Basketball Game Preview: Gila Bend Gila Monsters vs. Harvest Prep Academy Eagle

The Gila Bend Gila Monsters will square off against the Harvest Prep Academy Eagle at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Gila Bend is coming into the match on a three-game losing streak.

Last Tuesday, Gila Bend was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 43-38 to BASIS - Peoria.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Harvest Prep Academy). They simply couldn't be stopped on Tuesday as they easily beat Western SciTech 55-28. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest win the Eagle have posted since January 9, 2024.

Harvest Prep Academy found their leader in sophomore KJ Legette, who dropped a double-double on 16 points and 14 rebounds. Legette is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as he's now pulled down nine or more in the last 14 games he's played dating back to last season. Another player making a difference was Lashawn Barron, who posted 17 points and three steals.

Harvest Prep Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 26 offensive rebounds. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their offensive board total in four consecutive games.

Gila Bend's defeat dropped their record down to 2-7. As for Harvest Prep Academy, their victory bumped their record up to 2-3.

Gila Bend didn't have too much breathing room in their contest against Harvest Prep Academy when the teams last played back in February of 2024, but they still walked away with a 67-62 win. Does Gila Bend have another victory up their sleeve, or will Harvest Prep Academy turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.