SPORTS SECTION E
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
SYDNEY CLARKE - Page 8
Red-Line athletes honoured By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
FOR the seventh year, the Red-Line Athletics honoured its athletes for their outstanding academic and athletics successes during the past season with Jade Ferguson topping the 2026 list as the Athlete of the Year. More than 50 athletes were presented with awards during the club's year-ending celebrations on Sunday at the University of the Bahamas. The awards were presented to the divisional most outstanding athletes, academic scholars, national team honourees and RedLine Highest awards. The club also presented the Parent of the Year and to parents for their contributions, the coach's award, the dedicated service for team managers and the donors of the year. Club president and head coach Tito Moss said the event only serves to continue to boost the morale of the club and motivate their athletes to excel. "We will continue to honour our athletes for their hard work academically, for their leadership and athletically," Moss said. "In Red-Line Athletics, we try to develop a well-rounded athlete." This year, according to Moss, was another exceptional one for Red-Line Athletics, which had about nine athletes selected to represent The Bahamas at the CARIFTA Games in Trinidad & Tobago in April. "We expect in 2026 to continue to be a force to reckon with and we expect to continue to build our legacy that we have established," he stated. "We are expecting some phenomenal performances in 2026." Red-Line Athletics, who added Olympian Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie to their coaching staff this year, has
FITTING HONOURS: Red-Line Athletics club president and head coach Tito Moss, top far left, and Olympian Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie, above far left, share a special moment with the athletes who were honoured this year. also seen an increase of about 30-plus members to their lineup. "This means we will have an adjustment in our expectations for national team members, but the club continues to grow and we continue to be in high demand," Moss pointed out. Ferguson, who established a record in the open girls' pole vault record at CARIFTA with her gold medal winning height of 3.10m, was named the Athlete of the Year. The head coach award went to Syrmiah Crawley,
who clinched a gold in the under-17 girls' 400m hurdles. She also earned the hurdler of the year award. Other outstanding awards were presented to Khylee Wallace, the winner of the Coach Mike Armbrister Leadership and Sprinter of the Year awards, Jazmyn Demeritte, the RedLine Rising Star of the Year and Macnair Beneby and Taylor Moss were the most improved male and female athletes respectively. The divisional award winners as the most outstanding athletes were the following:
Under-9 girls - Daylee Alleyne with Cymphony Greenslade as honourable mention. Under-11 girls - Jazmyn Demeritte; Under-11 boys - Seth Bowe with Darrell Moxey as honourable mention. Under-13 girls - Cai-Lily Catalyn with Peyton Moss as honourable mention. Under-13 boys - Caiden Stevens with Jaden Allen as honourable mention. Under-15 girls - Brianna Bootle with Cierra Delancy as honourable mention. Under-15 boys - Macnair Beneby Jr with
Zyien Burnside as honourable mention. Under-17 girls - Syrmiah Crawley with Taylor Moss as honourable mention. Under-17 boys - Shevano Nixon with Brandon Hanna as honourable mention. Under-20 girls - Jade Ferguson with Khylee Wallace and Darvinique Dean as honourable mentions. Under-20 boys - Terron McKenzie. The Academic Scholars awards were presented to Jade Hudson, Jade Ferguson, Jazmyn Demeritte, Shevano Nixon, Sarai Hanna, Grevian Nixon,
Amir Baker, Daylee Alleyne, Darrell Moxey, Brianna Bootle, Jayden Allen, Mcnair Beneby Jr, Alexis Roberts, Makyaha Johnson, Chai Kai Brennewn, Deliyah Gray, Cai-Lily Catalyn, Cierra Delancy, Dakari Brown, Ayden Wallace, Brianna Bootle, Aiden Saunders, Madison Rolle, Dontae Jones and Ariana Atkinson. Members making the CARIFTA team were Darvinque Dean, Bayli Major, Morgan Moss, Tahj Brown, Khylee Wallace, Jade Ferguson, Alexis Roberts, Brianna Bootle and Syrmiah Crawley. Candi Stubbs was named the Parent of the Year. The other parents honoured were Anieka Hanna, Kerona McKenzie and Deangelia Deleveaux. The coach's awards went to Michael Armbrister, Kryshell Rolle, Megan Moss, Earl Rahming, Cerio Rolle, Adrian Curry, Rachante Rahming and Alexis Roberts. Shanique Russell, Thallise Maycock, Nekeva Moss, Mark Major, Rasad Patton and Jacquel Demeritte were presented with the Dedicated Service Team Managers awards. And recognised as the Donors of the Year were Fidelity Bank (Bahamas), PricewaterhouseCoopers, JS Johnson Insurance company, Earthstone Concrete Pumps, Consolidated Water and SSI Security Systems. Red-Line Athletics is also the only club that stages more than one track and field meet each year. They will begin 2026 with the Sonja Knowles Track Classic from January 31 to February 1 at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. That will be followed by the Red-Line Athletics' Field Events and Relay Carnival at the end of the February and the Red-Line Track and Field Classic in May.
