The Warriors look strong and intact with all the players returning. All players are a year older and that may be the lingering question if they can compete with younger legs and new upstart players. "Fact is, we are older and the teams know that. We have a mark on our back," smiles Ross Amparo. The Warriors are primed to weather the storm and once again have an active part in the championship determination of the league.

A strong rookie season by Matt Cody and Robert Blakeley create a surplus of energy and talent to an already formidable team. Veterans Brad Kim and Mel Baxa are the front runners to lead the team at the guards spot. The Warriors are bolstered by the tremendous frontcourt advantages with height, size and speed. Art King anchors the defense, while Blakeley and Ken Johnson are key players to start. The depth of this Warriors squad is immeasurable as Cody, Justen Laupola, and Jason Keifer will add to the diversity of the team. Different mixing of the ALTRES talent will bring more opportunities to be multidimensional. Role players Aquino, Amparo and Karilyn Hayashi will serve to support the team in multiple ways. Rookie Eric Gamatero is a great pick up, who is a reliable and versatile player that has speed and is unconscious with long distance shooting.

One major concern for the Warriors is the team chemistry. The Warriors all have different ties with one another. Each year, the ALTRES squad comes together and tries to mesh through the 12 week long season. While the others all have an intact team that plays together in the off season, the Warriors do not have that luxury. Early season games will serve more to have players be acclimated to one another and adjust as needed to maintain the commitment to the championship glory. Changes in the league may also pose some barriers to the chemistry. The games are no longer on Sundays but Wednesday and Thursday. "We know that because of family obligations, we may not have a full squad on some days. Rest assured, we will effectively plan to have all our weapons on key games," adds Amparo.

The league has increased its talent pool with younger teams ready and primed to derail ALTRES and their quest. Whatever the challenge, the ALTRES has the talent and personnel to repeat as Champions. "We know we are still the champs and until someone beats us, we will be champs," summarize Aquino.

Meet the Players…..

Rodney Aquino, G
The one of the captains of the team has been with ALTRES since the beginning in 2001. Has 5 Championships for ALTRES. Originally from Guam, is a psychiatric nurse at the Queen's Medical Center as well as a Nursing Instructor. Has 2 children, Rianna Madison and Aidan Reece.

Ross Amparo, F
Another original ALTRES player. Ross is the vice president for Royal Hawaiian Movers. Ross is also from Guam, played various sports with classmate Rodney Aquino. Also is a soccer player on the weekends, plays for the Central Oahu Legends. He was a Congressional award nominee for the Merchant Marines. Has 3 children, Austen Skyler, Cole, and Danielle Teresa.
Ross is a vital voice in the huddle. Has a great 10-15 foot banker. Dependable player, his role on the team is immeasurable.

Brad Kim, G
Also a captain, Brad has been with ALTRES since 2001. Brad is a nuclear med technician at the Queens Medical Center. Brad was an all star athlete for Kaimuki High. Has 2 children, enjoys golfing in his spare time.
Brad is an amazing leader on the floor. His court presence is second to none. Consistent from the 3 point line but is able to penetrate for the score or pass off to his teammates. He can hurt you with his shot or pass.

Arthur King, C
One of 4 players who have been with ALTRES from the start is the captain on defense. Transplant from the mainland, played Chaminade University. Art is a case manager for CARE Hawaii. Art is the girls and boys basketball coach for Le Jardin Academy.
Art is a cagey veteran. He is the anchor for our defense. Called, "the eraser" as he is able to cover up our defense's flaws. Unstoppable force in the key-both on offense and defense.

Justen Laupola, F/C
Justen was with ALTRES from the beginning but he took time off to serve his country, having a tour in Iraq. Justen is a psychiatric assistant at Family Treatment Center at the Queen's Medical Center. The team dedicated the 2004 championship to Justen, while serving in the National Guard. Still holds many school records while playing for the Hawaiian Mission Academy. His brother has an impressive boxing career at the Naval Academy.
Justen is known to the team as "big game Justen," playing huge for all crucial games. A selfless player, always looking for the open player, is able to dictate the outcome of the game. I have seen this young man develop into a star.

Melvin Baxa, F/G
Just came to ALTRES team in 2005. Mel is an orthopedic nurse at the Queens Medical Center. An all around athlete, played for many teams while attending Waipahu High. Was on the championship volleyball team for Waipahu High in 1989. Mel is a married to a nurse. They are proud parents to a bubbly boy.
Mel was a great addition for the team. Mel has battled back from a knee injury to be a very key player for the team. His offensive skills are keen but his defensive pressure is underrated. His tenacity for the ball is highly admirable.

Karilyn Hayashi, G
Karilyn is embarking on her third year with ALTRES. Kari is an Occupational Therapist for the Queen's Medical Center. A well rounded athlete, who has left her mark at Iolani High. Kari is also a basketball referee and is a basketball coach for Hawaii Baptist Academy.
Kari was one of the few girls to play in this predominant male league. She has a sweet 3 point shot and has great fundamental basketball skills. Don't let the innocent private school girl face fool you, she will burn you each time.

Jason Keifer, G
Jason is starting his third year with ALTRES. He is a California native and has been involved in team sports for the majority of his life. Jason is a private psychiatrist after stints with both local and federal government. An avid surfer, Jason graduate from Nebraska University. A newlywed recently came back from his honeymoon in Europe.
Jason gives us more diversity. He has great shooting range and is able to upgrade our running ability. He brings much prospect for our team. He is a prolific scorer and is able to hit big shots for the team.

Ken Johnson, F/G
Ken has a positive outlook for his third year with ALTRES. Ken is quite versatile and is able to play 3 positions for the team. An incredible athlete, he has unending energy. Ken is a nurse on the ICU at the Queen's Medical Center. Ken loves motorcycles and the Florida Gators.
Ken has natural jumping ability and is quick to lead the break. He is able to compliment the team and has great presence for the ball. Ken did a lot of weight training in off season and looks to be dominant this season.

Matt Cody, C
Matt is a psychiatrist at Tripler and ended is rookie season with style with a championship. He holds many high school basketball records and played against NBA players in the past. Basketball career hampered several knee injuries. Matt loves the Boston Celtics. He is married and recently had a welcome addition to the family.
Matt is quite deceiving at times, his low post moves are very fundamental and effective. He provides defensive presence to support our aging frontcourt. With an impressive rookie season, we look to Matt for defensive reassurance.

Robert Blakeley, F
Robert quickly picked up where he left off during his rookie season with ALTRES. Definitely not a rookie, Rob has played against ALTRES many times when he played for Kaiser. He also works with teammate at Care Hawaii as a case manager. He is married and is active with his daughter's soccer endeavors.
Certainly, Rob has made an immediate impact to our rotation and team; he has a deadly outside shot and creates havoc for others because of his size and speed. Has nickname "big shot Rob" for his impeccable timing to hit the important shot. He provides more defensive and physical creed to the team.

Eric Gamatero, G
Eric represents the new blood on the team. He is from Farrington High School. A polysomographic tech at Straub Hospital, Eric plays in many Filipino-American Basketball Leagues. He is married and has 3 children.
Eric brings us energy. He is also has long range ability and will be called this season to hit open shots as other teams try to defend our big men. Eric is also a reliable defensive ability.

Go Warriors!