Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Uncapped Quentin Sampson in WI squad for Afghan T20s

    Uncapped Quentin Sampson in WI squad for Afghan T20s

    In a strategic move ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, Cricket West Indies has announced a 16-member squad for their upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates from January 19-22. While seven established players including regular captain Shai Hope and former captains Jason Holder and Rovman Powell will be absent due to franchise commitments and rest protocols, the selection introduces exciting new talent alongside returning veterans.

    The squad will be led by opening batsman Brandon King, marking a significant leadership opportunity for the Jamaican right-hander. Most notably, 25-year-old Guyanese powerhouse Quentin Sampson earns his maiden call-up following a spectacular Caribbean Premier League campaign where he amassed 241 runs at an average of 34.42, including two half-centuries for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

    Head coach Daren Sammy emphasized the series’ importance for World Cup preparations, stating: ‘Competitive matches in subcontinental conditions provide ideal preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. This series offers a valuable platform to assess players who missed significant playing time late in 2025 while integrating those stepping into crucial roles before final tournament selection.’

    The selection also marks the return of explosive opener Evin Lewis and fast bowler Shamar Joseph, both recovering from extended injury layoffs. The squad features a blend of experience and emerging talent, including left-handed batsmen Alick Athanaze and Shimron Hetmyer, top-order batsman Keacy Carty, left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, and pace bowlers Matthew Forde and Jayden Seales.

    The West Indies team departed the Caribbean on January 14 and will arrive in the UAE on January 16 for intensive preparation ahead of the series. The final World Cup squad will be announced preceding the Men in Maroon’s subsequent T20 series against South Africa beginning January 27.

  • CWI’s Bascombe: We’ve reached out to Pooran for T20 W/Cup

    CWI’s Bascombe: We’ve reached out to Pooran for T20 W/Cup

    Cricket West Indies (CWI) faces significant challenges in assembling their optimal squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after failed attempts to persuade Nicholas Pooran to reverse his international retirement decision. According to Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe, the organization has exhausted all diplomatic channels to recruit the 29-year-old batting sensation without success.

    Pooran, who stunned the cricketing world with his sudden retirement announcement in June, has remained committed to his decision despite CWI’s persistent overtures. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman has been actively participating in various global T20 franchises since stepping away from international cricket.

    Bascombe confirmed that communication attempts were made with full awareness that Pooran understood the World Cup implications when he initially retired. ‘We probed and we saw that he mentioned not too long ago that he was quite happy to stick to his decision,’ Bascombe stated during his WESN TV appearance on Saturday.

    The recruitment difficulties extend beyond player personnel. CWI has also approached legendary West Indies cricketers Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, and Andre Russell regarding potential roles within the team’s management structure for the tournament. However, scheduling conflicts with the Indian Premier League (IPL) have emerged as a major obstacle, as the World Cup directly transitions into the lucrative franchise tournament.

    Bascombe explained the logistical challenges: ‘Anyone who would come on board as part of our team management would pretty much have to sacrifice a lot of time away. The feedback we’ve received indicates they would need to spend extended periods away from home, covering both the World Cup and subsequent IPL commitments.’

    The West Indies selectors are now compelled to finalize their World Cup squad following the conclusion of their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan later this month, potentially without one of their most dynamic T20 talents.

  • Dennery, Anse La Raye set for U15 girls football final

    Dennery, Anse La Raye set for U15 girls football final

    An unexpected championship showdown is set for Saturday, January 17th at the SLFA Technical Centre in Grande Riviere, Dennery, as underdog Dennery and tournament favorites Anse La Raye advanced through dramatic semifinal matches in the Saint Lucia Football Association’s Under-15 Girls Championship.

    In a remarkable display of determination, the Dennery squad achieved a stunning 2-0 victory over Desruisseaux despite playing with only ten players for the entire match. The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when an unfortunate own goal from Desruisseaux’s Paisley Mc Fairlane put Dennery ahead. Trudy Joseph secured the impressive win with a clinical second strike in the 25th minute, demonstrating exceptional composure against the numerical disadvantage.

    Dennery’s head coach Ruphinia Joseph praised her team’s extraordinary resilience, stating, ‘Facing this challenge with reduced numbers required tremendous mental strength. These players have internalized that nothing is impossible when you maintain focus and determination. Their performance today proves their championship mentality.’

    Coach Joseph expressed overwhelming confidence in her squad’s potential, adding, ‘These exceptionally talented athletes represent the future of national football. Our rigorous training regimen and winning mentality have prepared us thoroughly for the final challenge.’

