Basketball Game Preview: Valley Forge Patriots vs. Westlake Demons

Valley Forge hasn't had much luck against Westlake recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Valley Forge Patriots are taking a road trip to challenge the Westlake Demons at 7:00 p.m. Valley Forge has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last four games.

Valley Forge is headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season. They blew past Lincoln West 80-54 on Monday. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest victory the Patriots have posted since December 16, 2023.

Meanwhile, Westlake suffered their biggest loss since January 3rd on Tuesday. They might have been a little too into the holiday spirit, gifting Lakewood an easy 66-45 win. The Demons have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Valley Forge will need focus on slowing down Evan Hargett, one of several Westlake players who made an impact when they last played. He posted ten points and five rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Hayden Purdy, who put up six points and six rebounds.

Westlake's defeat dropped their record down to 2-2. As for Valley Forge, they picked up their first home victory, bumping their record up to 2-3.

Valley Forge was taken down by Westlake 71-37 in their previous meeting back in December of 2023. Thankfully for Valley Forge, Derek Occhipinti (who almost dropped a double-double on 15 points and nine rebounds) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.