Happy New Year NCBL family and friends hope this year bring us a renewed committment and mindset, because God has allowed us to see 2015. With all the drama playing out in the world, it's yet another sign that Christ is coming soon. These games are to remind us that in order to make it into God's kingdow, we must submit to Christ completely, be accountable of all our actions, and represent our brand. NBCL has been and will continue to be a beacon in bringing our youths and adults together in friendly competition and act as witnesses to those we come in contact with. Being a christian isn't just going to church or pretending to be saved, it's a daily battle and committment to Christ that transforms the soul. Too many times we as a church, league, or individuals seem to be stuck in mud when it comes to raising the bar for excellence. Remember there is no one perfect except Christ and once we all understand that we would not be watching or following others but creating our own paths. Christ through his life has given us the blueprint for success, so read your Bible and pray everyday and I guarantee we will grow into the people that Christ calls his own.

Well it's a new beginning for every team and expectations are high. I love the start of the season because everyone is charged and eager to go. We have some new teams in the mix this year and I have to get my mojo going to keep up. There are 8 games scheduled for this week and it would be a great opportunity to see how much teams from last year have grown. Remember, to be good at anything one must be discipline, committed, and practice because nothing is given. Last year is last year and if you think for one second it means anything this year you are only kidding yourself. Teams and churches are hungry for a championship and they have been preparing from last summer to gain that advantage. Like every year I have to see what teams look like before I start my predictions, however, for the most part all the teams playing this week with the exception of two teams played last year so I could do some predicting. Here we go.

White Plains Professors vs Mt Vernon Vipers
Battle in the northeast as the Professors of WP last year defending champs battle the Vipers of Mt Vernon in their first game of the year. The vipers will have their hands full this week because last year they had a subpar year. They are facing one of the best if not the best team in the league. WP is the gold standard that all teams would like to be and they know that everyone would be gunning for them again. I know the heart of a champion and believe me when I say this team have the it factor. They are well coached, play as a team, and each player is held accountable for their play and action. That is what separates this team from most others and until other teams follow that blueprint success would be futile. How many teams you know that benches their best players if they are not follow rules, instructions, or playing selfish ball? Not too many but coach Felix does this time and again and the players respect and play hard for him and themselves. That is key especially when you have younger players observing their coach hold everyone of his players accountable. What are the keys for victory for both teams. WP must play their game, rebound the ball on both ends, shoot well from the line, and minimize the turnovers. Mt Vernon on the other hand must play smart, shoot well from the field, out rebound their opponent, and play loose. This game could be close especially if Mt Vernon plays solid defense, however, they are facing a dynasty in the professors and with their remewed desire to repeat I can't see how they lose this game. WP wins this matchup as they bring in the new year with a BANG!

Ephesus vs Spring Valley
Ephesus took a year off to regroup and now is ready to reclaim their glory of old. They face a new team in Spring Valley and honestly I know little about but love their name. Both teams are in the same division and would need to be competitive if they are to make the playoffs. Remember the defending champs and Bronx express are in the same division. This game would be vital to their success because a divisional loss is more devasting than losing to an outside opponent. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Ephesus must play their style and attack the paint, shoot well from the field, rebound the ball on both ends, and play solid defense. SV on the other hand must execute their game plan, shoot well from the line and field, get bench contributions, and minimize the turnovers. It's hard for me to predict this game especially when I haven't seen both teams but my gut tells me that Ephesus has a history and for that reason I'm picking them to win this
game by at least 6 points.

New Life vs Kingsboro Kingsmen
Battle in the west as another new kid on the block New Life battles the Kingsmen of Kingsboro. Last year wasn't as rewarding for the kingsmen as they would have hoped. They played well at times but had issues closing out games. This time around they feel better about themselves especially having a year of playing together. New Life another good name is starting their first campaign and would like to get off to a good start. What are the keys to victory for both teams. New Life must play with life, rebound the ball, shoot well from the field, and minimize the turnovers. Kingsboro on the other hand must attack the paint, shoot well from the line, out rebound their opponent, and play solid defense. I really don't know what to expect from New Life but my gut tells me that Kingsboro would be too much inside and for that reason I'm picking them to win this matchup in blow out fashion.

