Through hard work, high levels of energy, patience, enthusiasm and lots of fun, the coaching brothers-from-different-mothers successfuly instilled their defense-focused philosophies in the undersized, underaged Raptors players. The team went on to post an undefeated 6 wins, 0 losses, 1 tie record for the YMCA 14U summer season, which ended in one of the most exciting comeback victories in the history of basketball.
Returning three players from the summer league team along with six new additions, Team 2 aspires to carry their high character, morale, and momentum into this 2011 season, focusing on a strong defense, an open offense, skillful teamwork, and strong sportsmanship.
Success for this team is not measured solely on the basis of wins and losses, but by the notable individual and team improvement, increase in confidence, and friendships created from the beginning to the end of the season,
TEAM ROSTER
PLAYER | POSITION | INTRODUCTION |
| CHANDLER | F | Height: 5' 4" Weight: 115 Experience: YMCA Raptors (2010) Chandler is a hard-charging workhorse and a returning member from the summer league Raptors team. During the summer season he successfully responded to the call to defend much bigger opposing players, some of whom will probably return to once again meet and fear him this season. |
| CONRAD | F/G | Height: 5' 6" Weight: 115 Experience: YMCA Raptors (2010), YMCA Bulls (2010), CYO (2005-2009), Upward (2003-2005) One of the most improved and explosive players last season, Conrad returns to Team 2 with a 2" inch increase in height over the summer season, and an infinite supply of stamina, acquired through his recent rigorous varsity cross country season. Minus Aaron from the summer team, Conrad will be expected to step up and take on a key leadership role on the team this season. |
| PATRICK | F/G | Height: 5'6" Weight: 120 Experience: YMCA Bulls (2010), CYO (2005-2009) Patrick comes into this season with a 3" increase in height, and well rounded athleticism maintained through his participation in baseball, junior varsity cross country and junior varsity soccer. Patrick held the YMCA Bulls team record last year for most steals in a single game: 6. |
| CHRIS | G | Height: 4'8" Weight: Experience: YMCA Raptors (2010) Chris is a returning member of the summer league team. Opposing teams that initially underestimated Chris' abilities quickly learned to respect his tenatious defense and movement away from the ball, which combined to pose a stealthy threat on both sides of the court. |
| ALLEN | G/F | Height: 5'3" Weight: Experience: YMCA (2 seasons) Allen joins Team 2 as a free agent from previous YMCA teams, where he played the point guard position. He brings mental toughness, physical fitness and acertiveness to the team, carried over from his middle school football season. |
| NICK | F/C | Height: 5'6" Weight: 110 Experience: YMCA Basketball, Soccer, Baseball. Given his recent growth spurt, Nick can probably look forward to playing at the Forward position and possibly even Center position this season. He brings energy and enthusiasm to the mix. If we combine his trumpet talents with the trombone talents of Conrad and Carlos, we just might have our own team band. |
| JORDAN | G | Height: 4'10" Weight: 95 Experience: YMCA Basketball (3 seasons) Like Allen and Nick, Jordan joins Team 2 as a freelance agent with experience gained from three seasons in the YMCA league. It's the quiet ones like Jordan that opponents need to be wary of, because they tend to deliver when opponents least expect it. |
| DANIEL | G | Height: 4'10" Weight: 110 Experience: First Year, YMCA Basketball Team 2 welcomes Daniel as a newcomer to the team and to the YMCA basketball league. In his first practice with the team, Daniel displayed a strong focus, fast learning ability, good defensive footwork and surprising jumping ability. |
| MICHAEL | PF/C | Height: 5'8" Weight: 125 Experience: 2 Years Team 2 welcomes Michael as a newcomer to the team and league. Michael was a last minute addition to the team and a welcomed surprise at the power forward and center positions - where he will be relied on for countless rebounds and blocked shots. |
| CARLOS | C/PF | Height: 5'10" Weight: 125 Experience: CYO (3 seasons) Carlos comes to Team 2 from the CYO league, where he spent last season with a team in Helotes, and the two previous seasons with the St Anthony Saints. He brings a finesse style of game that includes a soft baseline jumpshot with respectable range. As the tallest member of the team, he'll be likely taking on the challenge of deterring opponents 3"-to-6" inches taller - but that's what he lives for. |
