04202026 SPORTS

SPORTS

Keyshawn Strachan sets

Huskies javelin record

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BACK at full strength after an injured season last year, strongman Keyshawn Stachan opened his outdoor campaign with a Nebraska University Huskies men's javelin record and an NCAA-leading mark at the Big Red Classic in Michigan over the weekend.

Meanwhile, Northwestern State duo Tarajh Hudson and Abner Johnson turned in some credible performances on the field as well in Azusa, California.

A number of Bahamians, including versatile Anthaya Charlton and quarter-milers Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Javonya Valcourt, competed at the Tom Jones Memorial at the Percy Beard Track in Gainesville, Florida.

There were also quite a few other athletes in competition in other meets around the United States of America that drew some noteworthy attention.

Competing at the Nebraska Outdoor Track at the University of Nebraska, Strachan - a senior at Nebraska - tossed the spear 268-feet, seven inches or 81.86 metres to erase his previous mark of 265-9 (81.00m) that he posted last year at the Drake Relays. It turned out to be the second furthest in the United States of America for NCAA Division

One standards for Strachan, which was shy of his Bahamian national record of 277-11 (84.72m) that he did at the Texas Relays on March 31, 2023.

Although he posted his best heave on his sixth attempt, the 22-year-old Strachan led from the second round after he scratched the first. His next four series of throws were 234-2 (71.38m), 250-2 (76.26m), 234-5 (71.45m) and 241-6 (73.60m). Strachan's team-mates trailed

him in the next two spots with senior Augustus Henry second with 223-8 (68.17m) and sophomore Rayden Gorovitz was third with 223-8 (68.27m).

Also at the meet, Taysha Stubbs, now a freshman at Nebraska, picked up a fifth place finish in the women's javelin with her best heave of 169-3 (51.59m) on her second attempt.

Muddie Harris, competing unattached, was the winner with 186-10 (56.96m) on her sixth try. She led from start to finish.

MT SAC/Bryan Clay Invitational

At the Mt. San Antonio College Relays in Walnut, California, Abner Johnson had triple duties for the Demon where he won the men's shot put with a toss of 54-6 (16.61m), was second in the hammer throw with 157-10 (48.10m) and third in the discus with 146-06.

Of his performance in the shot put, Johnson said he was confident, focused and he was able to execute his technique the way he's been working on in training.

"The throw itself came together well, my timing, balance and power all clicked at the right moment," he said. "Once I saw the mark, I knew it would be tough for the rest of the field to match. Overall, this performance is a big step forward for me this season. It gives me confidence moving forward."

Tarajh Hudson, the other member of Northwestern State, competed at the Bryan Clay Invitational in Azusa, California, where he won the men's discus for the Demon with a toss of 175-1 (53.36m).

Tom Jones Memorial Charlton, competing for Puma, got second in the women's long jump invite with a best leap of 22-5 (6.83m) on her first attempt as she led the Bahamian delegation at the Percy Beard Track in Florida.

KEYSHAWN Stachan in action in this file photo.

Lex Brown, representing Nike, surpassed her for the top spot in the fifth round with 230-2 1/4 (7.07m). Miller-Uibo, the Olympic and world champion competing for Adidas, won her heat in the women's 200m Olympic Development event in 22.64, but she had to settle for sixth place overall. American McKenzie Long, also competing for Adidas, had the fastest time overall in 22.42.  In her absence from the 400m, led by Javonya Valcourt, in 50.86 for third place overall. The winning time was 50.55 by Dejanes Gidkey, a senior at Georgia, in 50.56.

The other Bahamians in the event were Lacarthea Cooper, a senior at Texas A&M, was 10th in 51.63, Quincy Penn, a junior at Florida, was 16th in 52.30 and Grand Bahamian Cassidra Thompon, a senior at Auburn, was 32nd in 53,67. Indiana Little State Champs K'Leigh Davis, a freshman at Indiana Tech, picked up a second place finish in the women' 100m in 12.16 at the Indiana Little State Championships in Marion, Indiana. She was edged out by her sophomore team-mate Gabrielle Hoskins, who won in 12.15. Also at the meet, D'Arjha Davis, a senior at Taylor University, finished third in the women's 200m in 25.92. Davis also ran on the Trojans' 4x100m relay team of Blessing Ogbeiwi, Siefert, Nicole and Braz Domene that came second in 47.72. Joe Gillespie Invite Ranger Community College's sophomore Apryl Adderley came sixth in the women's triple jump at the Joe Gillespie Invitational at the Oscar Frazier Memorial Track in Stephenville, Texas, with her best leap of 38-9 3/4 (11.83m) on her second attempt. The winning leap was 41-0 (12.50m) by Sofia DeGroot, a junior at Tarleton State.

