NINTH IN A SERIES » From afar, they seem like red, black and white worker bees.

One purpose, one swarm in a premeditated flow of destruction and speed. Pick up your dribble too soon, in the wrong place, and it's a blur of arms (and armpits) sealing off your vision. Bad pass? Another 'Iolani layup.

'Iolani basketball is all about organized aggression. That's been true for a decade now, and it's still true under first-year head coach Dean Shimamoto, who steps in for retired coach Mark “;Doc”; Mugiishi.

The Raiders are as quick as ever, and as always, what they lack in girth is neutralized by focused competitiveness.

'Iolani, 7-5 in nonconference play, is No. 2 in the Star-Bulletin Boys Basketball Preseason Top 10.

On paper: 'Iolani won five state titles in a row (2002-06), but hasn't returned to the final since.

Last season's squad went 23-6 (10-2 Interscholastic League of Honolulu), losing in the state semifinals to Kahuku 56-53.

This season's team started off with some bumps in the road. Four starters missed games at the St. Joseph/Waiakea tournament, which led to a loss against Keaau.

With three missing starters, 'Iolani lost to Hilo in that same tourney.

Then came the 'Iolani Classic, with losses to Montrose Christian (Md.), Kinston (N.C.) and Lutheran (Calif.).

With a healthy lineup this week, the Raiders swept through Moanalua's Na Menehune Holiday Classic, including wins over No. 7 Mid-Pacific and defending state champ Kamehameha (which played without Micah Christenson).

Kainoa Chu has been on fire in preseason, but Trevyn Tulonghari and Jarrett Arakawa are also providing key points and rebounds.

Chu and Arakawa scored 16 points each against Montrose, but Tulonghari has also been a big factor (16 points against Kamehameha).

All three have 3-point range, which opens the floor for penetration.

Point guard Andrew Skalman has few peers. His ability to take care of the ball and initiate smart shot selection in the halfcourt offense are unmatched.

The skinny: Josiah Sukumaran (6-3) and Kainoa Scheer (6-2) are key contributors under the boards. Scheer's return this week from a meniscus injury took some of the load off Arakawa, who often takes a beating from bigger post players.

With the two big men in the paint, 'Iolani's fast break is at full tilt, as it was against Kamehameha.

X factor: Reid Saito is a legitimate threat off the bench. A tough defender, the left-hander is suited to the uptempo game, but also adds 3-point accuracy.