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Curry gets 1st 3-pointer block of the season, Asafa chokes again at World Indoor Champs; Calabar, Edwin Allen, San Antonio Spurs and Omar McLeod all winners over the weekend!

What a weekend in Sports! Congrats to Calabar and Edwin Allen for winning the oh so entertaining and inspiring ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics’ Championships! With 16 finals to go, both schools led the field and there was no turning back.

Our young Jamaicans put on quite a show, looking very promising for our future in Athletics. Suga’s main concern though is the workload put on the star athletes. There needs to be some kind of stipulation put in place for the Boys and Girls to run only a certain amount of events, ideally 2, because once they excel in individual events they are further pressured to run relays to help their team and school. The star athletes should also be restricted from running the heats for their teams in relays. Careful consideration needs to be given to this matter in order for them to make the transition like our legend, Usain Bolt.

With all seriousness aside, who took Champs for Suga?

Junelle Bromfield of STETHS with 4 GOLD medals! Junelle won the Class 1 Girls’ 400m, 800m, 1500m and anchored the 4×400m relay. She was absolutely exceptional and did not even blow after any final she ran. Amazing. She also blew away her rival in the 400m, Ashley ‘Felix’ Williams of Holmwood who beat her recently so she was on a mission and the revenge was sweet.

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Ashley ‘Felix’ Williams, as her nickname suggests has a very similar running style and looks like USA’s athletic star, Allyson Felix. Ashley won the Girls’ 200m impressively.

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KC’s Akeem Bloomfield continued his reign in the Class 1 Boys’ 400m, of which he holds the record from last year.

The tall, powerful, Dejour Russell of Calabar was upset by his teammate, Michael Stephens in the Class 2 Boys’ 100m after he could not recover from his usual slow start, but he got the opportunity again to win Gold and did just that in the Class 2 Boys’ 110m hurdles.

Another disappointment was Defending Champ of the Girls’ Class 2 100m, Shellece Clarke of Edwin Allen. She was not fully on form, had a poor start and failed to medal. She was also pulled out of the 200m event.

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Instagram: @issachamps

Back to the winners! Christopher Taylor of Calabar! In addition to breaking the Class 2 Boys’ 400m record early in the heats in 46.33s, he also won 4 GOLD medals and ran a beautiful and strategic anchor leg in the last race of Champs, finishing ahead of KC’s Akeem Bloomfield in the Boys’ 4×400m relay. Akeem ran out too hard but had too much work to do anyway by the time he received the baton. Fantastic end to the Championships.

Then there was a big NBA game on Saturday night as well!

The San Antonio Spurs held the Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry to 1 for 12 on 3 pointers in their 87-79 win over the Warriors. It was Curry’s worst stats for 3-pointers this season.

What happened? San Antonio’s superb defence and LaMarcus Aldridge with 26 points and 13 rebounds.

Check out some of the high class defense action below!

Watch “Danny Green becomes the 1st player to block a 3-pt attempt by Steph Curry in 15-16′ season” on YouTube here:

Then there was another massive block sacrificing his body! Watch “Danny Green Rejects Stephen Curry | Warriors vs Spurs | March 19, 2016 | NBA 2015-16 Season” on YouTube here:

 

The IAAF 2016 World Indoor Championships also occurred over the weekend in Portland, USA.

Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson beat the Dutch, Dafne Schippers in the SEMIS but did not have as fast of a start in the finals, where Schippers edge her to win the 60m in 7.10s.

Watch “Dafne Schippers Wins 7.10 Women’s 60m Final Glasgow Indoor Grand Prix 2016” on YouTube here:

Asafa Powell was impressive in the semis, but as usual choked in the 60m final. He had a bad start and was edged out by USA’s Trayvon Brommell.

But who really came through for Jamaica?

Omar Mcleod!

I will leave you with Jamaica’s Omar McLeod’s win.

Watch “Omar McLeod 7.41s Wins 60m Hurdles Final – IAAF WIC in Portland 2016” on YouTube here:

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Warriors suffer their 6th loss to the Lakers!

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Of all the teams after close shaves with the Hawks, OKC and Clippers recently, the Lakers were hitting on all cylinders yesterday to beat the Warriors 112-95, making it the Warriors’ sixth loss of the season.

Stephen Curry scored 18 points. According to ESPN Scorecenter, Curry stated, ‘Just one of those nights you want to avoid at all costs’. The team scored a season’s worst of 13% from 3-point range.

