Well they said the first is usually the worst as the entire tri-state was locked down due to Jonas snow storm. Although it was a blessing in disguise for some teams who weren't prepared, it was also a curse for those who wanted to compete. This week we have some very interesting games that would be a good test for top teams. We have some divisional rivals clashing as well as some old foes battling. This week should have some exciting sub-plots but let's see what Milo thinks about this week games which would be a building block for some teams or total dismantling for others. Let's go.

Corona Crusaders vs. Bethany Ballers
Battle in the east as the crusaders of Corona try and continue their winning ways and keep the ballers of Bethany in the basement. Corona knows this opponent very well and know they would have their hands full. It wasn't but a couple of years ago when Bethany was the talk of the town with their electrifying play. Now they seemed to be back in the pack and need to find that swagger they once had in the past. Both teams know how important it is to win divisional games because in the end it could help either team get into the playoffs. What are the keys to victory for both teams? Corona must play solid defense, shot well from the line, out rebound their opponent, and minimize the turnovers. Bethany on the other hand must come out the gate strong, shoot well from the field, get bench contributions, and play and up tempo game. Look for a close game throughout because both teams are familiar, however, I feel the ballers would find their groove and for that reason I'm picking them to win this game by 4 points as they even the playing field.

Mt Vernon Vipers vs. Sharon Shockers
Battle in the northeast as the vipers try and sting the shockers into submission. Both teams lost their first game and both teams are looking to right the ship. Mt Vernon has been playing together for some time and should be able to man their ship. Sharon the new kids on the block must come out strong if they are to make noise this year. What are the keys to victory for both teams? Mt Vernon must play solid defense, shoot well from the field, minimize the turnovers, and attack the rim. Sharon on the other hand must out rebound their opponent, shoot well from the field, get bench contributions and minimize the turnovers. Look for a close game throughout but I feel the shockers with their fans would play inspired ball and shock the vipers stinging them with their own poison. Sharon wins this match up in a close battle by 3 points as they move out of the basement.

Fellowship Hawks vs. Triumphant Tabernacle Kings
Battle in the south west as the hawks of Fellowship battle the kings of T&T in Milo's first "Game of the week". Both teams are tied in their division, and both teams know what is at stake. The hawks always seem to play their best ball early in the season, but for some reason run out of steam. T&T well they are the defending champs and from the looks of things expect to make it back to the championship game. What are the keys to victory for both teams? Fellowship must out rebound their opponent, shoot well from the field, pressure the guards of T&T into turnovers, and minimize the turnovers. T&T on the other hand must play their style and attack the rim, shoot well from the line, get defensive stops, and listen to their coaching staff. What some teams don't realize is that coaching plays an important role in team success and when you have a good coach it allows the players to play their game and benefit from good scouting. I like Fellowship resolve in some big games last season, however, this is a different beast in the kings. Expect to see a close game throughout but in the end I feel the kings would prove why they were champs and win this match up by at least 6 points as they stay on top their division.

Cornerstone Crushers vs. New Life Rejuvenators
Battle in the west as the crushers of Cornerstone play their first game of the season against the rejuvenators of New Life and try and keep them in the basement. New Life lost their first game and need a strong effort this game if they want to come out on top. Cornerstone on the other hand is playing for the first time and need to play solid ball to make some noise this season. Cornerstone has a good team but without discipline and consistent effort they would find this season to be another lost cause. What are the keys to victory for both teams? Cornerstone must play solid defense, out rebound their opponent, shoot well from the field, and get bench contributions. New Life on the other hand must minimize the turnovers, shoot well from the field, play solid defense, and attack the paint. Look for a close game first half, but I feel Cornerstone would find a way to overcome any charge of the rejuvenators and for that reason I'm picking them to win this match up by at least 8 points.

Mt Sinai Tigers vs. Ebenezer Sharp Shooters
East meets west as the tigers of Mt Sinai battle the sharp shooters of Ebenezer in what should be an exciting match. Both teams won their respective games the first week of the season. Now they set their sights on continuing their winning ways. Both teams know each other well from past battles and both teams know what is at stake. A win and you go two and zero as opposed to one and one and possibly battling for early position. What are the keys to victory for both teams? Mt Sinai must play smart, pressure the opponent into turnovers, shoot well from the field, and out rebound their opponent. Ebenezer on the other hand must play their style and push the rock, shoot well from deep, minimize the turnovers, and get bench contributions. Look for a close game throughout buy I feel the sharp shooter would play better down the stretch and for that reason I'm picking them to win this game by 4 points as they stay on top in the standings.

Bronx Hawks Express vs. White Plains Professors
Battle in the northeast as the Bronx express battle the professors of WP in a rematch from last year Final Four and Milo's second "Game of the week". This is must watch TV folks both teams and their fans don't need any introductions. You see over the years of WP dynasty they always had to go through Bronx to get to the chip. However, last year was a turning point for Bronx coaching staff and players. They finally found out the secret ingredient to mix to take down the giant. Remember Bronx made it to the championship game last year only losing to a king’s team that was primed and ready. Both coaches have history and I know they would like nothing better than silencing their fans and critics. What are the keys to victory for both teams? Bronx must push the rock and try and outpace WP, they must out rebound their opponent, shoot well from the field, and minimize the turnovers. WP on the other hand must figure out a way to stop penetration of the guards of Bronx, they must slow down the game to their pace, shoot well from the line, and play solid defense. I like both teams however, only one must win. Look for a close game with lots of changes, but I feel until WP can counter the attacks of Bronx they would have a difficult time winning this match. Bronx express derails WP by 2 points as they prove last year wasn't a fluke.

Horeb Hustlers vs. River of Life Sustainers
Battle in the south west as the hustlers of Horeb try to stop the bleeding against the sustainers of ROL. Both teams lost their first game and both teams know what is at stake. Another loss in the division against a rival and it could be a very long season. Horeb played well their first game but had some untimely lapses that cost them. ROL was on a roll for a minute their first game but ran out of gas and eventually lost the match. What are the keys to victory for both teams? Horeb must push the rock, shoot well from the field, minimize the turnovers, and out rebound their opponent. ROL on the other hand must play smart, attack the paint, shoot well from the field, and get bench contributions. Look for a close game because both teams are familiar with each other. However, I think the hustlers have more fire power and for that reason I'm picking them to win this match up by at least 10 points as they move out the basement.

Ephesus Eliminators vs. New Dimension Destroyers
Northeast meets west as the eliminators of Ephesus try and rebound after a tough loss and take it to the destroyers of New Dime. New Dime played well their first game and came out with a victory. It wasn't that long ago when they were the toast of the town with the high power offense. They came back to continue their dominance however, some teams have caught up to them in talent. Ephesus on the other hand has a good team with excellent guards, they just need to figure out what their strengths are and focus on building on that. What are the keys to victory for both teams? Ephesus must push the rock, play solid defense, shoot well from the field, and minimize the turnovers. New Dime on the other hand must play their style and attack the rim, shoot well from the line, out rebound their opponent, and minimize the turnovers. Look for a close game throughout because both teams will come prepared. I expect to see a close game but I feel the destroyers would find a way to eliminate the guards of Ephesus and for that reason I'm picking them to win this match up in the closing seconds by 1 point.

Well that's all for Milo's Week 3 picks. Players come out and give the fans a show; fans come out and support your teams and lets fellowship together. Take time to give back to those less fortunate and try and see the good in everyone. Because God see the good in us and he tries to keep the devil away from his children. Don't add to the fire but try and ignite a new way of thinking so our future generations may benefit. With God all things are possible. Until next time, this is Milo signing out. God Bless.