Kai Jones: ‘It’s a very good feeling to belong to the team’ By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net KAI Jones, the 24-year-old centre/power forward currently playing for Anadoulo Efes in the 2025-26 EuroLeague season, has experienced a challenging yet steady transition from the NBA to Europe. After signing a one-year deal with Efes this past September, following his stint with the Dallas Mavericks and Clippers, Jones said moving to Istanbul was the right decision for his career. “Everything is going great. I’m glad I chose to come here, and the team is playing really well. This
is an excellent club, and so far I’m enjoying it,” Jones said in a recent interview discussing his comfort with the club and the style of play overseas. “It’s really team-oriented, my teammates are great guys, and the atmosphere is fantastic. It’s a very good feeling to belong to the team.” Jones' tone around his integration into the team has been generally positive, with the coaching staff valuing his athleticism and physical tools in frontcourt rotations. In the EuroLeague this season, Jones has appeared in 13 games for Efes, contributing as a rotational big man. He is averaging modest numbers, playing around eight to10 minutes
per game while adding roughly 2.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. Efes, a perennial contender in Europe’s top continental competition, has deployed Jones in limited roles as it navigates a demanding schedule across the Turkish BSL and EuroLeague. Jones’ season has not been without setbacks. In late October, he was ruled out of a key Istanbul derby against Fenerbache with a sever migraine attack, as the club announced he left practice the day before and was unable to suit up for Round 6 action in the EuroLeague. While this was not a traditional musculoskeletal injury, it did interrupt his availability during a stretch where Efes was jockeying for position around the play-in zone. Off the EuroLeague court, Jones also saw significant playing time representing Team Bahamas during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifier. In the opening window against Canada, The Bahamas suffered a lopsided defeat, but Jones showed production on the stat sheet, recording 12 points and eight rebouds in that game. His contributions highlighted his ability to assert himself as a frontcourt presence at the international level, even against a deep Canadian squad. As Efes continues through the EuroLeague season, Jones remains a
KAI Jones in action for Anadoulo Efes in the 2025-26 EuroLeague season. player to watch for his continued growth in European competition. His own
comments about embracing the club and the style of play reflect a willingness
to adapt and grow within a high-level professional system.
PAGE 2, Wednesday, December 17, 2025
THE TRIBUNE
YOUNG participants enjoy the Harbour Island Tour tennis programme.
Rising tennis stars take advantage of Harbour Island Tour By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net COACH Kevaughn Ferguson said he saw the need to further enhance the sport and so, two years ago, he opened the Harbour Island Tour. As he completed the season, Ferguson said he's been encouraged by the level of enthusiasm from the 15-20 participants between the ages of five
and 15 years and he's looking for an increase in their involvement in 2026. "When I started the programme in January 2024, we had a small group of competitors, but we've seen a growth in them where we had some success on the national level," Ferguson said. He noted that Ajay Bethel earned a number two ranking in the 8-and-under division and Owen Mather, ranked No.2
in the 12-and-under. Bethel was runner-up in the junior nationals in the 8U division. Ferguson currently operates the programme out of a public park in Harbour Island, which is accessible to all residents of the island. "I feel good about the programme. I got it started from scratch and I was able to provide a foundation for these players to develop their skills," said Ferguson of the sessions that are held daily. "We have some new
kids coming out and joining the programme, so I feel we've made some progress in the past two years. We have a lot of support from the residents on the island. Everyone comes out and supports us whenever we have an event going on." As a descendant of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera, Ferguson said while he was working on a resort, he was invited to conduct a tennis clinic on Harbour Island over the summer of 2023
and, after he met the parents, they encouraged him to continue the programme. Ferguson noted that although his programme is geared for residents on Harbour Island, Addie Johnson, a coach on Eleuthera, brings his players as they collaborate their efforts to stage a number of tournaments for the players to participate in. He also expressed his gratitude to coaches from New Providence who have
all showed up at different intervals during the summer to lend their support. They included Dentry Mortimer Jr, Justyn Thompson, Phillip Major Jr, Marvin Rolle, Brezile Hamilton and Sierra Donaldson. The programme concluded the year last week with a fun day. They are currently on a break for Christmas, but Ferguson said he's eager to get year number three started in January.
RED-LINE SONJA KNOWLES TRACK CLASSIC RED-LINE Athletics, “Where Champions are Made,” will hold its sixth annual Sonja Knowles Track Classic over the weekend of January 31 and February 1. The event will take place at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium on January 31 from 11am to 6pm and Sunday, March 1 from 1-6 pm. Competition will be held in the various age groups from under-7 to masters. Interested persons are urged to contact club founder and head coach Tito Moss at 425-4262 for more information. LEGENDS TRACK THE Legends Track and Field’s Devynne Charlton Invitational is scheduled for Saturday, February 7 at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The meet, to be held in honour of world indoor 60m hurdles record holder and two-time champion Devynne Charlton, will have her younger sister Anthaya Charlton as one of the special guests. Powered by Speed Capital, it will feature athletes competing from the ages of seven to the open categories for boys and girls.
