Basketball Game Preview: Academy for Classical Education Gryphons vs. Pike County Pirates + How To Watch

The Academy for Classical Education Gryphons will face off against the Pike County Pirates at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Pike County took a loss in their last matchup and will be looking to turn the tables on Academy for Classical Education, who comes in off a win.

Academy for Classical Education is looking to give their home crowd another W after opening their season at home on Tuesday. They had just enough and edged out Georgia Military College 62-59. The win continues a trend for the Gryphons in their matchups with the Bulldogs: they've now won three in a row.

Academy for Classical Education relied on the efforts of Brady Balkcom, who shot 45% from the field to rack up 24 points in addition to five rebounds and three steals, and Camden Bailey, who went 6-for-12 en route to 16 points. Bryson Vincent was another key player, putting up seven points and four steals.

Pike County kicked off their season on the road on Thursday and hit a couple of potholes. They came up short against Whitewater, falling 76-54. The Pirates haven't had much luck with the Wildcats recently, as the team has come up short the last eight times they've met.

Academy for Classical Education beat Pike County 46-38 in their previous matchup back in December of 2024. Will the Gryphons repeat their success, or do the Pirates have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.