Basketball Game Preview: Harlem Bulldogs vs. Hephzibah Rebels

Harlem and Hephzibah are an even 5-5 against one another since January of 2020, but not for long. The Harlem Bulldogs will host the Hephzibah Rebels at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Harlem knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with 55 points or more in their past four contests -- so hopefully Hephzibah likes a good challenge.

Last Friday, even if it wasn't a dominant performance, Harlem beat West Laurens 57-53.

Harlem found their leader in sophomore Gabe Williams, who went 6 of 12 on his way to 23 points and six rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Williams has scored all season. The team also got some help courtesy of Jovaun Napier, who posted ten points and three blocks.

Harlem smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 11 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive boards in ten consecutive matchups.

Meanwhile, Hephzibah didn't have too much breathing room in their game against Josey on Friday, but they still walked away with a 43-38 win. The 43-point effort marked the Rebels' lowest-scoring contest of the season, but in the end it didn't matter.

Hephzibah's win came from a few key players Harlem will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was ISAIAH RICHARDSON, who put up 15 points. JAMARCUS SALMOND was another key player, putting up ten points.

Harlem's victory ended a seven-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 5-6. As for Hephzibah, their win bumped their record up to 4-8.

Harlem didn't have too much breathing room in their match against Hephzibah when the teams last played back in February, but they still walked away with a 62-56 victory. Does Harlem have another victory up their sleeve, or will Hephzibah turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.