‘VJ’ scores 13 in his first playoff game

By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@ tribunemedia.net

VALDEZ

“VJ” Edgecombe’s first playoff game was a learning curve against a championship-level opponent.

The rookie guard finished with 13 points, three rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes as the Philadelphia 76ers fell 123-91 to the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of their first-round series yesterday at TD Garden.  Edgecombe shot 6-of-16 from the field but struggled from deep, going 0-for-5 from three-point range.

He added two steals and was active defensively, but Boston’s physicality and defensive pressure limited his overall efficiency.

Boston set the tone early and never trailed, opening with a 33-18 first-quarter advantage and controlling the pace throughout the game.

The Celtics extended the lead to double digits by halftime and continued to build separation in the second half, winning every quarter after.

Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 21 points and eight assists, while Paul George added 17 points. Kelly Oubre Jr chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds as the 76ers struggled offensively, particularly from beyond the arc.  Boston’s balance was the difference. Jayson Tatum led all scorers with 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Jaylen Brown added 26 points. The Celtics shot efficiently and controlled the flow from start to finish, never allowing Philadelphia to mount a sustained run.  Edgecombe's stat line reflects the adjustment to playoff basketball. The opportunities were there but the efficiency dipped against a disciplined and experienced Celtics defence. His ability to stay on the floor, handle the moment and contribute still stands out in his first postseason appearance.

Game 1 goes decisively to Boston but, for Edgecombe, it marks the starting point of his playoff experience against one of the

top teams.

Karting star Lenox, 10, shows he has what it takes

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN kart-

ing star Lenox Lockhart showed that he has what it takes to be competitive among the best go karting competitors around the world.

The 10-year-old racing prodigy completed his debut in Europe at the WGK Euro Series for the South Garci Karting in Italy with a seventh place finish in Grade 3. He had a remarkable turn around in the final two races after he had a crash at the start of the first race.

"This weekend was very exciting. I drove against the best drivers in the world," Lockhart said.

"It felt good to know that I was faster than them. I felt like I could have done more. I can’t wait for my next race."

His father, Migueal, said it was a good weekend for his son.

"The result reflects a weekend where Lenox consistently ran at the front of

36 international drivers, combining speed, racecraft and continued development in one of the most competitive environments in international karting," said Migueal, who was joined by his wife Gabriel.

"During Friday’s heats, Lenox was one of the standout drivers in the Mini GR3 category, taking a race win in heat three and finishing P2 in heat two, confirming

his debut in Europe at the WGK Euro Series for the South Garci Karting in Italy.

his speed against a highly competitive international field."

The Lockharts are working closely with the Parolin Racing Team under the guidance of Marco Parolin.

A highlight off track was meeting Formula One driver George Russell during the event.

"Thank you to Parolin Racing Team, Alex, Lorenzo, and MA Engines

for the work and support throughout the weekend," the Lockharts said.

"Lenox continues to represent The Bahamas on the international stage in his 2026 European campaign," they said.

According to his publicist Susan Schauff, Lockhart competed against the crème de la crème in racing, including the son of Susie and Toto Wolff, Jack Wolff

from the Mercedes Formula 1 Petronas.

"It's the race track where Susie and Toto Wolff competed," Schauff revealed.

Also competing in the group with Lockhart were Attiqua Mair, a resident of Dubai, whose  father was a racer, and Devin Titz, whose father has his own race team in Mercedes.

Lockhart and his family will remain in Italy for their

THE WEATHER REPORT

next series from April 23-26 when he competes in the ACI Italian Championship, Round 1, in Lonato del Garda.

After his initial appearance in Europe, Lockhart will head to the United States to compete in the IAME Grand National Championship at the Trackhouse Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina.

