The Tribune

By LEESHAN MORLEY

Tribune Intern

WITH Saturday marking the end of the basketball segment of the 6th Bahamas Games, eight athletes were able to stop and reflect on how they felt coming into the games and their excitement going up against the other islands.

Raynia Russell from Columbus Isles Arawaks women’s team reminisced about being in a competition as big as the Bahamas Games and playing against the other teams.

“I feel as though it was a good experience, our team came out and did their best.”

She further went on to express her hopes about the team building a closer connection and coming back stronger next time.

Tracey Lewis from the Exuma and Ragged Island Navigators women’s team also played with the national team and participated in college basketball leagues.

Lewis says that coming into the Games she was confident. She felt like the teams were equally matched up.

“I was happy that all of the teams are matched up well, it’s even, and it was no super team that was put together, so every time we come out and play, we are able to compete and the best team wins.”

Lashann Higgs, from the Eleuthera Adventurers women team, has also stepped into big competitions by being involved in college basketball and presently playing in Europe. She expressed that it is neat to be able to play against the other islands, especially being off to school.

Jurelle Mullings from the Abaco and Cays Survivors women’s team was able to speak on how she felt optimistic coming into the Bahamas Games. She spoke about having a good team, with a good mix of veteran and younger players.

The players were able to gel well on the court while having fun.

Mullings further went on to say that she loves the idea of playing against other islands. “I love it. If anyone knows me, I’m a nationalist, so just the fact of the Bahamas coming together to do anything gives me joy.”

D’Angelo Parker from the Grand Bahama Lucayans men’s team expressed that he has not been in a tournament as big as the Bahamas Games, and that being a rookie on the team has been a very good experience. He further went on to say that coming into the Games he just plans to show up and do the best that he can. Parker also mentioned that being in the games was a dream come true for him. “This was one of the tournaments I was wishing to play in and this year it turned out to be a dream come true.”

Shaquille Evans from the Andros Island Chickcharnies men’s team, is also no stranger to high-level basketball. He has played years of college basketball.

He also expressed how great it has been to come back, play with old teammates and go up against the other islands while representing his home.

Christopher Grant from the Eleuthera Adventurers men’s team expressed that this is the first time that he played in an event as big as the Bahamas Games.

He said he loved the experience and that his team came in and played strong.

Grant added that it was also great to go up against tough competition and be able to take the win.

Dylan Musgrove from the New Providence Buccaneers men’s team expressed that he has never been in a competition this big but he came in with a lot of confidence.

He said it was great to play with his teammates and represent his own island.

He further went on to say that he liked having the opportunity to be exposed to the way that others play representing their islands.

His plan was to just take it one game at a time and focus on getting the gold.