Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Cornwall College, Clarendon College set up Ben Francis Cup final clash

    Cornwall College, Clarendon College set up Ben Francis Cup final clash

    Two Jamaican scholastic football powerhouses, Cornwall College and Clarendon College, have successfully navigated their semi-final matches to secure a highly anticipated championship clash in the ISSA Ben Francis Cup competition. The decisive matches unfolded on Thursday, setting the stage for a final confrontation scheduled for Saturday at the National Stadium.

    At Drax Hall, Cornwall College delivered a commanding performance against McGrath High, securing a 2-0 victory. This triumph marked their second win over the St Catherine-based school within a fortnight, following a previous victory in the daCosta Cup quarter-finals in Montego Bay. The match was decisively shaped by Shakeen Gibson’s exceptional performance, with the player netting both goals. Gibson broke the deadlock in the 38th minute with a powerful strike from inside the 18-yard box. He later sealed the victory in the 81st minute, expertly finishing a setup from teammate Kavontae Gooden by slotting the ball past goalkeeper Orlando Griffiths.

    Simultaneously, a dramatic semi-final unfolded at the St Elizabeth Technical Sports Complex in Santa Cruz. Clarendon College and Mannings’ School were locked in a 1-1 stalemate after regulation time, necessitating a penalty shootout. Clarendon College ultimately emerged victorious with a 4-1 win on penalties. Anthony Reid had initially put Clarendon in the lead with a goal in the 12th minute. However, Mannings’ School fought back, with Jordan Turner equalizing in the 53rd minute, ultimately forcing the nail-biting shootout. This hard-fought victory earns Clarendon College a consecutive appearance in the Ben Francis Cup final.

  • UNDERDOGS NO MORE

    UNDERDOGS NO MORE

    In a stunning display of athletic prowess and strategic execution, Jamaica’s national basketball team has emerged as an unexpected powerhouse in the FIBA Americas World Cup Qualifiers. Under the leadership of American coach Rick Turner, a former NBA executive appointed in December 2019, the Jamaican squad has transformed from international underdogs to legitimate contenders on the global basketball stage.

    The breakthrough moment arrived during their opening group games against Puerto Rico, where the ‘Jamrockers’ secured consecutive victories despite being the lowest-ranked team in their group and missing Miami Heat star Norman Powell. These remarkable wins in San Juan propelled Jamaica to four points, tying them with basketball powerhouse Canada at the top of their qualifying group standings. The top three teams from each group will advance to the final qualification round.

    Turner revealed to the Jamaica Observer that these victories represent more than just statistical achievements: “These two games showed us that we belong and that the things we’ve been doing weren’t just pie-in-the-sky wishes but were things that as a staff and organization we believed in.” The coach emphasized that while Jamaican athletes naturally possess confidence, these wins provided crucial validation of their competitive capabilities at the international level.

    The team’s journey has been anything but straightforward. Turner’s initial years were hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, creating what he described as a “purgatory” situation where Jamaica couldn’t improve its ranking without playing games, but couldn’t qualify for games without a better ranking. Their current qualification opportunity emerged through what Turner characterizes as “sort of lucky” circumstances, when FIBA unexpectedly notified the Jamaica Basketball Association of their eligibility for pre-qualifiers just hours after Turner and association president Paulton Gordon had discussed their frustrating predicament.

    Despite their current success, Turner maintains a pragmatic perspective: “We did win two games in Puerto Rico that we probably weren’t the favorites for, but the road now just seems even more difficult.” The coach highlighted challenging upcoming fixtures against The Bahamas (February 26) and Canada (March 1), noting that their opponents will be fighting with increased desperation as qualification hopes hang in the balance.

    Turner credits the team’s rapid development to the extraordinary commitment of players who have compressed years of development into intensive training camps. “Our players were focused from the time they landed in San Juan, knowing what the job was and knowing the importance of putting their best foot forward against a team that was really, really good,” he noted, praising their ability to absorb complex strategies within limited preparation time.

