The photo above is the '96 team who captured both local and the regional crown without occurring any losses. However, fall off short in the Final Four National Finals held in Lingayen, Pangasinan. Standing from left to right on the last row is legendary coach Benedicto Mendoza, Enrico Lllanto, Zachary Esyoesta, Nino Ramirez, Pierce del Rosario. On the second row: Vinci Demicillo, Shane Flores, Jeffrey Pada, Neil Capagngan, Chris Pocong, Jude Noel, Jared Somosot, Asst. Coach. Satunino Mayormita. The youngest members of the team seated from left to right we have: Benedict Macaraya, Adrian Madrigal, Paul Ricana, and yours truly.
The '96 team was really a powerhouse! The centers are gigantic for their age level that can towers the offensive strategy, combined with seasoned point guards that has superb ball handling and passing skills, role players that plays exceptional defense, and the prospects, I included, were keen observers and hard workers that are to be the future movers of the franchise.
The administration had been very supportive to the program giving out several jerseys and jackets that seemed to be priceless to us kids then. Games were played on the weekends and after every win, the next school day during the flag ceremony, each of us will be called up to be congratulated and recognized. Cliche as it is, we became campus celebrities. The achievements we had were very much appreciated by the whole Carolinian community, from the reverent fathers, the faculty, and out schoolmates.
I believe that we were deserving to all the glory bestowed upon us. Let me take you back during those times from the try-outs to the emotional championship games.
It was a very good experience for kids to have this kind of exposure. Many of the qualities I brought with me as I went through life were mold during those times when basketball meant "life", literally.
To be continued...
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