Wow what a week of intense basketball and if it was any indication of what’s to come then we are in for a treat. Although I went 1 – 3 in my picks I must admit I wasn’t too surprise at the results. We had the crushers of Cornerstone out hustle the hustlers of Horeb in what was a nail biter in overtime by 1. The sharp shooters of Ebenezer out lasted the sustainers of River of Life by 5; battle of the angry birds went to the Bronx hawks express who destroyed Fellowship hawks by 48; and Ephesus eliminated the rejuvenators of New Life by 5 thus ending their promising season. What this tells me is that any given night any team could win especially when it’s for all the marbles. But before I get into my picks for this week we have to do our traditional send off to those teams that lost last week. So to the hustlers of Horeb, the sustainers of ROL, the hawks of Fellowship and the rejuvenators of New Life sorry fellas but it just wasn’t meant to be. You tried your best but your best wasn’t good enough. Try and relax and blow off some steam because next year could be your year. I rented a huge boat to accommodate all the players, their fans and families so bring some blankets and lots of bait because you’re going fishing for Bass on the Jersey Shore. Enjoy the cool breeze and fellowship and try and get rejuvenated for next season. This week we have 4 games schedule and all divisional winners will be playing. Can an underdog come out on top this week? Only time would tell but let’s see what Milo thinks about this week games which you win you continue and you lose it’s a long summer vacation. Let’s go.
Ebenezer Sharp Shooters vs Bethany Ballers
Battle in the east as the sharp shooters of Ebenezer try and prove their worth and bounce the ballers of Bethany out the dance. Ebenezer is riding high especially with the win last week. Now they try and repeat what they did the first game of the season when they defeated the ballers by 1 point. Bethany on the other hand has been patiently awaiting their next opponent and had a week to tweak their game plan. Both teams have size and both teams are familiar with each other. However, what would be key this game is how well each team defends the paint area. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Ebenezer must shoot well from the field, minimize the turnovers, out rebound their opponent, and protect the rim. Bethany on the other hand must push the rock, shoot well from the field, get bench contributions, and minimize the turnovers. Look for a close game because both teams are similar with size and guard play. I see this game going down to the wire however, I don’t think Ebenezer would be able to beat the ballers twice in one season and for that reason I’m picking the ballers to win this match up by 4 points as the move on to the Final 4.
Cornerstone Crushers vs White Plains Professors
West meets northeast as the crushers try and muster enough fire power to teach the professors a lesson. Cornerstone what can I say you played probably one of your best games of the season last week in defeating the hustlers of Horeb in overtime. Now they face a gigantic task in trying to stop one of the leagues potent offenses. You see the professors schooled the young guns of Cornerstone earlier in the regular season by 35 points at Hooperstown gym. White Plains despite their one loss has been playing lights out all season. They have the players that understand their roles and understand the importance of this time of year. Now it’s for real and I know coach Felix and his staff are biting at the bit for the game to start. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Cornerstone must play solid defense for 40 minutes, shoot extremely well from the field, minimize the turnovers, out rebound their opponent and take chances. White Plains on the other hand must play their style and attack the rim, shoot well from the line, get bench contributions, and minimize the turnovers. This game could go one of two ways for Cornerstone. They could either execute their game plan and attack the professors or they could wilt under the pressure of their guards. Look for a close game throughout because it’s the playoffs. However, White Plains is the better team and have the pedigree of success on their side. White Plains wins this match up by 10 points as they continue on to the Final 4.
Ephesus Eliminators vs New Dimension Destroyers
Northeast meets west as the eliminators of Ephesus try and repeat their performance from last week and stop the destroyers from dismantling their hopes and aspirations. Ephesus won last week and I must admit I was impressed how they accomplished that task. They played solid defense and had contributions from every player. They faced New Dime the second game of the season and defeated them by one point at the time. Now they square off for what should be a battle to say the least. New Dime has been and still is one of the more dangerous teams in the league. At any given night they could light up the gym with their flashy play and ability to make buckets. Ephesus knows they are facing a different team from the one they faced early in the season and must come prepared for a war. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Ephesus must continue to play with a sense of urgency, shoot well from the field, play solid defense, and minimize the turnovers. New Dime on the other hand must attack the paint, out rebound their opponent, shoot well from the field, and get stops. Look for a close game throughout because both teams will be prepared. However, I feel New Dime have more fire power and for that reason I’m picking them to win this match up by 4 points as they continue on to the Final 4.
Bronx Hawks Express vs Triumphant Tabernacle Kings
Northeast meets southwest as the hawks try and run express and derail the kings in a rematch from last year championship game. What a difference a year makes for both teams. Last year these two teams met in the championship game, now they are battling in the Elite 8 round. Bronx didn’t play to their usual level during the season but man can they turn it on when they are ready. They played a complete game last week in defeating the hawks of Fellowship by 48 points which I believe is the highest point loss in the playoff for some time. T&T on the other hand is going about their business as usual. They won their division, they proved they are one of the best teams in the league, and they have a good chance as any team left to win it all. T&T defeated Bronx earlier in the season by 9 points and so far seem to have their number. Both coaches are good with X’s and O’s and that is what makes this game intriguing. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Bronx must minimize the turnovers, shoot well from the field, out rebound their opponent, and push the rock as much as possible. T&T on the other hand must play solid defense, shoot well from the field, minimize the turnovers, and attack the paint. Look for a close game throughout with lots of score changes. Bronx better not hesitate and react well from the pressure T&T brings because if they don’t they would be going home. T&T also better not sleep on Bronx and rest on their past success because from what I saw last week at Hooperstown Bronx plays extremely well in that gym. I know I will get some flak from folks but I feel Bronx would find a way to tame the giant and win this game in overtime by 2 points as they march on to the Final 4.
Well that’s all for Milo’s Elite 8 Picks. Players come out and give the fans a show, fans come out and support your teams, and lets fellowship together. Read your bible and pray every day if you want to grow in the Grace and Power of Christ. Don’t be a follower of men but a follower of Christ. The bible says many are called but few are chosen, so if we are following his will we would be in tune with his teachings. Remember life is one big road with lots of signs and we have to make up our minds to follow Christ all the time. Keep those blinders up because the devil is trying his best to side track us and cause us to lose our way. With God on our side nothing can stop his children from succeeding. Until next time this is Milo signing out. God Bless.
