What's Good NCBL family last week Final 4 games were exciting and competitive to say the least. Four teams battled and clawed to earn the right to play in the "Big Show" this Saturday. Flatbush defeated a tough Mt Sinai team by 3 points, while the defending champs White Plains defeated Lighthouse in a close battle by 6 points. Now that the stage is set for the "Big Show",

I wanted to get some added perspectives of both teams in the finals to give the fans and viewers a closer look at what, and why these particular teams made it and the challenges they went through to get to this point. I know many might feel that other teams are better but the bottom line is every team had an opportunity to argue their particular case but in the end we are all judged and measured by expectations, production, and ultimately wins.

Now it's on to the championship game but before I get into the game report I spoke with both teams coaches to get a better sense of what makes their particular team go and who behind the scenes are responsible for their overall success. Let's start with the defending champs better known as "The Lunch Takers".
 
White Plains - Coach David Felix

White Plains the defending champs have been playing exceptional ball all year and ran through the league like a storm. This team was put together by their head coach David Felix who as we all know has won 3 championships as a player at Kingsboro and one as head coach of White Plains in 2008-2009 season.

What people didn't realize is that this is his first real stint as a head coach and folks the numbers speak for themselves. Since he took over the ship at White Plains his team has won twenty six games total with one loss and that loss came last year. He is the "Zen Master" of the NCBL this year with the way he kept his troops hungry, motivated, and mentally focused as they prepared for battle all year.

Believe me it's not an easy task to keep a team of "Prime time players" who are used to getting lots of minutes and shots happy. That alone speaks volumes and validates Coach Felix in my book as the next coaching phenom in the NCBL league. Coaching isn't just having a group of guys play and competes but motivation, counseling, listening, and ultimately discipline when necessary are all components of a successful coach.

Their guards might have a poor shooting night not a problem they still win. Their "bigs" might be in foul trouble and guess what they still win; they come to games missing key players or shorthanded and guess what they still win. What that tells me is this team could play with anyone, anytime, under any circumstances, in any gym and they never make excuses or apologize for their success. Felix doesn't have to blow his own horn just ask his players and they will tell you who's in control.

I asked the coach which player on his team represents the true nature of "team" especially when all the players have contributed in one way or another. He said Roy Gordon Jr. was that individual because of his attitude, ability to motivate his peers, and he never seems to be down when on the bench. Yes we all know that Carlton and Jeffrey their point guards are a major asset, or Danny, Oniel, Daniel, or Stretch could be mentioned in the same breathe but behind the scenes the one that adds a calming effect to all is Roy and the coach wanted everyone to be aware of this.
This team could probably win championships for years to come with their current roster however, coach Felix had to deal with a lot more issues this year than last year especially going undefeated.

I asked the coach what individuals he felt behind the scenes contributed to the team success off the court that allowed them to be successful on the court. He first wanted everyone to know that the former "Pastor Rose" started the process with the support of the AY leader "Zina Howard", and then "Pastor Binns" continued the trend with overwhelming support. A special thank you goes out to Herman Thompson, Nick Desir, Donovan Guy, and their assistant coach Kito Howard for all the support and of course we can't forget the White Plains fans that come out every night to cheer their team on.

Great Job by the White Plains team of past, present, and future success!
 
Flatbush - Coach Rue Mann

Flatbush team led by their coach Rue Mann and Leslie Haywood have finally made it over the hump this year. This team returned to the league going on 3 years and the previous 2 years were eliminated in the Elite 8 round. Over the last off season their team improved with the help of long time player, GM extraordinaire "Michael Haywood" aka "The Observer".

One thing a lot of people don't realize when it comes to success someone has to put in the time and effort and have the vision to try different things. Big Mike as he's known by his peers is that person for Flatbush. He recruited veteran players like "Chad Allum and Marlon Mills aka Clutch" as well as good young talents in "Dave Deroche and Steve Deroche" and convinced them of his vision and as a result this year they made it to the finals.

I spoke with the coach to get a sense as to what the difference was this year as opposed to previous years and he said simply the team has leadership and the players brought into the system. Winning sometimes gives a team a false sense of security and only when a team goes through some adversity can they thoroughly know their makeup.
Well this team had adversity and through it all they managed to overcome them. This team can play with anyone and have the weapons to hurt teams on any given night however; it's the way in which they stay together in times of trouble that defines them.

Coach Rue as we know is a main stay in this league and has won multiple championships with Mt of Olives in the past. He has a passion for the game and knows how to motivate. Flatbush have many players that could get credit for their success but when I asked the coach which players stood out this year as true citizens he said "Kelsie Gibson and Josias Bellavoix". Kelsie is this team version of Dennis Rodman who gets in there and battles with everyone for the rebound and does the little things needed to win games. Also Josias who many people underestimate because of his size but this kid is special and will be a force on the court for many years to come.

Flatbush have many people who worked behind the scenes to ensure this team would be prepared not only for battle on the court but also in the game of life. The coaches wanted to thank "Pastor Calhoun" along with the AY leader "Ingrid Curniffe" and former AY leader "Chris Jones" for all their support. Also special thanks goes to "Alphonso Jackson" assistant coach and of course the Flatbush faithful their fans. They are the ones who helped push and will this Flatbush team back to the top.

This year it all came together for Flatbush and hopefully they would have one more game to prove to the league and their fans that with hard work and determination the sky is the limit.

Well I know this game will live up to the hype so look out for Milo's Championship Pick coming soon. God Bless.