T-BIRD FLYERS THE T-Bird Flyers will hold its 2026 Track Classic, held in memory of the late Gregory Clarke, on Friday, January 9, starting at 6pm and Saturday, January 10 at noon at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. Interested persons are urged to contact Foster Dorsett at 427-3883 for more details. ROAD RACE MACEDONIA AS a part of its 60th anniversary, Macedonia Baptist Church will hold a Family Fun Run/Walk race that is open to the general public on January 24. The dual event is scheduled to start at 6am at the church on Bernard Road, Fox Hill. The categories include male and female 15-and-under, 20-and-under, 40-and-under, 60-and-under and over-60 with awards presented to the first three finishers. FLYERS TRACK CLASSIC THE 2026 Flyers Track Classic is scheduled for the weekend of January 9-10. The event is being held in memory of the late Gregory Clarke. The meet will run from 6pm on January 9 and close
out on January 10 from noon. The registration fee is $22 per athlete. Trophies will be presented to the winners for all first-place finishers. Medals will go to second and third place. There will also be divisional team winners and the male and female MVP winners. CARIFTA CHARTER WITH the 2026 CARIFTA Games all set for Grenada over the Easter holiday weekend, persons are being encouraged to secure their seats on the Bahamasair-chartered flight. The charter will depart Nassau on Thursday, April 2 and return on Tuesday, April 7. The airfare is $1,099 per passenger. A non-refundable deposit of $200 per passenger is required. However, it can be transferred. Cash or direct deposits can be made at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) under the account name: Bah Association of (business checking account). Transit No.95165/ Account No.1011089. Interested persons can contact Laura Pratt-Charlton at 357-3109 or Laketah Charlton at 468-5592 or email baaafriendsandfamily@gmail.com for more information.
Local Sports Calendar STAR PERFORMERS MEET THE Star Trackers Track Club is scheduled to hold its 23rd edition of the Star Performers Track and Field Classic on Saturday, January
24, from 9am to 6pm at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The event, sponsored Baker Concrete International Division Greyco Limited, will be
open to competitors in all age groups to the open divisions for boys and girls and men and women. Interested persons can contact Laura Pratt-Charlton at 357-3109 for more information.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, December 17, 2025, PAGE 3
Valdez continues strong rookie season with 76ers By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net V.J. Edgecombe continued his strong rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers, most recently on December 14 in a 120-117 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. In that game, he scored 26 points and pulled down six rebounds while playing heavy minutes in the absence of Tyrese Maxey due to illness and contributing as one of the Sixers’ primary scoring options in the second half. His performance helped keep Philadelphia competitive even as the team struggled to close the game in the final minutes. Edgecombe spoke about stepping into a bigger role. “I’m just trying to stay aggressive and trust my work. When my teammates look for me and the coaches trust me, it makes the game slow down.” He added that his focus remains on winning. “I don’t really care about numbers. I care about doing whatever helps us win the game.” For the 2025-26 NBA season,mEdgecombe is
averaging 14.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, showing the versatility that makes him a key part of the 76ers’ rotation. His minutes and allaround contributions have grown as Philadelphia deals with injuries to several core players, and he has been relied upon to shoulder significant responsibilities on both ends of the floor. Edgecombe has already dealt with injury challenges this season. In late November he was listed as questionable with a left calf issue in the team’s injury report alongside teammates dealing with their own absences. The calf situation caused him to miss one game before being cleared to return and start again. The injury was shortlived, but it did interrupt his rhythm briefly as the 76ers navigated a difficult stretch with multiple roster shifts. Reflecting on returning from the injury, Edgecombe said: “I just wanted to get back out there. Watching from the sideline is tough, but it made me appreciate being able to compete every night.” Edgecombe also spoke about the team’s confidence.
76ERS guard Vj Edgecombe (77) attempts to make a basket against Atlanta Hawks forward/centre Onyeka Okongwu (17) during the second half on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Erik Rank) “I feel like we have a chance to go to the finals. I want to win a championship.” He emphasized that his approach has stayed simple. “Whatever coach needs me to do, that’s what I’m going to do. I’m here to help the team.” Coach Nick Nurse echoed those sentiments, praising Edgecombe’s growth and maturity. “He’s been really solid for us,” Nurse said. “He understands what we’re asking of him, he competes defensively,
and he’s not afraid of the moment.” Nurse also pointed to Edgecombe’s preparation. “He watches film, he listens, and he applies it. That’s not something every rookie does.” Teammates have also spoken about Edgecombe’s impact and approach. Veterans in the locker room have highlighted his work ethic and poise, with Paul George noting that Edgecombe “plays with confidence and doesn’t back down,” adding
that his energy has been noticeable on both ends of the floor. In the Rookie of the Year race, Edgecombe has remained firmly in the conversation. He has spent time at the top of the Kia Rookie Ladder, peaking earlier in the season at number one and currently sitting around the middle of the top 10 as the race tightens. Betting odds for the Rookie of the Year race continue to list him among the leading contenders
behind the current favourite Cooper Flagg, reflecting both his production and opportunity within Philadelphia’s rotation. Overall, Edgecombe’s rookie season has been marked by consistent production as a rookie despite his age. As the season continues, his development and growing responsibility will remain central to Philadelphia’s plans and his standing among the league’s top first-year players.