    The second semifinal delivered equal drama as Anse La Raye and Soufriere battled through regulation time without scoring. The deadlock continued until penalty kicks, where Anse La Raye emerged victorious with a 3-2 shootout triumph. This marked the second consecutive draw between these teams, following their 1-1 group stage encounter.

    Anse La Raye coach Jovette Wilson acknowledged areas for improvement despite the victory: ‘Our defensive organization requires refinement before the final. Having previously defeated Dennery in tournament play, we understand the tactical approach needed for success. Our focus now turns to addressing defensive vulnerabilities while maintaining our offensive threat.’

    The tournament concludes next weekend with Desruisseaux facing Soufriere in the third-place playoff before the championship final between these two contrasting teams—Dennery’s inspirational underdog story versus Anse La Raye’s established tournament pedigree.

  • Mean Green win behind another Nestor double-double

    Mean Green win behind another Nestor double-double

    In a landmark achievement for the program, the University of North Texas women’s basketball team secured its first-ever victory at Tulane’s Avron B. Fogelman Arena with a hard-fought 59-53 win on Saturday, January 10. The historic triumph was spearheaded by a dominant performance from Saint Lucian transfer Megan Nestor, who continued her remarkable season with another double-double.

    Nestor, a 6-foot-4 center from Canaries, Saint Lucia, delivered her fourth consecutive double-figure scoring game and her eighth double-double of the season. Demonstrating exceptional efficiency, she reached double digits in points for the tenth time in sixteen games this season while taking just five shots from the field. Complementing her scoring, Nestor hauled in ten or more rebounds for the ninth time this term, securing her third straight double-double. She also contributed two assists and two steals to the winning effort.

    The former Saint Lucia national netball player continues to lead the American Athletic Conference in rebounds per game, averaging an impressive 11.9. Entering the contest, she held the unique distinction of being the only player in all of NCAA Division I basketball with at least 100 defensive rebounds and over 70 offensive rebounds, underscoring her prowess on both ends of the court.

    While Nestor provided the consistent interior presence, guards Chania Price and Aysia Proctor supplied crucial offensive firepower. Price erupted for a career-high 15 points, while Proctor added 12 points, all in a first half that saw UNT build a commanding 40-25 lead. The second half evolved into a defensive struggle, with North Texas managing only 19 points after the break. Tulane mounted several charges at the start of the third and fourth quarters, twice narrowing the deficit to single digits, but staunch defense from the Mean Green preserved the historic victory.

    Head coach Jason Burton highlighted the team’s strong start as a critical factor. “We reflected on last year, and it was the opposite, where we started slow and had to fight our way back,” Burton stated. “I loved how we came out in the first half… but we found a way to win.” The victory marked a significant milestone for a program that had previously gone 0-5 in games played at Tulane’s arena.

  • James to lead Windwards in CWI women’s cricket

    James to lead Windwards in CWI women’s cricket

    Five accomplished cricketers from Saint Lucia are poised to make their mark in the upcoming Cricket West Indies CG United Women’s Super50 Cup and T20 Blaze tournaments, scheduled from January 10 to February 1 in St Vincent and the Grenadines. This prestigious regional competition will showcase four athletes representing the Windward Islands and one competing for the Leewards, signaling a significant moment for women’s cricket in the Caribbean region.

    West Indies allrounder Zaida James has been appointed captain of the Windward Islands squad, which finished fourth in the previous tournament. The team boasts considerable talent including West Indies senior allrounder Nerissa Crafton, wicketkeeper and top-order batter Ashlene Edward, and promising West Indies Under-19 fast bowler Selena Ross. Meanwhile, West Indies veteran Qiana Joseph will bring her expertise to the Leewards team following her relocation to St Kitts & Nevis last year.

    The T20 Blaze matches will be exclusively held at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, offering cricket enthusiasts daily triple-header entertainment. Matches are scheduled for 9:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 7:00 p.m., with evening games conducted under floodlights for enhanced spectator experience.

    Following the T20 Blaze conclusion, the Super 50 tournament will unfold across three venues: Sion Hill, Park Hill and Cumberland grounds. These matches will commence daily at 9:30 a.m., with each team playing three games before the top-ranked team is crowned champion.

    This year’s tournament builds on last season’s dramatic finale where Guyana secured their maiden regional women’s title after an undefeated campaign that culminated in a Super Over victory against Jamaica. Earlier in 2025, Trinidad & Tobago claimed the Super 50 crown with a decisive seven-wicket win over Barbados in the final.

