HAPPY SHE’S BACK!

NETBALL Jamaica (NJ) President Karen Baugh is confident the senior Sunshine Girls will reclaim the Rhone-Hornsby Trophy, arguing that selectors have assembled a strong and balanced squad for the upcoming Horizon Series against England. The Sunshine Girls and the Roses are to meet in a four-match series, with the first two contests set for Copper Box Arena in England, on November 21 and 22. The final two matches are slated for National Indoor Sports Centre (NISC) in Jamaica on December 5 and 6. England were 2-0 winners of the last Horizon Series after both matches in Jamaica were cancelled due to the passage of deadly Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. In the series prior to that, Jamaica claimed a 2-1 victory after one match was tied. Speaking about the squad for the upcoming clashes, Baugh expressed her full backing of the selection process.

Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard (Photo: Observer file)

“I think the selectors did a good job of providing us with a balanced team. I know they had a hard time because we had several girls vying for some positions. But, all in all, I think the team is strong and that they will give a good account of themselves in the series,” Baugh said. The series will mark the return of star shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, who missing due to childbirth. Baugh said Fowler-Nembhard has remained close to the team throughout her three-year absence. “Well, like I’ve been saying, Fowler-Nembhard never left us. Even though she wasn’t available for selection for obvious reasons, she’s always been with her team members. She’s been there in the background supporting them and so we’re really glad to have her back in camp. “She will join the team in England and then come home for the home games. So I’m sure Jamaica is longing to see her play. I haven’t seen her play on home soil for a while. So it should be a special occasion,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

BAUGH... even though she wasn’t available for selection for obvious reasons, she’s always been with her team members (Photo: Collin Reid)

“The last time she played for the team was in the 2023 World Cup,” Baugh added. Baugh also noted that preparations have been progressing well, boosted by the presence of overseas-based players. “Training has been going well. About more than half of the squad are here, including some of the ladies who play in Australia. They’re here now on their break and so they’ve been training and preparing for this one,” she said. Baugh is bullish about Jamaica’s chances of bringing the trophy home. “I’m very confident that we can win back the Trophy. I’m pretty confident that we will. I mean, it all comes down to what happens on the court on those four days. But we definitely have a team that is capable of bringing the trophy back home to Jamaica,” Baugh declared. On the logistical front, Baugh said final arrangements for the England leg are being finalised, while expressing gratitude to corporate sponsors and leaving the door open for more support. “Well, we’re still working on the last logistics pieces and of course, we welcome support. If there are sponsors out there who still want to be a part of the series, of course, we welcome them. You know, even though the time is drawing closer. But yeah, preparations are going well and we’ve gotten some support from Corporate Jamaica and we’re very thankful to all of the sponsors on partners who have come on board who recognise the potential and the possibilities of the Sunshine Girls so we’re looking forward to two good days in England and two great days enjoying,” she said.   SQUAD Shooters — Jhanielle Fowler-Nembhard (co-captain), Shanice Beckford, Gezelle Allison, Azara Wilmot, and Rhea Dixon (reserve). Mid-court — Crystal Plummer, Nicole Dixon-Rochester, Abigaile Sutherland, Brie Grierson, and Adean Thomas (reserve). Defenders — Shamera Sterling-Humphrey (co-captain), Latanya Wilson, Jodi-Ann Ward, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, and Kimone Shaw (reserve).   STAFF — Sasher-Gaye Henry-Wright (head coach), Kerry-Ann Brown (assistant coach), Arleene Findlay (manager), Maureen Brown (assistant manager), Dr Michelle Holt (team doctor), and Nicole Reid (physiotherapist).