The United States will be bidding to defend their title in Toronto ©Getty Images

The United States’ National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) have revealed the 12-man team for this summer’s Parapan American Games in Toronto. 

Having announced an 18-man shortlist in January, the NWBA narrowed the list down following a training camp and friendly international series against Britain, which took place at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

The US won of the seven matches as the defending Parapan American Games champions looked to step up their preparations to retain the title.

Following the matches it was decided that Jared Arambula Valparaiso, Brian Bell, Aaron Gouge, Nate Hinze, Trevon Jenifer and Ian Lynch would be selected as part of the team for this summer’s Games, which are due to take place from August 7 to 15.

Mike Paye, Jermell Pennie, Matt Scott, Steve Serio, Josh Turek and Jake Williams complete the American squad list for the tournament, due to begin with pool matches against Brazil, Colombia and Puerto Rico in the recently renovated Ryerson Athletic Centre.

The United States could face arch-rivals and Paralympic champions Canada in the later stages of the competition
The United States could face arch-rivals and Paralympic champions Canada in the later stages of the competition ©Getty Images

"We are very pleased with how our players competed throughout the duration of this camp,” said Ron Lykins, head coach of the team.

“They continued to improve each day and that is all we can ask for.

“We feel their play since our selection process started in January and during this last camp made our decision that much harder.

“We think there is a nice balance between veterans and newcomers.

“Now we can turn all our attention to preparing our players for Toronto."

In addition to Parapan American Games gold, a top two finish at Toronto 2015 would secure qualification for the men’s teams at Rio 2016, ensuring that competition will be fierce at one of the most eagerly anticipated sports at the Games.

America and Canada have avoided each other in the pool stage as Canada, the reigning Paralympic champions set to face Argentina, Mexico and Venezuela in Pool B.



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