    The limited-over tournaments serve as a crucial competitive platform at the onset of an action-packed cricket calendar for West Indies Women. The team will host Sri Lanka for a white-ball series in late February, followed by an all-format series against Australia the subsequent month. The summer schedule features a tri-nation series against Ireland and Pakistan, plus the highly anticipated 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, for which the regional squad has been intensively preparing.

    Windward Islands Squad: Zaida James (captain), Holly Charles, Nerissa Crafton, Ashlene Edward, Afy Fletcher, Earnisha Fontaine, Aldith Gasper, Amiah Gilbert, Jannillea Glasgow, Shanel Mckie, Carena Noel, Selena Ross, Abini St. Jean, Jaeda Tyrell

    T20 Blaze Match Schedule (Arnos Vale):
    January 13: vs Guyana @ 9:30am
    January 15: vs Trinidad & Tobago @ 2:30pm
    January 17: vs Barbados @ 2:30pm
    January 19: vs Jamaica @ 7:00pm
    January 21: vs Leeward Islands @ 7:00pm
    January 23: Finals Day

    Super 50 Cup Schedule (All matches @ 9:30 am):
    January 27: vs Trinidad & Tobago — Sion Hill
    January 29: vs Leeward Islands — Cumberland
    January 31: vs Guyana — Park Hill

  • LHF Playoff D1 : All the results from the first day

    LHF Playoff D1 : All the results from the first day

    The Haitian Football League’s Men’s First Division championship playoffs commenced on January 11, 2026, delivering an electrifying opening day marked by decisive victories and intense regional rivalries across four critical matches.

    In the Northern conference bracket, Ouanaminthe FC demonstrated formidable prowess with a commanding 2-0 triumph over Racing FC at Parc Notre-Dame de Ouanaminthe. The match witnessed spectacular goals from Roobens Philogene (54th minute) and Louibenn Sinor (65th minute), securing their team’s dominant performance. Simultaneously, AS Capoise emerged victorious with a 2-1 win against Baltimore SC at Parc Levelt de Saint-Marc. Henry Saint Juste (46th minute) and Philistine Hornet (48th minute) scored rapid successive goals, while Baltimore’s sole point came from an unfortunate own goal by Stanley Volcin in the 54th minute.

    The Southern conference matches presented equally thrilling encounters. Violette AC secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Cavaly AS at Parc Gérard Christophe in Léogâne, with Fernando Ciceron scoring a remarkably early goal just four minutes into the match. In a closely contested battle at Land des Gabions in Cayes, Juventus FC and Racing CH concluded with a 1-1 draw. Mackenson Rosier put Racing CH ahead in the 35th minute, but St-Cyr Jeanson equalized for Juventus FC during the 62nd minute, resulting in a hard-fought stalemate.

    These inaugural playoff matches establish compelling narratives for the remainder of the championship series, setting the stage for heightened competition as teams advance through the brackets in pursuit of the coveted D1 title.

  • Tyra Fenton Qualifies for 2026 CARIFTA Games in Three Sprint Events

    Tyra Fenton Qualifies for 2026 CARIFTA Games in Three Sprint Events

    Emerging track sensation Tyra Fenton has achieved a remarkable athletic milestone by securing automatic qualification in three separate sprint disciplines for the upcoming 2026 CARIFTA Games. The young sprinter, who will compete in the Under-17 girls division, earned her place in Grenada’s prestigious regional competition through exceptional performances in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 400-meter events.

    The Antigua Barbuda Athletic Association officially confirmed Fenton’s triple qualification, highlighting the accomplishment as testament to her consistent high-level performance and dedicated training regimen. The association emphasized that Fenton’s achievement not only demonstrates her individual excellence but also positions her as a standout representative for Antigua and Barbuda on the regional athletics stage.

    Adding to the significance of her qualification, Fenton will return to defend her championship title in the 400-meter event, where she previously claimed victory at the CARIFTA Games. The 2026 competition, scheduled to take place in Grenada, represents one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious junior athletics tournaments, bringing together the region’s most promising young talent across multiple track and field disciplines.

    The CARIFTA Games have long served as a critical developmental platform for Caribbean athletes, many of whom have progressed to international success including Olympic and World Championship competitions. Fenton’s triple qualification places her among an elite group of junior athletes who have achieved multiple event qualifications in the games’ history.

