What's good NCBL family? Last week we had some great games with lots of surprises and drama. We had a change of arms with Bronx finally getting over the hump and defeating the mighty Linden in what was a blow out game. We had Shiloh second year sensation taking it to Hanson Place and doing what I thought was difficult and defeating a tough Hanson Place team. We also had Mt Sinai showing the world why they are considered an elite team by blowing out Mt Vernon by 20 points. What that tells me is teams are beginning to believe and most teams are playing better ball as the season winds down. This week we have some monster games that would have big implications as to who faces who come playoff time. One thing is certain the teams that play together for the most part win and the teams that do not lose. We have the last two undefeated teams battling for supremacy trying to go undefeated for the season. We have two one-loss teams battling for first place in their division; and we have two-second place teams battling for playoff positions. Just thinking about these matchups gives me goose bumps because of the styles these teams’ possess. One thing is certain that the better teams will shine and the pretenders will be found out. With that said let us see what Milo thinks for this week games.
Advent Hope vs. GNYC Ebenezer:
Advent Hope is playing out the season as they prepare for the playoffs. They need to play better down the stretch because most likely they will face a top ranked team come playoff time. GNYC lost last week to Bethel by 2 points and need to play better down the stretch for their confidence. GNYC would have to play hard this game because Advent Hope will, despite their record. Look for a low scoring game with lots of fouls because both teams play hard defense. I expect to see a close game first half but by second half, I expect GNYC to pull away and defeat Advent Hope in blow out fashion. GNYC wins this match up thus moving up the ladder in their division.
Hanson Place vs. Flatbush:
The battle is on between two-second place teams. Hanson Place lost last week to undefeated Shiloh in a game that I picked them to win. Now they face a Flatbush team that defeated Mt Vernon in their last game by 25 points. Hanson Place has lost to Flatbush over the last couple of years and would like to send a message that they can win these kind of games. Flatbush played one of their better games two weeks ago and seem to be heading in the right direction for the playoffs. This team will be dangerous come playoff time because they have players that can make plays. Hanson Place needs this game to keep the pressure on Bethel who is a game ahead of them. Flatbush on the other hand have a chance to win their division and would need to win to keep pace with Lighthouse. Hanson Place keys to victory are play good sound defense; out rebound Flatbush front line; and hit the open shots. Flatbush keys to victory are protecting the basketball; limit their turnovers, and hit their foul shots. This game will come down to the wire because both teams have the capability of lighting it up. Hanson Place have played inconsistent ball all year and would like to change that perception. Flatbush on the other hand can play with any team but must prove they can close out games. I like Hanson Place chances especially when they lose a game but this week I think Flatbush will push the envelope and defeat Hanson Place in a close battle by 6 points thus reclaiming a share of 1st place in their division.
Central Islip vs. Ebenezer:
Central Islip last played two weeks ago and lost to Mt Sinai by 9 points. Ebenezer also played two weeks ago and lost to Linden by 8 points. Now they battle to see which team is for real and which team is the pretender. Both teams have nice players that have skills but for some reason they just do not click at times on the court. Central Islip has veterans that understand the game and would need to rely on their experience and shrewdness to pull this out of this game. Ebenezer have the guards that like to run and shoot so it will be interesting to see which style prevails. The team that dictates the pace of this game will be the winner. The keys to victory for Central Islip are out rebound Ebenezer on both ends of the floor; hit the open shots, and limit the turnovers. Ebenezer keys to victory are push the ball as much as possible; attack the rim, and hit their foul shots. Central Islip has been playing better of late and would need to continue this game.Ebenezer need an complete game from their guards and bench if they are to win. Look for a close game throughout with lots of points but in the end I feel Central Islip will play more desperate and that would be the difference this game. Central Islip wins this matchup in a close battle by 3 points.
