What's good NCBL family what a Final 4 round of games. I must admit I wasn't surprised at the outcome because the four teams played with heart and passion. Unfortunately, every team can't win and that is what made the drama so exciting. We had the kings of Triumphant Tabernacle defeat the hawks of Fellowship by 9 points punching their ticket to the championship. We also had the hawks of Bronx defy the odds and defeated the defending champs twice in one season by 7 points punching their ticket to the finals. Now the stage is set and to the victor goes the spoils. Last week the gym was jumping with anticipation because the four remaining teams had a good following. White Plains had their usual fanfare and followers and everyone was waiting for them to make their usual push, but it didn't happen last week. T&T on the other hand seem confident in their game and played like a team destined. But before I get into my pick let’s do our traditional send off to the losing teams last week. Fellowship played hard and had their chances but could not put together a consistent run to neutralize the kings potent offense, they left it all on the court but in the end they played against a better team. White Plains also had their chances but couldn't neutralize the " bigs" of Bronx and it showed with the inside play and rebounding. Is this the changing of the guards, or was it an admonition of execution? Because White Plains always seem to play their best under pressure and last week they simply ran into a perfect storm in the Bronx. So to the hawks of Fellowship and the professors of White Plains great season fellas but unfortunately it just wasn't meant to be. Take solace in the fact that you played hard and tried your best but it just wasn't good enough this time. I prepared two large boats to accommodate both teams and their fans. So bring your fishing gear, and refreshments because you are going fishing for bass on the Jersey Shore. Try and enjoy the sunshine and cool breeze because next year could be the year. To coach Felix and his staff despite the loss and disappointment of last week, you are a class act and the league is better for having your team in the league. So exhale for a few and try and enjoy the break and next year come out ready to make another run. With that said let’s see what Milo thinks about the championship game which would either solidify one coach as a rising star or further solidify the status of the other. Let's go.

Rematch from March as the Bronx Hawks try and repeat their performance from last week and subdue another giant and stop the kings of Triumphant Tabernacle from winning their first ever championship. Both teams squared off back in March and T&T defeated the hawks by 5 points. Now it's for all the marbles and both teams are hungry. But before I make the game breakdown I must provide some insight to both teams and what contributed to their on court success this season.

Bronx Hawks

Bronx Hawks is led by their coaching staff Ian Hobson, Leslie Thom, Troy Nicholas and Wilbert Robins. What's even more amazing is that the majority of their players are home grown from their junior team. They played together for years and is now reaping the benefits of chemistry. But what folks may not know is that this Bronx team have taken the personality of their coaches to heart. You see Bronx was under the guidance of Marvin Roberts for years and when Ian took over he credited his success in coaching to Marvin for being a good mentor. Since taking over the team, Ian has led Bronx to 4 final four games in a row losing to the professors of WP each time. So this time when they defeated White Plains you could see the satisfaction on the coaching staff and players faces. There are a few players who I would like to recognize from the Bronx team who have been main stays with the team through all their ups and downs. Cecil and Kenny their captains have been two of the main forces that provided stability to the team and of course Ron the crafty veteran who have been playing with this team for over 22 years providing leadership and mentoring to the younger players. The Bronx have a great history with lots of success but this year they proved that a team committed is a dangerous team. Bronx players, fans, and followers wouldn't want it any other way because by beating their nemesis White Plains, they took the monkey off their chests and made the victory even sweeter. I know their church family was rejoicing and next week Pastor Guy sermon would be on of rejuvenation and jubilee.

Triumphant Tabernacle

Triumphant Tabernacle first year in the league and they are heading to the championship game under their head coach Colin Bleasdell, Chad Allum and Alphonso Jackson. What folks may not know is the success coach Colin has had since joining this league. For the last few years I've given credit to coach Felix and his staff for the dynasty they build with White Plains, but what people may not know is that Colin has had a similar run but with different teams. Pastor Philip Wesley wanted to get a top coach to run his team and he got one of the best in the league in Colin. Colin resume is impressive and folks he's not done yet. I had to check the NCBL history and Colin is a 6 time champion in this league. He won 3 championships with Brooklyn Faith back in the days as a player. He won 3 more championship as a coach 2006 Coney Island squad; 2007 Calvary squad; and 2011 Flatbush squad. Colin is a teacher and likes to coach young players to bring out their true potential. Now the stage is set and Colin and his team can start their own dynasty moving forward. It's one thing to have good players but it's another when good players want to play for you. Colin has demonstrated that he could identify with the players but also maintain the level of respect to lead them and challenge them to be the best.

Bronx Hawks Express vs Triumphant Tabernacle Kings:

Northeast meets southwest as the Bronx hawks try and repay T&T for an earlier loss in the season. Bronx played a complete game last week in defeating the defending champs. What impressed me the most is that it was in a larger gym and they were able to with stand and execute their game plan. It also helped to have their full roster show up and proved to be the edge they needed. Back in March when they faced the kings they played well but fell short in the end losing by 5 points. Can they duplicate what they did last week and play with that edge this week. T&T on the other hand played their style and showed why they were considered dangerous all season. Remember I told you folks this team was for real back in January and now the whole league will know why. T&T defeated Fellowship last week and played they attack style that proved to be too much. What are the keys to victory for both teams? Bronx must run express, shoot well from the field, minimize the turnovers, and out rebound their opponent. T&T on the other hand must play solid defense, shoot well from the line, slow down the guards of Bronx, and make stops. I expect to see a close game throughout because both teams are close in talent. What I will be looking for is which team “bigs” would dominate in the middle and which team would execute the game plan better. Look for a close game with lots of changes but in the end I feel T&T would explode down the stretch and for that reason I'm picking them to win this match up by 4 points as they claim their first championship and bring home the hardware as the best team in 2015.

Well that's all for Milo's championship picks, remember to look out for my post championship write up to the winning team. Fans come out and support your teams, players come out and give the fans a show, and lets fellowship together. I would like to take this time to thank the commissioners and league for allowing me to do the write ups this season. It truly was a blast. May God continue to bless this league and continue to enlighten us all as we move forward to the summer months. Each one teach one and the world would be a different place. Stand up for yourself and stand up for Christ because in the end what does it matter if we gain the world and loss our souls. I see all those rich and famous people dying just like the poor so there must be more to life that acquiring material things especially when we can't take it to the grave. We have to be committed to Christ because in the end He's the only one that can save us. Until next time this is Milo signing out. God Bless and have a great summer season.