River of Life vs Bronx Hawks
Northeast meets southwest as the River of Life (nice name) battles one of the best teams in the NE in the Bronx Hawks or as I like to call them Bronx Express. This game would be a good barometer for ROL becasue they are facing a well oiled team. bronx has been a power house in the past and always seem to be in the mix at the end of the year. They have a good coaching staff and their players know how to compete. What are the keys to victory for both teams. ROL must play smart, shoot well from the line and field, play solid defense, and minimize the turnovers. Bronx on the other hand must play their style and attack the rim, shoot well from the field, get bench contributions, and push the rock as much as possible. I like new teams joining the league but with a storm and high winds blowing from the northeast I can't see how ROL would be ready for the heavy rains of treys. Bronx wins this matchup in blowout style as the keep gauge with the champs.

Bethany Ballers vs Corona Crusaders
Battle in the east as the ballers of Bethany last year darlings battle the crusaders of Corona in a rematch from last year. Bethany is a team on the rise and from their play last year I don't expect to see anything less. This team plays hard, have good shooters and mix of bigs, and have a coach that preaches defense. Corona on the other hand is still trying to find their swagger and need to play a complete game if they are to be considered a good team. Both teams are familiar with each other and that is what makes this game interesting. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Bethany must come out the gate strong, shoot well from the field, play solid defense, and maximize on their opponents turnovers. Corona on the other hand must play solid defense, out rebound their opponent, shoot well from the line, and minimize the turnovers. Look for a close game the first half but by second half I expect to see the ballers ball and run away with this game.  Bethany wins this matchup in covincing fashion as they keep their eyes on the prize.

Fellowship Hawks vs Horeb Hustlers
Battle in the southwest as the hawks of Fellowship battles the hustlers of Horeb in what should be a competitive game. Fellowship have been looking up from the basement the last few years and need to change their fortunes. They play hard but not always smart and need to get better contributions from their supporting cast. Horeb on the other hand have been playing solid ball since joining the league and have the players to compete. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Fellowship must play smart, attack the paint, shoot well from the line, and minimize the turnovers. Horeb on the other hand must attack the paint, push the rock, rebound on both ends, and hit the open shots. I like both teams even though Fellowship hasn't won in a while. Look for a close game but in the end I expect to see the hustlers hustle up and down the court and execute better. Horeb wins this matchup by at least 4 points as they push for a playoff spot.

New Jerusalem Juggernauts vs Mt Sinai Tigers
Battle in the east as the juggernauts of NJ try and tame the tigers of Mt Sinai in a rematch from last year. NJ played hard all year last season but it didn't show in the win column. They have a young team and as many new teams that come into the league see it's hard to win games without a total team effort. Mt Sinai on the other hand played inspired ball at times however, they fail to finish games and the result was losses. Now it's a new year and new expectations and both teams understand how important winning the first game is to their ultimate goal. What are the keys to victory for both teams. NJ must come out the gate sharp and execute their game plan. They must minimize the turnovers, shoot well from the line, and get bench contributions. Mt Sinai on the other hand must play smart and attack the interior, shoot well from the field, out rebound their opponent, and play solid defense. Look for a close game throughout because teams that play together stay together, but this game would be a battle because both teams want a win in the worse way. Look for a close game but in the end I expect to see the tigers squeak out a win in the closing seconds reclaiming their past glory.

Cornerstone Crushers vs Queensboro Prophets
Battle in the west as the crushers of Cornerstone battle the prophets of QB in what should be a grudge match. Both teams are good and both teams are hungry. Last year both teams lost in the playoffs and were disappointed with their play. This year the stakes are high and to the victor goes the spoils. Cornerstone have a well balanced team with good size and guard play, they face an equally good team that also have playmakers that bring it. Both teams understand that every game is important and especially in the beginning of the season. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Cornerstone must play solid defense, shoot well from the field, out rebound their opponent, and get bench contributions. QB on the other hand must play their style and attack the rim, shoot well from the line, get all the loose balls, and play solid defense. I expect to see a close game because both teams are equally matched but I feel in the end that QB with their experience would execute down the stretch and for that reason I'm picking them to win this matchup by 2 points as the year gets kicked off.

Well that's all for Milo's Week 1 picks. Players come out and give the fans a show; fans come out and support your teams, and lets fellowship together. Remember it's a new year with new challenges so don't bask in the past but focus on the future because God have a lot instored for his people. Respect the fact that he has brought us through another year and he is still on the throne advocating for us all. Be a leader not a follower, be an example not the rule, be a witness not just witness because in the end it's our legacy that would stand and everything else would fade. Until next time this is Milo signing out. God Bless