    The Jamaican basketball program’s dramatic evolution under Turner’s leadership represents one of international sports’ most compelling turnaround stories, demonstrating how strategic vision, player dedication, and fortunate timing can converge to create athletic excellence against all odds.

  • Indy Premier stay perfect in ‘Jewels’ tourney

    Indy Premier stay perfect in ‘Jewels’ tourney

    Indy Premier SC from the United States continues their commanding performance at the DecembHER Football – Jewels of the Caribbean tournament, delivering an emphatic 8-0 victory against Trinidad and Tobago’s Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Future Stars XI in under-17 girls’ competition on December 17. The match, held at Sangre Grande recreation ground, showcased Indy’s offensive prowess as they established a 4-0 lead by the 39th minute before adding four additional goals in the second half.

    Attacking midfielder Ashlyn Bazile spearheaded the offensive onslaught with a impressive hat-trick, while substitute Kori Brown and attacker Olivia Jones contributed two goals each. Winger Zoey Montgomery initiated the scoring spree with an eighth-minute goal, despite having previously recorded three offside goals against Trinidad and Tobago’s national under-17 team during their 4-0 opening victory on December 15 at Hasely Crawford Stadium.

    In the under-20 division, Indy Premier secured a 2-0 win against Trinidad and Tobago’s national under-20 team on December 16 in Couva. Goals from Tori Brewer and captain Cadence Conrad secured the victory, though the match revealed competitive elements despite the scoreline. Under the guidance of newly appointed national women’s team coach Damian Briggs, Trinidad and Tobago’s under-20 squad demonstrated promising attacking potential through forwards Tyesha Griffith, Sonia Lamarre, Mariah Williams, and last year’s golden boot winner Orielle Martin.

    The hosts created numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match, with Williams volleying over the bar within the first minute of play. However, defensive strategies involving build-up play from the back proved costly when goalkeeper Sadiel Antoine’s errant pass led to Brewer’s opening goal in the 22nd minute. Conrad extended the lead with a spectacular 30-yard looping shot in the 54th minute that sailed over Antoine’s reach.

    Despite maintaining a clean sheet, Indy’s goalkeepers Teagan Leihgeber and substitute Gwyneth Provost were tested multiple times, making crucial saves against Martin, Steele, and Archer in the second half. The tournament continues with Indy Premier’s under-20 team facing Jamaica on December 18 at Hasely Crawford Stadium, while Trinidad and Tobago’s under-20 squad seeks their first victory against TT Women’s League Football United XI simultaneously.

  • Trinidad and Tobago’s Aadian Racha named in World Cup Under-19 squad

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Aadian Racha named in World Cup Under-19 squad

    Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially announced its 15-member Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 squad for the upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup, scheduled to take place across Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6.

    The selection reflects a meticulous talent identification process that prioritized performances during regional competitions and international preparatory series. The squad notably includes players who excelled in two recent seven-match Youth ODI series victories—a 5-2 triumph over England in Grenada and a closely fought 4-3 win against Sri Lanka last August and September.

    Top-order batsman Joshua Dorne has been appointed captain, cementing his leadership status following an exceptional year across both regional and youth international circuits. All-rounder Jonathan van Lange will serve as vice-captain. The squad boasts significant experience with several members, including Dorne and wicketkeeper-batsman Jewel Andrew, having represented the region at the 2024 edition. Andrew, who made history as the youngest player to represent the senior West Indies team in T20Is earlier this year, also holds the same record for ODIs which he claimed in October 2024.

    Trinidad and Tobago’s representation is limited to bowling all-rounder Aadian Racha in the main squad, with batting all-rounder Brendan Boodoo named among four traveling reserves.

    CWI’s high-performance manager Dwain Gill emphasized the strategic approach behind team selection: “This squad is the product of a deliberate and well-structured preparation and selection process. Performances in regional Under-17 and Under-19 competitions were closely monitored, with an emphasis on identifying players with specialist skills and the adaptability required for international cricket.”

