Wow we had two exciting Final 4 games last week and the fact that I hit my predictions dead on made me feel good. It felt like we could have bypass the regular season and just play the championship game because the same two teams are representing. The defending champs and the destroyers did what was expected and defeated the stars of Flatbush. We also had the Bronx Hawks Express being derailed and lose an opportunity to silence the professors of WP in a devastating loss that could be heard all the way in Brooklyn. Now the stage is set and to the victor goes the spoils. But as you know before I get into the championship matchup I have to do my traditional send off to the losers of last week. Being that both losing teams have a large following I decided to book three boats to accommodate all the players, their families, and fans. So to the stars of Flatbush and the Bronx Hawks Express sorry fellas it just wasn't meant to be. You are going fishing for bass on the Jersey Shore. All the preparation and planning seem to be for nothing but take solace in the fact that you made it that far. You just lost to a better team on a night when all your hopes and aspirations were high. Take time to reflect on the successful season and how you can be better down the stretch. Remember it's like anything else in life if you practice hard but don't have the discipline to consistently execute or stay within the moment then most times you lose. It's the teams that not only play together but have the fortitude to be mentally tough in difficult times are the ones who are successful. I know how it feels when you think this year is the year and to come up short must hurt. But that's the nature of competition, coaches prepare their teams, players practice to execute, but in the end it's how the teams plays in the moment that would determine the outcome or give a team a better chance to win. So try and enjoy the sunshine and cool breeze because before you know it next year would be upon us. With that said let’s see what Milo thinks about this week championship game which would be one for the ages.

Well what can I say about both teams that hasn't been said before. Last year I did the write up titled “Destiny vs. Destined", and New Dime defeated White Plains to win the distinction as the destined. Now a year later both teams square off again for a rematch and this time the tables have turned. White Plains are not the clear favorite this time around and that might be a good thing. Remember New Dime came on strong at the end of last season and ran through teams like a freight train. Not even the professors last year could have expect the beautiful game plan and execution of the destroyers who took the game decisively. Now with that bitter taste in their mouths WP will try and take back what they believe is rightfully theirs and that is the championship crown. But before I get into the game breakdown I wanted to take a closer look at both teams and why for the last couple of years they were successful. New Dime called the “destroyers” has a good mixture of veterans and youth. They have been a force the last three years and winning the chip last year solidified them as a team destined. They have a style that not too many teams could match up against. They have guards that guard but more importantly get their teammates involved. They have “bigs” that are not traditionally tall but get the job done, and the most interesting part of this team is the coaching staff that understand their team strengths and knows in order to win their best players must be held accountable. As a result of the team buying in they have made it back to the championship game. Too many times you see team’s best players chucking or not being held accountable and those teams never seem to go anywhere. They win games but not when it counts and then look to blame refs, commissioners, coaches or teammates for their team failure. That is usually how it plays out and to the credit of both teams that is not their motivation. White Plains it seems I have been praising you too much from some of the responses I received from fans and players but the truth is in the pudding. I tend to believe if there is smoke then there must be a fire because success breathes contempt. WP team we all must admit will go down as the best ever not only because of their championships but for the culture that Coach Felix and his staff has created. Folks you can hate all you want but in the end the record speaks for itself. Every team in the league wish they could have a run like this team has done in the last 6 years. Won 3 championships, won their division 5 times, made it to 5 championships going into their 6th, and have a record of 102 wins to 8 loses. I know Coach Felix works hard with his staff but this year I feel the players must get some recognition for all their success. What people don't realize is the core of WP team has been the same throughout this run. They might add a player or two but overall they are playing with the same players who started this dynasty. Carlton, Daniel M, J-lee, O'neal, Junior, Dannyel W, Stretch, Kito, Phil, JD, KJ, Jurae, David H., Chris T., and Isaiah “nuff respect” fellas for not only showing the league how it is done but also being an example to those watching. Any team could have a group of ballers but to sacrifice your game for the team speaks volumes. In order to have success in anything in life you must have good support systems in place in order achieve your goals. Pastor John from White Plains Church and his staff has been behind the scenes encouraging along with assistant coaches Herman and Roy Gordon. WP also work in the community and bring so much joy to the kids it only adds to their legacy. I'm a believer in giving back so continue to shine and show the world that "Caring is sharing". Ok let’s get into the game breakdown.

White Plains Professors vs. New Dimension Destroyers:

“Clash of the Titans” as the defending champs New Dime look to repeat last year performance and destroy the professors of White Plains. What a difference a year makes. Both teams were riding high when they met up in the championship game last year and New Dime proved to be up to the challenge. They out played WP on both ends of the floor and came away with a decisive win. Now the tables are turned and this year they are coming in as the favorite to win it all. This is like your traditional championship matchup one team relies on the interior presence and the other team relies on the outstanding guard play. WP plays from the inside out but also have the guards that could light it up. New Dime on the other hand relies on their two headed attack with their two best players making the plays and getting others involved. Both teams didn't face each other during the regular season and that is what makes this game interesting. What are the keys to victory for both teams? WP must rebound the ball on both ends, shoot well from the line, attack the paint, and minimize the turnovers. New Dime on the other hand must push the ball, shoot well from the field, get bench contributions, and get all the hustle plays. Both teams are confident and both teams have an identity so this game is about execution. I expect to see a close game throughout because both team plays defense. WP relies on their “bigs” to make quick releases so that their guards can attack. New Dime relies on their guards attacking the paint to set up their jump shooters. I know most folks feel this would be a high scoring game but I feel that the score would be in the mid 70's. Due to the fact that New Dime is the defending champs and haven't given me a reason to think they wouldn't come to play I'm picking them to win this game by 4 points as they move closer to a dynasty and prove they were destined.

Well that's all for Milo's championship pick. Players come out and give the fans a show. Fans come out and support your teams and lets fellowship together. I would like to take the time to thank all the commissioners, NCBL league, fans, followers, and players for another exciting season. I truly enjoy doing the write ups because it comes from the heart. Basketball like any other sport is supposed to bring us together not tears us apart. We saw what transpired with the Clippers owner and his rants about minorities, and folks if you were surprised then what world are you living in. It's important to teach and educate our young people to take pride in their culture and not to be ashamed of whom they are. God judges the heart man judges your skin color. The funny thing is that whether we are black, white, yellow, or green, we all breathe the same air, bleed the same color blood, born and die in the same manner. What separates us is our culture and upbringing.  Teach the youth to respect the past and make sound decisions in the present because their future depends on it. It's time to stop pointing the finger at each other and start finding ways to better ourselves. As the saying goes when you point one finger at me three more fingers are pointing back at you. So be careful not to judge others because in the end we all will be judged by the Almighty Father. Thanks again to the league for allowing me to do the write ups and stay tune for my post championship write up with the winning team. Have a great summer and players practice, practice, practice. Until next time this is Milo signing out. God Bless.