Linden vs. Mt Sinai:
This is the first of my games of the week. Linden lost last week to Bronx express by 16 points and looked exposed at times. Now they face another tough battle as they face off against division rival Mt Sinai who by the way is quietly moving up the charts as the showed last week by defeating Mt Vernon by 20 points. Linden lost an opportunity to go undefeated but they now feel they are better off by getting a loss because they would not take any team lightly. One thing is certain their coaching staff hates losing and they will refocus their troops to the task. Mt Sinai would like to send a message to Linden that they are the new beast in the east. Linden will have to come out the gate strong because if they do not Mt Sinai guards will light them up. Mt Sinai will have to be prepared to face an angry Linden crew who felt that last week loss was more to do with their poor play and execution. Look for a high scoring game with lots of score changes. Linden keys to victory are play hard-nosed defense, out rebound Mt Sinai front line, and hit the open shots. Mt Sinai keys to victory are pressure Linden guards into turnovers, limit Linden to one shot, and get good play from their bench. I like Mt Sinai’s heart especially when it comes to these games but I will not bet that on a team that has not lost back-to-back games in over three years. Mt Sinai will be there at the end but my gut tells me Linden will make the necessary plays down the stretch to pull this one out. Linden wins this game by 4 points solidifying their claim as the beast in the east.
South Brooklyn vs. Kingsboro:
South Brooklyn defeated Fellowship last week and is starting to believe they have something going. Now they face Kingsboro who as we all know will not show up. Things are really starting to look up for South Brooklyn who in the beginning of the year could not seem to catch a break. This is the easiest game for me to predict because we all know the outcome. Kingsboro doesn't show up and South Brooklyn wins by forfeit.
White Plains vs. Shiloh:
This is Milo's second game of the Week. The "lunch takers" vs. the "sharp shooters". What a matchup, Shiloh in only their second year in the league has proven all critics wrong including me. I picked against this team at least four times this year and they proved me wrong. Now they face in my book the best team this year in White Plains. Coach Felix has really put a great team together with star power as well as roll players. Now they will face a tough battle test Shiloh team who will not back down from any challenge. I like this matchup because both teams have strengths and few weaknesses. Shiloh knows the importance of this game because they could go down in NCBL history with a victory. White Plains knows they will have their hands full but one thing is certain they love challenges. The winner of this game most likely will be the top seed come playoffs so I expect to see both teams show some sense of urgency. But before I get into the keys for victory I must acknowledge the people most responsible for Shiloh's success. I know the players play the game but the coaching staff of Shiloh is the unsung heroes of this team. Joel and John Retemiah may not have the credentials of other big time coaches in this league but they have basketball IQ that is far advance than most coaches in this league. I watched some of their games and Shiloh won most of them because of their coach’s game plan and trust. Yes, the players won the games but it is their coaches who ultimately made good game time decisions and used their abilities to put players in the right situations to succeed. They have the attention of their players and from what I have seen they would run through a wall for them. The keys for victory for Shiloh are stop the penetration of White Plains guards; limit them to one shot, out rebound White Plains “bigs”; and hit the open shots. If they can hit from the perimeter it will open up the interior for some points. White Plains on the other hand keys to victory are to disrupt Shiloh's sets, attach the offensive boards, hit their foul shots, and be aggressive. If White Plains allows Shiloh point guard to get off they will have their hands full, but if they can force others to run the offense then it would be interesting. This game will be high scoring and close because both teams have players and coaches that understand game situations. This is a toss up for me even though my gut tells me that Shiloh has not faced a team like the lunch takers all year. I know I will get some flack from my boys but I have a feeling Shiloh will surprise White Plains this game and defeat them in a close battle by 2 points thus placing their names in NCBL history.
Well that is all for Milo Week 13 Picks. Players come out and give your fans a show, fans come out and support your teams and let us fellowship together. Remember to give God thanks for spared life and talent to entertain others. Do not take it for granted because nothing last forever just the memories. Until next time this is Milo signing out God Bless.
