Big Games : Westchester vs. Palisades

Whether a certain Comet returned this week was probably the biggest factor in deciding Westchester’s fate. Westchester fell a game behind second-place Palisades and Fremont in the Central League after Comet star Michael Courtney was suspended by Coach Ed Azzam last week. Earlier this week Azzam said Courtney and he “resolved the conflict he had” and the 6-5 senior was back in the lineup against league leader Crenshaw. The Comets beat fourth-ranked Palisades earlier this year despite a huge height disadvantage. Two losses this week would leave Westchester cemented in fourth place.

4 p.m. Friday at Westchester.

El Segundo vs. Centennial

Third-place El Segundo is playing for a playoff spot in the Pioneer League, taking on second-place Centennial in Compton. The Eagles may be the surprise of the league and are most effective when Scott Talanoa is using his muscle near the basket. Centennial, a game behind league leader Morningside, is led by guard Trent Allen.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Centennial.

Serra vs. St. Monica

Serra, considered a longshot title contender in pre-season polls, can clinch the Camino Real League title with a victory. The Cavaliers have the league’s best 1-2 punch in senior Keith Malone and sophomore James Moses, who combine for about 45 points per game and scored more than 30 points each in one recent game. St. Monica, battling Verbum Dei and St. Anthony for a playoff spot, features flashy guard Earl Duncan and junior forward Jason Matthews.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Serra.

Rolling Hills vs. Santa Monica

Rolling Hills has proven itself the second-best team in the Bay League and could gain some respect by giving league leader Santa Monica a good game. Samohi is the only team to have beaten Rolling Hills in league play, but the Vikings have yet to be seriously challenged by a Bay League opponent. Junior forwards Doug Gehr and Cameron Terry lead a balanced Titan attack. Santa Monica has an array of stars, notably college-bound seniors Keith Harris and Carrick DeHart and junior Kelvin Harris, Keith’s brother.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Rolling Hills.

Inglewood vs. Beverly Hills

On paper they don’t appear to be a match, but the Sentinels needed overtime to defeat the Normans by two points the first time around, and the teams are battling for second place in the Ocean League. Inglewood needs a victory to stay within a game of league-leader Culver City, setting up their rematch next week. The Sentinels have won several close calls lately on the clutch shooting of Eric Jordan. Stacy Anderson is their other steady scorer. Guard Lionel McPherson leads Beverly Hills.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Beverly Hills.