CI Gibson Rattlers celebrate with former NFL player Ray ‘RJ’ Lewis

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IT was another day of celebrations for the CI Gibson Rattlers Athletic Department, but this time with a special guest appearance from American former National Football League player Ray “RJ” Lewis.

The entrepreneur, motivational speaker and executive consultant not only gave a congratulatory message to the Rattlers’ teams, but he also presented the senior boys’ basketball teams with either a pair of LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo tennis shoes.

Following the ceremony in which the team as well as the senior girls’ basketball team were presented with their championship rings, Lewis joined them in a motorcade through the streets of New Providence.

Lewis was invited to be the guest speaker at

the ceremony by his close

friend Elvis Pierre. Every time he came to The Bahamas from the United States, Lewis said he's been pleased with the hospitality shown and he was delighted to be able to receive that at CI Gibson.

"This was a good opportunity to award people who are champions," said Lewis, a former collegiate two time football champion at Hampton University.

“Being a champion on the field or on the court is more than just life,” he said.

Lewis, who went to play in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and the New Orleans Saints, said he wanted to encourage the athletes to trust God and not chase things for prosperity. When they have a servitude attitude, their successes will come.

"You can't replace integrity and character," said Lewis, who achieved his master’s degree with a joint doctoral programme at San Diego University for integrated studies. He noted that he provided the tennis shoes to show the players that when they look nice on the court, they will play better and continue to go after the championships.

Pierre, a 1990 graduate and current president of the Alumni Association, said as an employee at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, he first met Lewis when he was a guest and they became close friends.

"I called him and told him that CI Gibson won the basketball and volleyball titles and they were doing good in education," said Pierre, who played on the basketball team when he attended the school.

"I was happy that he came and spoke to the students and presented them with the tennis shoes. I'm only disappointed that we didn't get anything for the girls. But there's a lot more to come for the school."

Mario Rolle, the most valuable player for the Rattlers team, said he felt good because "all of the relief and stress is over. We came back together today to celebrate, so it's a good position to be in right now."

Darius Hanna, another senior, said from the moment he stepped into CI Gibson, long-time coach Kevin 'KJ' Johnson advised him and Rolle that they would get their chance to shine.

"We both became seniors, we led by example and we ended up winning the GSSSA and the Hugh

Campbell basketball titles," Hanna said. "So it feels very good the way we have done this year."

To the players they are leaving behind, Hanna encouraged them to pay attention to the instructions given to their coaches and never "get divided or start to hate each other. Always encourage each other as one."

As they both prepare to head off to prep school in North Carolina, Rolle said he hopes that their teammates will work hard to achieve their eighth Hugh Campbell title.

Principal Chavez Rutherford said the day was not just designed for the athletes, but the students as well who were number one in the District in BJC percentage passes and No.1 in the nation in technology and vocational studies. Their school band and choir is listed as one of the best for the Clement C Bethel awards to go along with their boys winning the GSSSA volleyball title while the girls were runners-up, the girls winning the basketball title with the boys not completed, but the boys taking the Hugh Campbell title.

The Rattlers also got third overall in the GSSSA track and field championships and their boys and girls are leading in the uncompleted softball season.

"So we have a lot to celebrate and we thank God for the many blessings he has bestowed upon us," Rutherford stressed. "So we always say we are second to none and that is because we always put God first."

Rutherford said the icing on the cake was Lewis making the trek from California to celebrate with the Rattlers. In turn, Lewis was presented with a t-shirt from CI Gibson displaying their sporting feats.

BLTA: Roberts has ‘exceptional showing’ at ITF M15 tourney

By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN tennis player

Justin Roberts turned a qualifying entry into a statement week on the international stage, advancing all the way to the championship match at the ITF M15 tournament in Orlando before finishing runner-up.

The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) confirmed Roberts’ run on Sunday, calling it an “exceptional” showing as he battled through both the qualifying draw and main draw to reach the final.

Entering the tournament as a qualifier, Roberts stacked together multiple wins against a deep international field to secure his spot in the title match.

His path included victories over Morocco’s Reda Bennani, Argentina’s Alexis Gurmendi, American

Nikolas Stoot, and eighth seed Michael Antonius of the United States in the semifinals, highlighting one of the strongest stretches of his professional career. Roberts fell in the final to top seed Corentin Denolly of France in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1, but the result did little to take away from what the BLTA described as a breakthrough performance.

