Well NCBL family God has brought us through another week of trials and tribulations. We are blessed to know that we are heirs to His throne. Last week all teams were off and had a chance to regroup. Now the stage is set and this week we have some exciting games with lots of divisional implications.
Some teams need to play better because as the season progresses “gimmie” games would be hard to come by. We have 8 games scheduled this week and to the winners go the spoils. Let’s see what Milo thinks about this week games.
Ebenezer vs. Mt Sinai:
Battle in the east as top teams clash for bragging rights. Ebenezer sharp shooters won their last game and are ready and confident. They face the Mt Sinai Tigers that so far is undefeated. Both teams are familiar with each other and that is what makes this game interesting. Both teams must continue to play solid ball because divisional wins weigh more at the end of the season. This game would come down to four areas of concentration for both teams. Ebenezer must play solid defense, shoot well from the field, get bench contributions, and minimize the turnovers. Mt Sinai on the other hand must play fast, attack the middle, shoot well from the line, and out rebound their opponent. This game would be close but in the end I feel the Tigers would have too much fire power and for that reason I'm picking them to win this game by at least 6 points controlling their destiny.
Flatbush vs. Horeb:
Best in the south west battle for the top position. Flatbush Stars are on top of their division and doesn't look like they missed a beat. Horeb Hustlers, also undefeated, comes in confident and ready. Both teams have players that understand schemes and both teams are well coached. This will be a test because both teams never faced each other in the past. Keys to victory for both teams are simple. Flatbush must play controlled but hard, run their sets, shoot well from the field, and get bench contributions. Horeb on the other hand must play solid defense, shoot well from the line and field, rebound on both ends, and minimize the turnovers. Look for a close game throughout but my gut feels that Horeb will pull this one out in the closing seconds giving them the victory. Horeb wins by 2 points.
Cornerstone vs. Grand Concourse:
Cornerstone Crushers plays hard but unfortunately it doesn't show in the standings. Only time will tell if they can improve and pull out some wins. GC Conquerors on the other hand has played well enough to win but lost to better teams. Both teams need a win in the worst way and no better time that now to start. Keys to victory for both teams are simple. Cornerstone must slow the game down, shoot well from the field, get bench contributions, and play with heart. GC on the other hand must minimize the turnovers, play solid defense, shoot well from the line, and out rebound their opponent. I expect to see a close game but my gut tells me that GC who has been together longer will find a way to pull out this game and defeat Cornerstone by at least 4 points thus moving out the basement.
New Dimension vs. Kingsboro:
New Dime is tied for first place in the west division, and now they battle the Kingsmen who are currently last in the division. Both teams are hungry but as always talent outweighs aspirations. New Dime has to continue their winning ways because their division has good teams. Kingsboro needs to put a complete game together if they are to win this game. Keys to victory for both teams are simple. Kingsboro must play with heart, attack the interior of New Dime, shoot well from the field, and out rebound their opponent. New Dime must get off to a good start, shoot well from the line, play solid defense, and push the rock as much as possible. Look for a close game first half but by second half I expect to see New Dime take over this game and defeat Kingsboro by at least 10 points.
South Brooklyn vs. Bethany:
SB Cougars won their first game against Fellowship and now they set their sights on the Ballers of Bethany who lost a close game last time to QB. Both teams play hard so I expect to see a close contested game. South Brooklyn has a good nucleus and a good coaching staff and they would need it this game. Bethany has improved every game they played and it's just a matter of time before it all comes together. Keys to victory for both teams are simple. SB must play solid defense, shoot well from the line, minimize the turnovers, and get bench contributions. Bethany on the other hand must play hard but smart, attack the interior of SB, shoot well from the field, and rebound the ball. Look for a close game because both teams are similar, but my gut tells me that SB would show up this game and play better down the stretch. SB wins this matchup by 4 points continuing their undefeated season.
White Plains vs. Bronx:
This is Milo's game of the week. Northeast best battle for the right to the top. White Plains champs have played many tough games during their reign and this game is no different. They face a potent attack from the Bronx express who are running on all cylinders so far. Both teams are familiar with each other and that is what makes this game interesting. Bronx has heart, players that come to play, and a good coaching staff that understands their team. However, they are facing the "Zen Master" in Coach Felix and his staff and a team that never quits. White Plains has been and still is the standard that all teams want to accomplish. This game would be intense to say the least and to the victor goes the spoils. Keys to victory for both teams are simple. Bronx must start the game strong, play solid defense especially on the interior, shoot well from the field, and minimize the turnovers. White Plains on the other hand must slow down Bronx guards, attack the interior of Bronx, shoot well from the line, and out rebound their opponent. Both coaching staffs are good at making game time adjustments so I expect to see lots of “in game” changes.
This game would come down to the wire because I think Bronx can see their growth from past failures. In the end the better team would prevail and because of their track record I will go with WP to pull this game out by at least 4 points.
Brooklyn Faith vs. Shiloh:
Can lightning strike twice or can the young guns shoot their way to another victory. West divisional rivals battle for respect. Shiloh lightning won their first game defeating divisional rival Bethel. BF young guns defeated Kingsboro and is confident they have right their ship. Shiloh has been one of the elite teams over the last few seasons and wants to continue their winning ways. BF young guns on the other hand must play hard and smart if they are to win this matchup.
The team that plays better defense, shoots well from the field, and minimize their turnovers would be victorious this game. I expect to see a close game because both teams play hard but in the end I feel Shiloh will have the edge inside and for that reason I'm picking them to win this matchup by at least 8 points continuing their dominance.
Queensboro vs Corona:
QB prophets defeated Cornerstone blowout style their first game, now they face division rival Corona who is last in their division. This game is important for both teams because of standing implications. Corona needs to play a complete game and not hope that their opponent is off. QB knows how to win and their coaching staff wants them to play with that intensity they showed all last year. Keys to victory is simple. Corona must play strong defense, shoot well from the field and line, get bench contributions and minimize the turnovers. QB on the other hand must play their game, shoot well from the line, rebound the ball, and attack the interior of Corona. The first half would be close but come second half I expect to see QB run away with this game and continue their dominance in the east.
Well that's all for Milo's week 3 picks. Players come and give the fans a show, fans come out and support your teams and lets fellowship together. Remember you have to take the good with the bad, smile when you are sad, learn from your mistakes, and when things go wrong don't pray for life to get easier, just pray that you get stronger. Until next time this is Milo signing out. God Bless.