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SPORTS SECTION E

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2017

Bria making a name for herself in triple jump By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

ove over Leevan ‘Superman’ Sands. Young sister Bria Sands is creating a niche of her own in the triple jump. At the Blackwell Stadium in Gulf Shores, Alabama, the Life University sophomore won the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Outdoor Championship in the women’s triple jump with a leap of 12.31 metres or 40-feet, 4 3/4–inches, just off her personal best of 12.32m. “It was a relief because I came into the competition really nervous and I didn’t know what the outcome would be at the end of my season with this being my last meet,” Sands told The Tribune.

SANDS WINS NAIA NATIONAL OUTDOOR TITLE “I wanted to go hard, but I also wanted to remain injury free and come out mentally strong. The competition was good. I had a rough start. I wasn’t leading distance wise, but I jumped very well to pull it off.” While Leevan Sands was getting ready to compete in a meet in Atlanta, Bria Sands got some extra incentive on the sidelines as her parents – Elaine and Leevan Sands Sr – surprised her by showing up to watch her in her double duties as she also contested the long jump where she got fourth with a leap of 5.64m (18-6). “I was so overjoyed because I didn’t know that they were going to make it,” Sands lamented.

BRIA SANDS

“When I was getting ready to jump, my dad came over and pulled my hair. When I saw him and my mom, I just knew that I had to go hard.” And she certainly didn’t disappoint her parents as they made the trek to Alabama. “We were extremely proud to witness Bria’s mature performance in which she did under tremendous pressure during her final minutes in the competition,” said her proud mother, Elaine. “We give God the honour and the praise for her accomplishment.” Sands was also the champion of the 37th Annual Women’s Indoor Track and Field National Championships in the triple jump with a leap of 11.93m (39-1 ¾).

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Wildcats eat Sharks 12-7 By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IT was a pitcher’s delight for Mechelle Moss and a batter’s dream for Larikah Russell as they combined to help the Sunshine Auto Wildcats pull off a 12-7 victory over the Platinum Pool Sharks in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex last night. With the win, the Wildcats improved their New Providence Softball Association women’s win-loss record to 2-1, rebounding from losing their first game to secure two straight, while the Lady Sharks suffered their first loss in two games. Moss, the workhorse in the absence of former mainstay Mary ‘Cruise’ Edgecombe, tossed a seven hitter with six strike outs and two walks, giving up two earned runs and batting clean up in their lineup, went 1-for-5 with a run batted in (RBI) and scored on another. “It was good to get the win like this,” said Moss, the talented teenager who pitched all three games so far this season. “We went out there and were able to take care of business.” Russell, batting just ahead of Moss, went 1-for-2 with three RBI and a run scored. Her only hit came in a five-run top of the fifth inning and it was a big plate appearance. With one out and third sacker Shakenah Sweeting sitting on third with a run-producing double and second sacker Rebecca Moss on a RBI single, Russell ripped a pitch from Lady Sharks’ Sari Albury to left-centre field for a three-run inthe-park homer. “With two runners on, I was just looking for a good pitch to hit,” said Russell, who was walked intentionally twice. “I didn’t think I would hit it that hard, but I’m glad that I did.” Russell, the versatile tennis player/coach, said she was glad that they were able to bounce back and win after getting off to a sluggish start. She commended the Lady Sharks, a youthful team managed by Stephen ‘Bishop’ Beneby, whom she felt put up a very good fight.

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PITCHER’S DELIGHT: Mechelle Moss on the mound last night as the Sunshine Auto Wildcats pulled off a 12-7 victory over the Platinum Pool Sharks in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

NBA Finals

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MILLER APPOINTED TO PASO TECHNICAL COMMISSION By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net WELLINGTON Miller, president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, has been given some extra responsibilities as a member of the Technical Commission of the Pan American Sports Organisation (PASO). PASO is the international organisation which represents all National Olympic Committees of the Americas. It is part of the worldwide Olympic family of sporting organisations charged with maintaining alliances with the international and Pan American confederations to raise the level of sports in the broad American continent. As the first Bahamian to be appointed to such a board, Miller’s role took effect on Monday and he will sit on a five-member panel for the next four years as they plan all of the programmes for the Pan Am Games and any new games that PASO intends to initiate for their 41-member countries. “For me and the Bahamas, it’s a great thing because we can show people that we are just as good on the sports field as we are in the boardroom,” Miller said. “Being on PASO Technical Commission, I get to sit in the heart of the organisation that actually runs the games. “I’ve been asked to serve on the Commission by the president and I think it’s a great honour for me, the country and sports because I can give guidance on how the games should be ran. It’s a very prestigious position and I look forward to working with the other members.” With the Bahamas getting ready to host the Commonwealth Youth Games next month, Miller said PASO, which is responsible primarily for the Pan American Games, is looking at the possibility of hosting a Youth Pan Am Games and it is hoped that the Bahamas will be able to make a bid when it goes to tender. “The outside world is now looking to the Bahamas, not only for athletes, but they are looking to the Bahamas for administrators too,” Miller said. “I’m happy that they have chosen me. “I will do my best to serve to the best

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BOC ‘plans for Commonwealth Youth Games on target’ By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net THE 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games is fast approaching and Bahamas Olympic Committee president Wellington Miller

said they are looking forward to putting on the show of all shows. “Our plans for the Commonwealth Youth Games is on target,” he said. “We are looking forward to fully executing our plans. We believe we will put on the best show that has ever been staged in the Bahamas. “We want to advise the people to have their expectations very high because we are coming out with a great games. I don’t want anybody to come out with any low expectations. The games will be ran professionally by Bahamians and we will execute it to the best of our ability.” The Bahamas stepped in to take on the hosting of the sixth edition of the games just last year after St Lucia withdrew in 2015, citing financial difficulties. The games, which is expected to feature some 69 countries, is scheduled for July 1923 with the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre as the hub of the activities, inclusive of aquatics, athletics, beach soccer, beach

volleyball, boxing, cycling, judo, rugby sevens and tennis. “This games is being produced and directed by Bahamians,” Miller said. “We are going to show the people that just as we are good on the field of play, we are also going to be good in the boardroom in executing these games.” Although there has been a change in government on May 10, Miller said the Free National MILLER Movement is committed to supporting the Local Organising Committee, headed by Rommel Knowles.

