Middletown and Franklin haven’t faced off much on the basketball court in recent years.

But current Franklin coach Brian Bales remembers going into the Middies’ historic Wade E. Miller Gym as a senior and dropping a close game.

“Middletown and Franklin had some great games when they played each other,” Bales said. “It will be neat to get them back together again.”

Friday night, at least for a half, the two will meet at Middletown once again.

The two teams are hosting a preview at Wade E. Miller Gym, beginning at 11 a.m. with the teams from the third grade facing off and concluding at 7:30 p.m. when the boys varsity teams take the floor.

“Both (Middletown coach) Josh (Andrews) and I know how important the youth program is,” Bales said. “I am active in Franklin’s and he is active in theirs. The success of any program is the youth program and what a perfect place to do it — in a gym with so much history.”

All tickets cost $5 and can be purchased in advance at the Middletown High School athletic office.

Franklin, a Division II squad, finished last season 20-0 in the regular season before falling to Thurgood Marshall in the sectional finals while Division I Middies (20-6) advanced to the regional finals.

“Our kids saw what it takes to play at a high level,” Middletown coach Josh Andrews said. “This gives us a chance to shape up who we are and how we play.”

Franklin returns Luke Kennard and Travis Lakins this season, giving Bales a new group to break in.

“We had a lot of experience last year,” Bales said. “This will be a true test for us Friday night. We are going to treat it like a normal Friday night. We will have our travel agenda, put on the game jerseys for the first time … it is a trial run for us and it will be a great test.”

Andrews, on the other hand, welcomes back eight players from last year, including Vincent Edwards, Jalin Marshall and Chance Sorrell. The dress rehearsal will be a welcomed change from practices and normal scrimmages.

“It will be a great chance for us to set things up for Friday night atmosphere,” Andrews said. “It is just a snapshot, but it is a taste of what’s to come. It is a home game and we are going to treat it that way.”

The two teams will split the money raised, with Middletown using it to help off-set costs to the Rock Holiday Classic in Boca Raton, Fla., while the Wildcats will use it when they head off to the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C.