Boys basketball No. 2 Lake Clifton @No. 9 Mervo Friday, 5:15 p.m.Outlook

This matchup features two of the best teams in the city. Lake Clifton has been a model of consistency, winning 18 of its 19 games behind a balanced attack from its starters. Mervo has been up and down, upsetting City but falling to unranked Parkville and Dunbar. An upset isn't impossible, but Mervo's Brian Westmoreland will have to shoot well. THE SUN'S PICK: LAKE CLIFTON

Girls basketball No. 4 City @No. 8 Western Friday, 5:15 p.m.

Outlook

The showdown between the top two public school teams in the city should be fast-moving and high-scoring. The difference, however, likely will come on defense. City must contain Doves All-Metro guard Akeema Richards, who likes to drive; Western might have its hands full with Knights guard LaShay Taft. THE SUN'S PICK: CITY