MANILA, Philippines - Three years ago, the EAC-Immaculate Conception Academy Brigadiers were the whipping boys in the NCAA. This season, the Azli Guro-coached team made history by barging into the Final Four of the NCAA juniors competition.
During the 85th and 86th seasons, the Brigadiers recorded three wins. This season, they made a remarkable 12-6 win loss card, finishing a strong fourth behind San Beda (18-0), Letran (14-4) and CSB-LSGH (13-5).
Azli believes they have a strong chance of making it to the finals.
”It’s a step-ladder format, and we’ll take it one game at a time, first against CSB, and then against Letran. Nothing is impossible now,” said Azli.
“Teamwork, defense and focus on our goal will be our key. It has been a team effort, from the coaching staff, administration headed by president Dr. Jose Paulo Campos, parents, students and specially the players – everybody did their job for us to get to where we are now,” he added.
The EAC-ICA Brigadiers are led by co-captains Nelson Mendoza and Frederick Padrones, and members Sidney Onwubere, Allen Superable, Luige Cuyos, Ronald Manreza, Paulo Rait, Randy Magtaas Jr., Carl Cabral, Alejandro Piopongco and Hanniel Meana.