Big Games : Carson vs. Manual Arts

Carson, the only team undefeated in Marine League play, can take a two-game lead in the league with a road victory. Manual Arts plays a similar game to the Colts, running, applying constant full-court pressure and using a deep bench. Carson center/forward Anthony January had a career-high 37 points last week against Locke. Manual counters with forward Jemarl Baker, who had 36 last week against San Pedro. The Colts, 11-4 entering the week, are now ranked second in the City behind Crenshaw. Issy Washington, John Howell, Reggie McCready and Tim Presley help keep Carson aloft. Manual, 10-3, is up to seventh in the City. The Toilers are a consistent 6-3 across the front.

4 p.m. Friday at Manual Arts.

Morningside vs. Centennial

Morningside can pull away from its closest competition in the Pioneer League with a road victory. The Monarchs have been playing well since league began after a fitful start and entered the week tied with Centennial at 3-0. Morningside has the big advantage in experience. Guard Trent Allen is Centennial’s only two-year starter. The Monarchs have 6-9 Elden Campbell at center to go with 6-5 forwards Leon Covington and Marcus Psalms and guard Taron Wiley, all holdovers from last year’s CIF champion. The Monarchs appear to be playing well again. The Apaches, 2-8 entering league play, are mostly juniors with little height. The exception is 6-7 junior John Hayward, described by his coach as a “late bloomer.” Allen, a 5-8 junior, is the leading scorer with 6-2 junior Dwight Thomas next. Eric Lewis, yet another junior, is the second tallest player at 6-5.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Centennial.

Serra vs. Verbum Dei

Camino Real League leader Serra beat Verbum Dei at home, and tries to sweep the season series on Verbum’s court. Serra’s small forward Keith Malone is the steadiest player in the league and has been getting increasing help from sophomore James Moses, who is averaging more than 20 points in Camino Real play. Verbum Dei, coming off a midweek game against St. Bernard, had stars David Jones and Kevin Williams out with injuries last week but is back to full strength. Renaud Gordon emerged as a front court force in their absence.

7:30 p.m. Saturday at Compton College.

S. Torrance vs. Rolling Hills

Nobody appears able to overhaul Santa Monica but the battle for second in the Bay League continues, with Rolling Hills holding a game advantage over South. The Titans may be the surprise of the league under first-year Coach Cliff Warren. Forward Doug Gehr leads a lineup that doesn’t have a superstar but plays well together. The Titans carried a six-game winning streak into the week. South goes hot and cold but has one of the best inside-outside combos in forward John Cassinelli and guard Chris Jeffrey.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Rolling Hills.