No. 2 Lake Clifton (15-2) at No. 8 Edmondson (12-3)
When: Friday, 5:15 p.m.
KEY PLAYERS
Lake Clifton: Derrick Green, Sr., F; Gary Jefferson, Sr., SG
Edmondson: Kani Coles, Sr., F; Keandre Cook, Sr., G
KEYS TO VICTORY
With the regular season winding down, this game will have a major effect on which two teams reach the Baltimore City Division I title game. It's a three-team race with Edmondson (8-1 in Baltimore City), Lake Clifton (6-2) and No. 5 Patterson (13-3, 6-2). Lake Clifton handed Edmondson its only league loss, 55-46, on Jan. 9. Green and Jefferson each scored 17 points and the Lakers hit 11 of 15 free throws in the fourth quarter to pull away and used a number of zone defenses throughout to keep the Red Storm off its game. Cook (22 points) was Edmondson's only consistent scorer in the game. That has to change this time for Edmondson to avenge the loss. The Red Storm likes to run its offense through the 6-foot-7 Coles and finding a way to get him going early will be key, as it creates opportunities for teammates. Lake Clifton had a quality home win against Patterson last week, leaning on strong defense and rebounding to get past the Clippers. Senior forward Joshua Parks had a strong game at both ends and will play a key role, along with Green, in helping contain Coles. The first meeting was a typical fierce Baltimore City game with high intensity and nothing coming easy on the offensive end. Expect the same this time around.
OTHER GAMES TO WATCH
Boys basketball
New Town vs. City at Lake Clifton, Saturday, 5 p.m.
No. 5 Patterson at No. 8 Edmondson, Tuesday, 5:15 p.m.
No. 11 Milford Mill at Hereford, Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.
Girls basketball
No. 8 Western at No. 7 Poly, Friday, 5 p.m.
No. 2 Roland Park at No. 3 Milford Mill, Saturday, 1 p.m.
No. 7 Poly vs. No. 15 New Town at Lake Clifton, Saturday, 1:45 p.m.
South River at No. 12 Old Mill, Tuesday, 6:45 p.m.