“We know that the new government has seen the importance of us hosting these games and they will continue to support us just as the previous government, Progressive Liberal Party, who consented for us to host the games,” Miller said. “This is going to be a proud moment for the Bahamas, it’s going to be an historic moment too. So we know that while the countries are getting ready to make their way here, we are doing everything to make sure that their stay is a very comfortable one.” With one or two new facilities being erected for the games, Miller said the National Sports Authority, headed by its chairman Lynden Maycock, has done everything to ensure that they are up to the international standards. “I believe the NSA is setting a standard of what it means to have the facilities maintained to the highest level,” Miller said.

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PAGE 2, Wednesday, May 31, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

BRIA SANDS (fourth from left) stands tall as the winner of the NAIA women’s triple jump.

BRIA SANDS WINS NAIA NATIONAL OUTDOOR TITLE IN TRIPLE JUMP FROM PAGE 1

JOB WELL DONE: Bria Sands is congratulated by her proud parents, Elaine and Leevan Sands Sr.

BRIA SANDS celebrates her NAIA victory.

BRIA SANDS with Bahamian head coach Nyles Stuart, of Life University.

Sands was also 10th in the long jump with 5.54m (18-2 ¼). The championships were held March 2-4 in Johnson City, Tennessee. “Indoors for me was a little nerve wrecking because I felt that my phases were not what I wanted,” she reflected. “My coach told me they were okay, but they were not coming together like I wanted. “I didn’t get a PR (my personal best is 11.91), but I got a good distance, which allowed me to get the gold. It was the same thing outdoors. I felt I could have done better, but it was good to come out with both of the titles.” Nyles Stuart coaches the 19-year-old biology major. He is a former Bahamian triple/long jumper and brother of women’s national long jump record holder Bianca ‘BB’ Stuart and the head coach of the track

team at Life University, replacing Cathy Faust. “It’s a privilege for me because we understand each other because we come from the same place and he knows me, always my whole life,” Sands said. “So he knows how to communicate with my family and so when there’s something that I’m not doing right, he’s been there to make the necessary corrections.” Now that her season is over, Sands is looking forward to coming home to compete in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Open Track and Field Championships. If she doesn’t make it for Grand Bahama for the June 23-24 championships, Sands said she would just take the time to recuperate from her season and prepare for her junior year at Life University and her quest to repeat as both the indoor and outdoor champion.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, May 31, 2017, PAGE 3

BAHAMAS SWIM FEDERATION PAYS COURTESY CALL ON MINISTER PINTARD

COURTESY CALL: Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard (third from left) is pictured with members of the Bahamas Swim Federation during a courtesy call at the ministry on Monday. Shown (l-r) are BSF President Algernon Cargill, Alexis Wells, Minister Pintard, Rochelle Bastian, Chief Sports Officer Kevin Colebrooke and Director of Sports Timothy Munnings. Photo: Eric Rose/BIS

NPSA PLAYERS OF THE WEEK IN THE SPOTLIGHT THE New Providence Softball Association has announced the recipients of the Player of the Week honours in both the men’s and ladies’ divisions following week one of their regular season. In an effort to further enhance the league, the NPSA selects and publishes the recipients once a week in The Tribune. • Here’s a look at the first two Players of the Week: Men’s Division Rudy Fox of the C&S Hitmen, in two games played so far, went a combined 4-for-6 with a home run, scored four (4) runs and drove in five (5) RBI (runs batted in)

RUDY FOX

Ladies’ Division Dache Stubbs, of the Platinum Pool Sharks, went 3-for-4 with a grand slam, scored a (1) run and added fiver (5) RBI.

WELLINGTON MILLER APPOINTED TO PASO TECHNICAL COMMISSION BOARD FROM PAGE 1 of my ability and make sure that I leave an indelible mark so that when other countries look for persons to be on their committees, they can look and see that the Bahamas is not just a country on the field of play, but we are good at administration too.” Once he’s done, Miller said he hopes to leave a good track record and they can also come back and look for others to follow in his footsteps. “I’m looking forward to the day that we can expand our talent to run games all around the world,” Miller projected. “The Commonwealth Youth Games will pave the way for us to take on other prestigious events because of what we expect to put on. “From these games, we know that we will have people coming to the Bahamas looking for administrators so it’s going to be important for us to put on a very successful Commonwealth Youth Games and we are confident that we can do that.” The PASO Technical Commission will meet in Miami, Florida, during the second week of June. Among the relevant topics for discussion are new multi-sport events that will support and develop the new generations of athletes and the definition of sports and technical

WELLINGTON MILLER programmes of the Pan American Games and other future events.

