By BRENT STUBBS

Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

JAHMAHL Wilson and Asher Bastian capped off a thrilling feat by Team Bahamas at the 2025 CARIFTA Water Polo Tournament by being awarded individual honours for their outstanding performances.

Although the tournament wrapped up a week ago in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the individual stats released this weekend showed Wilson got the top goal scorer award, while Bastian was the best goalie. 

Wilson, 13, is an eighth-grade student at St Augustine's College. He played the sport for the past two and-a-half years, all with the Mantas and coach Lotty Borbely, who served as the head coach for the CARIFTA team. 

He has played on the national team since 2023, winning the title for the first time this year. "All I thought of was every point brought us closer to bringing the gold back home," Wilson said. "I'm happy to have been able to contribute to the team winning the gold. 242 to the world.

"I was very ecstatic about the game and proud to have been a part of the team. I am also grateful for my coaches and for the opportunity to represent the 242."

Bastian, 12, is a student of St. John's High School. He has been participating for approximately four years in both swimming and water polo. This, however, was his first CARIFTA appearance.

"I am very pleased with how my team played and how my coach gave me the experience during this CARIFTA tournament," Bastian said.

"I also want to thank my mom and dad for sending me and all the coaches that have given me the training I need to perform and compete against other goalies. I know I played very well under the pressure of being the only well-trained goalie on the team."

Bastian publicly thanked coaches Borbely, Wandelee Burrows, coach Rolle, coach Paula, a national goalie from Spain for training him over the summer and getting him ready for CARIFTA.

He also thanked coach Eren from Next Level Water Polo team and Houston Storm in the junior Olympics.

Team manager Brenna Turnquest had nothing but praises for both players on their accomplishments. 

"Asher did an amazing job. He blocked many penalty shots and direct shots on the goal. He had a laser focus," Turnquest said.

"Watching him play and seeing how he responds to the shots and the play in the field is exciting. 

"He also has a good arm and is able to pass the ball from the goal to any player down the field no matter how far downfield they are. He has a great arm for such a young player."

Bastian also moved up to the under-16 team and played goalie as they went on to secure the silver medal.  

As for Wilson, Turnquest said he was just as spectacular. 

"Jahmahl is one of those players that can always be counted on to find the back of the goal," Turnquest said. "His accuracy and awareness of the field is outstanding for such a young player. 

"He also played on the U-16 team. And we are looking forward to great things from him as he continues in the sport."