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LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE
Shane Mosely lost his battle against Floyd Mayweather on Saturday and did so in convincing fashion. The same could be said for the NCBL Elite 8 games, which displayed all the top seeds battling for supremacy. Teams that everyone thought would win lost not because they wanted to but because their opponents would not be denied. Flatbush showed me something with the way they dominated Linden despite being down in the second half. Lighthouse who lost to the Bronx express earlier in the season derailed Bronx high-powered offense and the result another loss. Shiloh everyone's favorite heading down the stretch lost to Mt Sinai despite beating them earlier in the season. In addition, the "lunch takers" played a close to the vest game against one of my dark horse teams Hanson Place just barely pulling out a victory. The teams that lost their games could only look back at what could have been but I feel it was the “underdog theme” that played out last week. If you think that players or teams do not get a false sense of security then last week games proved it. Linden defeated Flatbush during the regular season by 1 point but what they did not factor in was Flatbush missed 15 foul shots that game. What happened the second time around Flatbush ended up beating Linden by 14 points hitting all their free throws down the stretch. Bronx express blew the lid off Lighthouse during the regular season by 33 points but what they didn't factor in was that Lighthouse was going through some transitions internally and all their players weren't available the 1st game. What happened the second time around Bronx express was derailed and lost by 9 points. Shiloh also defeated Mt Sinai during the season by 5 points and what happened the second time around they lost by 10 points.
Well, well, well, folks I wanted to save my official send off until the end of the season because I did not want to upset teams fighting for the championship. Now that we are down to four teams standing I have to change my approach. For the teams who was not recognized for their efforts or lack there of I would like to send this message. Everyone knows the phrase when teams lose in the playoffs let's repeat after me “They all went fishing for the summer down the Jersey Shore". Linden, Bronx, Shiloh, Hanson Place, Mt Vernon, Bethel, Ebenezer, GNYC, Fellowship, South Brooklyn, Advent Hope, and Central Islip thanks for a great season but I rented two large boats that would be leaving on Sunday and hope to see you all there. The last four teams standing should be proud of their achievements thus far because much was expected and much was given. They proved that teams with character, hunger, and determination most times would prevail and teams that believe they are the "Anointed ones to get to the championship" would lose because they didn't factor in the pulse and heart of their opponent. Look at the last 4 teams standing, White Plains last year champs continue to do what they do and should be the favorite to take it. Lighthouse after going through some adversity during the regular season that cost them some games put it together and look at what they have accomplished. Mt Sinai who played well all year despite losing some close games to top teams finally gelled at the right time. In addition, Flatbush who I have been watching closely all year have proved they are a force to reckoned with. Now that the stage is set and the winners go on to the "Big Show" next week let us look at what Milo thinks about the Final 4 matchups.
Lighthouse vs. White Plains:
The "lunch takers" played a close game last week winning by 2 points against a strong Hanson Place team. Now they have a different beast in Lighthouse and they meet up with “Agent Zero”. Lighthouse did the unimaginable by defeating a high-powered Bronx team that defeated them by 33 points earlier in the season. Lighthouse is that "little engine that never quits" and because they have a great floor general with a good supporting cast, it doesn't surprise me that they are still around. A true star has the ability to make those around him or her better and this team is a prime example of that. White Plains had their hands full against "Baby Shaq" Wendel and Hanson Place but they managed to pull out the game and that is what a true champion does in the big games. Remember it is not by how much a team wins but how they win that counts. Now the little engine battles the giant for the right to advance to the "Big Show". White Plains will come in and do their thing but one thing is certain Lighthouse has a lot of heart and any team does not intimidate them. This game would be fun because both teams have point guards that can run and shoot and it would be interesting to see who wins that battle. Lighthouse will have to play their “A” game this week because White Plains will pounce on every loose ball and try to take Lighthouse's lunch. The keys to victory for Lighthouse are: play under control, hit the open shots, out rebound White Plains, and get good contributions from their bench. White Plains keys for victory are: make defensive stops, pressure Lighthouse into rush shots, attack the interior of Lighthouse, and hit their foul shots. If Lighthouse can make adjustments and get good play from their point guard then this game would be close to the end. If White Plains "bigs" get going and keep Lighthouse from breaking out early then they would win. I have a funny feeling this game because my gut tells me that White Plains is too strong inside for Lighthouse but in this gym I think we all will witness how good a shooting team Lighthouse really is and they have played with their back against the wall since the last game of the regular season. I know I will get some hits for this one but I feel this game would be close throughout and Lighthouse would find a way to scare the giant but in the end it would be the "lunch takers" by 3 points on a last second shot thus moving on to the championship game and a chance at repeating going undefeated for the year.
Flatbush vs. Mt Sinai
Flatbush defeated their nemesis last week in Linden and did so with the strong inside play of “Clutch” and excellent foul shooting down the stretch by “Snipper”. Now they battle a well-balanced team in Mt Sinai who proved last week that they could play with anyone. Shiloh had the upper hand during the season but Mt Sinai made adjustments and it paid off when it counted. Can they duplicate that game plan again against another tough opponent? Flatbush can see the promise land and would come prepared for battle. They had better not sleep on this team because if they do they would fall to the same demise as Shiloh. Look for a high scoring game but in the beginning both teams would go through a feeling out process partly because they have not face off this year and secondly because of the magnitude of this game. Mt Sinai plays well under pressure and have guards and forwards that can score and play defense. I expect to see a well-played game with lots of highlights and that would only add to the drama. The keys to victory for Mt Sinai are: play solid defense for 40 minutes, get strong guard play, hit the open shots, and minimize the turnovers. Flatbush keys to victory are: be aggressive inside, play smart basketball, control the pace of the game, and hit their foul shots. Both teams would have to be patient and pick their spots but the team that can sustain a run and play solid defense would win this game. Flatbush would have the upper hand inside but they must box out this team because what they lack in size they make up in heart and effort. I like this matchup because both teams have exciting players but in the end, I feel Flatbush would be too much inside for Mt Sinai. Flatbush wins this matchup down the stretch by 6 points thus moving on to the "Big Show".
Well that's all for Milo's Final 4 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 to give God thanks for all that He has done for you, for tomorrow is not promised to us. Until next time, when I make my final prediction for the season, remember unity is the one thing that could propel a nation and people to higher achievements, so stay united because God already gave us the power. God Bless.
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