Ellwood Christian Academy is ready to take the next step in its basketball tradition.

The Eagles (16-10) will face St. Luke in the Class 1A Southwest Regional tournament on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at Alabama State University.

ECA hasn’t lost since falling to 7A powerhouse Robert E. Lee at Wallace Community College-Selma on Jan. 25. The Eagles won the Area 5, Class 1A championship last week at home. They went unbeaten in Area competition.

The Eagles have a chance to win their first-ever state title. Justin Bufford leads the Eagles with 22 points, 13 rebounds and six blocked shots a game.

“It’s always a good thing to get to the next round,” ECA coach Willie Shears said. “It means you get to practice and play at least one more game, where other schools are putting their jerseys in boxes.”

Shears said teamwork and unity have been the main keys to the Eagles’ successful run.

“The guys play together as brothers, not teammates,” Shears said. “We hold one another accountable and put each other in the best situation possible to be successful.”

Shears said the Eagles’ formula was tested against Holy Spirit in the Sub-Regional on Tuesday night. ECA overcame an eight-point deficit and eventually cruised to a 72-54 victory.

“We made adjustments at halftime and the guys bought in,” Shears said. “It’s a great feeling to know you were down 11 and we get the lead in the fourth quarter, then win by 18 points.”

ECA fell to Cornerstone 65-60 in the 1A Region semifinals at Alabama State last year.

“We are going to keep doing what we are doing and try to perfect closing games,” Shears said.

Shears said the Eagles are thrilled to extend their season in the state’s capital.

“Playing in the Regionals is good for the players, student body, staff and the city of Selma,” Shears said. “We’re proud to go represent Selma.”