Big Games : St. Bernard vs. Verbum Dei

Verbum Dei has always given the Vikings trouble at Compton College and, along with the traditional rivalry, will be fighting for survival Friday. The fourth-place Eagles need a victory to assure a playoff spot, though four teams from the powerful Camino Real League will probably go to the playoffs. St. Bernard is playing for second place and possible seeding in the 5-A playoffs. There will be plenty of college-bound athletes on the floor though the best, St. Bernard’s dunkin’ David Whitmore, is only a junior.

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

Carson vs. Manual Arts

In another game with teams jockeying for playoff position, Carson will be looking to clinch the Marine League title. The Colts lost several players to academic problems, hurting their depth, but most of the lineup is intact, including All-City forward Anthony January. The Colts won by 15 points when they played at Manual Arts. Manual Arts could be playing for second place. Both teams are relatively short and athletic. The Toilers may not be able to match up with the 6-6 January.

4:15 p.m. Friday at Carson.

West Torrance vs. Redondo

Redondo plays the Bay League’s weakest team with a chance to place third and get the last assured playoff spot. Look for Redondo star Steve Florentine to dominate this one inside. West will try to maintain a deliberate pace and keep the ball away from the high-scoring 6-7 senior.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Redondo.

Hawthorne vs. Torrance

Hawthorne, the hard-luck team of the Ocean League, could be fighting for third place and a playoff spot Friday, drawing a scrappy but undermanned Torrance team, while Beverly Hills, the team in third place must play at league leader Culver City. The Cougars have played tough against the league’s top teams but have three 2-point losses. They took out some of their frustration on North Torrance last weekend, winning by 41 points. Senior Robert Barksdale and juniors Ralph Sanders, Mike Lewis and Willie Jordan lead the Cougars.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Torrance.