What's up NCBL family another week under our belt and another week of fierce competition. Last week we were treated to some good games with a few surprises. One thing is becoming clear the teams that have talent and play within the team concept usually win their games, and the teams’ that have talent but don't focus on team loses for the most part. Players are an extension of their coaching staff and leaders lead by example.
Too many time players have a false sense of identity because their focus is not on their team but on themselves. The league has grown over the years and for as much talent that teams possess you realize at the end of the year only a handful of teams move on to bigger and better things.
The teams with flare and flash usually die out before anyone could notice. Basketball is a team sport and even though you need some sense of coordination and skill I believe 70% - 80% of it has to do with brains not braun. Anyone can score and put up big numbers but not too many can make the players around them better. We glorify those who put up high numbers or flash a tight handle, but it's the blue collar workers that really hold down the fort so that others could shine.
Teams that understand what it takes to keep everyone on their team accountable and work as one unit would benefit at the end of the year. Remember excuses are for losers not champions.
Well with that said let's take a look at what Milo thinks of Week 7 games.
Central Islip vs. Kingsboro:
Central Islip is trying to get back to 500 after a poor showing against Shiloh. Kingsboro despite their loss last week to Bethel is showing signs of improvement. Kingsboro needs to continue to battle and play with a purpose because their team is playing better ball and will eventually catch someone sleeping.
Central Islip plays hard but for some reason it's not translating into victories. This game will be interesting because from what I've seen from Kingsboro last week wasn't what I saw from them at the beginning of the year. They are beginning to believe and that can be a powerful thing. Central Islip even with their poor play last week can't sleep on Kingsboro because they might fall.
This game will be a tale of 2 halves, Central Islip will have to come out aggressive and focused and would like to run up a lead. Kingsboro will look to utilize their youth and take it to CI. The team that shoots the ball better and minimizes the turnovers will win this game. I like what I saw from Kingsboro last week but Central Islip will push the ball and find a way to grind out a win. Central Islip wins this matchup in a close game by 6 points.
Linden vs. GNYC Ebenezer:
GNYC lost both games they played so far and need to play better ball if they are to defeat the mighty Linden Hornets. Linden is well coached and has the play makers to go all the way. GNYC will have to play an almost perfect game or have Linden fall flat on their faces if they are to win this matchup. I can't see the latter happening; so GNYC will have to come with their A game if they are to defeat Linden. Linden's coaching staff is one of the best in game planning so I expect them to take advantage of GNYC weaknesses. I like GNYC heart and players but Linden will be too much for them to handle. Linden wins this matchup by at least 10 points thus continuing their claim as one of the best in the East.
Advent Hope vs. Bronx:
I know Advent Hope fans and coaching staff are wondering why they have such a terrific schedule. Man they just don't seem to catch a break. All their games thus far are against top notch teams and this week they face another power house in the Bronx Express.
Bronx is one of my favorites to take it this year and teams that played them are starting to realize how potent their offense is. Advent Hope will have to focus on ball control and not give away baskets. They have size but unless their guards start securing the ball and minimize turnovers it will amount to nothing.
Bronx has guards and forwards that can shoot a fly off the backboard from half court so it's important that Advent Hope plays with a purpose. Advent Hope from what I've witness are one or two players away from becoming a serious threat. Bronx guards will have the upper hand this game and if Advent Hope doesn't stop their penetration this game will be over before you know it. Bronx guards get a lot of the credit in their wins because they are explosive but it's their front court that makes it happen. They do the fundamentals well and that allows their guards to excel. Look for a high scoring game but the Bronx express will not be derailed and for that reason I'm picking them to defeat Advent Hope in blow out fashion.
South Brooklyn vs. White Plains:
This game is about the "Haves' and the "Have-nots". White Plains have a complete team that plays like one unit. They sacrifice for the good of the team and it shows in the way they win games.
South Brooklyn on the other hand lack play makers in certain areas and as a result have guys playing out of position and just trying to do too much. South Brooklyn needs to get back to basic and try and stop the bleeding. White Plains is well coached and all their players play with a purpose. They do their talking on the court and dare anyone to out hustle them. The main difference I see in this team as opposed to other elite teams is the players are committed on defense. They remind me of the Celtics of a few years back when they won the championship, their best players are the leaders and they are accountable.
They have one of the best point guards in the league, they have shooting guards that let the game come to them, and their interior players do an excellent job in rebounding and scoring inside. All of their bench players could start for other teams and contribute a great deal, yet you don't see any sulking or disruptions within. Their coach does a great job in keeping all his troops happy and involved and that is what championship teams do.
South Brooklyn will have to shoot the ball well especially from the 3 point line because they will have problems scoring inside. White Plains will do what they always do "Take South Brooklyn's lunch" and that alone would be enough to defeat them by at least 14 points.
Ebenezer vs. Hanson Place:
Ebenezer is looking for their first win and face a daunting task this game. Hanson Place looks like they have righted their ship and played one of their better games last week defeating Mt. Vernon. Hanson Place knows they are one of the elite teams even if their record doesn't show it. They lost their first game against undefeated Bronx but since then they have buckled down and kept the last two teams they faced to less than 80 points a game.
That's a byproduct of their coach who stresses defense first. Ebenezer have a good team but they need contributions from all their players if they are to make some noise. They rely too much on their point guard and shooting guard to make plays and if they are off its problems. They need to establish an inside presence to neutralize other opponents from cheating and over playing their guards. Look for a close game because both teams have play makers, but I think Hanson Place will dominate in the paint and cause Ebenezer into early foul trouble.
Hanson Place wins this game in a close battle by 4 points.
Flatbush vs. Bethel:
Bethel won their last game and is starting to make their typical run early in the season. They are in every game and only lost to Linden in the closing minutes by 3 points. They are holding teams to 70 points per game which in this league is good for a team that lack major size in the middle.
Flatbush after their first loss to Lighthouse have run off 2 wins in a row and I like what I saw from them on the defense end. This team has talent and size so it's just a matter of time before it all comes together. Bethel will have to control the boards this game because Flatbush have big men that will gobble up rebounds. They also have great ball handlers and forwards that can score from anywhere.
Flatbush must rely on their instincts and commit on defense because offensively they have players that can light it up. Bethel will have to shoot the ball well from the outside and take advantage of all opportunities in the middle. Flatbush will have to focus on minimizing their turnovers and learn how to put away teams when they are down. I expect a close game because both teams are well coached. Bethel will not go quietly but I think Flatbush will make the necessary stops on defense and attack the interior of Bethel. Look for a high scoring game with lots of fouls but in the end I think Flatbush will make more shots to pull out a victory.
Flatbush wins this matchup by 5 points.
Well that's all for Week 7 Picks. Players play hard, fans come out and support your teams and let's enjoy the fellowship with one another. Remember we all have to answer to a higher authority so it's important that we exhibit good sportsmanship and mannerism. What we do in our lives might seem insignificant to most but to someone observing it might be the difference between Heaven or total damnation. God Bless and play safe.
