HS HOOPS: H.W. vs. Loyola is going to be a big one

I arrived in Los Angeles about two hours early for tonight's heavily anticipated Mission League showdown between Harvard-Westlake and host Loyola, and the gymnasium is already jammed. I have no idea where all the of the arrivals expected over the next 45 minutes or so are going to sit.

It's a huge rivalry between two of the Southland's oldest private schools -- not to mention two of the best basketball programs -- and Harvard-Westlake (21-2, 9-0) can clinch the title outright with a win over the Cubs (18-5, 8-2).

Riding an 18-game winning streak, Harvard-Westlake's top players include Zeno Edosomwan (17.7 points, 7.1 rebounds), Damiene Cain (14.1 points, 11.1 rebounds) and Josh Hearlihy (15.5 points). Loyola is led by Joe Stein (14.2 points, 6.7 rebounds), Julian Harrell (15.5 points, 6.4 rebounds) and freshman Parker Jackson-Cartwright (10.7 points, 4.6 assists).

It's hard to blog at basketball game without being at a table -- especially here because this place will be crazy -- but I will update when I can.

Stay tuned.