What's up NCBL family hope everyone was safe during the blizzard that swept through NY. If God is on our side then nothing or no one can affect us. Last week we had some exciting games and although I went 5-1 in my picks I feel I finally have all the teams down pack. We had the prophets of QB defeat the rejuvenators of New Life by 3 points; the hawks of Fellowship defeated the vipers of Mt Vernon by 32 points; the juggernauts of NJ defeated the sustainers of ROL by 9 points, the volunteers of Spring Valley lost to the Bronx express by 40 points, the Kingsmen of Kingsboro defeated GNYC by 53 points, and in the game of the week the professors of WP defeated Ephesus by 13 points. Good teams always find a way to win and sometimes get lucky. But usually teams that have poor execution and discipline get blown out or season is lost before it starts. This week we have 5 games scheduled, who will come out and play. Only time will tell but let’s see what Milo thinks about this week games which could jettison some teams to the top and drop others lower in the abyss. Let's go.
New Jerusalem Juggernauts vs Bethany Ballers:
Battle in the east as the ballers of Bethany try and fend off the juggernauts of NJ and keep them out of the third spot. NJ played last week and defeated the ROL sustainers by 9 points. They face a much better opponent in the ballers and must come with their A game. Bethany on the other hand knows what's at stake because they defeated the tigers of Mt Sinai already and still have to face division leader Ebenezer soon. With a win this game they would be right in line for the division. What are the keys to victory for both teams. NJ must out rebound their opponent, shoot well from the field, get bench contributions, and minimize the turnovers. Bethany on the other hand must play smart and attack the paint, shoot well from the line, minimize the turnovers, and win the hussle battle. Look for a close game throughout but in the end I feel the ballers would ball more and for that reason I'm picking them to win this game by 6 points as they hold on to the 2nd spot in the east.
Corona Crusaders vs Spring Valley Volunteers:
Last in the East battles last in the northeast as the crusaders of Corona battle the volunteers of SV and keep them winless. What can I say, it's the volunteers first year and sometimes teams take a while to adjust and click. Corona on the other hand has been playing in the league for some time and should have adjusted already. This game is really for bragging rights because both teams have a lot of work to do to become elite. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Corona must push the ball, make good decisions, minimize the turnovers, and out rebound their opponent. Spring Valley on the other hand must attack the rim, shoot well from the field, get bench contributions, and minimize the turnovers. Look for a close game throughout but in the end I feel Corona would make a few more plays than the volunteers and for that reason I'm picking them to win this match up. Corona wins by at least 10 points improving their record.
Ebenezer Sharp Shooters vs Triumphant Tabernacle Kings:
Four undefeated teams remain and this week two of them battle in Milo's "Game of the Week". Ebenezer sharp shooters is playing lights out so far and is trying to maintain their momentum. The face the kings of T&T and trust me when I tell you this team is no joke. Ebenezer will face their toughest test this week because they will have their hands full for 40 minutes. T&T is also undefeated and have been winning all their games blow out style. They have the chemistry, coaching and players that bring it night in and night out. This team will be problems for the worst of them and the best of them. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Ebenezer must shoot lights out from the field, out rebound their opponent, shoot well from the line, and minimize the turnovers. T&T on the other hand must play their style and attack the paint, shoot well from the line, play solid defense, and minimize the turnovers. Look for a close game the first half but by second half I expect to see the kings dominate the paint and blow the sharp shooters out thus proving their worth and preparing the league for what's to come.
Horeb Hustlers vs Bronx Hawks Express:
Southwest meets northeast as the hustlers of Horeb battle the Bronx express and try to derail them. The hustlers are in 3rd place in their division and need a win in the worst way to keep up. Bronx ran express last week and defeated the volunteers by 40 points. Bronx knows what is at stake because they need to catch the professors of WP. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Horeb must slow the game down, shoot well from the field, get bench contributions, and minimize the turnovers. Bronx on the other hand must play their style and attack, play solid defense, shoot well from the field, and out rebound their opponent. Look for a close game throughout but in the end I feel Bronx would be still running from last week and defeat the hustlers in a scrappy game by at least 6 points as they keep pace with the defending champs.
Cornerstone Crushers vs Ephesus Eliminators:
West meets northeast as the crushers of Cornerstone battle the eliminators of Ephesus. Ephesus lost last week to WP by 13 points but played well enough to win. Cornerstone is currently a half game behind in their division and need to continue to play on a high level. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Cornerstone must minimize the turnovers, shoot well from the field, get bench contributions, and out rebound their opponent. Ephesus on the other hand must play solid defense, shoot well from the line, attack the paint, and minimize the turnovers. Look for a close game throughout because both teams have players. But in the end I feel the eliminators of Ephesus would make the necessary adjustment and pull out this game by 3 points as they prove their worth.
Well that's all for Milo's Week 5 Picks. Players come out and give the fans a show; fans come out and support your teams and lets fellowship together. Remember to pray for those who are struggling with daily life challenges because we are our brother’s keeper. God gave us the mindset to make change happen in the world, we just have to believe and follow his guidance. Keep fighting and praying because at the end of the day what do we really have without God in the middle. Material things would pass away, life is constantly changing and the devil is constantly attacking. When it's all said and done each of us would have to answer for ourselves, so stop pretending and acting as if you are perfect because when God opens up the book of judgment, all our dirty laundry will be exposed and our souls would be doomed forever. Until next time this is Milo signing out. God Bless.