BOC ‘plans for Commonwealth Youth Games on target’ FROM PAGE 1

“They are getting the facilities ready to be used for the athletes when they come here to compete.” As the youth games serves as a preparation for the senior or elite games, Miller said it’s important to ensure that the athletes are treated just as fairly when the games are staged here. From July 16-17, Miller said they intend to welcome the first set of athletes for the games. Once that is done, they will then look forward to the official opening ceremonies and the start of the intense competition. Six students from Brock University in Canada have been in the Bahamas for the past six months assist-

ing the LOC in the preparation for the games. “If they didn’t have the confidence in us in organising these games, they would not have sent their students down here to do their course in Sports Management,” Miller said. “For us alone, that is a great accomplishment. “When those students go back to Canada and write their exams, they will always remember that they did their practical right here in the Bahamas at the build up to the Commonwealth Youth Games.” The Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) is an international multi-sport event organised by the Commonwealth Games Federation. The games are

held every four years with the current Commonwealth Games format. The first version was held in Edinburgh, Scotland, August 10-14, 2000. A decision was taken by the Commonwealth Games Federation at their General Assembly in 2005 to move the Youth Games outside of the Olympic Games year and in doing so awarded the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games to the Isle of Man. A decision was taken at the General Assembly in 2008 to award the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games to Samoa (5-11 September 2015) and also to subsequently adjust the quadrennial cycle, so that future events will take place in 2017, 2021 and so on.

DACHE STUBBS

CITY BOWLING LEAGUE COMPLETES FIRST ROUND OF PLAYOFFS THE City Bowling League completed its first round of playoffs on Monday night. Giga Tech took on the Ten Back Strikers and the NUA Crusaders faced the CDM Knights in a bestof-five game series. Ten Back Strikers was led by a 251 high game and a 651 high three game set from Yule Hoyte and a 246 game and a 615 set from Mario Brown as they swept Giga Tech 3-0. Ansel Ferguson led Giga Tech with a 183 game and a 522 set. In the second game, the CDM Knights got a 212 game and a 572 three game set from Bud Cambridge as they downed the NUA Crusaders 3-0 despite some excellent bowling from Angie Smith, who led NUA with a 189 high game and a 533 three game set. The playoffs are slated to continue next week with Ten Back Strikers taking on Bahamasair Flyers and the CDM Knights face Island Game Strokers.

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THE TRIBUNE

ZIDANE LOOKING LIKE A VETERAN AT MADRID’S HELM DOUBTS ABOUT BALE’S FITNESS By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer MADRID (AP) — Only 17 months into his first head-coaching job, Zinedine Zidane is one game away from winning his second Champions League title with Real Madrid. It would be an amazing feat for the former France great, who also helped Madrid win its first Spanish league title in five years, as well as the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup. All that in only his second season as a coach. “You were the best player in the world, and now you are simply the best coach in the world,” Madrid president Florentino Perez told Zidane in a ceremony celebrating the team’s first Spanish league title since 2012. “Thank you, Zizou, for everything that you have given us and for everything that you are still giving us.” The 44-year-old Zidane also helped Madrid win the Champions League as a player in 2002, scoring an amazing volley in the final against Bayer Leverkusen in Glasgow, Scotland. “What I’ve been going through with this club has been spectacular,” Zidane said. “I have the Real Madrid DNA, this is my house. No matter what happens, I’ll always be a Real Madrid fan, it’s the club of my life.” Zidane has only one year left on his contract but no one expects him to be leaving anytime soon. “I want to stay and I think that the club is also happy with what

we’ve been doing so players. I did what I far,” Zidane said. thought it was right “That’s what really with these players.” matters. Right now, One of Madrid’s I’m only thinking greatest players, about Saturday. Zidane also has a We’ll see what hapclose connection pens after that.” with Juventus, his The Frenchman team’s opponent in has been displaying Saturday’s final in ZINEDINE ZIDANE (AP) the same calm as a Cardiff. coach as he showed when he netHe played two consecutive ted that spectacular winner against Champions League finals with the Leverkusen in the 2002 final . Italian club, losing both times, inZidane replaced coach Rafa Be- cluding to Madrid in 1998. nitez with the team in crisis early Zidane spent five seasons in in 2016, and he got the squad back total with Juventus, winning two on track and has kept it competi- Serie A titles before moving to tive ever since. Always serene and Madrid. The talented midfielder speaking with in low tones, he played more than 150 games with gained the confidence of the play- each of the clubs. ers with his moves both on and off Zidane was an assistant to Carlo the field. Ancelotti when the Spanish club “Zidane was my idol since I was won the 2014 title against Atletico very young, I had a poster of him Madrid. He then took over Main my bedroom,” Madrid midfield- drid’s “B’’ team before earning the er Marco Asensio said. “I’m proud chance with the main squad. to have him as a coach now, and it’s On Saturday, Zidane will be tryamazing to be able to learn from ing to become the first coach to win him and to follow his advice.” consecutive Champions League tiZidane used several different tles. Madrid will look to become formations and successfully re- the first team to win back-to-back sorted to rotations to keep his top titles since the competition’s new players fresh at the important mo- format was created in 1992-93. ments of the season. He gave a lot “It’s the last game of the season, of playing minutes to the entire the most important one,” Zidane squad and kept them committed at said. “But we are going to prepare all times. He even convinced Cris- for it just like we prepared for the tiano Ronaldo to skip games and other matches that we played until get some rest, something unthink- now. We are not going to change able in previous seasons. anything.” “It’s my philosophy, and I chose He will be hoping the result from it because I have such a good last year’s final doesn’t change eisquad,” Zidane said. “It might ther, so he can add yet another title have been different if I had other to his young coaching career.