Majors attend management course MARCEL Major and his wife, Theresa Major, co-owners of Four Seasons Race Management, recently made their mark on the international stage by attending the 42nd annual Road Race Management race directors meeting. Held from December 8-10 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this event brought together approximately 100 race directors from across the globe. Conference Overview The Majors attended the three-day conference with a clear purpose - to enhance their expertise in race management, learn best practices, and gather new ideas for their events in The Bahamas. Their goal was to ensure that participants in local races benefit from the latest advances in the industry and enjoy well-organised, safe, and memorable experiences. Key Learnings and Session Insights The meeting featured a variety of informative sessions, including topics such as celebrating milestone anniversaries, developing and distributing operations manuals, crisis management, and the impact of the political environment on sponsorships. Other sessions covered great ideas for common challenges, effective race communications, legal reviews, solicitation, networking, and collaboration. The Majors found these discussions valuable for both the knowledge gained
THE management course brought together about 100 race directors from around the world from December 8-10 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. and the networking opportunities provided. Professional Credentials and Regional Representation Marcel Major’s commitment to excellence in race management is further demonstrated by his Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) certification, which he obtained in early 2023. He is currently the only RRCA certified race director in the Caribbean region, proudly representing The Bahamas on the international stage. Four Seasons Race Management: Mission and Impact The mission of Four Seasons Race Management is to foster healthy lifestyles, encourage community spirit, and deliver meaningful, fun, and competitive running experiences. Through their efforts, Marcel and Theresa aim to bring people together and inspire a culture of wellness across The Bahamas.
Four Seasons Race Management annual Seasonal Races Celebrate Community and Bahamian Spirit Four Seasons Race Management brings the vibrancy of the Bahamas to life with four signature events held throughout the year, each reflecting the essence of its respective season. Winter (December): Junkanoo Jingle to Bay 5K Festive cheer fills the streets of downtown Nassau as hundreds of runners walkers, and riders don Santa suits for this lively 5K. The event culminates in Rawson Square, where participants are treated to the heart-thumping rhythms of Junkanoo, celebrating both holiday spirit and Bahamian culture. Spring (February): Running in Love This Valentine’s-themed race invites couples, families, and friends to join together for a day of fun and connection. Participants enjoy
traditional Valentine roses, chocolates, mimosas and bubbles, making for a memorable celebration of love and companionship. Summer (June): Beach Run Challenging runners and walkers to traverse the white sands of Goodman’s Bay - this event highlights the island’s natural beauty. The race winds along the turquoise shoreline of Goodman’s Bay, ending with a refreshing splash in the ocean, a true Bahamian summer experience. Fall (October): Miracle Miles Focused on giving back, Miracle Miles is a free event dedicated to supporting a local charity. Every dollar raised is donated, reinforcing the commitment of Four Seasons Race Management to community wellness and charitable causes. Get Involved: Sponsors and Volunteers Welcome The Majors invite local businesses and
THE Majors attended the three-day conference with a clear purpose - to enhance their expertise in race management, learn best practices, and gather new ideas for their events in The Bahamas. community members to join their mission by becoming event sponsors or volunteers. Those interested in supporting these exciting community races can learn more by visiting www.fourseasonsracemanagement.com, emailing fourseasonsracemanagement@gmail.com, or calling 1-242-804-8595.
Looking Ahead With new insights from the international conference and a continued commitment to excellence, they are poised to elevate the race experience for all Bahamians. Their passion and dedication promise an exciting future for runners and the broader community alike.
Bahamas Bodybuilding, Wellness and Fitness Federation releases names of Presidential Recognition Awards recipients THE Bahamas Bodybuilding, Wellness and Fitness Federation released the names of the recipients of their 2025 Presidential Recognition Awards. Federation president Wellington “Cat” Sears revealed that they decided to implement this recognition initiative to acknowledge outstanding performance, dedication and positive contribution to the sport over the past year.
"It is also intended to motivate athletes and officials while highlighting excellence within our federation," Sears said. Recipients were selected based on documented achievements, competitive results, consistency throughout the year, conduct, and overall impact on the federation and the wider bodybuilding, wellness, and fitness community. Recommendations were
reviewed internally, and final selections were made in alignment with the Federation’s standards and objectives. The 2025 Award recipients were: Pro Athlete – Most Wins of the Year: Jason Johnson Pro Athlete – Outreach Athlete of the Year: Jimmy Norris Promising New Pro Athlete: Terrion Kemp Male Athlete of the Year: Alexander Kemp
Male Fitness Athlete of the Year: Alexander Kemp Male Fit Challenge Athlete of the Year: Alexander Kemp Male Fit Model of the Year: Alexander Kemp Male Physique Athlete of the Year: Judah Forbes Male Bodybuilder of the Year: Orick Nesbitt Bikini Fitness Athlete of the Year: Jackie Cleare Junior Bikini Athlete of the Year: Shantae Rahming
Junior Fit Model Athlete of the Year: Shantae Rahming Open Fit Model Athlete of the Year: Shantae Rahming Most Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year: Shantae Rahming Classic Bodybuilder of the Year: Kyle King Junior Male Fit Challenge Athlete of the Year: Kelunn Francis
Most Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year: Alexander Kemp Top Ticket Seller Award: Ryan Payne Judge of the Year: Simone Sawyer Sears said the federation commends all recipients for their dedication, discipline, and exceptional contributions to bodybuilding, fitness and wellness at the national and professional levels.
