Well it's on the top teams all won their respective games and now the show down begins. The fact of the matter is almost all the teams that lost last week, lost in blow out fashion with the exception of 2 games. That tells us one thing the good teams play during the year were a true indication of how good they are, and teams poor play during the year showed why they weren't considered seriously. Some teams talked a good game but didn't come prepared as they should and the results were losses. Now that the dust has settled and 8 teams remain who would move one step closer to the promise land? Most people would say White Plains are the favorite to reach the finals because of their consistent play all year and the fact that they are undefeated. Others would say Bronx, or Linden or Shiloh because of their win loss record but in the end it would be the teams that play the most consistent ball down the stretch that would reap the benefits and move on. This week's games would be interesting because all the teams left faced each other before and the top teams won their respective games. Can they duplicate that again, only time would tell but one thing is certain these games would not be blow outs as everyone expects. With that said let's take a look at what Milo thinks about the Elite 8 games which would determine who moves on to the Final 4.

Flatbush vs. Linden:

Linden the 3 Seed defeated Mt Vernon last week by 8 points. Now they have their sites set on Flatbush the 6 Seed in a rematch of Week 6 where Linden won by 1 point. Flatbush defeated GNYC by 20 points last week and seem to have finally put it together at the right time. Both teams are battle tested and hungry so this game like their first meeting would be totally intense. Linden would have the edge this game because they are playing in their back yard so to speak and never seem to lose in that gym. Flatbush would have to come out the gate strong and send the message early and often that they didn't come all the way from Brooklyn just to show up but to win. Linden is a confident team and rightfully so but they better be careful this game because Flatbush have a well balanced team that can beat any team any night. The keys to victory for Linden are play strong defense, out rebound Flatbush interior, hit the open shots, and get good bench contributions. Flatbush keys to victory are hit their foul shots, play strong team defense, attack the rim, and limit the turnovers. Flatbush would have their hands full if they can't slow down #44 of Linden because the last game they played he was on fire from behind the arc. Linden would like to push the rock especially in this wide gym to neutralize the guards and bigs of Flatbush. Flatbush would have to be ready for Linden attack because they have multiple weapons that could impact the game. I know everyone feels Linden is the better team and their record might be a slight indication of the fact but I feel this game would come down to the wire because both teams are solid. Look for a high scoring game with lots of points but I will stick with my belief this game that Flatbush would find a way to slow down Linden's attack and for that reason I'm picking them to upset Linden by 6 points thus moving on to the Final 4.

White Plains vs. Hanson Place:

White Plains the 1 Seed battles Hanson Place the 8 Seed in a rematch from the last game of the season where Hanson Place lost to the defending champs by 22 points. White Plains took Fellowship lunch last week in a dominating performance while Hanson Place played a tough game against Ebenezer winning by 4 points. Hanson Place to their credit played the type of game that their coach preaches, make defensive stops and spoon feed "baby Shaq" Wendell. Now they have a daunting task of stopping a high octane team in the "lunch takers" whose motto is “take no prisoners.” Unlike the first time both teams met everyone should be available this game and that's what makes this matchup interesting. The question I ask is "can Hanson Place guards play under control and not panic", because you know White Plains never does. They don't have to prove anything to anyone but themselves because they know what to expect night in and night out. White Plains keys to victory are rebound the ball on both ends, make defensive stops, hit the open shots, and have fun. Hanson Place keys to victory are play solid defense, hit the open shots, spoon feed Wendel, get good bench contributions, and minimize the turnovers. This game would be close despite the blowout loss early in the year, but for Hanson Place to score and do good they would have to get good contributions from their forwards and shooting guards because it would give Wendell room to operate. I know both teams are well coached and have players who bring it but in the end I feel White Plains guards would get the better of Hanson Place guards and for that reason I'm picking them to defeat Hanson Place by 10 points thus moving on to the Final 4.

Lighthouse vs. Bronx:

Bronx express the 5 Seed defeated Central Islip by 22 points in the first round. Now they face Lighthouse and agent zero who defeated South Brooklyn by 44 points in their first playoff game. This game would be high scoring because both teams can light it up. Bronx express have proved all year that they are a serious candidate to reach and win the championship this year. This team flat out scores and asks Central Islip if they saw the number of that Bronx train because when they realized they were heading in the wrong direction it was too late. Lighthouse who also plays well when their backs are against the wall proved that adversity only makes them stronger. Now they have a chance to prove to the league and fans that they are for real. Bronx will not be playing in their back yard this game and that should give Lighthouse some confidence. But one thing is certain good shooters can shoot in any gym or arena and I expect to see the same out come this game. Remember Bronx only loss this year was to the defending champs and it was a close game to the end so this team is for real. Their margin of victory is second only to White Plains in the East and they play with a purpose. The keys to victory for Lighthouse are play solid defense, hit the open shots, get good contributions from their bench, and hit their foul shots. Bronx keys to victory are run and gun as much as possible, out rebound Lighthouse interior, minimize the turnovers, and shoot the ball well. Bronx defeated Lighthouse in Week 7 by 33 points and feel they are ready for this game. I like Lighthouse heart and the fact they never quit, but I just feel Bronx express would be too much outside and inside for Lighthouse to handle and for that reason I'm picking them to defeat Lighthouse by at least 15 points thus setting up a rematch in the Final 4 between the defending champs. 

Mt Sinai vs. Shiloh:

Shiloh the 2 Seed defeated Advent Hope in the first round by 31 points. Now they set their sights on 7 Seed Mt Sinai who defeated Bethel last week by 14 points. This game would be very interesting because both teams faced off in week 4 and Shiloh won by 5 points. Now it's for all the marbles and the team that wants it the most would be victorious. Shiloh coaches would be stressing stops because Mt Sinai have been lightening it up as of late. The problem this game would be how well the interior players of Mt Sinai play because Shiloh have guards that loves to post up and disrupt the interior of teams. Shiloh would also have to be careful not to become too relaxed because this team can score and will push the envelope. The keys to victory for Shiloh are minimize the turnovers, make defensive stops, out rebound Mt Sinai, and hit their open shots. Mt Sinai on the other hand have to get good bench contributions, crash the offensive boards, hit their foul shots, and play with a controlled aggression. Both teams played in this gym the last time they met so I don't see an advantage in that area, however, I do see Mt Sinai coming in and setting the tempo early. If Shiloh gets to run their game plan then they would win but if Mt Sinai can some how keep it close into the 10 minute mark of the second half then look for an upset. I like Mt Sinai heart and even I know predicting this game would be hard but I feel Shiloh would find a way to pull this one out in front of their fans and defeat Mt Sinai by 4 points thus moving on to the Final 4.

Well that's all for Milo Elite 8 Picks. Players come out and give the fans a show, fans come out and support your teams and let's fellowship with each other. Remember the race isn't for the swift but those who endure. God already won the war it's for us to fight battles to keep us strong. Until next time this is Milo signing out. God Bless.