Left to right: O'Neal Mortimer, Jack Kelly, Neil Mactaggart, Iesha Shepherd, River Hart.

The Bahamas had a stellar performance in the most recent Compass IC North American 16 & Under Junior Challenge held in Washington DC. Team members included Iesha Shepherd, River Hart, O’Neal Mortimer and Jack Kelly. The team was led by Captain Neil Mactaggart. The team competed against USA, Mexico and Bermuda.

The Bahamas opened with a critical win over Mexico. The teams were very well matched as at the end of the singles and doubles matches the score was tied. This led to a tie break match for the mixed doubles to decide the winner. The duo of Hart and Kelly were instrumental in bringing home the win in a nail biter match. The score was 9 all in the mixed doubles before The Bahamas successfully concluded the match over Mexico.

The Bahamas then lose to the heavily favored United States Team who is the current World Wide Champions. They played tremendously, but was not able to pull out a win against the US.

During the tournament Kelly sustained an injury but The Bahamas was able to tie Bermuda by wins in the girl’s category for both Shepherd and Hart in their singles and doubles. Once again The Bahamas was in a position where the mixed doubles would decide the winner. In the resultant mixed double match Hart and Mortimer won the match catapulting The Bahamas into second place overall in the tournament.

Under the direction of Captain Mactaggart the Bahamas Team produced a very strong performance and we congratulate them on their success.

The IC motto is Hand across the net, friendship across the ocean.’ IC holds a clinic for disadvantage kids at each of these IC Junior Challenges and the juniors have an opportunity to help out thus providing them with ‘off the court’ experience. Special thanks to all those who have supported this event and to the IC Bahamas President, Mr. Kit Spencer.