    The team will benefit from the experience of Zachary Carter, Matthew Miller, Jakeem Pollard, Shaquan Belle and Vitel Lawes, all of whom played pivotal roles during the successful home series against Sri Lanka and England. Micah McKenzie brings additional experience having made his List A debut for the West Indies Academy against Sri Lanka’s Emerging Men’s team in June before earning his maiden cap for Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the 2025 CG United Super 50 Cup.

    Drawn in Group D alongside South Africa, Afghanistan, and Tanzania, the West Indies will play all group stage matches at the High-Performance Oval in Windhoek, Namibia. Preparatory warm-up matches against Ireland and Japan are scheduled for January 10 and 13 respectively in Windhoek.

    The tournament structure will see the top three teams from each group advance to the Super Six phase, followed by semifinals on February 3-4, culminating in the championship final on February 6 at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.

  • Josiah Hills, Christopher Khan progress to RBC Under-16 finals

    Josiah Hills, Christopher Khan progress to RBC Under-16 finals

    The National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua witnessed exceptional junior tennis prowess on December 17th as the RBC Junior Tennis tournament semifinals unfolded with commanding performances from top-seeded athletes across multiple age divisions.

    In the boys’ 16-and-Under singles category, tournament favorite Josiah Hills delivered a masterclass performance, dismantling fifth-seeded Oliver Harragin with a flawless 6-0, 6-0 victory. The top-seeded player demonstrated why he holds the premier position in the draw with his dominant display. Meanwhile, second-seeded Christopher Khan faced stiffer competition from third-ranked Jovan Garibana, ultimately prevailing through determined play with scores of 6-4, 7-5 to secure his championship berth.

    The girls’ 16-and-Under division similarly saw top seeds advancing to the final round. First-seeded Makeda Bain navigated past fourth-ranked Karissa Mohammed in a match that culminated 6-0, 7-6, earning her place in the championship match. She will face second-seeded Cyra Ramcharan, who demonstrated her competitive edge with a decisive 6-1, 6-4 victory over third-ranked Suri Ramcharan.

    Younger competitors in the boys’ 12-and-Under category mirrored the pattern of seed dominance. Top-seeded Dylan Frost secured his advancement with a 4-2, 4-2 win against Daniel Ward, while second-seeded Ethan Primus overcame Zachary Anthony 4-0, 4-2. Third-seeded Austin Ward recorded a comprehensive 4-1, 4-0 triumph over Zayden Alexis, and fourth-seeded Nicholas McLetchie completed the semifinal victories with a 4-1, 4-1 performance against Malik Bain.

    The tournament continues through December 18th with championship matches determining the ultimate winners in each competitive category.

  • SHINE 5K to benefit hurricane-stricken children in Jamaica

    SHINE 5K to benefit hurricane-stricken children in Jamaica

    Guardian Group’s annual SHINE 5K and 10K Charity Walk and Run has demonstrated remarkable philanthropic impact through its eighth edition held on November 29, 2025. The event, which originated in 2015, has evolved into a significant movement benefiting numerous organizations dedicated to children’s welfare across Trinidad and Tobago and beyond.

    During a December 15 ceremony at Guardian Group’s Westmoorings headquarters, over thirty child-focused organizations received substantial funding from the $780,000 raised through this year’s initiative. The distribution ceremony highlighted the sustained commitment of corporate Trinidad to social development through athletic philanthropy.

    Ayesha Boucaud-Claxton, Group Head of Marketing and Communication at Guardian Group, emphasized the transformative nature of the initiative. “SHINE has transcended beyond a mere event into a genuine movement characterized by generosity, unity, and collective care,” she stated. “Our dedication to community development remains sustained, deliberate, and deeply embedded in our organizational identity.”

    This year’s edition introduced a regional humanitarian component, with portions of the proceeds allocated to support Jamaican children affected by Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in October 2025. The storm particularly impacted western Jamaica, prompting Guardian Group to extend its philanthropic reach across the Caribbean.

