SPORTS VICTORIOUS SECTION E
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025
Davis Cup: Bahamas promoted to Zone III By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
T
he men’s team saved their best for last, sweeping host Trinidad & Tobago over the weekend in Trinidad & Tobago to join Guatemala in advancing from zone IV to Zone III in the Americas Davis Cup competition. As the top seeds out of Group B, The Bahamas blanked Puerto Rico - the number two seeds out of Group A - on the final day of competition on Saturday at the National Racquet Sports Center in Tacarigua. Donte Armbrister won his No.2 singles match 6-3, 6-3 over Kamarn Curtis McIntosh-Ross and Denali
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
in Trinidad and Tobago as they celebrated their accomplishments, the players concurred that it was their team work that pulled it off. “What a team, what a week, what a journey we’ve been on this whole week. It was amazing,” he said. “Going into the match, I knew my match was going to be the toughest one to really give us that advantage to put us ahead in the promotion match. “It was an exciting match. I would say playing
IT was an historic day for judoka Xavion Johnson and Team Bahamas at the second Junior Pan American Games in Asuncion, Paraguay. Yesterday, the 19-yearold Johnson - a member of The Bahamas’ 15-member team - won the country’s first medal and the first for Bahamas judo in the brief history of the games, which was hosted for the first time in 2021 in Cali, Colombia. Although he lost to Brazilian Bruno Nobrega in the semifinal, Johnson recovered to quickly defeat Peru’s Mateo Condor for the bronze in the men’s 66 kg category. The match ran a total of 3:06. His coach Joshua White, who has been working with him for the past eight years, said it was just a “matter of not having enough reps” that tilted the scale from gold to bronze. “He had a flawless performance but one mistake changed it all but, at the same time, two wins and he could have been on top of the podium easily,” White said. Despite falling short of the gold, Johnson said he was still pleased, considering that he’s coming off a long European tour for the past month before he went to Orlando, Florida to work
CUP - See Page E7
BRONZE - See Page E8
ZONE III MISSION COMPLETE: Captain John Antonas with Denali Nottage, Kofi Bowe, Donte Armbrister and Michael Major Jr.
PRO BOXER CARL ‘FLASHY’ HIELD READY TO FIGHT – PAGE 2
JUDOKA XAVION JOHNSON WINS JR PAN AM BRONZE
Nottage clinched the tie in the No.1 matchup with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Vaughn Wilson. The doubles match between the Bahamian duo of Armbrister and Kofi Bowe against McIntosh-Ross and Wilson didn’t play and the celebrations began and continued on the team’s return home yesterday. They had a celebration to greet them home on their arrival at the Lynden Pindling International Airport that included an appearance from Minister of Youth, Sports and
Culture Mario Bowleg and Acting Director of Sports Kelsie Johnson. Former Davis Cupper John Antonas, who returned as the captain after a long hiatus, said the experience felt like the old days when he was either the player or the captain. “It was so exciting and rewarding,” said Antonas, who was a part of Team Bahamas that included the “ageless” wonder Leo Rolle, John Farrington, Mark Knowles and Roger Smith back in the 1980s and 1990s. “It was nerve-racking at times
which is normal. What fighters these guys were. They fought down to the last point. Consistent but aggressive fighting.” Antonas said he liked the great team spirit and camaraderie exhibited by the players, calling it a performance The Bahamas should be proud of. He also commended the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association and the parents for the support they provided to the players, both at home and at the competition. The team returned home yesterday, but while
DELIVER 9-1 Stage set for hosting REBELS BLOWOUT VICTORY OVER REAPERS of the 14th annual Battle 4 Atlantis By Jonathan Burrows
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net THE stage is set for the hosting of the biggest collegiate basketball tournament to be hosted in The Bahamas. Over the weekend, Atlantis resort on Paradise Island released the names of the eight elite National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Division One Men’s basketball teams to compete in the 14th annual Battle 4 Atlantis. The tournament will take place inside the Imperial Arena from November 26-28 with the 12-game package carried live on ESPN, ESPN 2 and ESPNU. Audrey Oswell, president and managing director of the Atlantis resort, said the tournament is one of college basketball’s most anticipated tournaments and they are happy to continue to host it. “Set against the backdrop of our iconic resort, this event continues to exemplify excellence in sports and entertainment,” Oswell said.
“With world-class facilities, a storied tradition of hosting unforgettable experiences, and our unmatched setting in The Bahamas, this year’s tournament promises to be as exciting and memorable as ever for players and fans alike.” This year’s line-up will include Colorado State University, St Mary’s University, University of South Florida, Virginia Tech University, Vanderbilt University, University of Western Kentucky, Wichita State University and Virginia Commonwealth University. The tournament will tip off on Wednesday, November 26, followed by the semifinal and consolation games on Thursday, November 27. The championship and placement games will take place on Friday, November 28. Each team will end up playing three games in the $250 million resort-wide transformation as basketball fans and resort guests will enjoy a mixture of new adventures and immersive experiences, inspired culinary journeys,exceptional entertainment, and luxury
THE Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium was ecstatic yesterday as the baseball championships continued with game three of the best-of-five series. Coming off an intense game two this past Friday, in which the Reapers evened the series 1-1, fans were eager to see who would seize the upper hand. What unfolded was a commanding performance from the Rebels, who delivered a blowout 9-1 victory in a game that
left little doubt about their dominance. From the opening inning, the Rebels established control both on the mound and at the plate, capitalising early with eight unanswered runs. “We hit the ball today, last game we didn’t but today we came and executed,” said Rebels’ catcher Rashad Lewis. The Reapers, who had shown resilience in Friday’s matchup, struggled to find their rhythm. Defensive
WIN - See Page E4
THE SPORTS CALENDAR
THE 14th annual Battle 4 Atlantis is all set to take place inside the Imperial Arena November 26-28. shopping retailers. Tickets are currently on sale and include 20% off the best available rate plus guests stay for free on Saturday, November 29 with a
two-night minimum stay. For more information and updates, persons can visit atlantisbahamas,com and follow Battle 4 Atlantis on INstagram and X.
BASEBALL SUMMER CAMP THE inaugural Pheron Charlton TM Baseball Academy’s Baseball Summer Camp is slated to be held 9am to 1pm from August 11-13 at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex softball fields. The camp is designed for players between the ages of five and 12 years. The first 40 campers to register will receive a free uniform. Interested
Aug.
persons can call 1-242544-8568 for more information. Players will receive instructions from former pro and college baseball players. BASKETBALL BBSF TOURNAMENT THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation is scheduled to hold a meeting 6pm Thursday, August 28 at its office
AUG. - See Page E2