HARLEM — Harlem High School boys’ basketball team defeated Hephzibah 55-45 at Senior Night on Friday, Jan. 30.
The Bulldogs went on an 8-0 run in the first quarter, leading 21-15. Despite being outscored 23-22 in the third quarter, Harlem would push ahead late and walk away victorious.
Junior AJ Williams led the Bulldogs with 25 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Other Junior Ty Shine finished with 15 points for the Bulldogs. Harlem senior Jayden Futrell crashed the boards the entire game as he finished with 11 total rebounds.
Harlem honored all seniors from the cheerleading team and both boys’ and girls’ basketball teams at halftime of Friday’s game.
Alumni and softball coach Mike Leverett was also honored at halftime as he was inducted to the Harlem High School Hall of Fame. As a Coach, Leverett has many accomplishments, one being coaching Harlem softball to win the 2016 AA State Championship.
During his playing days, Leverett played shortstop, third base and pitched, helping Harlem baseball win state titles in 1979 and 1981. He was also drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 18th round of the 1981 MLB Amateur Draft.
The Bulldogs boys’ basketball team will host Aquinas for their next matchup on Monday, Feb. 2. The girls will tipoff at 6 p.m., followed by the boys at 7:30 p.m.
Sportswriter Christopher Rickerson is an Augusta University graduate who has covered area sports for publications including Augusta University‘s Bell Ringer, The Augusta Press and Augusta Good News. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News’ free weekly newsletter here.
