No. 1 Patterson (17-1) vs. No. 4 Edmondson (14-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Where: Coppin State
Key players to watch
Patterson: Aquille Carr, So., G (31.3 ppg, 5.5 apg); Myrek Lee-Fowlkes, So., F (16.7 ppg, 8.5 rpg), Rickey Meekins, Sr., G (13.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg)
Edmondson: Brian Ellison, Sr., F (11.5 ppg., 10.3 rpg); Rodney Pratcher, Sr., G (19.4 ppg., 8 apg.); Kavon Pyatt, Sr., G (21.5 ppg., 7 rpg)
Keys to victory
Both teams go into the game undefeated in Baltimore City's Division I, so first place is on the line. Guard play will make the difference, and both teams have gifted backcourts. For the defending City league champion Red Storm, Pratcher and Pyatt bring skills and leadership, while Carr's dynamic play carries Patterson. All season, the Clippers have been able to wear opponents down, which allows Carr to take over in the fourth quarter if the game remains close. They'll look to contain Edmondson's backcourt duo, stay out of foul trouble and rebound. Like every other team that plays Patterson, the focal point on defense is limiting Carr, who recently surpassed 1,000 points in just his second varsity season. Edmondson coach Darnell Dantzler said forcing Carr into making tough shots will play a big role in the outcome.
OTHER GAMES TO WATCH
Boys basketball
No. 5 Dunbar vs. No. 9 City at Coppin State, Friday, 5 p.m.
Arundel at No. 14 Annapolis, Friday, 7 p.m.
No. 10 Mount St. Joseph at No. 2 John Carroll, Friday, 7:15 p.m.
Parkville at No. 3 Milford Mill, Monday, 6:30 p.m.
No. 14 Annapolis at Glen Burnie, Tuesday, 5 p.m.
Arundel at Old Mill, Tuesday, 5 p.m.
Girls basketball
No. 7 Poly at No. 8 Digital Harbor, Friday, 5 p.m.
City at No. 11 Dunbar, Friday, 5:15 p.m.
No. 10 South Carroll at Liberty, Friday, 7 p.m.
No. 15 South River at Meade, Tuesday, 7 p.m.
