheetahs 67-64 in opener
THE New Providence Women’s Basketball Association’s best-of-three semi-final playoffs got started at the DW Davis Gymnasium on Saturday night with the Super Value Cybots Queens stunning the Career Builders Lady Cheetahs 67-64. Tracey Lewis scored 18 points as the Lady Cybots Queens pulled off the win. Letisha Grant had a game high 23 ponts in the loss. Game two of the series is scheduled for 8pm Thursday. If necessary, the third and deciding game will be played on Saturday. The winner will advance to the best-of-five championship series against the Bommer G Lady Operators, who got a bye as the pennant winners. Photos: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff
Regulators v Cybots, High Flyers v Truckers in NPBA showdowns FROM PAGE 1 Both series begin 7pm tonight at the AF Adderley Gymnasium. The Regulators captured the John Archer Division with a 72-67 win over the Commonwealth Bank Giants. Gamaliel Rose had his best game of the series in the clincher and led the Regulators with a game high 27 points and 12 rebounds. He shot 56 per cent from the field and also added two steals and two blocked shots. Eugene Bain added another double double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, Cruz Simon scored 13 while Miguel Mackey and Brian Bain each finished with six. Michael Bain led the Giants with 19, Gibran Smith finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds off the bench and Karon Pratt scored eight. The Regulators opened the game on a 7-0 run with scores from Rose, Simon and Bain. The Giants would battle back and Mark Hanna’s jumper tied the game at 12 at the 4:08 mark in the quarter. The Regulators took a 16-14 lead into the second. The early second saw them go on another run as Simon made a trio of free throws to give Mr Ship It an 18-31 lead with just about five minutes left to play in the half. The Giants would trim the deficit with an 11-2 run of their own, capped by a late jumper from Karon Pratt with 16 seconds left to make the scored 33-29. The Giants took their first lead of the game in the third quarter on a Jeffrey Henfield layup to go ahead 3433. The Giants would grab the lead back on the next possession starting a series of ties and lead changes for the final eight minutes of the quarter and they took a 49-49 tie into the fourth quarter. Leonard Light-
ON THE REPLAY: The Regulators captured the John Archer Division with a 72-67 win over the Commonwealth Bank Giants and the Cybots took the Vince Ferguson division and advanced with a convincing 89-77 win to advance to be the first team to advance to the finals. Photos: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff bourne’s three pointer gave the Regulators a lead on the opening possession of the quarter and the scored was tied again at 54 on David Taylor’s layup. Smith’s three pointer gave the Giants a 59-58 lead with just under five minutes left to play but Mackey would answer with a three on the ensuing posession to regain the lead for the Regulators for good. They clung to a 68-65 lead with 35 seconds left to play but Rose and Bain would make free throws down the stretch to seal the win and championship berth. Despite shooting just 37 per cent from the field, the Regulators made three more three pointers and had a 10 point advantage at the line. They made more
free throws (20-34) than the Giants attempted (10-19). The Cybots took the Vince Ferguson division and advanced with a convincing 89-77 win to advance to be the first team to advance to the finals. Ernest Saunders scored a game high 31 points on 10-20 shooting from the field and 11-14 from the free throw line. He also stuffed the stat sheet with four rebounds, three assists and four steals. He lead five Cybots in double figures. Livingston Munnings finished with a double double - 15 points and 13 rebounds, Delvonne Duncombe and Lerecus Armbrister each scored 12 and Jeremy Hutchinson each chipped in with 10.
William Rigby led the Shockers with 22 points and 10 rebounds, Salathiel Dead added 13 points 14 rebounds, six assists and three blocks and Jackson Dalmon scored 14. Despite a 10 rebound advantage, the Shockers only held a two-point advantage in second chance points. The Cybots also had a combined 12-point advantage in three-point shooting and free throws. Neither team led by more than six in a closely contested first quarter. Shakeil Adderley put the Shockers up six with under four minutes left to play, 16-10 and they eventually took a 2421 lead into the the second. The Cybots scored the first five points of the second on
a Hutchinson tip in and a Munnings three point play to take a 26-24 lead. A 9-3 run for the Shockers, capped by a Kamal Murphy layup, saw the Shockers take a 3529 lead. Munnings scored back to back baskets and Duncombe tied the game at 35 on a fastbreak layup. The Shockers won the rest of the quarter 10-6 the rest of the way and took a 45-41 lead at the half. Saunders erupted for 15 points in the third quarter to prevent the Shockers from pulling away. He scored the first four points of the quarter to tie the game at 45 early in the period and tied the game again at 47 on another layup. His hot shooting continued and he scored another six points to go ahead
53-47. Rigby would answer Saunders’ run with a trio of free throws and a pair of jumpers for seven consecutive points and a 54-53 lead. The Schockers went up by as much as six, 65-59 and led 65-53 headed into the fourth quarter. With the season on the line, the Cybots’ defence limited the Shockers to just 12 points in the fourth as they pulled away for good. Armbrister’s three pointer on the second possession of the fourth proved to be the go ahead score and gave the Cybots a 68-65 lead. Clinging to a 73-72 lead, the Cybots went on a 12-2 run to take their first double digit lead of the game, 85-74 on Saunders’ free throws with 2:33 left to play.