Milo's week 9 preview, plus the game of the week Linden vs. Flatbush
Well NCBL family we are heading to the final stretch of the season and teams are starting to show their true colors. Some teams are playing consistent ball while others seem to be going backwards. It's funny in the beginning of the year some teams looked like contenders and did so beating lesser teams. Now when they face top notch teams they are starting to look like pretenders. This home stretch should be interesting because some teams have a legitimate shot at going undefeated during the regular season while some teams have a shot at the playoffs.
One thing is certain after the dust settles only the best of the best would be standing. Who will it be, last year champs (White Plains) or will another team stand up and claim the ultimate prize. Let's see what Milo thinks of Week 9 games where teams are trying to make a stand and validate their season.
Linden vs. Flatbush:
This is Milo's game of the week. Linden so far is undefeated and is playing their usual team ball. They know they are a contender and seem to be in the mix every year. They face Flatbush teams who for some reason have lost to them the last couple of years.
Flatbush however is a different team than previous years; they have added some pieces and have as good a shot as any to take it all the way. Linden has one of the complete teams in the league and would like to send a message that they are for real. Flatbush is a different team from last year and you can see in the way they are closing out games. This game should be intense because both teams have a rivalry that goes back 3 years.
Linden keys to winning this game is simple; make stops on defense, run their offensive sets, and control the boards. Flatbush keys to winning this game; attack the boards and out rebound Linden, take control of the tempo and clock, and force Linden into rush shots. Flatbush have the players to play with Linden and this game may come down to the wire. Linden will have to get good guard play this game because Flatbush guards are underrated. They can shoot, penetrate, and expose other team’s guards and have reserves that you can't sleep on.
Linden has guards that are poised and understand their role so I don't expect to see them flustered. The bigmen will be the difference this game. Linden relies on offensive rebounding and their forwards are great in that area. They will have to deal with a different Flatbush interior because they added size and experience so teams can't exploit them as before.
This game should come down to the wire because both teams are legit. But the team that could move the ball and hit open shots while controlling the boards should win this game. I expect to see a tight game called because both teams want this game but until Flatbush proves they can go out and beat their nemesis they would be considered the under dogs. I expect to see a close game until the end but I pick Linden to defeat Flatbush in a barn burner by 2 points.
Central Islip vs. Bethel:
Central Islip lost to Linden by 10 points last week and knows they are having a tough year. Bethel was embarrassed last week by defending champs White Plains by 58 points. I know one thing Bethel coach is not a happy camper this week and will have his team ready for this game. Central Islip will have to come out strong because Bethel always shows up and play with intensity. I expect to see a low scoring game because both teams play similar styles. Central Islip will have to shoot the ball well from the outside and try and open it up inside. Bethel will go inside and work their way out so that alone would be interesting.
I expect to see a tight defensive game with lots of fouls but in the end I expect Bethel to bounce back and defeat Central Islip by 5 points thus going .500 on the year.
Mt. Vernon vs. White Plains:
Man Mt. Vernon blew a chance last week in their loss to Ebenezer, however this week they face the lunch takers in White Plains. I have been totally impressed with this team because they seem as hungry as last year when they won it all. What they are doing to teams is simple "Fear". I know every team would differ because admitting fear is admitting defeat but let’s take a look at some of their games.
They won their last 3 games by a margin of 51 points while holding their opponents to just under 53 points per game. Need I say more, this team is a machine and they have the mental toughness to back it up.
They held a well coached Bethel team who is always prepared to 32 points. I know for a fact that Mt Vernon is having wet flashes trying to figure out how to stop this team. I mean no disrespect to other undefeated teams but this is the best team I've seen this year pound for pound. They can play a half court game when needed and if you think you are going to out run them think again. They have horses that can run for days and not tire.
Mt Vernon will have to be on their A+ game and shoot the ball even better if they are to stay close. They have to figure out a way to stop the guards of White Plains because that's their only chance of winning. White Plains don't even keep their starters in the game once it's under control but their bench never seem to miss a beat. Mt. Vernon plays with heart but they face a daunting task of stopping this team because they are hungry. Look for a close game in the first half but come second half I expect to see White Plains pull away and take this game thus continuing their undefeated streak. The question I ask myself is by how many points will White Plains "Take Their Lunch". White Plains wins this game in blow out fashion.
Ebenezer vs. Advent Hope:
Ebenezer won their first game of the year and defeated a feisty Mt Vernon team. Advent Hope won their first game and solidified their claim for the playoffs. Now they face an Ebenezer team that knows they needed to get a game under their belt to gain some momentum. This game should be low scoring because both teams play scrappy but Ebenezer have the better guard players and that might be enough this game.
Advent Hope will crash the boards and have some forwards that can bring it so I expect to see a lot of foul shots. The team that makes the least turnovers and hits their foul shots will win this game. I like Advent Hope chances but I think Ebenezer just needed a win in the worst way to gain some confidence to exhale. Look for a close game throughout but in the end I feel Ebenezer will make the necessary stops and shots to pull this one out. Ebenezer wins this matchup by 10 points.
Lighthouse vs. Hanson Place:
Lighthouses haven’t played in a couple of weeks and find themselves in second place in their division.
Hanson Place after losing their first game is on a 3 game winning streak. Lighthouse will have their hands full this game because Hanson Place is back on the map. Agent zero will have to try and manhandle Hanson Place guards because they will have problems with Hanson Place interior. Hanson Place plays defense and have enough to battle with any team. The key to this game for Lighthouse is simple; out rebound Hanson Place, run as much as possible, and take advantage of turnovers.
Hanson Place on the other hand will have a simple game plan let someone other than agent zero beat them. If Lighthouse secondary players can contribute and out hustle Hanson Place then it's a game. If they can't then Hanson Place will dominate and eliminate them just a fast. I expect a close game but I feel Hanson Place will have too much power inside to be stopped. Hanson Place wins this match up by 8 points.
Bronx vs. Kingsboro:
Kingsboro will have their hands full trying to stop the Bronx express. Bronx is undefeated and for a good reason they have players. Their new head coach is smart he allows his team to play to their strength and not try and do things outside the box or their comfort zone.
Kingsboro might be winless but they come to play every game and usually plays well against the teams in the east. Kingsboro will have to shoot the ball well and play solid defense if they are to win this game. Bronx will attack and attack and try and force the issue and that will be problems if Kingsboro can't respond. Look for a high scoring game with some good shooting but in the end I feel Bronx express will not be denied and will continue their quest as one of the few undefeated teams left. Bronx wins this matchup in blow out fashion.
Well that's all for Milo picks for Week 9. Players come out and give the fans a show. Fans come out and support your team and let's fellowship with one another. Look out for Milo's playoff picks and power rankings coming soon.
Remember we are the leaders not the followers; so don't let anyone influence you in wrong doing. We are the Light of the world so let's start acting like it. Until next time; this is Milo signing out. God Bless.