  • First Jamaican signs up for controversial Enhanced Games

    First Jamaican signs up for controversial Enhanced Games

    In a groundbreaking development that challenges conventional sporting ethics, Jamaican sprinter Shockoria Wallace has made history as the first athlete from her nation to align with the controversial Enhanced Games. The 32-year-old MVP Track Club competitor, recognized for her performances in 100m, 60m, and 4×100m events, brings a season’s best of 7.66 seconds in the 60m dash to this unconventional competition.

    Wallace’s athletic credentials include clinching victory in the 100m at the 2022 Velocity Fest Meet at Jamaica’s National Stadium with a time of 11.55 seconds. The Enhanced Games organization, announcing her participation on Monday, highlighted her status as a “consistent national finalist (2021–24) in one of the world’s deepest sprinting nations.”

    The Enhanced Games, scheduled to debut in Las Vegas later this year, represents a radical departure from traditional athletic competitions by explicitly permitting performance-enhancing substances. The organization positions itself as an elite sports competition and performance products company dedicated to optimizing health, performance, and recovery through scientific advancement.

    This controversial venture has drawn significant opposition from established sporting bodies. World Athletics and World Aquatics have publicly condemned the games, citing serious concerns about athlete welfare and competitive integrity. In response, World Aquatics implemented a 2025 bylaw prohibiting participation in events that “embrace the use of scientific advancements or other practices that may include prohibited substances and/or prohibited methods.”

    Wallace joins an international cohort of sprinters including Taylor Anderson, Marvin Bracy-Williams (United States), Mike Bryan (Germany), Clarence Munyai (South Africa), and Reece Prescod (United Kingdom) who have committed to the games. The Enhanced Games promises substantial financial incentives, particularly for record-breaking performances, creating a complex landscape where athletic achievement, scientific enhancement, and traditional sporting values intersect.

  • MBU and Treasure Beach score wins in second round of JPL

    MBU and Treasure Beach score wins in second round of JPL

    In a dramatic Sunday of Jamaica Premier League (JPL) action, Montego Bay United (MBU) solidified their top position while Treasure Beach fought their way out of the relegation zone. The league leaders secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Dunbeholden FC at Jarrett Park, marking their first home win at the venue this season. The decisive moment came from veteran striker Owayne Gordon, who converted a second-half penalty to break Dunbeholden’s impressive eight-match unbeaten streak and push MBU to 32 points.

    Meanwhile, in a tense battle at the bottom of the table, Treasure Beach ended their four-game losing streak with a crucial 2-1 triumph over Molynes United at Drewsland. Daniel Hardy opened the scoring within six minutes, though Molynes equalized through Tyrique Wilson shortly after. Karim Bryan emerged as the hero, netting the winner during first-half stoppage time to lift Treasure Beach to 15 points and swap positions with Harbour View in the standings.

    The day’s other matches produced tightly contested draws. Second-place Racing United (29 points) maintained their unbeaten run with a 1-1 comeback against Mt Pleasant FA, with Tajay Grant’s 69th-minute equalizer canceling out Jeudy Johnson’s opener. Third-place Portmore United (27 points) played to a goalless draw with Chapelton Maroons, extending their winless streak to five matches after previously winning four consecutive games.

    Defending champions Cavalier SC were held to another 0-0 draw by Waterhouse FC, who demonstrated remarkable resilience despite playing the final 14 minutes with ten men after Shamari Dyer’s red card dismissal.

  • Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid by mutual consent

    Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid by mutual consent

    In a significant managerial shakeup, Real Madrid FC announced on Monday the immediate departure of head coach Xabi Alonso through mutual agreement. The decision comes precisely 24 hours after the club’s disappointing 3-2 defeat against arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final held in Saudi Arabia.

    The Basque coach, who succeeded veteran Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti in June 2025, has been replaced by former Madrid defender Álvaro Arbeloa. The 42-year-old Castilla reserve team manager has been promoted to first-team coaching duties, though the duration of his contract remains unspecified according to the club’s official statements.

    Club officials emphasized that Alonso’s exit was reached through mutual consent, stating: ‘Real Madrid announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his tenure as first-team coach to an end.’

    Alonso’s brief reign at the Santiago Bernabéu has been characterized by inconsistent performances despite a late-year resurgence. The team currently occupies second position in La Liga, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points. His position had previously been under serious threat toward the conclusion of 2025, before a five-match winning streak temporarily secured his continuation.

    Arbeloa brings considerable institutional knowledge to the role, having developed his coaching career entirely within Real Madrid’s academy system since 2020. His promotion represents the club’s preference for internal solutions during transitional periods. The managerial change occurs at a critical juncture in Madrid’s season, with important domestic and European commitments approaching.