Big Games : Carson vs. Manual Arts

Carson has seemed to hit its stride in the Pacific League but may be without forward Jeff Martin, who suffered a knee injury last week. Junior center Anthony January has been one of the dominant players in the league and junior point guard Issy Washington is playing well. Forward Earl Martin, who got off to a slow start, has improved his point production and rebounding since league play began. Manual is rated fourth in the City by The Times, just ahead of Carson, and has not lost in league play.

4 p.m. Friday at Manual Arts.

St. Bernard vs. Serra

It seems like every game in the Camino Real League is for first place, but this match-up actually is--and has a local rivalry aspect as well. St. Bernard won the first time around, 78-67, before a turnaway crowd. The Vikings have since lost to Verbum Dei, giving the league’s big three at least one loss apiece. Serra is coming off Wednesday’s game against Verbum Dei. Point guard Darryl May is nursing a sprained ankle. Both teams match up well in speed and quickness and both have an outstanding underclassman--Serra junior Keith Malone, St. Bernard sophomore David Whitmore. St. Bernard may have an edge in shooting. Mark Sutherlin is the big man inside for Serra.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Serra.

Centennial vs. Morningside

Centennial may have as much talent as anyone in the Ocean League but still must prove it can play with Morningside, the only unbeaten team in league play. The Monarchs beat their closest competition, Leuzinger, last week, getting good games from guard Darryl Gordon and forward Leon Gibson. Junior Elden Campbell, 6-8, matches up against 6-8 Centennial star Kenzie Scott, who, coaches say, sometimes coasts on his talent.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Morningside.

Inglewood vs. Culver City

The Ocean League unbeatens will use a lot of players in this showdown. While junior guard Henry Johnson usually leads the way, nearly anyone on the Culver City roster might be in double figures. A likely one against smallish Inglewood is 6-7 center Jason Woodruff. Inglewood, 5-9 entering league play, won three straight in the Ocean League behind forward Eric Jordan, center Darren Riley and guards Stacy Anderson and Brian Browning.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Culver City.

San Pedro vs. South Gate

By the time the week is over San Pedro may have run away from the rest of the Eastern-Marine League, having played its closest competition this week. The diverse Pirates haven’t lost a league game in two years. Seniors Otis Livingston at guard and Curt Jones at center continue to lead the way while forwards Jure Sestich and Zlatko Josic continue to improve and provide solid outside shooting. Surprising South Gate has stayed within a game of the Pirates.

4 p.m. Friday at South Gate.