Big Games

St. Bernard vs. V. Dei After playing a tough preseason, St. Bernard (9-4) is off to a fast start in the Camino Real League, winning its first four, but is coming off a Wednesday game against rugged St. Anthony. Coach Jim McClune’s use of five quick players--all of whom can play guard--and sophomore David Whitmore off the bench has produced an effective press and balanced attack. Verbum Dei started slowly but got off to a 3-1 league start. Guard David Jones leads the way for the Eagles.

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

W. Torrance vs. S. Monica West may have the best shot of anyone in the Bay League against Santa Monica, though the Vikings are clear favorites until somebody knocks them off. West (12-4, 4-0 in league) last week showed it could win despite an off-game by David Aaron, and Santa Monica (10-4, 3-0) showed it could overcome a slowdown, which Palos Verdes tried with some success. Aaron’s court awareness means West often gets open shots, and Jim Bonstein and Jack Hollis know what to do when they get them. The play of Paul Neu at center could be a key. At 6-3 he gives West much of its inside game. Guard Carlton Davenport, Bay League Player of the Year as a junior, leads Santa Monica.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Santa Monica.

Leuzinger vs. Morningside Leuzinger (9-5) is beginning to make noise in the upgraded Pioneer League and this game will be the big test, coming after a tough Wednesday game against Centennial. Morningside, in the upper crust of the South Bay at 10-3, has a tall, deep team led by guards Darrell Gordon and Levord Jenkins, 6-6 forward Leon Gibson and 6-8 junior center Elden Campbell. Leuzinger has beaten up on several teams recently and is getting good play from improving 6-10 center Casey Crawford and guard Ron Phyfier to go with junior Shelvie Washington, one of the area’s top small forwards.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Morningside.

Mira Costa vs. Redondo With Santa Monica and West High apparently in command in the Bay League, these beach rivals are fighting for neighborhood pride and a shot at the third league playoff spot. Both entered the week at 2-1 in league. Mira Costa has been getting solid play out of guards Pat Carr and Carl Tegal and forward Jim Slane has come on strong lately. Redondo counts on big men Steve Florentine and Jeff Rodriguez for a strong game up front, but the Sea Hawks lack overall speed and their back court can be vulnerable.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Redondo.

San Pedro vs. Jordan Jordan has the league’s best player in forward Frank Myles, but San Pedro appears to be the class of the Eastern-Marine. The Pirates (10-4) have won the title the last two years and haven’t lost a league game since 1983. Jordan got off to a 0-2 start in league and could be out of the running for a title with a loss. San Pedro has gotten big games recently from junior forward Zlatko Josic, who was credited with 40 rebounds in the first two league games. Center Curt Jones and guard Otis Livingston are playing at all-league caliber.

4 p.m. Friday at Jordan.