NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The National Sports Awards took center stage over the weekend, as the Ministry of Youth and Sports continued its month-long celebration of Bahamian athletes and the country’s sporting achievements.
The awards ceremony, held Saturday at Margaritaville, brought together athletes and members of the sporting community to recognise achievements across various levels of competition.
However, with the awards now complete, there is still plenty on the National Sports Month calendar.
On November 11, the Ministry will partner with the Ministry of Health for a health and wellness initiative at Rawson Square, including blood pressure screenings and other health checks.
The month will also see the establishment of the first Sports Minister Hall of Fame, recognising former ministers and their contributions to sports development.
Youth engagement will also be a focus, with National Youth Assembly inductees set to visit the House of Assembly on November 18, ahead of their official induction the following day.
And on Thanksgiving, the Ministry will team up with the University of Miami for an all-day basketball clinic for girls, with a showcase component that could provide further recruitment opportunities.
Additional activities include Wacky Sports Day and an in-house staff sports competition at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium.
The month also features the new Bahamas-UK Sports Academy, an initiative designed to create scholarship, coach development and sporting opportunities for young Bahamians, including those in the Family Islands.
Brown Down to Final Three as Decision Day Looms
Bahamian basketball prospect CJ Brown is closing in on his college decision, with the Dream City Christian Center in Arizona narrowing his recruitment to three schools.
Brown has identified Tennessee, Mississippi State and Oklahoma as his finalists, and is scheduled to announce his commitment on November 13.
The 6′ 9″ center is a four-star recruit in the class of 2027, ranked 114th nationally in the 247Sports composite.
Tennessee, Mississippi State and Oklahoma are now awaiting his decision as Brown prepares to take the next step in his basketball career.
Lightbourne, Webster Adjust to New Programs
Two Bahamian women’s basketball players are making their presence felt early in the college season, with Denika Lightbourne and Adena Webster turning in impressive performances for their new programs.
Lightbourne helped Florida Gulf Coast celebrate its home opener with an 89-59 win over Arkansas State, finishing with 10 points, six rebounds and a career-high seven assists in just 22 minutes.
The senior guard was one rebound and three assists away from a triple-double, while also adding a three-pointer and a block.
Meanwhile, Webster has been a key contributor in her early games with South Carolina State.
The Monmouth transfer opened her Bulldogs career with a career-high 23 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals against Trinity College.
She followed that with 12 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks against Bethune-Cookman, showing her ability to contribute in multiple areas as she settles into her new program.
Edgecombe, 76ers Back on Winning Track
VJ Edgecombe and the Philadelphia 76ers were back on the road and back to their winning ways.
He finished with 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals in Philadelphia’s 127–121 win over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday afternoon.
He also shot 3-6 and is now 39% from three-point range.
The 76ers improved to 9–2 with the win, while Edgecombe continues to be an important part of the Eastern Conference leaders.