Who came up big for the Lakers? Young Jordan Clarkson who scored 25 points and D’Angelo Russell with 21 points. Kobe Bryant scored 12 points, sitting out a lot of the game with his sore shoulder but mentored his younger teammates from the sidelines.

The Warriors are still in pursuit to break the Bulls’ record of best season ever in the NBA of 72 wins. Warriors now have 55 wins. However, the San Antonio Spurs are closing in under the radar with 53 wins!

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The Weekend in Sports!

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Photo: www.icc-cricket.com

CRICKET

The West Indies Under 19 Cricket Team won the ICC World Cup vs India! Signs of a good future? Maybe not. They only scored 146 runs in 49.3 overs to win, however the bowling and fielding were impressive.

It is the first major title on any level that the West Indies has won since the senior team won the ICC World Twenty20 in 2012.

FOOTBALL

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Photo: www.theguardian.com

Arsenal put a dagger in Leicester’s campaign to win the Barclay’s Premier League title yesterday with Welbeck’s header in stoppage time to seal a 2-1 victory.

Leicester’s only goal was from a penalty kick at the end of the first half that probably shouldn’t have been awarded. They got a red card at 54′ downsizing them to 10 men, then Walcott of Arsenal equalised at 70′.

Here is a look at the BPL table now:

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There was exciting action in La Liga yesterday too. Lionel Messi had an unbelievable Penalty kick, where it was Barcelona 6-1 Celta Vigo! Watch it here!

BASKETBALL  – NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND

Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon put on a show for the Slam Dunk Contest! Zach LaVine reclaimed his title from last year with all 10s.

Klay Thompson defeated Splash brother, Steph Curry with 27 points in the final round to win the All Star Weekend 3-point shoot out competition. Thompson tied Curry’s score of 27 last year for the most points ever in the All Star 3-point shoot out competition.

The West beat the East, 196-173 with the record for the most points in a half, 92 and both sides surpassed the record for the most combined points in a half, 92-90.

Russell Westbrook got MVP for the 2nd straight year with 31 points.

Paul George of Pacers was on fire with 41 points, just 1 point shy of Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 42 for the most points scored in an NBA All-Star game. Paul George also had the most 3-pointers in the game with 9.

This was also Kobe Bryant’s last All-Star game. All the greats were there to watch including the Greatest of all time, Michael Jordan a.k.a MJ. The commentator confirmed it saying, he IS still the greatest of all time. MJ sent his best wishes to Kobe. The other ‘MJ’, Majic Johnson also did a tribute. Kobe follows the 2 MJs with his level of skill and greatness. Kobe we salute you!

 

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Where are you watching Super Bowl 50 Jamaica?!

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The day is here for the Greatest Show on Earth, Super Bowl 50!

If you have no clue what has been happening but you have to watch the Super Bowl, update yourself and check out past NFL or post round ups by Suga.

Practically everywhere will be showing the Broncos-Panthers showdown. Who will you be carrying? Where will you be watching it?

Just to name a few, MoBay massive, Bigg’s BBQ Restaurant & Bar should be a treat. Anglers, Ochi with Wray & Nephew to keep you company and Endzzone with Heineken & Loaded fries specials for Portmore City!

Kingstonians have a range of options. To name a few, The Grid Iron @ Hope Gardens ($2500 presold; $3000 Gate; Food on sale; Free Parking) with host Yendi Phillips, $1500 Drinks inclusive @ Medusa, 100 Hope Road, The Blend Bar Pegasus, The Regency Bar & Lounge, C & C South Beach with tonnes of specials and the list goes on.

So whether it’s at the Bar or BBQ at a friend’s house, ENJOY!

Lady Gaga will be singing the National Anthem and The Halftime Show will include performances from Bruno Mars, Beyoncé and Cold Play!

Is it 6:30 yet?!!! Cam Newton and the Panthers, Peyton Manning and the Broncos LIVE on a TV near you!

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Carrol’s Creek Cafe in DC!

The sun is out! For those who were snowed in and couldn’t go to Chart House in Maryland, here is another cool spot for Seafood with a view to head to for lunch. Enjoy!

Carrol’s Creek Cafe

Annapolis City Marina

410 Severn Ave #100

Annapolis, MD 21403

Ph: 410-263-8102

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Opening Hours

Tuesday 11:30AM-9PM

Wednesday 11:30AM–9PM

Thursday 11:30AM–9PM

Friday 11:30AM–10PM

Saturday 11:30AM–10PM

Sunday 10AM–8:30PM

Monday 11:30AM–9PM

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Panthers versus Broncos for Super Bowl 50!

