Sports

Impressive Numbers On NCAA Hoops Opening Night

MIAMI, FLORIDA – Bahamian athletes impressed on NCAA opening night, with standout performances from Denika Lightbourne, AJ Storr, Romad Dean, and Donnie Freeman. In the NBA, Deandre Ayton led the Lakers to their fourth straight win. Meanwhile, young sailors like Drake Knowles and Eliza Denning shone at the Cecil G. Cooke Jr. Regatta.

Published

12 months ago

November 4, 2025

10th Year Seniors

MIAMI, FLORIDA – The NCAA Division I basketball season tipped off Monday, and Bahamian athletes wasted no time making noise on the court.

Denika Lightbourne delivered an electric debut for Florida International University, leading the Panthers with 21 points and 8 rebounds in a loss to South Florida. Teammate Rhema Collins did not play but is expected to make her debut soon.

In the SEC, AJ Storr was dominant for Ole Miss, posting 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in a win over Southeastern Louisiana.

Meanwhile, Romad Dean looked strong in his first outing with Tulsa, putting up 9 points and 9 boards in a victory over Oklahoma Christian.

And at Syracuse, top ACC prospect Donnie Freeman impressed with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks to lift the Orange over Binghamton.

AYTON LEADS SHORTHANDED LAKERS TO FOURTH STRAIGHT WIN

Deandre Ayton continues to shine in Los Angeles, dominating his former team with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks as the Lakers defeated the Trail Blazers 123–115.

It was Ayton’s third double-double of the season, helping LA improve to 6–2 despite being shorthanded.

CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT CECIL COOKE JR. REGATTA

Over 40 young sailors braved tough weather in the 12th Annual Cecil G. Cooke Memorial Junior Regatta, honoring the Bahamian Olympic legend.

Drake Knowles of Long Island dominated the Optimist Championship Fleet, winning five races to take the overall title. Chase Thompson of Grand Bahama finished second, and Edward Knowles placed third.

In other classes:

Eliza Denning made history as the first female to win the Laser Division.
Dai Major of Exuma topped the Sunfish class.
Simon Escruceria of Lyford Cay claimed the Optimist Green Fleet title.

The event celebrated the lasting legacy of Cecil George Cooke, who, alongside Sir Durward Knowles, brought The Bahamas its first Olympic gold medal in 1964.