Loyola-Mira Costa volleyball pits top-quality rivals

One of the best sports rivalries in Southern California high school sports is set to unfold on Friday night, with Los Angeles Loyola taking on Manhattan Beach Mira Costa in a nonleague volleyball match at 7 p.m. at Loyola Marymount.

The two schools have combined to win 17 Southern Section volleyball championships. Many of the players and ex-players grew up as neighbors in the South Bay.

For the first time, Loyola Coach Michael Boehle will have two sons playing for him, senior Parker and sophomore Hayden.

“It’s interesting,” Boehle said. “They’re in a tough spot. They understand inside that gym I’m coach. Outside, I’m Dad. They’ve done a good job understanding their roles. It’s nice seeing the senior pick up the sophomore and the sophomore pick up the senior.”

Loyola is 15-0 and ranked No. 1 in Division 1. Mira Costa is ranked No. 3.

Not only is watching the high-quality action on the court fun but so is observing the crowd reaction, with both schools’ students usually heavily involved in rooting during the match.

Representing California

Santa Ana Mater Dei, Orange Lutheran and Studio City Harvard-Westlake begin action on Wednesday in the National High School Invitational baseball tournament in Cary, N.C.

Harvard-Westlake was considered one of the favorites in the 16-team tournament until losing pitcher Lucas Giolito to an elbow injury earlier this month. Now the Wolverines’ pitching depth will be tested.

Baseball showdown

One of the best pitching matchups of the season is expected on Friday, when Lakewood and Shane Watson take on Long Beach Wilson and Chase DeJong in a Moore League first-place showdown at 6:30 p.m. at Blair Field in Long Beach.

Both pitchers have signed with USC but also are considered top pro prospects.

This rivalry game usually draws thousands of fans to Blair Field, and with so much at stake, the stands should be packed.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com

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