AHEAD OF CHAMPS LEAGUE FINAL MADRID (AP) — It seems not even Gareth Bale knows if he is ready to play in Saturday’s Champions League final. The Real Madrid forward initially said yesterday that he had “fully recovered” from his injuries in time for the final against Juventus. But moments later Bale said he was “not 100 per cent” ready to play the match in his hometown of Cardiff, Wales. Bale has been trying to regain his form after an ankle operation that sidelined him for nearly three months earlier this season. He missed the second leg of the quarter-final against Bayern Munich and both semifinal matches against Atletico Madrid because of problems stemming from the injury. Bale’s versions of his condition varied when he talked to the media yesterday. He told Real Madrid TV that he was feeling “very good” and had “fully recovered” in time for the final. A few moments later, he told reporters that he was “feeling fine” and had “no problems.” However, not long after that, he spoke to another group of reporters and gave the impression that things were not as simple as he initially indicated. “I’m not 100 per cent, but I’m working to be available at some capacity in the final,” Bale said. “I’m working hard to get my feelings back and to get my an-

kle prepared.” Bale said he realised that coach Zinedine Zidane might leave him on the bench, given his injury and absences. “It’s been a very difficult season for me,” the 27-year-old Bale said. “I’ve had my operation, which really caused all of my problems, which is quite unlucky. But I haven’t played for the last six, seven weeks. I would understand if I was on the bench... If I have to come on and make an impact that way, then that’s what I have to do and that’s what I’ll do for the team. Whatever is best for the team is ultimately the most important.” The Wales forward said he played through pain after returning to action following the ankle surgery in November. He said he worked hard to regain his fitness, taking part in double sessions of training to try to expedite his recovery. He has been practicing with the rest of the squad for the last few weeks. Francisco “Isco” Alarcon successfully replaced Bale during his absence and was likely to start on Saturday. He played so well that many expected him to be in the lineup even if Bale had indeed fully recovered. “We’ll both be cheering on each other, whether we are playing or not,” Bale said “The most important thing is the team ... and getting the trophy in the end.”

BASEBALL CAPSULES PIRATES 4, DIAMONDBACKS 3 PITTSBURGH (AP) — Andrew McCutchen hit a leadoff homer in the ninth inning, lifting Pittsburgh over Arizona in a wild ending. McCutchen sent a 1-1 pitch from Archie Bradley (1-1) over the right field wall to cap off a back-and-forth ninth. It was the eighth homer this season for McCutchen, who was recently dropped to sixth in the batting order for the first time in his career. Diamondbacks pinch hitter Chris Iannetta tied the game moments earlier with a two-run homer to left field off closer Tony Watson. Watson (4-1) was credited with the win after blowing his third save in 13 opportunities. It was a costly victory for the Pirates, as starting right fielder Gregory Polanco left the game with an injury. Polanco got his right ankle caught awkwardly in the railing separating the stands from the playing field while chasing down a foul ball in the sixth inning.

INDIANS 5, ATHLETICS 3 CLEVELAND (AP) — Carlos Carrasco won his third straight decision and Edwin Encarnacion hit one of Cleveland’s three solo home runs. Carrasco (5-2) pitched six shutout innings before allowing back-to-back homers to Yonder Alonso and Ryon Healy in the seventh. The right-hander, who hasn’t lost since April 28, allowed four hits and struck out seven. Andrew Miller struck out the side in the eighth. Cody Allen gave up Khris Davis’ solo homer and two singles in the ninth, but struck out Trevor Plouffe and recorded his 14th save. Daniel Mengden (0-1), recalled from Triple-A Nashville to make his first start of the season, allowed five runs in 3 1/3 innings. WHITE SOX 5, RED SOX 4 CHICAGO (AP) — Boston lefty David Price had an uneven season debut while Melky Cabrera homered and drove in four runs, helping Chicago rally.

Price, who missed the first part of the year with a left elbow strain, threw 88 pitches in five innings. The former AL Cy Young Award winner gave up two hits, including Cabrera’s three-run homer, walked two and hit two batters. He also struck out four. Price was in line for the win before Kevan Smith hit an RBI double off Matt Barnes (3-2) in the seventh, tying it at 4. Cabrera had an RBI single with two outs. Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia injured his wrist in the first inning and exited in the second. He was hurt trying to beat out a hit when first baseman Jose Abreu slid into the bag and Pedroia fell over him. Juan Minaya (1-0) pitched a scoreless inning and David Robertson closed for his eighth save in nine chances. DODGERS 5, CARDINALS 1 ST. LOUIS (AP) — Chase Utley, Cody Bellinger and Logan Forsythe hit solo home runs, leading Rich Hill and Los Angeles over St. Louis for its fifth straight victory. Hill (2-2) recovered from a bout of wildness in his last start to pitch five innings, giving up one run and two hits. In his previous outing, also against the Cardinals, he permitted five runs on four hits and seven walks in four innings. Mike Leake (5-3) entered the game leading the majors with a 1.91 ERA, but allowed a season-high four runs in 6 2/3 innings. MARINERS 6, ROCKIES 5 DENVER (AP) — Sam Gaviglio pitched into the sixth inning to get his first career victory, and Seattle used six relievers to beat Colorado. Danny Valencia had three hits and Kyle Seager had a key double to help Gaviglio (1-1) get the milestone in his fourth appearance and third start. The Mariners had given Gaviglio a 6-2 lead with three runs in the third on just one hit, and three more in the fifth on three walks, three singles and a two-run double by Seager off starter Tyler Chatwood (4-7). Edwin Diaz worked the ninth for his ninth save. METS 4, BREWERS 2 NEW YORK (AP) — Hours after the Mets ticketed him for the bullpen, rookie Robert Gsellman pitched seven innings of three-hit ball and had two RBIs to lead New York past Milwaukee. Rene Rivera and Michael Conforto each hit an RBI double during a three-run fifth against starter Matt Garza (2-2). Sandwiched in between, Gsellman drove in the go-

