The Longview Lobos let their first District 12-5A meeting with Mesquite slip away, but just three weeks later have a shot at redemption and at least a piece of the district title.

Longview (19-12, 9-2) plays host to league-leading Mesquite (20-9, 9-1) Friday night at Lobo Coliseum in the game of the year in 12-5A.

The Lobos, who will playing in their regular-season finale, are currently just one game behind Mesquite in the loss column. With a win, Longview clinches at least a share of the 12-5A championship. Mesquite finishes the regular season next Tuesday against Mesquite Horn, which defeated the Skeeters earlier in district.

When Longview and Mesquite met on Jan. 15, the Lobos squandered a 14-point lead with less than seven minutes remaining and dropped a 59-57 decision in Mesquite.

Jordan Whitaker led Longview that night with 16 points, while Dorian Leonard and D'Keilan Lynch scored 12 apiece. Just three players scored for Mesquite, but Alex Cooper (25 points), Davion Keys (18) and Rashard Higgins (16) were enough for the comeback win.

With just two more nights remaining in the regular season, there is still plenty left unsettled, especially in the Class A ranks where there are three top 25 matchups on Friday.

In Division I, fifth-ranked Cayuga (22-6, 8-0 in 17-A) travels to No. 9 Kerens (18-6, 7-1). Preston Anderson's 25 points, nine rebounds and five blocks lifted Cayuga to a 65-58 win over Kerens earlier in district.

Meanwhile, one game separates No. 8 San Augustine (17-5, 8-0) and 21st-ranked West Sabine (20-4, 7-1) in the District 23-A standings. West Sabine will try to avenge a 59-44 loss to San Augustine back on Jan. 22.

In District 25-A Division II, where there are four teams ranked in the top 25, there always seems to be big-time matchups.

And that's the case again Friday when No. 18 Laneville (19-8, 6-4) plays host to No. 17 Chireno (21-8, 7-3). Laneville is currently on the outside looking in as far as the playoff picture is concerned. Chireno defeated Laneville, 71-67, on Jan. 15.

Back up to Class 4A, where both East Texas districts have plenty to be decided in the next few days.

In 14-4A, Hallsville (11-18, 3-5) and Pine Tree (10-20, 3-5) are currently embroiled in a tie for the fourth and final playoff spot. Hallsville plays host to Mount Pleasant (18-11, 5-3), while Pine Tree entertains last-place Sulphur Springs (7-24, 1-7).

No. 10 Jacksonville (31-0, 8-0 in 16-4A), meanwhile, is just two games away from finishing off a remarkable undefeated regular season.

The Indians should receive a stiff home test from third-place Whitehouse (21-8, 5-3) on Friday. Whitehouse pushed Jacksonville into overtime on Jan. 25, losing 62-56.

The other notable game on the 16-4A agenda features Corsicana (21-9, 3-5) at Nacogdoches (13-13, 2-6). Corsicana, which defeated Nacogdoches 58-32 earlier in district, is just a game up on the Dragons for the final postseason spot.

Meanwhile, both a district title and playoff spot could be on the line Friday night in District 15-3A action. Brownsboro (21-8, 6-2) is at district-leading Mabank (7-1), while Canton (17-13, 5-3) looks to sew up the district's last playoff berth with a road win at fourth-place Athens (17-15, 4-4).

Other boys basketball games Friday night involving ranked teams ...

 

Class 3A

  • Gladewater at No. 19 Chapel Hill
  • No. 22 Pleasant Grove at Pittsburg

 

Class 2A

  • Ore City at No. 2 White Oak
  • Jefferson at No. 3 Tatum
  • No. 10 Clarksville at Cooper

 

Class A Division I

  • Lovelady at No. 3 Grapeland
  • No. 14 Tenaha at Gary

 

Class A Division II

  • Kennard at No. 6 Oakwood
  • Karnack at No. 11 Saltillo
  • Apple Springs at No. 16 Douglass

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