At 29 years old, Roberts continues to build on a professional career that has already seen him reach a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 753 and capture ITF titles in both singles and doubles.

Roberts plays right-handed with a one-handed backhand and developed his game through collegiate tennis at Arizona State University before transitioning fully to the professional circuit.

His recent run in Orlando reinforces his preferred surface strength on clay and reflects the resilience that has

Local Sports Calendar

SOFTBALL BBSC SOFTBALL CLASSIC

THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation Softball Classic, which was scheduled for this weekend, has been postponed until the weekend of July 17-18 at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

The BBSF, instead, will not host its next event until the Volleyball Classic is staged at the CI Gibson Gymnasium over the weekend of June 19-20.

CONSTITUENCY  SOFTBALL

THE New Providence Sports Council, in conjunction with the Bahamas Softball Federation, is slated to hold the Constituency Games Softball Tournament from Tuesday,

April 28 to Sunday, May 3, in the Bankers’ Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

The men will play modified pitch during the tournament, while the women will play slowpitch. For more information, persons can contact BSF president Marvin ‘Togie’ Wood at 808-7281.

RED-LINE YOUTH CLASSIC

THE Red-Line Athletics Track Club is scheduled to hold its Youth Track Classic on Saturday, May 2-3 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The event is open to athletes from the under-7 to under-15 divisions for boys and girls. To register, persons can log onto www.CoochORegistration.com

Ayton has double double - 19 points and 11 rebounds - to help Lakers win playoff opener

By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP)

— Luke Kennard scored a career playoff-high 27 points, LeBron James had 19 points and 13 assists, and the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers capitalised on Kevin Durant's injury absence for a 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in the opener of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night.

Deandre Ayton had 19 points and 11 rebounds for the fourth-seeded Lakers, who pulled off an impressive win without their top two scorers.

Both teams played the opener without their most important player. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have been out indefinitely with injuries since April 2, while Durant was a late scratch with a bruised right knee.

Los Angeles thrived by hitting 60.6% of its shots while holding the Rockets to 37.6% shooting with pesky defense. That disparity allowed the Lakers to win despite attempting just 66 shots — the fewest in an NBA game in the past three seasons — and giving up 21 offensive rebounds.

“That’s what it has to be — a collective group,” the 41-year-old James said after beginning his 19th NBA postseason. “When you’re missing so much firepower like we are right now with AR and Luka being out, we all have to do our job and maybe have to do a little bit

defined his career, including becoming one of only a handful of Bahamians to win an ITF professional singles title.

BLTA interim president Marvin Rolle praised the performance, noting that advancing from qualifying to a professional final speaks to Roberts’ work ethic and competitiveness, while also serving as inspiration for the next generation of Bahamian players.

The association said the result is a positive indicator for the growth of tennis in the country, pointing to Roberts’ performance as evidence that Bahamian players can compete and succeed on the international stage.

Roberts’ run in Orlando adds another milestone to his career and provides momentum as he continues to compete on the ITF circuit, with the focus now shifting to building on that result and pushing further up the professional rankings.

more, protect one another offensively and defensively, and I think we did that tonight.”

Alperen Sengun scored 19 points and Jabari Smith Jr. had 16 points and 12 rebounds for the fifthseeded Rockets. Amen Thompson added 17 points. Game 2 is Tuesday night in Los Angeles. The Lakers acquired Kennard from Atlanta in early February, and the NBA’s most accurate 3-point shooter became a key reserve before he seized a major role over the past two weeks. He hit four 3-pointers in Game 1 while making nine of his first 12 shots.

Durant banged knees with a teammate in practice Wednesday. Reed Sheppard five 3-pointers while scoring 17 points, but the Rockets struggled to score consistently.

“We won a lot of areas, but just shot poorly,” Houston coach Ime Udoka said. “That’s going to be tough to beat, but there are some things we left on the table, opportunities missed."

Los Angeles also got a boost from Marcus Smart, who had 15 points and eight assists with four 3-pointers. Smart said before the series that success would come down to “willpower” — and the Lakers clearly had more for starters.

Bronny James began the second quarter playing alongside his famous father in the first significant playoff minutes of the 21-year-old's career.