ahead run with a sacrifice fly. Before the game, general manager Sandy Alderson said Gsellman (3-3) probably is headed back into a struggling bullpen when injured starters Steven Matz and Seth Lugo come off the disabled list. Addison Reed got three outs for his seventh save. RAYS 10, RANGERS 8 ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Tim Beckham hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh as Tampa Bay scored five runs in a span of three pitches to end Texas’ eight-game home winning streak. Steven Souza Jr. had four hits with four runs scored for Tampa Bay, while Evan Longoria’s four RBIs included a two-run homer. Pinch-hitter Colby Rasmus hit a two-run double on the first pitch thrown by reliever Tony Barnette (1-1), tying the game at 7-all before a no-pitch intentional walk to Kevin Kiermaier, who had already struck out three times. Beckham then hit a 1-0 pitch over the 14foot wall in left-center field. Jose De Leon (1-0) allowed three runs in 2 2/3 innings and still won his Rays debut. Alex Colome struck out the side in a perfect ninth for his 14th save in 16 chances. TIGERS 10, ROYALS 7 KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Miguel Cabrera and J.D. Martinez each drove in three runs as Detroit came from behind to beat Kansas City. Joakim Soria (2-2), who is 0 for 3 in save situations, retired none of the five batters he faced in the eighth and four scored. He allowed three singles, walked two and allowed a run on a wild pitch. Whit Merrifield homered, tripled and doubled in his first three at-bats, but flied out to end the seventh. No Royal has hit for the cycle since Hall of Famer George Brett in 1990. Francisco Rodriguez (25) was credited with the victory. BLUE JAYS 17, REDS 2 TORONTO (AP) — Troy Tulowitzki hit his fourth career grand slam and Marcus Stroman won his fifth straight decision to help Toronto rout Cincinnati. Justin Smoak hit a threerun homer and Russell Martin added a two-run shot for the Blue Jays, who have 43 home runs in May. Stroman (6-2) allowed two runs in six innings, improving to 5-0 with a 2.96 ERA in his past eight starts. Reds right-hander Lisalverto Bonilla (0-3) took the loss.

BRAVES 6, ANGELS 3 ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Matt Adams and Danny Santana had two-run doubles during a six-run third inning to help Atlanta overcome Albert Pujols’ 598th career homer and beat Los Angeles. The Angels placed twotime AL MVP Mike Trout on the disabled list for the first time in his career before the game, and the center fielder will need surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb. He’s expected to miss six to eight weeks. MARLINS 4, PHILLIES 1 MIAMI (AP) — Edinson Volquez pitched six innings to earn his first win of the year after seven losses, and Miami forged its first twogame winning streak since April 23. Volquez (1-7), who leads the majors in defeats, allowed one run and three hits to earn his first victory since August 25 with the Royals — when he beat the Marlins. The former All-Star went

0-8 in his next 16 starts before his breakthrough. Marlins nemesis Jeremy Hellickson (5-3) allowed four runs in six innings. The Phillies (17-32), who have the worst record in the majors, lost for the 23rd time in the past 29 games, and fell to 7-19 on the road. ORIOLES 3, YANKEES 2 BALTIMORE (AP) — Dylan Bundy allowed two runs over seven innings in another strong start at Camden Yards, and Baltimore beat New York to snap a seven-game losing streak. Jonathan Schoop had two RBIs to help the Orioles end their longest skid since a nine-game drought in 2011. Aaron Judge hit his major league-leading 17th home run for the first-place Yankees in this AL East matchup. Bundy (6-3) gave up seven hits, struck out three and walked one. Brad Brach got three straight outs for his 10th save in 13 tries. ___________________

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Wednesday, May 31, 2017, PAGE 5

HIGHER POWER: LEBRON SOARING INTO HIS 7TH STRAIGHT NBA FINALS By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer CLEVELAND (AP) — LeBron James will one day take his final bow, the brightest spotlight moving on to someone else. There will come a time when his legs lose some explosiveness and those vicious dunks will be rendered ordinary. Someday, his jumper won’t fall as often, and that astonishing court vision, the key to his game, will become cloudy. James will face the end of his career one day. Just not anytime soon. On the eve of his seventh straight NBA Finals appearance, and 10 years since he debuted on basketball’s grand stage, James’ reign continues: undisputed king of the court. During a postseason in which he has led the champion Cleveland Cavaliers to a 12-1 record and chased down Michael Jordan as the No. 1 scorer in playoff history, James has not only positioned himself for a fourth title, but intensified the debate over whether he’s the greatest player in NBA history. He isn’t slowing down while building his case. James has always dismissed the Jordan comparisons, saying that kind of talk is “only great for barbershops” and that original gravity-defying No. 23 has been his motivational muse, not a target. But after the Cavs won their third straight conference title,

punishing an overmatched Boston team in five games — he supplanted Jordan during the clincher — James discussed his place alongside someone who was “like a god” to him growing up. “I did pretty much everything that M.J. did when I was a kid,” James said. “I shot fadeaways before I should have. I wore black and red shoes with white socks. I wore short shorts so you could see my undershorts underneath. I didn’t go bald like Mike, but I’m getting there. ... But other than that, I did everything Mike did. I even wore a wristband on my forearm. I didn’t do the hoop earring, either. That was Mike. “But I did everything Mike did, man.” And he’s not done, not by a long shot. James is on a mission, and it’s far from accomplished. By having one of his finest statistical postseasons — 32.5 points per game, 8.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 57 per cent shooting through 13 games — James is dismissing any argument about the league’s true MVP. Although he’ll finish behind Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard when the regularseason award is given out next month, James has reminded everyone over the past six weeks that he remains the measuring stick at 32. He’s raising the bar even higher, during a decade in which his actions — on and

