Manual Arts vs. Banning

First-place Manual Arts can dictate its own fate in the Pacific League but had better not let down against the Pilots. Joey Johnson, Banning’s Sky Pilot, gets up for the big games and Eric Cooper remains the league’s best all-around guard. Much depends on Banning’s 6-6 Leland King and David Lee, who must help control Manual’s tall front line.

7 p.m. Friday at Banning. Fremont vs. Carson

With Carson, Fremont and Banning all battling for second place and even an outside shot at first in the Pacific League, this game is a must for the Colts, who lost a four-point game the last time they played. Carson junior Anthony January began February with 27 points against Gardena and is the Colts’ big gun. Earl and Jeff Martin are doing strong boardwork.

4 p.m. Friday at Carson. St. Bernard vs. St. Anthony

This game for a portion of first place in the Camino Real League gives St. Anthony a chance for revenge. They lost earlier to Serra, then beat the Cavaliers in five overtimes last week. The Saints also lost at St. Bernard and now hope to return the favor at home. The Camino Real League’s ruling triumvirate is a recruiter’s dream-great athletes of all shapes and sizes. St. Bernard offers 6-4 forwards Errol Talley and Kirk Howling and slick point guard Reggie Howard, plus super sophomore David Whitmore, who may be playing on a gimpy ankle. St. Anthony counters with all-around 6-3 marvel Van Anderson, 6-6 Darrell Walker and mammoth junior Jaime Cardriche (6-7,300)

7:30 p.m. Friday at St. Anthony, Long Beach. Miraleste vs. Leuzinger

Tis battle for the third playoff spot in the Pioneer League has added incentive for Leuzinger. The Olympians haven’t beaten Miraleste in at least five years and were without 6-10 Casey Crawford when they lost at Miraleste last month. The Olympians are now healthy and their front line duo of Crawford and junior forward Shelvie Washington will try to put the wraps on the Marauders’ sharpshooting back court of Pat Shea and Wallace Tucker. 7:30 p.m. Friday at Leuzinger. Hamilton vs. Westchester This game is a battle for playoff position behind top-ranked Crenshaw in the Central League, with both teams shooting for second place along with Washington. Hamilton won by a point the last time they played. Hamilton is usually led by guard Steve Mills and center Larry Jones. Speedy Westchester has a large cast with a different star each game.

4 p.m. Friday at Westchester. San Pedro vs. Bell

The Pirates can wrap up their second straight undefeated record in the Eastern-Marine League and third straight title with a victory against second-place Bell. Coach Jack Kordich is effectively using eight to 10 players and building for next year with juniors Zlatko Josic and Damon Whitsitt and sophomore Mike Sestich all playing extensively. Meanwhile, seniors Otis Livingston, Curt Jones and Jure Sestich are gearing up for another shot at the City 3-A title.

4 p.m. Friday at Bell.