PAGE 4, Wednesday, December 17, 2025
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Pistons win fourth straight, top Celtics 112-105
DETROIT Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) blocks a shot by Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, right, during the second half on Monday night in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
By The Associated Press
BOSTON (AP) — Cade Cunningham had 32 points and 10 rebounds to help the Detroit Pistons beat the Boston Celtics 112-105 on Monday night. Caris LeVert and Tobias Harris each added 13 points for the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons, who won their fourth straight. Detroit also got even for a frustrating loss in Boston late last month. Jaylen Brown had 34 points, eight rebounds and seven assists to lead the Celtics. Derrick White scored 31 points as Boston lost its second straight after a five-game winning streak. When the teams met three weeks ago, Boston
ended Detroit’s franchise record-tying 13-game winning streak despite 42 points from Cunningham, who missed a tying free throw in the closing seconds. Detroit opened the final quarter with a four-point edge and pushed it to 103-93 on Javonte Green’s steal and breakaway dunk with just under six minutes left. Boston had cut it to 96-93 on White’s three-point play that sent Cunningham to the bench with his fifth foul, but Green had a corner 3 and followed that with his jam that pushed the Pistons up by 10. The Celtics made one more charge, closing to 104-102 on White’s baseline
jumper with 2:47 left, but Cunningham had a couple of key jumpers in the final two minutes. RAPTORS 106, HEAT 96 MIAMI (AP) — Brandon Ingram scored 28 points and Toronto snapped a four-game skid with a victory over Miami, extending its losing streak to five. Miami lost forward Nikola Jovic to an elbow injury in the first quarter. Jovic took a hard foul from Collin Murray-Boyles while driving to the basket and fell to the floor 12 seconds after he entered the game. Scottie Barnes added 17 points and 10 rebounds and Immanuel Quickley finished with 15 points for the Raptors, who made 16
3-pointers. Ingram shot 5 of 7 from behind the arc. Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 11 points and Gradey Dick added 10 for Toronto. Norman Powell and Bam Adebayo scored 20 points each and Davion Mitchell added 12 points for the Heat, who played without Tyler Herro. He sat out because of a right toe contusion. JAZZ 140, MAVERICKS 133 (Overtime) SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Keyonte George scored 37 points and Lauri Markkanen added 33 to lift Utah to an overtime win against Dallas, despite a careerhigh 42 points from Cooper Flagg.
George, who had 39 points on Friday in Memphis, scored the first five points of overtime. Kyle Filipowski scored 16 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter and overtime as the Jazz won consecutive games for just the second time this season. Flagg has been playing his best basketball the past few weeks as the No. 1 overall draft pick has averaged 25.7 points in the last seven games and became the first 18-year-old in league history to score 40 points. Flagg also tied Mark Aguirre for the most points by a rookie in Mavs history. P.J. Washington scored 25 and Naji Marshall had 15 for the Mavericks, who had won five of six games.
The Mavericks led 124116 before the Jazz reeled off 11 straight points, capped by Isaiah Collier’s driving basket with 53.6 seconds remaining. NUGGETS 128, ROCKETS 125 (Overtime) DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 39 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists for his NBA-leading 12th triple-double of the season as Denver outlasted Houston in overtime in a matchup of two of the top three teams in the Western Conference standings. Jamal Murray added 35 points for Denver, including six of his team’s 11 points in overtime. Murray made 14 of his 15 free-throw attempts. The win was the Nuggets’ fifth in a row and was their first home victory since November 8. The final 1:40 of regulation had four ties and four lead changes, a stretch capped off by a free throw by Murray that tied the game with 2.3 seconds remaining after an awayfrom-play foul on Houston’s Amen Thompson. Denver retained possession after the free throw, but a 3-point attempt by Jokic from the top of the key was long. The Nuggets took a 124117 lead after a Spencer Jones 3 with 2:59 remaining in overtime, but the Rockets clawed back, getting within three with the ball and 13 seconds remaining. Alperen Sengun missed a contested 24-foot 3 with 4.9 seconds remaining, allowing Denver to hold on for the victory. GRIZZLIES 121, CLIPPERS 103 INGLEWOOD, California (AP) — Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 21 of his 31 points in the first half and Cam Spencer added a careerhigh 27 points as Memphis beat Los Angeles. Jaylen Wells scored 16 points and rookie Cedric Coward had 12 as the Grizzlies earned a victory over the Clippers for the third time in less than three weeks. Ja Morant also scored 12 points for Memphis in his second game since returning from a calf injury. While Morant has returned, Grizzlies centre Zach Edey missed his second game of an extended absence because of a left ankle injury. Santi Aldama started at centre for the second consecutive game and was held to just three points with two rebounds. Kawhi Leonard scored 21 points and Kris Dunn added 17 for the Clippers, who have lost 12 of their last 14 games.