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Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos deflated Tom Brady and the New England Patriots’ dreams of going to Super Bowl 50 yesterday in the AFC Championship with a 20-18 win.

Hyped up match ups in the NFL are usually disappointing for the most part and this Manning-Brady match up was just that. Brady and the Patriots were not impressive at all. However, both teams had difficulty running the ball. But it was the Broncos who struggled all season and were considered as the underdogs that came through with the right plays and completed passes that Manning delivered!

It would be easy to say that the missed FG attempt in the first quarter could have costed the Patriots the game in the end but the Broncos also failed to convert a TD opportunity after acquiring an interception in the 1st half as well. The Broncos just were not going to let the Patriots win last night from the looks of it either. The Broncos stopped the Patriots from going for 2 after their TD with 12 seconds left in the game, then recovered the ball after the on-side kick. It was surely over then. Well done Broncos!

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Panthers QB Cam Newton jumped over Cardinals fearlessly to score his own TD to increase the lead to 34-7 (Photo: www.charlotteobserver.com)

Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers booked their spot in Super Bowl 50 much easier than the Broncos with a blowout 49-15 win over the Arizona Cardinals last night.

The Panthers had a fast start again, scoring a TD after an 86 yard completion, leading 17-0 after the 1st Quarter and 24-7 HT.

Cardinals QB, Carson Palmer had horrible passes resulting in most of their turnovers. Larry Fitzgerald was not as impressive last night either or didn’t have a chance to be and had a few incompletions. In total they had 7 turnovers! The Panthers were too fast, too hungry and just too good.

The Panthers will face the Broncos at the Bank of America stadium in Santa Clara, CA for the Lombardi Trophy at 6:30pm ET on Sunday, February 7!

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Seafood Dining by the Waterfront at Chart House, Maryland

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Photo: www.chart-house.com

Charthouse in Maryland suits many occasions, whether it is for lunch or a dinner date, watching sailboat races in May or sparks for the 4th of July, it has an absolutely lovely view of Spa Creek.

It is a remodelled boat house by the waterfront in Annapolis, Maryland. They have good service and provide fresh seafood and other local ingredients on their menu. If Seafood is not your thing, they have delicious Steaks and prime Ribs to suit your fancy too. Their menu can be found on their website (see below).

Fresh Seafood with a view, go for it!

Chart House

Annapolis, Maryland

Ph: (410) 268-7166

Website: www.chart-house.com

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Photo: www.chart-house.com

***If you are not in Annapolis, there are other locations in Colorado, New England and more.

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NFL Weekend Roundup!

The fight to play in the Conference Championships was on over the weekend!

The Patriots booked their 5th consecutive AFC Championship with a 27-20 win over the Chiefs on Saturday.

The Cardinals-Packers game was the highlight Saturday night. Very exciting game. It all came down to a coin toss to head into OT. There was drama where the coin did not flip and had to be tossed again (See video below). Packers QB, Rodgers was quite upset that it came down to that, saw that it was on heads so called tails, then it didn’t flip. Then he did not get the chance to make another call before the coin was quickly tossed again. This situation stirred up talks of changing OT rules so the teams can play out a certain time for a chance of another Hail Mary. But it was clearly fate for the Cardinals who scored the TD first and therefore won 26-20, with Larry Fitzgerald having a huge game and scoring a TD.

Camera focusing on NFL coin that didn’t flip in Packers-Cardinals game:

The Panthers sent home the Seahawks yesterday, totally blowing them out in the first half. The Seahawks haven’t been handled like that in a long time. The Panthers scored 31 in the first half with 2 interceptions and it was enough to hold on to without scoring in the second half and despite a full force comeback by the Seahawks. The game ended 31-24.

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Photo: www.nfl.com

Panthers QB Cam Newton stated that they just stuck to their game plan and it worked. The Panthers will face the Cardinals in the NFC Championship next Sunday at 6:40pm.

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Photo: www.nfl.com

After a slow start, the Broncos overcame the Steelers 23-16 to book what is likely to be the final Manning-Brady face off chapter in the AFC Championship with the Patriots next Sunday at 3:05pm.

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Photo: www.google.com.jm

 

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Who is going straight to the NBA finals, who can beat the Warriors and more!

