Mt. Sinai vs. Shiloh in game of the week, plus Milo's week 8 picks
What's good NCBL family we were treated to some exciting games last week despite the in climate weather. Teams I picked to win for the most part won and now this week games become more intense because time is running out for some teams. Who will win this week no one knows but here is a look at what Milo thinks for Week 8 games.
Linden vs. Central Islip:
Linden last week defeated GNYC Ebenezer by 12 points and looked good in their win. They are starting to gel and have that confident look that teams fear. Central Islip is playing 500 ball and would need to play their A game if they are to win this matchup.
Central Islip will have to perform better on all fronts and get contributions from their bench if they are to be in this game. They won their last game in a forfeit against Kingsboro, and have sputtered on the offensive end recently. Linden is very good at exploiting other teams’ weaknesses so I expect nothing less. Central Islip needs to send a message to top teams that they are for real and doing it against Linden would do wonders for their team psyche.
Linden knows they can't sleep on any team and will come out swinging (not literally) to send a message early. Look for a close game first half but come second half I expect Linden to do what they do and close out Central Islip charge. Linden will dominate on the boards and their guards will force Central Islip into turnovers. Linden wins this matchup by 8 points moving closer to a perfect season.
Mt. Vernon vs. Ebenezer:
Mt Vernon started off the year with a bang and over their last 2 games they lost by a total of 17 points. They lost to the Bronx Express by 5 points and then lost to Hanson Place by 12 points.
What that tells me is this team isn't far from becoming an elite team they just have to learn how to close out games.
Ebenezer lost all 3 of their games thus far and knows they could play better than their record shows. They have talent but unless that talent plays like one unit they won't go far this year. They must get back to playing their style and not let other teams dictate it for them.
Mt Vernon is a good team and if they are clicking on all cylinders they will be problems for Ebenezer. The first half should be interesting for me because I could see Ebenezer team pressing and thus playing right into the hands of Mt Vernon. This game should go down to the wire but I think because Ebenezer needs this game more and they have at least 3 games under their belt that they would find a way to pull this game out. Ebenezer wins this matchup by 3 points finally regaining some of their confidence.
Bethel vs. White Plains:
Bethel lost last week to Flatbush by 10 points and now face the defending champs who by the way embarrassed South Brooklyn by 40 points. I know teams play with sportsmanship and if you feel they ran up the score then think again. It's not their fault that their defense is so good they average at least 30 points a game off turnovers. It's not their fault that teams can't check them in most positions. It's not their fault that their coach comes prepared for battle every week and all their players are committed.
What I think really doesn't matter because I'm not facing them but I see the fear they put in the hearts of many when they take the court because they are efficient. What teams, players, and sometimes coaches don't realize is that most games are won before the game starts. It all ties in to the preparation, motivation, and effectiveness.
Bethel is a well coached team and plays like one unit. They will battle any team and most times come out victorious. They will have to play even harder this game because there are not too many holes on this team. Bethel will have to shoot the ball extremely well and force White Plains into early foul trouble. White Plains will dominate the boards because of their size but don't count out Bethel's heart. They understand how to box out and gain position so it will be interesting to see how they would stop White Plains. Expect a close game because I think Bethel’s pride is strong and they play within themselves so do not look for a blow out.
I do believe when the dust settles White Plains will win this matchup by 8 points continuing their perfect streak.
Christian Fellowship vs. Advent Hope:
Battle of the winless teams; Fellowship under their coach has won 2 games last year and so far this year is winless. Advent Hope in their second year is also winless but their upside is greater.
Finally this might be the game of the week because whoever wins this game most likely will be in the playoffs. Advent Hope have size but lacks good guard play. Fellowship lacks size but have better guard play. If they combine both teams next year maybe they can be contenders.
This game should come down to one thing which team wants it more. Fellowship has to be prepared for a battle, because Advent Hope despite their 5 loses have played better competition and have better players. I expect to see lots of turnovers and fouls because both teams like to gamble. But in the end I expect to see Advent Hope on top. Advent Hope wins this game by 10 points.
Flatbush vs. GNYC Ebenezer:
Flatbush won their game last week against a well coached Bethel team. GNYC lost their last game to Linden by 12 points. Flatbush team will surprise teams come playoff time because they have been playing without their complete team all year.
GNYC the leagues sensation a few years back have fell on some tough times and find themselves fighting for a playoff spot. This team is better than their record shows it's just that teams have figured out who their go to guys are and they are forcing other players to beat them; that my friend is a result of early success. Teams didn't know what to expect from this team in the beginning but after a couple of years they did. GNYC have to adjust their attack and try to find other ways to score outside their combo guards. Flatbush will be prepared for battle and they have guards that bring it and forwards that are game changers. Look for a battle first half but come second half I expect Flatbush to control the boards and interior and allow their guards to do what they do best run and shoot. I like GNYC; but not against Flatbush. Flatbush wins this game in blow out fashion.
Mt. Sinai vs. Shiloh:
Battle between undefeated teams is on and this is Milo's "game of the week". Mt Sinai won their 3 games thus far and looks good. Shiloh won their first 5 games some in close fashion but a win is a win and now are primed for a top seed in the playoffs. I expect to see a close game because both teams have players that can score and play defense. My question would be can Shiloh slow down Mt Sinai guards and force others to beat them.
Mt. Sinai will have to play hard because Shiloh plays with a reckless abandonment and it works for them. This game will be close and I feel will come down to the last minute of play. The team that shoots better from the foul line this game will win because I feel both teams exhibit good court presence to battle all game. Look for a barn fight but in the end I feel Mt Sinai will make the shoot that puts this game away. Mt Sinai wins this matchup by 2 points thus giving Shiloh their first loss.
Well that's all for Milo Week 8 picks. Players come out and give your fans a show, fans come out and cheer your teams, and lets fellowship with one another. Remember we are the present shaping the future so it's important that we respect ourselves and our neighbors and in so doing God will be pleased.
Until next time this is Milo signing out. God Bless