    “Our assistance extends beyond national borders this year,” Boucaud-Claxton explained. “This allocation demonstrates our recognition of Caribbean unity—when one territory suffers, we collectively respond as a single family.”

    Corporate partners including One Caribbean Media, Liberty Business, and SM Jaleel received special recognition for their sustained support in amplifying the initiative’s impact. Beneficiary organizations spanned diverse focus areas including the Autism Support Network, Dyslexia Association of Trinidad and Tobago, Playable Caribbean, and Just Because Foundation, all providing essential services in safety, mentorship, education, and counseling for vulnerable youth.

    The funds will primarily strengthen existing programs, expand service capabilities, and create new opportunities for children facing significant challenges. Guardian Group officials encouraged continuing the “yeoman service” provided by these organizations in transforming obstacles into opportunities for the next generation.

  • Blue Marlins have record-breaking Trinidad meet

    Blue Marlins have record-breaking Trinidad meet

    The Blue Marlins Swim Club of St. Vincent and the Grenadines delivered an extraordinary performance at the Aquatics Sports Association of Trinidad & Tobago (ASATT) Invitational, held from December 11-14 at the National Aquatic Centre in Couva. Competing in a 50-meter long-course pool against 47 teams, the six-member Vincentian contingent achieved a remarkable 13th place overall finish while breaking multiple national records.

    The competition witnessed historic achievements from the young athletes. Hazen Da Briel demolished his own SVG National Long Course Record in the Male 15-16 200m Individual Medley, clocking 2:24.30, and secured a bronze medal in the 200m backstroke while achieving personal bests in 10 of his 12 events.

    Belle Adams continued the record-breaking trend by surpassing her own national mark in the girls 11-12 400m Individual Medley with a time of 6:32.63. Her performance earned three bronze medals across freestyle and butterfly events.

    In a family triumph, Zane Dabriel broke his brother Hazen’s Male 8-and-under backstroke National Record set in 2018, while also claiming bronze in the 50m breaststroke. Caghry Williams demonstrated consistency with two silver medals and one bronze in breaststroke events, achieving personal bests in 9 of 11 races.

    The entire team showed significant improvement, with Zoey May and Raya Adams delivering perfect performances by setting personal records in all their respective events.

    The delegation, managed by Marcus Da Briel with chaperone Bettie Jn Baptiste-Adams, received high praise from Head Coach Tamarah St. Hilaire, who expressed immense pride in the swimmers’ development and acknowledged the supporting parents and assistant coaches Kyle Dougan and Anwar Medjehed for their contributions to the team’s success.

  • Gusto scores, but Pack lose in title matchup

    Gusto scores, but Pack lose in title matchup

    In a dramatic overtime finale at WakeMed Soccer Park, the University of Washington Huskies captured their first-ever NCAA Division I men’s soccer championship with a 3-2 victory over North Carolina State. The championship match, played in frigid 25-degree conditions, concluded just 1:54 into golden goal overtime when Harrison Bertos delivered the title-winning shot inside the penalty area.

    The unseeded Huskies established early dominance with a 2-0 advantage before NC State mounted a spirited comeback. Wolfpack striker Donavan Phillip ignited hopes in the 66th minute with an acrobatic finish for his 19th goal of the season – leading all Division I scorers and marking the program’s highest tally since 1982. The comeback gained momentum when senior midfielder Taig Healy equalized at 2-2 in the 87th minute, forcing the championship into extra time.

    Phillip, who had previously scored four goals in the NCAA tournament and five game-winners during the season, was unable to provide another decisive moment. The Castries-born forward now faces a career crossroads with one year of eligibility remaining at NC State. Despite being selected 62nd overall by Colorado in last year’s MLS SuperDraft, Phillip indicated strong inclination toward returning to college soccer under coach Marc Hubbard’s guidance.

