Basketball Game Preview: American Heritage Patriots vs. Somerset Academy Key Lions

The American Heritage Patriots will take on the Somerset Academy Key Lions at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both are out to turn their luck around after having lost tight contests in their previous games.

The Patriots are headed into Thursday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fifth straight game back in December of 2024. They were three points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 57-54 heartbreaker at the hands of the Stallions. Even though they lost, the Patriots' still made a splash on offense and bumped their average scoring up to 50.2 points per game (they're now ranked -1th in scoring overall).

Despite their loss, the Patriots saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Noah Baqai, who went 5 of 12 on his way to 14 points along with five assists and four steals, was perhaps the best of all. Baqai is crushing it when it comes to steals: he's grabbed at least three every time he's taken the court this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Amar?E Stoudemire, who posted nine points in addition to five boards and three steals.

Meanwhile, Somerset Academy Key didn't have quite enough to beat Forest Hill on Tuesday and fell 60-58.

Somerset Academy Key has been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-7 record this season. As for the Patriots, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-5.