Central Head Coach Kraig Blomme says, 'They're a pressing team this year. We've got to take care of the basketball and make sure we don't give them any lay-ups by turning the ball over. Both teams know each other so well. Kids have even played together on previous teams when they were younger, so we all know each other really well. The coaches, both teams know each other very well, and that's why we usually end up with some good, tight ball games.'

Central senior Chelsey Carmichael says, 'It means a lot to both of us, I think. For us girls, it's a lot of fun because we get to play against the cross-town rivals, and it's a big game and we can show everyone that we can win, so it's a lot of fun.'

Stevens Head Coach Donovan DeBoer says, 'It just comes down to who wants it a little bit more. Who's willing to dig a little bit deeper. Both teams have a bunch of seniors on their side which helps because that leadership and that drive, as a senior, to go out on top, I think just gives you a little bit more of an edge. So, it'll be a good one. We're lucky to get 'em at home. They're a good, quality basketball team. They're always well coached. Coach Blomme does a great job with them, and they're going to be ready to play, so we better be focused as well.'

Central and Stevens square off on the girls' basketball hardwood coming up Thursday night. Gametime at Carold Heier Gym is slated for 7:30 p.m.

-Jamie Zepp