    Reflecting on the emotional loss, Phillip acknowledged the departing seniors while expressing optimism about the program’s future: ‘I have one more year. I’m really feeling for those seniors that ended a little short, but they know they’re gonna leave the programme in a better place. I feel like there’s only up from here.’

  • Saint Lucians back from 3×3 basketball training in Nassau

    Saint Lucians back from 3×3 basketball training in Nassau

    A 12-member delegation from Saint Lucia has concluded its participation in the FIBA Caribbean 3×3 Development Camp and Under-23 Tournament, returning from a five-day basketball immersion in The Bahamas. The event brought together emerging talent and officials from multiple Caribbean nations, including host nation Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, with competitions held at both DW Davis Gymnasium and Nassau Beach Soccer Arena.

    Saint Lucia’s women’s squad featured collegiate athletes Dasha Eugene and Keri Ann Lewis alongside Neanna Francois and Jeaneve James. Despite demonstrating competitive spirit, the team faced formidable opposition—suffering decisive losses to eventual champions Jamaica (16-2 and 22-4) and a narrow 15-12 defeat against Trinidad and Tobago. The men’s team, comprising Sidney Didier, Jamil James, Jaixan Justin, and Junior Dupree, experienced challenging matchups with a 17-10 loss to Haiti, 16-14 defeat against Cayman Islands, and an overtime thriller against Jamaica that ended 12-10 in Jamaica’s favor.

    The developmental aspect extended beyond competition as Saint Lucia Basketball Federation (SLBF) deployed coaching staff Colleen Edwards and Christus Michel, referee Shadrack Theodore, and 3×3 systems manager Christian Seales. Theodore engaged in specialized referee training under American instructor Glenn Tuitt, while Seales advanced his technical expertise through FIBA’s 3×3 platform clinic. All participating athletes benefited from skill development sessions conducted by FIBA 3×3 specialist Luca Carvalho.

    This initiative, supported by the Olympic Solidarity Programme, represents FIBA’s strategic effort to enhance high-performance pathways and accelerate the sport’s growth throughout the Caribbean region. CBC President Leslie Collymore emphasized the event’s significance: ‘The 3×3 Caribbean Camp and Cup represents our vision for a more unified, competitive and development-driven basketball ecosystem across the region, not only in 3×3 but holistically.’

    The SLBF acknowledged crucial support from the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee, National Lotteries Authority, and Saint Lucia Tourism Authority that enabled the young athletes’ international exposure and development opportunity.

  • St. Kitts And Nevis Set To Compete In FIFA Series 2026 In Indonesia – SKN PULSE

    St. Kitts And Nevis Set To Compete In FIFA Series 2026 In Indonesia – SKN PULSE

    The Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis has achieved a significant breakthrough in international football by securing participation in the prestigious FIFA Series 2026 (FS26), scheduled to be hosted in Indonesia. This landmark achievement represents a crucial developmental milestone for the federation’s senior men’s national team program, positioning the Sugar Boyz for unprecedented global exposure.

    The FIFA Series, an innovative global initiative launched by FIFA’s governing body, is specifically designed to provide national teams with enhanced opportunities for high-level international competition outside traditional confederation boundaries. The tournament brings together carefully selected national squads from across FIFA’s diverse continental confederations, creating a unique platform for competitive friendly matches during FIFA’s official international match calendar windows.

    This strategic participation will enable St. Kitts and Nevis to engage with varied international playing styles and tactical approaches from opponents they would rarely encounter in conventional CONCACAF competitions. The Indonesian-hosted matches promise to deliver invaluable competitive experience ahead of crucial regional qualifying tournaments, while simultaneously offering Kittitian and Nevisian players a distinctive opportunity to demonstrate their football prowess before Asian football audiences and international scouts.

    The FIFA Series framework emphasizes cross-confederation development, global competitiveness enhancement, and the promotion of football diversity across emerging regions. For St. Kitts and Nevis, this invitation signals growing recognition of their football development progress and provides a strategic platform for continued improvement against world-class opposition.