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Source: gmanews.tv

-- The Philippine-Careline Youth team faces a tall order but hopes to pull off a big surprise when it sees action in the 1st Under-16 FIBA Asia Basketball Championship from Nov. 30 to Dec. 6 in Pune, India.

The Nationals are assigned in Group A along with China, Taiwan and host India.

Also bracketed with the Nationals in the 12-nation tournament are Singapore and Hong Kong while Group B is composed of Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

The two top two teams of each group after a singe-round elims will advance into the semis.

“It’s going to be a tough mission for us, but my girls are ready and confident to wage war against the best in the region," said coach Patrick Aquino, who will be assisted by former RP mainstays Julie Amos and Paul Du.

“As long as we keep our game plan and discipline on the court, we always have a good chance."

Spearheading the RP girls’ campaign are Jonah Melendres and 6-foot-1 Danica Jose, daughter of former RP team star Bobby Jose.

“Melendres is a good shooter, so we’re banking much on her along with Trisha Piatos and Jose," said Dioceldo Sy, whose company bankrolled the team’s training since March.

Other members of the team are Kitkat Nitorreda, Tara Araneta, Jackie Tanaman, Lore Rivera, Trish Dy, Ginny Pioquinto, Elrica Castyro, Kai Javier and Cheskie Tantoco.

“We hope to make an impact in the Asian level, but to do it, we have to play with lots of passion," added Sy.