Basketball Game Preview: Harlem Bulldogs vs. Academy of Richmond County Musketeers

The Harlem Bulldogs will square off against the Academy of Richmond County Musketeers at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Harlem is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 57.3 points per game this season.

Harlem is probably headed into the match with a chip on their shoulder considering Cross Creek just ended the team's six-game winning streak on Tuesday. They lost 75-50 to the Razorbacks. While losing is never fun, the Bulldogs can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Georgia basketball rankings (they are ranked 259th, while the Razorbacks are ranked 19th).

Harlem might have lost, but man, Jayden Futrell was a machine: he went 9 of 18 on his way to 23 points in addition to seven boards and six steals. Futrell's evening made it three games in a row in which he has scored at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Liam Thompson, who posted three points and five rebounds.

Even though they lost, Harlem smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive boards in 13 consecutive contests.

Meanwhile, Academy of Richmond County earned a 65-52 victory over West Laurens on Tuesday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Musketeers.

Academy of Richmond County has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five games, which provided a massive bump to their 7-9 record this season. Those victories came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 59.4 points per game. As for Harlem, their loss dropped their record down to 7-7.

Harlem couldn't quite finish off Academy of Richmond County in their previous meeting back in December of 2024 and fell 40-37. Will Harlem have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.