SPORTS SECTION E
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
CHAMPS LEAGUE- E9
Third best rookie ‘VJ’ and 76ers stay alive • Valdez Edgecombe Jr finishes 3rd in Rookie of the Year voting after strong career start • Bimini native scores 10 points to help Philadelphia beat Boston 113-97 • Game 6 is back in the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ on Thursday night By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@ tribunemedia.net
KEEPING OUR SEASON ALIVE: Philadelphia 76ers’ Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe Jr reacts after a dunk during the first half of Game 3 against the Boston Celtics in their first-round basketball series on Friday, April 24, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
FACING elimination on the road, the Philadelphia 76ers delivered a composed, efficient performance to extend their season with a 113-97 win over the Boston Celtics in game five last night. Bahamian rookie Valdez ‘VJ’ Edgecombe Jr posted another steady postseason showing that showed the consistency he has built throughout his first year in the league. Edgecombe finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal in 39 minutes, continuing to play a significant role on both ends of the floor. He shot 3-of-8 from the field and knocked down 3-of-6 from three-point range, spacing the floor effectively while contributing on the glass against a physical Boston lineup. In a high-pressure environment at TD Garden, Edgecombe did not force his offence but instead operated within Philadelphia’s structure, especially with the return of big man Joel Embiid who missed the beginning of the postseason due to an appendix surgery. Edgecombe’s perimeter shooting helped stretch
Karting star Lenox Lockhart seeking financial support IN a meeting at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture yesterday, Susan Schauff, vice president of the Motorsports Federation of The Bahamas/FIA Association presented an update of the sport and the progress being made by 10-year-old sensation Lenox Lockhart. “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to unite in a way that little else does," Schauff said. "It speaks to the youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.” Just four days ago, Schauff noted that Lockhart made history by becoming the first Bahamian to secure pole position at a European Championship karting event in Italy. This remarkable achievement follows his success in 2025, where he was crowned champion in the United States. "As an elite young athlete, Lenox is already being watched by the highest levels of motorsport, including all 11 Formula 1 teams worldwide," Schauff said. "Through his performances, he continues to inspire the youth of The Bahamas and proudly
represents our nation on the international stage as a true ambassador for the country. "We, the Motorsports Federation of The Bahamas and the FIA Association, are present here today through the support and vision of Bahamas Events & Sports. We share a deep belief in the potential of Bahamian youth and in the power of sport to inspire and create meaningful change. As Nelson Mandela famously stated, “Sport has the power to change the world.” It is well known within the Formula 1 community including by seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton that EduKarting plays a vital role in nurturing young talent. Sir Lewis’s journey to becoming a world champion was only possible through the support of sponsors, despite his father working multiple jobs. Similarly, Lockhart’s parents work tirelessly to support his career, yet continued sponsorship is essential to keep him competitive and enable him to progress toward Formula 1. "On behalf of the Motorsports Federation of
Boston’s defence, while his rebounding total ranked among the team’s best on the night. He also avoided costly mistakes, committing just one turnover in his extended minutes. Philadelphia was led by Embiid, who posted 33 points, eight assists and four rebounds, controlling the game on offence. Tyrese Maxey added 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Paul George contributed 16 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in a well-balanced effort. The 76ers shot efficiently as a group, connecting on 52.2 per cent from the field and getting timely contributions from their bench, including 18 points from Quentin Grimes. For Edgecombe, the performance fits a broader pattern that has defined his rookie campaign. He has been relied upon heavily from the start, appearing in 75 games while averaging 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game. His workload was notable, as he tied for ninth in the NBA in minutes per game, an uncommon responsibility for a firstyear guard. That level of trust translated into production. Edgecombe consistently impacted multiple areas of the game, showing scoring
Minister Bowleg: ‘We have implemented the pension funds for our elite athletes’ By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
POLE POSITION: Lenox Lockhart wih his parets Migueal and Gabriela Lockhart. The Bahamas and the FIA Association, in the name of Lenox Lockhart, we extend our sincere gratitude to Bahamas Events & Sports for initiating this campaign to support our young champion," Schauff said. "We hope and pray that others will follow your commendable lead. It is
therefore an honour to accept this donation in Lenox’s name. We wish Bahamas Events & Sports continued success and prosperity as you inspire the next generation, and we look forward to Lenox Lockhart continuing his journey on the racetrack with your valuable support."
ability, defensive activity and playmaking growth as the season progressed. His ability to handle extended minutes and remain effective has been one of the key indicators of his long-term potential. In the Rookie of the Year voting race, Edgecombe finished third after a strong debut season. Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg secured the award, while Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel was named runner-up. Despite not taking home the honour, Edgecombe established himself firmly in that conversation and reinforced his standing as one of the league’s most productive rookies. His transition to playoff basketball has followed a similar trajectory. While not always the focal point offensively, Edgecombe has provided stability and defensive effort, all while maintaining his composure in high-stakes situations. Game six now moves back to Philadelphia, where the 76ers will look to build on this performance and force a decisive game seven to keep their impressive playoff run alive. For a rookie playing heavy postseason minutes, his performance in this game offered another example of his readiness for the moment.
AS he gets ready to demit office going into the 2026 general elections, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg acknowledged that he has "no regrets" in the manner in which he performed his duties. Bowleg, a former banker and immediate past president of the Bahamas Basketball Federation, said the four and-a-half years in office under the Philip 'Brave' Davis led Progressive Liberal Party was a rewarding one. "I can go on record and say under this administration, we have increased the subvention for all of our elite athletes and we have implemented the pension funds for our elite athletes," Bowleg said. "We have increased the subvention for all of our federations from $20,000 to $80,000. With just those few things alone, we were able to help federations to get the necessary funding to be able to have their
national team travel and the athletes can get their training done as elite athletes." In reflecting on his past four and-a-half year tenure in office, Bowleg said his ministry was able to carry out improvements to all of the sporting facilities throughout New Providence and Grand Bahama. "Even though we are behind in our facilities in the Family Islands, we are working on those," said Bowleg, noting that a number of new sporting facilities are also being proposed for those islands that don't have any. When asked if he has any "regrets," Bowleg said emphatically "none whatsoever." Bowleg will seek another term as the Member of Parliament for Garden Hills where he will be challenged by the three-time National Basketball Association champion Ulrich “Rick” Fox as the candidate for the Free National Movement, along with Ayesha Cleare, the candidate for the Coalition of Independence.