off the floor — have shaped the league. “LeBron James has dominated, seriously dominated, this era of basketball. His domination has been about the equivalent to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s in his time,” Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas said. “He’s playing for his place in history, to be talked about as one of the best to ever play. The conversation will come down between he, Kareem and Michael Jordan. Then it’s just a matter of taste. Who do you want?” Of all his accomplishments, making seven straight final rounds is near the top of the list. When the ball goes up in Game 1 on Thursday, James will be the seventh player to appear in seven consecutive Finals, and the first since Bill Russell led a handful of Celtics on their dynastic run in the 1960s. James reluctantly reflects on what he’s done. As the Cavs prepared for the Warriors, he took a moment to consider his latest feat. “It’s going to be great for my legacy,” he said. “Once I’m done playing the game and can look back on the game and say, ‘Oh, this guy went to three straight Finals, four straight Finals, five, six, whatever. It’s great to be talked about, see what I was able to accomplish as an individual. When you talk about longevity and being able to just play at a high level for a long period of time, I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to do that

CLEVELAND Cavaliers’ LeBron James jumps into the arms of teammate Zydrunas Ilgauskas after the Cavaliers’ 98-82 win over the Detroit Pistons to take the NBA Eastern Conference championship in Cleveland on June 2, 2007. This was the first time LeBron James advanced to the NBA Finals. (AP) and take two franchises to four Finals apiece — and no one has ever done that either. “I’ve always been proud to be part of the biggest stage in our league, and it’s the Finals.” And this is Act III of a three-year drama with Golden State. After ending Cleveland’s 52-year championship drought last season, James has been unburdened, free of the criticism or consequences. Early in Game

1, he will become the first player with 6,000 points in the postseason, and there’s no reason to think he won’t pass 7,000 in due time. Whatever he finishes with, Cavs veteran forward Richard Jefferson doesn’t think anyone will catch him. “Like the Joe DiMaggio hit streak, Wilt Chamberlain scoring 100, there are certain records that will be unbreakable,” Jefferson said. “Whoever tries to get to that is going to have to

play in 10 NBA Finals and average 30 points a game to get there. Let’s put that in perspective: that’s impossible. What he’s doing right now is obviously on a level that has never been seen before. To pass Michael Jordan when you’re still in the prime of your career, one of the greats of all-time? That record will be unbreakable. “If he adds another 1,000 points, who’s going to be able to come in and go to 10 NBA Finals in this modern age? It’s impossible.”

DALLAS Wings guard Skylar Diggins (4) shoots as Minnesota Lynx forward Plenette Pierson (22) and guard Jia Perkins defend in the third quarter of a WNBA game in Arlington, Texas, on May 20. Minnesota finished May unbeaten again, moving up to the spot in The Associated Press WNBA power poll. (AP)

LYNX REMAIN UNBEATEN, MOVE INTO TOP SPOT IN AP POWER POLL By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — There hasn’t been a back-to-back champion in the WNBA since Los Angeles won consecutive titles in 2001-02. The Sparks are trying to accomplish that feat again, but have struggled recently, dropping their last two games. They didn’t lose their second game last season until July 17 — 22 games in. They played New York last night. “We’ve played some good spurts of basketball, but haven’t put it all together yet,” Sparks coach Brian Agler said. “It’s going to take time. We prepare to win every single game, but some of the things we’re doing on the court, we’re not on the same page yet. That’s what we’re trying to work through.” It didn’t help the L.A. that most of its roster wasn’t in training camp because of overseas commitments. Candace Parker, Essence Carson and Jantel Lavender didn’t show up until a week into the season. “I’m not usually the eventually type of person, we focus on what’s going on here and

now,” said 2016 MVP Nneka Ogwumike. “We had two great wins at home. It’s a combination of getting everyone on the same page as well as knowing the scout, knowing the game plan, knowing what it takes. That’s where we find ourselves right now. We’re learning each day.” The Sparks have dropped their last two games, and fallen to third in The Associated Press WNBA power poll, while Odyssey Sims is back in Los Angeles rehabbing a sprained ankle. After the game against the Liberty, the Sparks don’t play again until June 6 against Chicago. POWER POLL: Unbeaten Minnesota moves into the top spot, while Seattle keeps climbing. A look at this week’s WNBA poll. 1. Minnesota (6-0): The Lynx haven’t lost a game in May since drafting Maya Moore in 2011. That’s 23 straight wins in the opening month of the season. The way they are playing, the calendar change shouldn’t bother them too much. 2. Seattle (4-1): The Storm will get a good early season test when

they face the Lynx on Saturday. 3. Los Angeles (2-2): The Sparks will try and end a threegame road trip on a positive note against New York. They should get injured guard Odyssey Sims (ankle) back soon. 4. Atlanta (3-1): The Dream are the biggest surprise early in the season and have a solid core led by Tiffany Hayes and Layshia Clarendon. 5. New York (2-2): The Liberty start a five-game homestand against the Sparks. They’ll lose Epiphanny Prince and Kia Vaughn after Tuesday’s game to the EuroBasket tournament. 6. Washington (3-2): Now that the home-and-home series with Chicago is over, the Mystics can turn their attention to the rest of the league. They’ll be missing Emma Meesseman for a while; she is playing for Belgium in the EuroBasket. 7. Phoenix (3-2): Leilani Mitchell has been a pleasant early season surprise for the Mercury to complement Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi. 8. Dallas (2-2): Losing Courtney Paris (knee injury) for 6-to-8 weeks definitely leaves the Wings

weak in the middle. 9. Indiana (2-3): Fever coach Pokey Chatman is looking for consistency. The Fever rallied to beat Los Angeles at home before falling flat in Seattle. 10. Connecticut (1-4): Jonquel Jones already has two 20-rebound games this season. When she stays out of foul trouble she’s a handful for other teams to guard. 11. Chicago (1-5): The Sky haven’t been able to put together a full 40-minute game. With the emotional games against former teammate Elena Delle Donne, Chicago can focus on just getting better. 12. San Antonio (0-5): The Kelsey Plum era has gotten off to a slow start. The No. 1 pick in the draft was finally able to play in a game after missing the first few with an ankle injury. The Stars will get better soon with Plum, Moriah Jefferson and Kayla McBride leading the way. GAME OF THE WEEK: Lynx at Storm, Friday. The top teams in the power poll meet in Seattle. The Lynx have been riding the play of Fowles, who is averaging 20 points and 10.7 rebounds; while

