Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 14^th November 2024 — The exciting Turks and Caicos Islands School Sports (TCISS) Inter-High School Girls Softball season begins on November 16^th, carrying into January 2025. Last season, the Marjorie Basden High School Lady Knights came out victorious, defeating the previous year’s champions the HJ Robinson High School Stallions.

On the new season, Hon. Rachel Taylor shares, “As Minister with responsibilities for Sports, I take this opportunity to congratulate all High School Softball Teams vying for the title of Inter-High Softball Champion of the year. In a time when our students are seeking opportunities to be engaged in worthwhile experiences, this opportunity, I know, is accepted with great excitement and anticipation.  We extend our gratitude to the sports commission, schools, coaches, sponsors, and students for their collaboration in making this annual initiative possible.  We will continue in our efforts towards improving students’ self-esteem, helping them feel better about themselves, and fostering an attitude of teamwork for engagement in sports, which is rewarding in boosting our students’ overall social skills. Congratulations and may the best team win!”.

This year the groups are as follows:

Group A

Clement Howell High School – CHHS

Elite High School – EHS

Marjorie Basden High School – MBHS

Maranatha Academy – MA

British West Indies Collegiate – BWIC

Group B

HJ Robinson High School – HJRHS

A. Louise Garland Thomas High School – ALGTHS 

Wesley Methodist High School – WMHS

Raymond Gardiner High School – RGHS

TCIPS Comprehensive High School – TCIPS

How to Watch Games: 

Games take place primarily at the Downtown Ballpark in Providenciales on Saturdays, and Fridays after this weekend’s games. For this year’s game schedules, visit the TCISS page: https://www.gov.tc/sports/our-events/tci-school-sports. Tickets are sold at the booth: Adults $8, and Children $5.

Visit this link to view game results weekly: https://nieves1319.softr.app/tciss-games.

Turks and Caicos Islands School Sports 2024-25 Schedule

• TCISS Inter-High School Football Boys, TCISS Inter-High School Football Girls – September 28, 2024 – October 26, 2024 (Providenciales)
• TCISS Inter-High School Basketball – November 2024 – January 2025 (All-Island)
• TCISS Inter-High School Softball – November 2024 – February 2025
• Track and Field Development Meets – February & March 2025
• TCISS Inter-High School Track and Field – March 2025 (Providenciales)
• TCISS Inter-Primary School Track and Field – April 2025 (Providenciales)

Rayan Ishan

Staff Writer

On Wednesday October 20, 2024 Jonquel “JJ” Jones, a Bahamian-born forward for the New York Liberty, led her team to their first WNBA championship title, marking a significant achievement in her career and a historic moment in New York’s basketball history.

The Liberty secured a 67-62 victory (in overtime) against the Minnesota Lynx, delivering the city its first professional basketball championship since 1973, the Liberty announced during the recent championship parade through Manhattan and Brooklyn.

JJ, who received the Finals MVP award, entered the WNBA in 2016 as the sixth overall draft pick.

At home in The Bahamas, it was announced by Mario Bowleg, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture that the Ministry will host a championship motorcade for Jonquel Jones on Grand Bahama and New Providence on November 16 and 18 respectively.

“And it’s expected she’ll be bringing a few friends over for the occasion.”

Before joining the Liberty, she quickly rose to prominence, earning the 2017 WNBA Most Improved Player award after setting a then-record for single-season rebounds.

In 2019, JJ helped lead the Connecticut Sun to the WNBA Finals, and her impressive all-around performance earned her the league MVP title in 2021. She continued to showcase her defensive strength, being named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.

These achievements solidified her reputation as a dominant force before transitioning to Liberty. Her journey from the Bahamas to the WNBA is celebrated by both Bahamians and Liberty fans alike, according to a statement from the New York Liberty organization. The team noted that her skill and resilience throughout the season underscored her role as a vital player in the Liberty’s lineup.

Thousands of fans gathered along the parade route to celebrate the Liberty’s victory.

Fans in New York lined the Canyon of Heroes on Broadway to witness the historic occasion, with many describing it as a day to remember.

“We’re here to support and cheer on our champions,” said one fan. Families and young fans, inspired by JJ and the Liberty, filled the streets during the celebration, as reported by ‘GQ Magazine’.

For the Bahamas, JJ’s success is seen as a source of national pride, with many celebrating her accomplishments as an example of Bahamian excellence on an international stage. Her victory reflects the growing influence of Caribbean athletes in professional sports worldwide, a spokesperson for the Bahamian Ministry of Sports noted.

Jonquel Jones and her teammates expressed gratitude for the community’s support throughout the season and during the victory parade.

“This win isn’t just for us, it’s for everyone who believed in the Liberty,” said JJ, summing up her appreciation for fans, the Liberty organization, and her home country of The Bahamas.