Wow what a week of games and I must say I was a bit surprise at some of the results. Every team I understand wants to win, and sometimes expectations must be tampered. You see when dedication meets ambition then the team is elevated, however, when dedication meets dysfunction and lack of discipline then the team suffers. Too often I see and hear coaches stressing to their respective teams to run the offense, pass the ball, play defense, and follow the game plan. But as we witnessed last week some teams and players just don't get that concept. Although I went 5 - 1 in my picks some teams played above their norm while others seem to be stuck in mud. We had the juggernauts of NJ blow out the CWC Stars by 21; Horeb hustled to a close victory over the warriors of Rogers Ave by 2; WP Professors did it again and look like they are primed this year smothering the sustainers of ROL by 32; Fellowship again proved me wrong and defeated the sharp shooters of Ebenezer by 3; Bethany balled defeating the shockers of Sharon by 11; and Bronx ran express all day and blew out the crusaders of Corona by 22. This week we have 6 games and for some teams time is running out to make a claim for the dance. Which team will shine this week, or which team will implode only time will tell but let’s see what Milo thinks about this week’s games which could make or break some teams. Let’s go.

Community Worship Center Stars vs White Plains Professors
Battle in the east as the professors of WP try and school the new kids on the block and maintain their hold on the division. CWC will have to come prepared because they are facing one of the giants in the NCBL league. The professors is not just winning but doing it with flare. Felix always have his players ready but he also puts them in position to elevate. CWC on the other hand is trying to compete and will go through some growing pains. What are the keys to victory for both teams. White Plains must play their style and attack the rim, shoot well from the line, get bench contributions, and have fun. CWC on the other hand must play smart and pick their spots, shoot extremely well from everywhere, out rebound their opponent, and minimize the turnovers. I expect to see some gamesmanship but in all honesty WP is too much at this time for CWC and they will have their way with them blowing them out the gym.

New Jerusalem Juggernauts vs Bethany Ballers
Battle in the east as the juggernauts of NJ try and out ball the ballers of Bethany and drop them from the undefeated ranks. Both teams won last week and both teams are playing good ball. NJ defeated CWC last week by 21 points while Bethany shocked the shockers of Sharon defeating them by only 11. This game is important for both teams trying to stay on top with White Plains. What are the keys to victory for both teams. NJ must play solid defense, shoot well from the field, attack the paint, and minimize the turnovers. Bethany on the other hand must push the rock, attack the rim, out rebound their opponent, and minimize the turnovers. Look for a close game because both teams are familiar with each other. However, I feel Bethany wants it more after having that bad taste in their mouths all summer. Bethany wins this match up in the closing seconds by 3 points as they continue their winning ways.

New Life Rejuvenators vs Rogers Ave Warriors
Battle in the west as the rejuvenators of New Life try and continue their winning ways against new kids on the block Rogers Ave and keep them win-less. New Life is off to a good start and it shows in their record. What is crucial is that they keep grinding and playing for 40 minutes. Rogers Ave plays hard but they are still finding their niche. What are the keys to victory for both teams. New Life must push the rock, shoot well from the line, out rebound their opponent, and minimize the turnovers. Rogers Ave on the other hand must play solid defense, shoot well from the field, attack the rim, and play with a sense of urgency. Look for a close game this match because Rogers Ave plays hard despite their record. However, I expect to see the rejuvenators play inspired ball and continue their winning ways defeating the warriors by at least 8 points as they stay with the pack.

Christian Fellowship Hawks vs River of Life Sustainers
Battle in the west as the hawks of Fellowship try and continue their strong play and keep ROL in the basement. Fellowship I must say played a great game last week in defeating the sharp shooters. This reminds me of last year when they were running the table only to lose in the second half of the season. Fellowship has to learn how to play consistent ball if they are to be considered a threat. ROL on the other hand lost to WP last week and didn't look like they were ready for the big boys. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Fellowship must push the rock, shoot well from the field, get bench contributions, and minimize the turnovers. ROL on the other hand must play smart and attack the paint, shoot well from the field, play solid defense, and out rebound their opponent. I expect to see a close game in the first half but Fellowship is on a roll and for that reason I'm picking them to win this match up by at least 10 points as they continue to rise.

Bronx Hawks Express vs Ebenezer Sharp Shooters
Battle in the east as the hawks try and run express and leave the sharp shooters in the dust. Bronx defeated Corona last week convincingly and looked like an elite team. Ebenezer on the other hand shot themselves in the leg with a poor performance last week against Fellowship. Both teams know how important divisional games are and that is what makes this game interesting. Can Ebenezer bounce back and take it to the hawks or will they revert to their old habits. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Bronx must push the rock, shoot well from the field, attack the rim, and pressure the guards of Ebenezer. Ebenezer on the other hand must play solid defense, shoot well from the field, out rebound their opponent, and minimize the turnovers. Look for a close game this match because both teams play hard against each other. However, Bronx is on a mission and they will not let any team stand in their way. Bronx wins this match up by 4 points as they stay with the pack.

Horeb Hustlers vs Triumphant Tabernacle Kings
Battle in the west as the hustlers try and stay undefeated and take it to the defending champs in Milo's "Game of the week". This game has so much implications that both teams know what to expect. Horeb is playing excellent and they are winning close games as a result. Last year those same games they would have lost. T&T is tied for second place in the division and knows every game is important. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Horeb must continue to play smart and attack the rim, shoot well from the line, minimize the turnovers, and play solid defense. T&T on the other hand must play their style and attack the paint, shoot week from the field, minimize the turnovers, and play solid defense. Look for a close game because T&T have a target on their backs especially winning the chip last year. I expect to see a close game with lots of score changes but in the end I feel T&T would find a way to stop the hustlers from running and for that reason I'm picking them to win this match up by 3 points as they close the gap.

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 give God thanks for bringing us through another week of trials and tribulations. We must acknowledge his blessings because without Christ in our lives we are like empty vessels. The devil wants us to be distracted but in Christ all things are possible. Until next time this is Milo signing out. God Bless.