When:
Friday, 5:15 p.m.
Coaches:
Sam Brand, Poly; Herman "Tree" Harried, Lake Clifton
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Poly:
John Crosby, So., G; Chas Brown, Sr., C; Darrion Stokes-Graham, Jr., F.
Lake Clifton:
James Boone, Sr., G; Aaron Parks, Sr., G; Rodney Hawkins, Sr., F.
Outlook:
Both teams are coming off big wins on Tuesday. Lake Clifton won its eighth straight with a convincing 75-61 victory over No. 10 City, and Poly had a thrilling 87-86 double-overtime win against No. 4 Patterson. Balanced offense and strong team defense have been the key to both teams' success. Brown turned in a dominating performance against Patterson, finishing with 23 points, 19 rebounds and 11 blocked shots, and inside help comes from Stokes-Graham. Crosby is the Engineers' primary catalyst, and senior Kyle Hodge is another key in the backcourt. Inside, the Lakers counter with Hawkins and, in addition to Parks and Boone, have received fine play from guards Daquan Ross and Lionel Green. Poly will have to stay patient on offense and hit open shots when available against the Lakers' disciplined zone defense. The Lakers will need to continue to get the excellent guard play they've enjoyed and also find a way to deal with the Engineers' strong inside play.
OTHER GAMES TO WATCH
Boys basketball
No. 10 City at No. 11 Edmondson, Friday, 5:15 p.m.
No. 9 Arundel at Broadneck, Friday, 7 p.m.
No. 5 Lake Clifton at No. 4 Patterson, Tuesday, 5:15 p.m.
Girls basketball
No. 10 St. Vincent Pallotti at No. 4 Archbishop Spalding, Friday, 5:15 p.m.
No. 12 John Carroll at Notre Dame Prep, Friday, 5:30 p.m.
No. 7 Meade at No. 13 Annapolis, Tuesday, 6:45 p.m.
No. 1 Aberdeen at Joppatowne, Thursday, 6:45 p.m.