Big Games : St. Bernard vs. St. Monica

The Vikings had a rough time early in the Camino Real League schedule--including a loss to St. Monica--but are playing well again. St. Monica, which started out strongly, is playing at .500 and could use a victory to remain in playoff contention. St. Bernard is coming off an emotional game Wednesday against league leader Serra and must avoid a letdown. St. Monica needs a big game from guard Earl Duncan.

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

Hawthorne vs. Inglewood

Hawthorne hasn’t played badly, but after several close losses, finds itself with a 1-3 record in the Ocean League. The Cougars desperately need a victory to get back into playoff contention. They lost to Inglewood, 54-49, in overtime in the first round of league play. The Sentinels are a game behind Ocean leader Culver City at 4-1 and are getting good play from Eric Jordan and Stacy Anderson.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Inglewood.

Banning vs. Carson

Carson won in a runaway in the teams’ first meeting, but the rematch may be closer if the Colts are without star forward Anthony January. Coach Richard Masson didn’t use him in last week’s victory over Manual Arts and January’s status is a wait-and-see proposition because of what have been termed attitude problems. “He practiced with the team Monday,” said Masson on Tuesday. “It’s a matter of seeing if there’s any consistency in what he does. If he does what he’s supposed to he’ll be in the lineup Friday. If not he won’t be until he shows some consistency and lives up to his responsibilities to the team.”

The Colts won by 21 points the first time around but Banning has improved lately and takes a 3-2 Marine League record up against Carson’s 4-1. Junior point guard Marvin Pollard has helped turn things around. Marshall (Zap) Lineberger is the top offensive threat.

4:15 p.m. Friday at Carson.

San Pedro vs. Gardena

Marine League co-leader San Pedro has moved into the City Top 10 after last week’s victory over Carson and can maintain at least a share of first place with a victory. Gardena is 2-3 in league play with several close losses. The Mohicans can be dangerous when James Sawyer and Eddie Shannon are shooting well. After a slow start, San Pedro forward Zlatko Josic has taken charge as expected and can be a dominating force. Center Mike Sestich, guard Damon Whitsitt and high-jumping forward Mike Woods are also playing well.

4 p.m. Friday at Gardena.

Leuzinger vs. Centennial

These opponents are bunched behind Morningside in the Pioneer League, with Leuzinger needing a victory for a shot at second place, currently held by Centennial. Small forward Shelvie Washington leads the Leuzinger attack, which has played better lately after a slow start in league play. Guard Trent Allen, who scored 24 points last week against Morningside, leads Centennial.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Leuzinger.

Westchester vs. Fremont

The City’s fifth- and sixth-ranked teams meet in a Central League rematch that saw Fremont win a three-point squeaker the first time around. Both teams (as well as Palisades) are 3-2 and need a victory to stay within range of undefeated Crenshaw (5-0). Westchester and Fremont are both 12-4 overall. The Comets are led by forward Michael Courtney and are getting good play from Brian Lewis and Kenny Horton.

4 p.m. Friday at Fremont.