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Photo: www.nba.com

With Tuesday night’s win over the Lakers, the Warriors are 33-2, 1 game ahead of NBA’s previous best, the Chicago Bulls at this point in their 1995-1996 season. Their next game is tonight at Portland. MVP Steph Curry has been playing through the pain with a shin injury that he should rest for 4 weeks but if he doesn’t rest it he is not in any great danger. According to ESPN Scorecenter, he attended full practice yesterday and will be playing tonight.

Even when a key player like Curry or Klay Thompson are out of the game, their line-up is big and they have other key players like Draymond Green who will step up big time and they still win. Green just won player of the week for the Week of December 28th. An average team will have to play GREAT to beat them says former basketball player and ESPN analyst Tim Legler, and the majority of their remaining games are versus average teams. They seem relaxed but hungry at the same time. Only a serious injury to one of their main players can stop them. Will Matthew Dellavedova kick Curry in the shin and just end his season? If the Warriors break the Bulls 72-10 record, it would only be right that they go for and win the NBA Championship title based on pure logic and historical statistics.

So which other teams are in the mix and who actually poses a serious threat?

To date, considering both the Eastern and Western Conference, the League standings for the Top 10 teams are as follows:

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Photo: www.espn.go.com

So for the West, if Warriors meet the San Antonio Spurs it will not be easy. At the looks of it now, only the Spurs pose a threat to the Warriors in the West and vice versa. The Spurs probably still have the deepest bench in the league. Their bench alone scored 70 points in the 123-98 blowout win over the Jazz on Wednesday. Screenshot_2016-01-07-23-50-59-1.png

They also finally have some young, fresh players that Coach Pop is giving time on the Court. There is Past Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Patty Mills and more. Then the Big Old 3 are still present. Old Man River Walk, Tim Duncan is still looking good, not to mention Manu Ginobili who looks like he got his act together. Tony Parker is forever talented but hardly ever consistent. Perhaps he has his young baby on his mind.

Even though Suga gives the Spurs and Warriors the edge in the West, OKC is not to be forgotten. Past MVP Kevin Durant is back! He is on form after a broken bone in his right foot that needed 3 surgeries and after spraining his big toe last week. Hopefully he doesn’t continue to break a leg. No pun intended. He returned Tuesday night to beat the Grizzlies 112-94 and note that OKC went 12-3 in December. Westbrook is great, Ibaka and Adams are good, but without Durant, OKC will lose.

Now where all my LeBron James haters at? Sorry folks, he won’t go away. He has won player of the month 29 times now and his stats keep buzzing, equalling and breaking record after record. He scored 9 points in 1 minute Wednesday night versus the Wizards at Washington. It’s a pity he isn’t pretty to watch though. Suga predicts the Cavs will go straight to the NBA Finals again this year. All eyes are on the Warriors, so no immense pressure on LeBron, which is good because we all see how he buckles under pressure. There is also no serious threat on the East side. The Bulls are doing well but the Cavs will still destroy them. The Cavs are the kind of team that elevate their game based on their opponent. They are confident, arrogant, hungry and some bitter.

I would say LeBron’s partner in crime is back, but LeBron is a lone, selfish soldier on the court. Kyrie Irving is back yall! Now HE is pretty and exciting to watch, just 23 years old and full of energy. He is back on form, scoring well, up to 32 points Wednesday night versus the Wizards compared to LeBron’s 34 points and these are under restrictions in minutes he is allowed to play, which the Cavs will soon remove. The Warriors beat them on Christmas Day 89-83, but with a healthy Kyrie Irving and no minutes restrictions, it will be a whole new ball game. The Cavs also have a good starting line up and bench with dangerous players like Matthew Dellavedova and J.R. Smith. When teams feel excited about catching up with the Cavs or lessening a point deficit, J.R. will just burst their bubble with a 3-pointer. Then they also have Tristan Thompson, Kevin Love, Timofey Mozgov and Sasha Kaun.

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Sad to say but Suga believes if the Cavs meet the Warriors in the Finals again with a now healthy Kyrie Irving, they will get the formula right this time and get revenge. But if somehow the Spurs, a team with a totally different dynamic and ball movement make it to the Finals, they may actually make a more exciting match up versus the Cavs and LeBron could have a Finals nightmare all over again. But we just have to wait and see. It is just January and there is still time for players to grow and teams to make adjustments. Don’t you just love this game?!