What a championship game we had and man did both teams bring it. Although I must admit I made my pick outside the box, so to speak, both teams came to play and gave the fans and followers a show. You see sometimes when teams meet in the championship game both teams are never at their full potential. This time however, both teams were primed and ready for battle. The theme for last week's championship game was " Validation ", and both teams despite their accolades wanted to validate their season and status in the league. Bethany's validation was coming off back to back trips to the championship games and a win would have validated their achievements for the two seasons. White Plains, on the other hand, didn't need any validation because of the overall success they have achieved during their nine year run.
Bethany had a good game plan and it showed in the first half when they had the Professors on their heels. Bethany tried to slow the game down and it worked in the first half because White Plains players were fouling Bethany players it seemed every time down the court. Not to mention the uncharacteristic turnovers White Plains committed during that time. However by the second half I feel Coach Felix and his staff earned their pay. They decided to go man to man and that seemed to work well because Bethany started to crumble under the pressure. This is why coaching is so important because sometimes you have to ditch your previous game plan and make adjustments to suit the situation at that time. It also helps to have individuals that can carry the team when needed in crunch time. White Plains had a few players that proved their worth last week and I have to give them a shout out. You had Isaiah Ward win player of the game with a 36 points effort, Carlton Guiden controlling the game and setting up his teammates proving that veteran leadership that is always important in team success, TommyToussaint giving veteran support to players, Jean "Stretch" Marcellus giving up his starting spot so the team could succeed and David Haughton, what can I say. He had the ballers wearing helmets with his thunderous dunks and tenacity on both ends of the court. What is even more impressive with this team is their off the court contributions that many including myself might not be aware of and is worth mentioning. Before I get into it, lets congratulate the runner up Bethany Ballers for another tremendous season. Coach Calvin Robinson, Coach James Peterson and Coach Jony Hyppolite should be proud of their troops because they played well and had many opportunities to close out the game. However, too many mistakes in the second half cost them and their fans their first championship in their franchise history. So to the Bethany Ballers you were one of the last two teams standing and although you couldn't bring home the hardware you should be proud of your accomplishments. You see Rome wasn't built in one day and the fact that you made it to two consecutive championships only to lose must hurt. Don't stress things in the past try and reflect on where you could improve for next season.
White Plains validation could be viewed in many ways however, many folks don't get to see what really makes this team and their staff special. Coach Felix and his assistants Roy Gordon and Herman Thomson have been at the helm holding it down for some time now. You see, in 9 years with White Plains has a record of 131 wins to 10 loses. They won their division 8 out of the 9 years only losing once to the Bronx team. They have 6 rings in 8 trips to the championship during that time. However, that is minuscule compared to the work they do outside the arena. White Plains have a great support system and they are led by Pastor Leo Kyran John and AYS leader Jessica Joseph Thomas. But what is even more impressive is the work they do in the community that the players never look for recognition. The White Plains team have a basketball ministry that I must admit puts an enormous amount of work into their community. They work with the Westchester Area School doing community services and all the players are involved in this endeavor. They remodeled the library and principal office, and they recently remodeled the boys restroom at the area school. They raised over $3000 dollars for the Westchester area gym, and they also raised over $1000 dollars for the First White Plains Church Media system. That's not all folks they had one of their annual bus rides for the church and kids to Sight and Sound and they are planning another trip in August to the African American Museum in Washington D. C. In addition, they have a sports enhancement camp that they hold for future ballers in August. This my friend is the definition of success and dedication. It doesn't start on the court but in the community and hearts of the players. The funny thing is none of the players look for any reward because they know at the end of the day their legacy is what would carry throughout time. I just wanted to give the players their due respect because of their tireless efforts to make a difference in their community and on the court. So to the coaching staff Felix, Roy, and Herman and their players Brandon T, Brandon W, Isaiah, Carlton, Tommy, Junior, Stretch, Phil, Nicholas, Malik, Aldean, David, Oneal, Daniel M, and Danyel Walker thank you for your contributions not only to the league but to the community. Life is not about wins and losses but about defining ones legacy. You proved that dedication, hard work and sacrifice can bring about changes in the lives of so many. You are the standard that the NCBL is about and I'm proud to say I was a witness. As the final second ticked off the clock I could see the disappointment on the faces of the Bethany fans and players. I couldn't help but wonder would they have another run like they did the past couple of years, or would they like so many other teams disappear like a faded memory. White Plains won this match 88 - 77 and in so doing raised the bar another notch and validated their legacy for all time.
Well that's all for Milo's post championship write up. God has been good to us during this season and we need to continue to test our limits with God. Staying in our little box would not provide change we have to take it to the world and proclaim that God is the author and finisher of our faith. Don't sit on your past accomplishments and expect change to happen, it's a constant grind and only those who endure would reap the benefits that God promised. I would like to thank all the fans and followers for making this season a success without your support we could not grow as a league. To the commissioners and staff thank you for allowing me to continue to be a part of this wonderful league and my pray is that we as a church continue to hold the standards of God high so that the world and anyone who we come in contact with might have an opportunity to turn to Christ. Enjoy the summer months and players practice not on your strengths but on your weaknesses because at the end of the day you would like to put yourself in a position to succeed. Until next time this is Milo signing out. God Bless.