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Wednesday, December 17, 2025, PAGE 5
Mingoes fall 84-80 to BDOCS in overtime THE University of The Bahamas Mingoes men’s basketball team closed out their 2025 calendar year on a low note with an 84-80 overtime loss against the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services Challengers at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium on Thursday. Kevaro Russell led four UB players in double digits in a nail-biter than saw 14 lead changes and 11 ties. He scored 17 points while Shemeco Albury chipped in with 16 points and nine rebounds. Jerehemiah Miller had 14 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out in regulation. Patrick Curry score 10 points in his first start for UB. Head Coach Bacchus Rolle said the team fell short in the last minutes of the game. "We didn't have the ball movement that we wanted," Rolle said. "Some of the guys were disoriented and didn't seem that they knew what, they weren't sure what they wanted to do on offence and we kept shooting a lot more than we needed to. At the end of the day if we are not going to move the basketball and get everybody involved then we are not going to win games." Russell had an opportunity to give Mingoes the win as time expired in regulation but his one-leg shot
rimmed out as the game went into overtime. UB struggled in overtime as the Challengers led 80-74 with 1:12 left in overtime. UB’s Audley Russell made a layup with 47 seconds on the close to cut into the Challengers lead 80-78. The Challengers did enough to get the slim win. Playing in their third game in four nights, the Mingoes got off to a slow start going into a 8-0 hole in the first four minutes. They took a 12-11 lead with just over two minutes remaining in the first quarter. UB ended the first quarter leading 19-16. The second quarter was a back-and-forth quarter but UB led 38-36. Both teams kept the game close in the third quarter but Challengers led 54-51 at the end of the third quarter. UB got the 57-56 lead with 8:28 left in the fourth quarter on a Terrence Higgs layup. Shemeco Albury’s layup put the Mingoes up 70-63 with just under four minutes left in the fourth quarter. The Challengers rallied down the stretch to force overtime. Jaden Stubbs led the Challengers with 23 points in the win. The Mingoes next play The Dudley Boys at 7pm on Friday, January 9 at the St. George's High School Gym in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
ON THE REPLAY: UB Mingoes men’s basketball players in action against Bahamas Department of Correctional Services Challengers at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium on Thursday, December 11. Photos: UB Athletics
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Chelsea reaches English League Cup semis as subs make difference in victory over 3rd-tier Cardiff By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer CHELSEA’s substitutes made the difference yesterday as wingers Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto scored second-half goals to secure a 3-1 win at thirdtier Cardiff City and a place in the English League Cup semifinals. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca started with a largely second-string lineup for the first quarterfinal, but needed some of his firstteam stars to avoid an upset in south Wales. Garnacho was one of two attackers brought on for the start of the second half and opened the scoring in the 57th minute, delivering a low finish into the corner following a defensive mistake. Cardiff equalised in the 75th through David Turnbull, but Neto restored the lead seven minutes later with a low, deflected shot into the corner and Garnacho grabbed his second goal of the match in stoppage time. “Sometimes you have to start games and sometimes you have to help from the bench,” said Garnacho, who joined from Manchester United in August. “We don’t focus on this, we just try to help the team.” Maresca said there was a “big difference" after he made his substitutions. “Second half, much better on the ball,” the Italian said. Chelsea reached the semifinals for the third time in five years as the team seeks a third cup triumph since Maresca arrived in the summer of 2024. It won the
CHELSEA’s Alejandro Garnacho, left, scores their first goal of the game against Cardiff City yesterday during the English League Cup quarterfinal soccer match in Cardiff. (Nick Potts/PA via AP) Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup last season. In a news conference at the weekend, Maresca said he went through the worst
48 hours of his time at Chelsea at the end of last week and expressed his unhappiness at a lack of support at the club, without going detail.
That came with Chelsea on a four-match winless run in all competitions, but a 2-0 victory over Everton in the Premier League has been followed by
progress through to the cup semifinals. Quarterfinal lineup Today, Manchester City hosts Brentford and Fulham
travels to defending champion Newcastle. The quarterfinals are wrapped up next week when Arsenal hosts Crystal Palace.
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester United drew with Bournemouth 4-4 in one of the best games in the Premier League on Monday. United coach Ruben Amorim said before the match that “playing against Bournemouth is never fun” and they were prophetic words on a night his side had most of the opportunities but still came away with only a point. The Cherries had beaten United 3-0 in their last two visits to Old Trafford but there seemed little chance of that happening again as the home side took control from the off and was a goal up after 13 minutes. Diogo Dalot’s lofted cross fell to Amad Diallo to nod in almost on the goal line. United dominated a pulsating first half but Antoine Semenyo brought
Bournemouth level after 40 minutes. Poor defending saw United lose the ball on the left flank and Semenyo strode forward and sent an angled shot under Senne Lammens. Casemiro restored United’s lead on the stroke of halftime when he headed home from a Bruno Fernandes corner. Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic flapped at the Brazilian’s effort. “It was a fun game for everyone at home,” Amorim said. "If you look at the game you can think we lost the two points in the second half. I think we lost the two points in the first half. I think we should have more goals, we should have a different result at halftime. “It was then similar to Nottingham (Forest, 2-2 in November) where we
suffered two goals really fast, but we managed to get back to take the advantage and then we need to close the game out.” After the break, the visitors scored twice in six minutes to take the lead for the first time. Evanilson finished superbly after only 37 seconds thanks to a great through ball from Marcus Tavernier, and six minutes later Tavernier curled a left-foot shot around the United wall to put Bournemouth 3-2 ahead and silence the home crowd. United rallied and a superb free kick from Fernandes, so often a saviour, sailed into the top corner with 13 minutes left and two minutes later Matheus Cunha got the break of the ball inside the box and finished clinically to put the home side back in front at 4-3. And yet Bournemouth had its own reserves of resilience to come back a third time in the match. With six minutes remaining Eli Junior Kroupi finished brilliantly with one-touch control and a curling side-footer past Lammens. “It is one the fans will definitely enjoy,” Tavernier said, “but for us on the pitch it was a bit frustrating. We started the first half very slow but stayed in the game and then in the second came out and did what we had to do. “The start of the second half was amazing for us on the pitch. We put ourselves in an amazing position in the game. Unfortunately, we conceded such sloppy goals.” The result lifted Manchester United into sixth place. Bournemouth, winless in seven league games, was 13th.
