What's up NCBL family March madness is upon us. Just from last week games you can see panic and urgency setting in with some teams. Although I went 6 - 2 in my picks I was a bit surprise to see how strong of a performance some teams exhibited in their games. We had the crushers of Cornerstone blow out the shockers of Sharon and was a good confidence boost for them; Ephesus eliminated the NJ by 14; Bethany balled pass Bronx by 7; T&T cruised bye the crusaders of Corona by 26; Horeb out hustled the destroyers of New Dime squeezing out a win by 2; ROL rolled over the vipers by 21; New Life was rejuvenated and stopped the high flying hawks of Fellowship by 6 in the game of the week; and the professors of WP did it again with only 5 players defeated the sharp shooters of Ebenezer 22 continuing their undefeated season. Isaiah Ward did it again scoring 54 points off last week 55 points performance. What is even more amazing is the fact that they held the opposing team to 67 points. Danyel, Malik, Oneal, and Carlton kudos to you guys because having one of your own shine is like you shining. Keep up the good work you are the standard that this league and basketball junkies like I appreciate. This week we have some more exciting games with lots of implications. Some teams are fighting for their lives while others are trying to move up in the standings. Who will come to play only time will tell but let’s see what Milo thinks about this week games which could propel some to the top. Let’s go.
Mt Sinai Tigers vs Cornerstone Crushers
Battle in the west as the tigers try and crush the crushers and drop them in the basement. Both teams are having a tough year and both teams have experienced success in the past. Cornerstone is starting to play better ball and it showed in their win last week. Both teams know how important wins are especially in this time of year. What are the keys to victory for both teams? Mt Sinai must play solid defense, shoot well from the field, minimize the turnovers, and play hard all game. Cornerstone on the other hand must continue to attack the paint, shoot well from the line, get bench contributions, and minimize the turnovers. Look for a close game throughout because both teams are familiar with each other. However, I feel that Cornerstone is playing better ball currently and for that reason I'm picking them to win this match up by 6 points as they move back to relevancy.
Ephesus Eliminators vs Ebenezer Sharp Shooters
Northeast meets east as the eliminators of Ephesus try and eliminate the sharp shooters of Ebenezer. Ephesus won last week and knows whats at stake. They must continue to win to stay ahead of Bronx in the division. Ebenezer on the other hand is locked in to the 2nd spot in the east and need to fine tune for the playoffs. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Ephesus must push the rock, shoot well from the field, minimize the turnovers, and attack the rim. Ebenezer on the other hand must use their size to out rebound their opponent, play solid defense, shoot well from the line, and get bench contributions. Look for a close game because both teams are good. I expect to see a shoot out but in the end I feel Ephesus will have more to lose and for that reason I'm picking them to win this match up by 4 points as they continue to grind.
Mt Vernon Vipers vs Horeb Hustlers
Northeast battles southwest as the vipers of Mt Vernon try and sting the hustlers and stop them in their tracks. Horeb has been on a tear and has won their last 5 games. What is even more impressive is the way they are winning. They defeated the destroyers last week by 2 points and showed why they would be problems come playoffs. They are in one of the toughest divisions where every team is a half game behind for the top spot. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Mt Vernon must play solid defense, shoot well from the field, minimize the turnovers, and minimize the turnovers. Horeb on the other hand must shoot well from the field, out rebound their opponent, attack the paint, and play solid defense. Look for a close game the first half but by second half I expect to see Horeb out hustle the vipers and win this game blow out style as they look to take over the top spot in their division hoping T&T loses.
New Jerusalem Juggernauts vs New Life Rejuvenators
East battles west as the juggernauts of NJ try and stop the rejuvenators and drop them in the standings. NJ lost last week and need a win in the worst way. They are in the basement and know a couple more wins could propel them into the playoffs. They face New Life who has been playing good ball all year. They have their sights on the division and like last week they gained a half game on New Dime that lost to Horeb. If they continue to win and somehow New Dime sputters then things become interesting. What are the keys to victory for both teams. NJ must push the rock, shoot well from the line, attack the paint, and minimize the turnovers. New Life on the other hand must play solid defense, shoot well from the field, minimize the turnovers, and get bench contributions. Look for a close game but New Life knows how important a win would be and for that reason I'm picking them to win this match up by at least 10 points as they continue to shock the league.
Bethany Ballers vs Sharon Shockers
East meets northeast as the ballers try and continue their winning ways against win-less Sharon. Bethany balled last week and proved they are one of the elite teams. They defeated their nemesis Bronx by 7 points and proved they belong. Sharon on the other hand is going through growing pains and this season would only make them stronger for next year. Bethany is in the top spot in their division and with a couple games lead could cruise to the finish line and win the division. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Bethany must play their style and attack the paint, shoot well from the line, play solid defense, and get bench contributions. Sharon on the other hand must play solid defense, shoot well from everywhere, minimize the turnovers, and play loose. Can the shockers of Sharon shock the ballers? Maybe, but the way the ballers are playing it would be a tall order. Bethany wins this match up blow out style.
Bronx Hawks Express vs Triumphant Tabernacle Kings
Northeast battles southwest as Bronx try and run express and knock the kings of their throne in Milo's "Game of the week". Bronx is a half game behind Ephesus for the second spot in their division, while T&T is a half game ahead in their division for the top spot. Both teams knows what is at stake and both teams are headed to the playoffs. This game would be intense to say the least because a win could keep you with the Jones's and a loss could drop you out the top spot. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Bronx must play solid defense, shoot well from the field, out rebound their opponent, and minimize the turnovers. T&T on the other hand must play with that swagger, shoot well from the field, minimize the turnovers, and get bench contributions. Look for a close game throughout because both teams are ready. I expect to see lots of score changes but in the end I feel that T&T would want it more and for that reason I'm picking them to win this match up by 4 points as they hold on to the top spot.
Well that's all for Milo's week 10 picks. Players come out and give the fans a show, fans come out and support your teams and lets fellowship together. Remember life is what we make it so stay focused on your goals and aspirations. Never let life struggles depress or hold you back because without struggle there is no reward. Until next time this is Milo signing out. God bless.