Seattle has been carried by Jewell Loyd. Fowles earned AP Player of the Week honours. This might be the biggest regular season game in the Pacific Northwest in a few years. Seattle is off to its best start since 2010 when the team was also 4-1. The Storm handed Minnesota its first loss in 2014 when the Lynx started 7-0. 20-20 CLUB: Connecticut’s Jonquel Jones became the 13th WNBA player to have at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game when she accomplished that feat against Chicago on Sunday. She had a 20-rebound game in the Sun’s season-opener against Atlanta. Glory Johnson was the last to reach those benchmarks in a game, doing it against Phoenix last season. STAT OF THE WEEK: Seattle rookie Samantha Whitcomb tied a WNBA record with six 3-pointers in the second half of the Storm’s win over the New York Liberty. The 28-year old’s outburst helped the Storm stay unbeaten at home. She tied the record held by teammate Sue Bird and Phoenix’s Diana Taurasi.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, May 31, 2017, PAGE 7

Fair shake? Refusal to clasp hands creates French Open flap By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer PARIS (AP) — As anyone who ever has played or watched tennis — professional or recreational — knows, the post-match handshake at the net is as much a customary part of the sport as a racket, ball or serve. So when a player who lost at the French Open rebuffed his opponent’s attempt at the ritual yesterday, it became the talk of the tournament. On a day when No. 1 Andy Murray and No. 3 Stan Wawrinka won, and a couple top-10 players unaccustomed to long stays at Roland Garros — Alexander Zverev in the men’s draw, Johanna Konta in the women’s — lost, the most buzzworthy development stemmed from a match between one guy who stands 50th in the world and another who is 285th. After losing to Martin Klizan of Slovakia 7-6 (4), 6-3, 4-6, 0-6, 6-4 in the first round at Roland Garros, wild-card entry Laurent

Lokoli of France skipped the usual sign of sportsmanship. Instead, he went to the sideline to pack up his things. When Klizan approached, right arm extended, Lokoli dismissively waved him off with the back of a hand, motioning to stay away. Afterward, Lokoli said he wasn’t being a sore loser but rather that he didn’t want to shake because he thought Klizan was faking an injury during the match and was generally “disrespectful.” “I just have (a) problem with his attitude,” Lokoli said, “because he wasn’t fair. That’s it.” Klizan, who will face Murray in the second round, initially opened his news conference by being confrontational with reporters, repeatedly saying he had no comment and adding: “I don’t want you to make a big story about nothing.” Eventually, he spoke about a problem with his left calf that he said forced him to pull out of other

LAURENT LOKOLI (AP)

ANDY MURRAY celebrates defeating Andrey Kuznetsov. (AP)

recent clay-court tournaments and made him consider withdrawing from the French Open. Later Tuesday, Klizan played in a doubles match that he and Joao Sousa of Portugal lost in straight sets. Lokoli was angered by what he interpreted as gamesmanship, saying Klizan appeared to be dogging it in moments — such as the 6-0 fourth set — hampered

by his leg: “I’m wondering if he’s going to retire or no, because now he’s not running anymore, you know?” And then, in Lokoli’s view, Klizan suddenly would be fine. “I’m just saying that, you know, there are ways of doing things. If you’re injured, for instance, well, you’re injured. So what? Call the doctors,” Lokoli said. “This is what really bothered me.” He added: “Look at real-

ity. The person just on the other side of the net is doing things that are very, very weird. Strange things.” Klizan explained the fourth set this way: “He played perfect. No mistake. Serving aces. I was playing bad. At that time, I feel a little bit one pinch in my calf. So I was scared.” As video of their awkward exchange after the final point made the rounds on social media, even Murray took note. “Obviously I saw a few videos of (Klizan’s) match today,” Murray said after his 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0 victory over Andrey Kuznetsov. “It was obviously a pretty entertaining match.” Murray, the runner-up in Paris last year, overcame some trouble in the second set, broken in 3 of 4 service games during one stretch. But he picked up his game in the last two sets, which the three-time major champion saw as a good sign after struggles this year. “It was a decent start,” Murray said, “considering, obviously, how I played in

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 69° F/21° C

TAMPA

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

A shower or two, partly cloudy

Partly cloudy with a few showers

Partly sunny with a shower or two

Partly sunny, a shower; breezy

Some sun with a stray shower; warm

Sun through high clouds and warm

High: 92°

Low: 78°

High: 93° Low: 76°

High: 93° Low: 77°

High: 92° Low: 77°

AccuWeather RealFeel

102° F

81° F

100°-77° F

98°-79° F

99°-81° F

104°-83° F

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

almanac

ABACO

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

7-14 knots

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 76° F/24° C

6-12 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 79° F/26° C

W S

WEST PALM BEACH

uV inDex toDay

TONIGHT

High: 92° F/33° C Low: 76° F/24° C

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 77° F/25° C

MIAMI

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 79° F/26° C

6-12 knots

KEY WEST

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 81° F/27° C

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 91° F/33° C Low .................................................... 79° F/26° C Normal high ....................................... 86° F/30° C Normal low ........................................ 73° F/23° C Last year’s high ................................. 87° F/31° C Last year’s low ................................... 69° F/20° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ................................................. 4.87” Normal year to date ..................................... 8.40”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 92° F/33° C Low: 78° F/26° C

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

tiDes For nassau High

7-14 knots

8-16 knots

Low

Ht.(ft.)