Manchester United and Bournemouth draw 4-4 in Premier League thriller
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, December 17, 2025, PAGE 7
Rodgers and Steelers freeze out Dolphins, Dolphins stay atop AFC North with 28-15 victory considering a change at By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — It felt a little bit like Green Bay. And for Aaron Rodgers, it looked a little like Green Bay, too. Frigid conditions. High stakes. The number of games dwindling. During the four-time MVP's long run with the Packers, this was the time of year that Rodgers thrived. And while Pittsburgh is not Green Bay and the 2025 version of Rodgers is not quite the 2015 version, he offered a reminder on Monday night against Miami that there's still life in his 42-year-old right arm, and in his maddeningly hotand-cold team. Rodgers passed for 224 yards and two touchdowns and Pittsburgh kept its grasp on the top spot in the AFC North with a clinical 28-15 victory over the Dolphins, who were eliminated from playoff contention. While Rodgers wasn't quite in what he called a “flow state,” he certainly looked comfortable while becoming the oldest quarterback in league history to complete at least 85% of his passes. Rodgers connected on 23 of 27 against the Dolphins, including third-quarter touchdown throws of 19 yards to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and 28 yards to DK Metcalf. “I think he’s the best quarterback to ever play this game,” said Valdes-Scantling, who played alongside Rodgers with the Packers and signed with Pittsburgh's practice squad earlier this season. “I don’t care if he’s 65 years old or not, he can still spin the ball and he’s always playing chess with the defence.” Throwing short passes that got the ball out of his hands quickly, Rodgers was fine working underneath
and letting Pittsburgh's skill position players do the work. Running back Kenneth Gainwell had 126 total yards, including a team-high seven receptions. Metcalf's touchdown catch — he shoved former Steeler Minkah Fitzpatrick out of the way en route to the end zone — came on a pass between two defenders that echoed Rodgers in his prime. The Steelers (8-6) maintained their one-game lead over Baltimore in the division with three weeks to go. As spotty as Pittsburgh has looked at times, everything remains on the table as Christmas approaches. “It’s been a while since I’ve been a part of stuff like this,” said Rodgers, who last made the playoffs in 2021. “Nothing changes. It’s just, I feel real comfortable in this environment.” Done Dolphins Miami (6-8) saw its slim playoff hopes vanish in the chill as its four-game winning streak was snapped. The Dolphins prepped by practicing in the snow at nearby Robert Morris University over the weekend, but it didn't help. While Miami took a 3-0 lead during a sluggish first half on Riley Patterson's career-long 54-yard field goal, Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins' offence had no answer once Rodgers heated up. Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 254 yards with two garbage-time touchdowns to Darren Waller and his NFL-leading 15th interception. De'Von Achane, who had powered Miami's recovering from a 1-6 start, ran for 60 yards and caught six passes for 68 more but was a nonfactor during the middle portion of the game, when the Steelers scored touchdowns on four straight possessions to remain unbeaten
quarterback
STEELERS’ Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11), Aaron Rodgers (8) and Troy Fautanu (76) celebrate after Marquez Valdes-Scantling caught a touchdown pass in the second half against the Miami Dolphins in Pittsburgh on Monday night. (AP Photo/Gene J Puskar) at home on Monday nights since 1992. Tagovailoa remained winless in games where the temperature at kickoff was under 40 degrees. Miami had minus-20 yards of total offence in the third quarter. “It's disapppointing we didn't get the outcome we wanted to, and everything that goes on with the playoffs," Tagovailoa said. “When you start the season the way we did, we made it hard on ourselves.” Winning without Watt Pittsburgh won for the second time in 13 tries without outside linebacker T.J. Watt during the perennial All-Pro's nine-year career. Watt is out indefinitely after having surgery to repair a collapsed lung sustained during a dry-needling treatment last week. For a night anyway, Watt's absence didn't matter.
Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward paid tribute to his teammate after collecting one of Pittsburgh's four sacks. The 36-year-old Heyward stood up and attempted to emulate Heyward's signature leg kick, though Heyward said he probably didn't get his leg up high enough. “We've got all the confidence in our guys to go out there and play a hell of a game,” linebacker Patrick Queen said. “Obviously they did.” It helped that Asante Samuel Jr. thwarted an early Miami drive with an interception, his first for Pittsburgh after joining its practice squad in October, six months after neck surgery. “It's a blessing (to get a second chance),” Samuel said. “You can't take
nothing for granted. None of the hard days. None of the long days. You just take everything and appreciate it.” McDaniel's future is murky The Dolphins' improved play of late solidified — temporarily, anyway — coach Mike McDaniel's status. With the playoffs out of reach, Miami will turn its attention to the future, one that might not include the bespectacled 42-yearold whose idiosyncratic approach may be wearing thin. “We have three (more) opportunities with this team," McDaniel said. “I think really the character of the locker room has been tested all year. My expectation is that we're going to bounce back regardless of how much it hurts.”
MIAMI GARDENS, Florida (AP) — Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is considering a quarterback change after Tua Tagovailoa's continued struggles this season, which were magnified in Monday night's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that eliminated Miami from playoff contention for the second straight season. Tagovailoa threw for just 65 yards through three quarters, and the areas in which he has appeared to regress were evident again, from questionable decision-making to a lack of mobility that has hampered him throughout the season. “The quarterback play last night was not good enough," McDaniel said yesterday, "and so for me, everything is on the table.” McDaniel said he would give “more clarity” on his quarterback decision today. Miami's other quarterbacks are Zach Wilson, who has been Tagovailoa's backup most of the season, and rookie Quinn Ewers.
Injuries Dolphins: RB Ollie Gordon II left in the second quarter with a left ankle injury. Fitzpatrick went down in the third quarter with a calf injury. Steelers: LG Isaac Seumalo exited in the third quarter with a triceps injury and did not return. ... OLB Up next Dolphins: Host Cincinnati on Sunday. Steelers: At Detroit on Sunday.
Lima tournament gives tennis ace Sydney Clarke confidence heading into Baldacci PAGE 8, Wednesday, December 17, 2025
THE TRIBUNE
By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net TENNIS player Sydney Clarke continued her steady progress on the professional circuit last week while competing in an ITF Tour in Lima, Peru. The tournament marked an important moment in her season as she was able to qualify for the main draw after several recent events where she narrowly missed advancing. Clarke said the Lima tournament carried added mental pressure after a string of qualifying losses earlier on the ITF circuit. “I was dealing with a lot of fear about not getting over that hurdle because I had been falling short in my last few tournaments,” Clarke said. “It was frustrating and mentally tough, but I knew I had to keep pushing.” That persistence paid off as she successfully navigated qualifying and earned a spot in the main draw. Although her run ended with a first-round loss, Clarke viewed the result as a step forward rather than a setback. “It feels amazing to finally get over the hurdle,” she said. “Even though I lost in the first round, I was just glad I was able to push myself and prove that I can qualify for the main draw.” In addition to gaining experience, Clarke added points to her ITF ranking, helping solidify her standing on the tour. “It was awesome to add points to my ranking,” she said. “But there is always room to improve, and I know I still have a lot to work on.” Clarke used the Lima event as preparation for the upcoming Giorgio Baldacci Tournament, scheduled
TENNIS player Sydney Clarke representing The Bahamas in an ITF Tour in Lima, Peru, last week. for December 19-21 at the National Tennis Center. She believes the competition in Peru provided a needed boost ahead of the home event. “The tournament in Lima gave me a lot of confidence heading into the Baldacci tournament,” Clarke said. “It showed me that my work is paying off and that I belong at this level.” Earlier in her career, Clarke built a strong foundation through consistent performances in regional and international competition. She has represented The Bahamas at various international events, including regional team competitions and
developmental tours, gaining valuable match experience against higher-ranked opponents. Clarke has also recorded multiple strong finishes in regional tournaments, establishing herself as one of the country’s top female players and earning opportunities to compete regularly on the ITF circuit. Those performances laid the groundwork for her current push toward higher professional rankings. Reflecting on the year as a whole, Clarke described her training schedule as demanding but manageable. Balancing full-time work with daily training has required discipline and
structure. “This year definitely had its ups and downs, but I’ve been managing very well,” she said. “I work full time, but I always make sure I commit my time in the gym and on the tennis court whether that be before work or after.” Her long-term focus is firmly set on qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games. “That is one of my biggest goals right now,” Clarke said. “I know there are changes I need to make and areas I need to improve, but I am committed to doing what it takes.” One of Clarke’s major objectives for 2025 was to earn an ITF ranking by
December, a goal she successfully achieved. “I feel very glad that I was able to get my ITF ranking by the end of the year,” she said. “The year started off very tough with firstround losses and no points, but through hard work, I pushed through.” With her ITF ranking established, Clarke is now setting her sights on earning a WTA ranking, which is a key factor in Olympic qualification. “Getting my WTA ranking is the next step, and I hope to achieve that by the end of next year,” she said. She plans to begin the new year with a tournament in January as she looks to
build momentum early. “I want to get a head start next year and start the year with a bang,” Clarke said. As she continues her professional journey, Clarke is still seeking consistent sponsorship to help cover training costs, tournament fees, airfare and accommodations. Those resources are critical as she looks to increase her tournament schedule and take the next step toward Olympic qualification. Despite the challenges, Clarke remains confident and grounded. “I put all my faith in God,” she said, believing that bigger and better things are coming in the months ahead.