Big basketball games on tap Friday

For the last week and a half or so, there haven't been many big "showdown" games involving local high school basketball teams. That changes Friday.

Start at Southwood, where the No. 2-ranked and defending state champion Lady Cowboys (30-3) host No. 1-ranked West Monroe (26-1). This could be a preview of the state championship game. Southwood lost to West Monroe 60-58 in the first district meeting. West Monroe would all but wrap up the District 1-5A title with a victory.

At Parkway, the Lady Panthers (26-4, 8-1), leaders of District 1-4A, take on the Minden Lady Tiders (20-11, 7-2). If Minden wins, Bossier can gain a virtual share of the district lead with a victory over Woodlawn.

At Mansfield, the Lady Wolverines (18-8, 7-0), leaders of District 1-3A, face second-place Benton (24-12, 6-1).

There is yet another battle of first- and second-place girls teams at Loyola. The Lady Flyers (23-11, 5-0 District 1-2A) host Homer (24-5, 4-1). Both are ranked in the state's top 10. Loyola won the first district meeting by a point.

The top boys game pits Fair Park (24-4, 7-0), ranked No. 1 and leading District 1-3A, against No. 4 ranked and second-place Booker T. Washington (25-6, 6-1). Fair Park won the first meeting at BTW. Friday's game is at Fair Park.

Huntington, ranked No. 2 in Class 5A, puts its 12-game winning streak on the line against a 20-5 Springhill team at Springhill.