12:58 a.m. 1:36 p.m.

3.1 2.5

7:31 a.m. -0.2 7:43 p.m. 0.1

Thursday

1:58 a.m. 2:39 p.m.

2.9 2.5

8:29 a.m. -0.1 8:49 p.m. 0.3

Friday

2:58 a.m. 3:41 p.m.

2.7 2.5

9:27 a.m. 9:54 p.m.

Saturday

3:56 a.m. 4:38 p.m.

2.5 2.6

10:21 a.m. 0.0 10:54 p.m. 0.4

Sunday

4:51 a.m. 5:30 p.m.

2.4 2.7

11:10 a.m. 0.0 11:49 p.m. 0.4

Monday

5:41 a.m. 6:16 p.m.

2.4 2.7

11:55 a.m. 0.0 ---------

Tuesday

6:27 a.m. 6:58 p.m.

2.3 2.8

12:38 a.m. 0.3 12:37 p.m. 0.0

0.0 0.4

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:20 a.m. 7:55 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

12:21 p.m. 12:43 a.m.

First

Full

Last

New

Jun. 1

Jun. 9

Jun. 17

Jun. 23

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 78° F/26° C

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

W S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

Ht.(ft.)

Today

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 78° F/26° C

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

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

CAT ISLAND

the buildup.” While 2015 champion Wawrinka, No. 8 Kei Nishikori, No. 18 Nick Kyrgios and No. 29 Juan Martin del Potro were among other winners on Day 3, No. 9 Zverev and No. 27 Sam Querrey were seeded men who exited. The only seeded woman to lose was Konta, who was a semifinalist at the Australian Open last year but never has won a main-draw match at the French Open. Zverev is a 20-year-old who won the Italian Open last week, raising his profile considerably, but he has yet to reach the second week of a Grand Slam tournament. “You sometimes play bad. It’s just: This is our sport. There is no regrets. I mean, what can you do? In Rome, I played fantastic, I won the tournament. Here I played bad, I lost first round. That’s the way it goes,” said Zverev, who broke a racket over his leg during his 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 loss to Fernando Verdasco. “But,” he added, “the world doesn’t stop now.”

7-14 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

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

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 84° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

8-16 knots

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

Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday:

WINDS SE at 6-12 Knots SE at 6-12 Knots SE at 7-14 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 10-20 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots SE at 8-16 Knots SE at 6-12 Knots SE at 6-12 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 10-20 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 6-12 Knots SE at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 10-20 Knots SE at 7-14 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots

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

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 5 Miles 6 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 80° F 81° F 84° F 85° F 80° F 81° F 82° F 82° F 79° F 81° F 83° F 82° F 83° F 83° F 83° F 82° F 83° F 83° F 82° F 81° F 77° F 77° F 82° F 82° F 81° F 82° F

PAGE 8, Wednesday, May 31, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Calling All High

SCHOOL STUDENTS SUNSHINE AUTO WILDCATS GET 12-7 WIN OVER PLATINUM POOL SHARKS

FROM PAGE 1

Every year in August THE TRIBUNE publishes a popular Back to School supplement as a guide to the following academic year. In the supplement we feature the profiles of high school students across the Bahamas and Family Islands. We want profiles from as many schools and students as possible to make this guide essential and informative.

Profiles must include 1. Name 2. Age 3. School 4. Grade 5. Parent name or names 6. Goals and aspirations, prizes won and honours awarded

7. Name of college they will be attending (if attending) Plus a suitable photograph in .jpeg format (graduation or any other image).

How to submit profiles Email to back2school@ tribunemedia.net with ‘Back To School’ in the subject field and photos in .jpeg format. By post to Back To School, The Tribune, Shirley Street & Deveaux Streets, PO Box N-3207, Nassau. By hand to The Tribune office The deadline for the profiles is June 30, 2017 and there is no cost involved. For any questions please contact Tribune Features at 5022380 or 502-2391.

After taking a 5-0 lead at the end of their half of the third, the Lady Sharks responded as they batted around the clock in the bottom of the frame, plating six runs to snatch a 1-run lead. Their rally was sparked by a two-run triple from Sari Albury, who batted third in their line-up. Sunshine Auto got an unearned run in the fourth and five more runs on as many hits in the fifth to push their lead to 11-6. The Lady Sharks added one more in the sixth as they greeted Alex Gabriel, who came in to relieve Albury, who finished up at first base. But the Lady Wildcats put the icing on the cake in the seventh. Sweeting finished with a 2-for-5 night with a RBI and two runs scored, Rebecca Moss was 3-for-5 with a RBI and four runs scored and Chryshan Percentie was 3-for-4 with a RBI and a run scored. For the Lady Sharks, Albury ended up with a 1-for4 outing with two RBI and a run scored. She also gave up 11 hits with two strike outs and four walks before Gabriel relieved her in the sixth. Eliyah Johnson

THE Sunshine Auto Wildcats pulled off a 12-7 victory over the Platinum Pool Sharks last night in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff and Mia Turner were both 1-for-3 with a run scored and Shawney Whylly and Dorneisha Woodside were 1-for-3. NPSA action is sched-

uled to return with another double header on Thursday night, but will take a break for the Labour Day holiday weekend and resume play on Tuesday, June 6.

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