Bahamians Power Great Britain in WBC Tune-Ups

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UNITED STATES – Team Great Britain opened its World Baseball Classic preparation with a strong showing in Cactus League action.

They defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 7–3 in their first scrimmage before playing the San Diego Padres to a 2–2 tie, and the Bahamian bats made an impact.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. provided early energy for Great Britain, scoring the team’s first run of the opener and starting at second base. He followed that up in the second scrimmage by blasting a solo home run against the Padres.

BJ Murray put together huge days at the plate in the opener, collecting three hits, including a double, while starting at first base and helping spark the offense. Murray continued his hot streak in the second scrimmage, going 2-for-2 against the Padres to stay red hot at the plate.

Kristian Robinson also delivered in the first scrimmage, going 2-for-3 with two RBI as the designated hitter, coming through in run-producing situations to extend the lead.

The Bahamian presence was strong throughout the defensive alignment.

Lucius Fox played shortstop, Ian Lewis started in left field and shortstop, and Trayce Thompson played right field.

Track and Field

The final trials for the region’s biggest junior track and field meet are just weeks away, and the stage is set for fireworks.

The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations hosted a press conference previewing the upcoming CARIFTA Trials, scheduled for March 20–22 at the original Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.

This year’s trials will be held over three days, mirroring the actual schedule of the CARIFTA Games.

About 650 athletes from 31 federations are expected to compete at CARIFTA 53, April 4–6 at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in St. George’s, Grenada.

BAAA president Drumeco Archer says with 40 athletes already qualified for Team Bahamas, more are expected to secure standards at the trials as the track and field community anticipates fierce competition for team spots.

Only two athletes per event can be confirmed for the team, even if multiple athletes have met the qualifying standard.

Last year in Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas finished second with 37 medals, including 16 gold.

Head coach Alexis Roberts says the team is preparing for another strong showing.

NCAA Basketball

Bradley Lightbourne is heading into the postseason with momentum after receiving a major honor.

Lightbourne was named a Second Team All-Conference selection in the Great Lakes Valley Conference for the William Jewell Cardinals.

The redshirt senior averaged 15 points and six rebounds per game.

He also enters the postseason playing some of his best basketball of the season. Lightbourne scored 23 points with six rebounds in one of the Cardinals’ final games before following it up with a season-high 24 points and eight rebounds in the regular-season finale.

His strong finish helped the Cardinals reach a milestone year, with a 19–9 record and a 15–5 mark in conference play — the most wins in the program’s NCAA era.

Now the Cardinals shift their focus to the postseason as they open play in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament tonight in St. Louis, Missouri.