SQUIRES

This team is a mix of two successful AABL teams-- Yellowjackets (or Commonwealth--five league championships) and Wolfpack (Bullets--perennial Championship contenders). The Squires had a successful run throughout last season although it was only their first year together. Although they fell short of the Championship, they were heavy favorites to win it all. With years of experience playing championship caliber ball, this team has the highest basketball IQ of any team out there. Although the years may have lessened their pure athleticism, this team has been battle-tested and their experience helps them through tough situations. Squires are effective and efficient on both ends of the court.

This team is patient on offense yet can run the score up in a hurry. Their outside shooting can heat up quick, they can take it to the rim, have the best post up game in the league, can get out on transition when the opportunity arises, and are solid free throw shooters in the clutch. But maybe the most impressive part of their game is passing. The Squires passing is the key to their smooth flowing offense. Teams have given up late in games because they just can't get the ball back while the Squires play catch. The Squires also know how to close out a game or close in on a lead-- their late game execution is precise whether they are ahead or behind. The Squires are able to match-up with any team with any defense scheme, whether it be man-to-man or zone or pressure D. G Jun Madera and G Alex Webb are two of the top ballhanders on a team where everyone can handle the ball. Offensive sparkplug G Andy Sanderson is the top three point shooter on a team full of solid three-point shooters. F/C Jeremy Calazara, C Glen VanHouten, and F Jay Gundran round out a solid and often dominating frontcourt. 5 Time AABL Champ G/F Ryan Driggers brings a bit of everything to the table and some on-court leadership, as well. This team's weakness may be their age-- they have lost a step or two throughout the years while the competition gets younger. Also, overconfidence tends to show its ugly head sometimes.

The core players of the Squires have been role model players since the AABL (old NAABL) began. Their commitment to true team basketball has shown other teams by example how to play the game "the right way". Expect the Squires to bring their A+ game to the SHOWDOWN.

In AABL league play, the Raptors have consistently been the most exciting and scrappy teams throughout the years, culminating in an appearance in the 2008 AABL Finals. In the SHOWDOWN, the Raptors may have elevated their status to AABL powerhouse. The Raptor family has grown throughout the years, attracting some of the top talent in the league because of their competitiveness and fun, free-wheeling approach they take to the game.

This team's strength is their energy and intensity. The one that sets the pace for the Raptors has always been G/F Lavar "Mel" Wright-- possibly the league's most explosive scorer, and maybe the best player. With hard-nosed, acrobatic drives to the lane, long-range three point shooting, adept ballhandling, quickness on defense and good shotblocking, Wright has proven that he is capable of doing everything on the court-- including stepping aside to share the spotlight. G/F John Treherne returns to the Raptors' roster adding a very impressive all-around game himself, especially with his court awareness, ball-handling, and long-range bombs. G/F Kyle Hermoso is a great athlete and dangerously streaky shooter that can make the difference between a win or a loss. F Louis Park will also make an appearance for the Raptors, bringing a hard-nosed all-around game to the gym. And with other solid players getting their turn in the rotation such as Chuck Park and Ramon Francisco, the Raptors definitely have the firepower to take home the SHOWDOWN crown. They run a chaotic offense, although they can make up for mistakes with hot streaks. They usually run a high-energy defense no matter what type of set, trying to force turnovers and get out on the break. They have the personnel to run a man defense, but they usually wait until they are down at the end of the game to do so. The Raptors aren't the most disciplined on the court, making some careless turnovers at times. Also, their late game execution is very questionable at times, such as forcing shots when they have the lead or not fouling right away when they are down.

The Raptors always come to the gym ready to ball and that's why they have been one of the most exciting teams in the AABL. They are SHOWDOWN favorites for many fans, and even if they don't take home the chip, expect every game to be a barnburner.

RAPTIO ROSTER: Shaun Bradley, Chester Chincuanco, Kharlo Cortez, Damien Epps (N), Ramon Francisco, Kyle Hermoso, JR Macalino, Charles Park, Louis Park, Mike Seals, John Treherne, Lavar "Mel" Wright