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Subscribe to our NewsletterFinal Preseason Game Rankings and Statistics
January 14, 2013 – 09:25 PM
Assalamu-ailaikum,
Date: January 13, 2013 Time: 8:00am Venue: School Property
We have come to the end of the preseason of the Ahmadiyya Ottawa Basketball League (AOBL) with every team playing a total of three games - Alhumdollilah! Players have not only been playing but assisting in other areas of the league as well. I would like to thank all the Khuddam and Atfal who have helped to make the preseason a success and for their continuing hard-work in the upcoming regular season- JazakAllah!
The start of the official AOBL season will begin in 2 weeks on Sunday, January 27 starting at 8 am at the school property. The official schedule for the teams will be announced closer to that date and will be available on the website linked below. This coming sunday will be an exhibition basketball match and will allow for players to rest their injuries and give everyone time to prepare for the season. The statistics will be wiped and everything will start fresh in order to give everyone a chance at winning player and team awards.
InshAllah, MVP Rankings and Final Pre-season Power Rankings will be posted on the site and emailed in the next few days - keep posted!
Pre-Season Game Rankings
GAME #1: Rafaqat (W) vs Amanat (L) [48-29]
Team Rafaqat has shown AOBL and the fans what they were built to do from the start - that is to win. Despite having their captain - Fawad Khan, and power forward - Bilal Ahmed, out of the lineup, Team Rafaqat brought home an emphatic victory by demonstrating teamwork as well as lock-down defence by keeping Amanat to only 29 points. Rafaqat welcomed the presence of the missing Faateh "Sharpshooter" Malik who pitched in for a solid 10 point and 7 rebound performance. Keep an eye out for Faateh Malik as the X-factor on this team, this was his first day back and was still able to contribute to the victory in various ways. Behind the replacement player - Ehtsham Arif and his offensive tear with 30 points, Team Rafaqat was able to take the game quite easily. As always, Saib Ahmed continued his rebounding excellence, many of which were offensive rebounds, giving Rafaqat several second chance opportunities. Despite Daanish Malik's best game so far with a double-double (14 points, 11 rebounds), Team Amanat continues to struggle. Muneer Khan played a well-rounded game but when the preseason could not end any worse, he went down with an ankle sprain. Team Amanat continues to struggle and the burden is now on the team's shoulder to put in some work during extra practice sessions to improve their offense as they are shooting a league low 32% over the course of the season. It will be interesting to see how Team Amanat faces adversity and if they will be able to bounce back with a healthy captain and rejuvenated game plan in time for the start of the season. UPDATE: At the moment, Team Amanat has not informed the AOBL on the return timetable for Muneer Khan; However, Fawad Khan is scheduled to be back in the starting lineup for Team Rafaqat at the start of the regular season - Alhumdollilah!
GAME STATISTICS
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AMANAT PLAYER STATISTICS
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RAFAQAT PLAYER STATISTICS
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GAME #2: Shujaat (W) vs Sadaqat (L) [51-44]
Team Sadaqat looked like a train as an unstoppable force at the start of the season but now more of a train wreck with a crushing loss at the hands of Team Shujaat. They were held to a season and league low 30% in spite of Captain Musaver Ahmed and Abdul Qudoos Chaudhry combining for a total of 38 points, and 26 rebounds. Unfortunately, they were unable to keep up with the youthful Shujaat squad. Although it is yet unknown is the remainder of the missing lineup would have made a difference, Bilal Ahmed came in to assist Team Sadaqat but could not assist the demoralized team from their misfortune. Musaver Ahmed swatted away 7 shots but could not keep the team afloat with missed crucial opportunities late in the game. On the other hand, Captain Shakeel "Mamba" Nazir made an MVP case for himself with a 25 point, 7 rebound and 4 assist morning on 48% shooting. His excitement and resilience transcended his own game and spread like wildfire to the rest of his teammates; he almost gave a reminiscence of Kobe Bryant by willing his way to victory against the previously undefeated Team Sadaqat. It would not be surprising if MVP chants come his way on roadtrips this upcoming season. Without the original starting lineup, replacement player Faizan Sadiq gave his team a double-double performance (12 points, 15 rebounds) and Faraz Faisal continued to improve his game as the X-factor for Team Shujaat; his dominant persona and ability to play at multiple spots on the court will play a key role in Team Shujaat's success.
GAME STATISTICS
Date: January 13, 2013 Time: 8:30am Venue: School Property
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SADAQAT PLAYER STATISTICS
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SHUJAAT PLAYER STATISTICS
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May Allah continue to shower his blessings on our good deeds and the Ahmadiyya Ottawa Basketball League - Ameen!
Wassalam,
Fawad
