High school basketball: Five things to watch

1The marquee matchup on Friday’s girls’ basketball schedule features a Suburban Council showdown pitting Colonie (11-4 overall, 7-1 league) at Bethlehem (13-1, 10-0). The Garnet Raiders are ranked No. 22 in the Class AA state poll and their lone league loss came against Shenendehowa. Bethlehem, ranked No. 14, suffered its lone defeat against Simsbury (Conn.). 2 Bethlehem and Colonie are two of the hottest teams in the Suburban Council boys’ basketball ranks, entering Friday’s contest against each other at Colonie both riding six-game winning streaks. Bethlehem is the only squad to defeat league-leader Ballston Spa.

3 The Catskill girls’ basketball team is ranked No. 11 in the Class B state poll and stands atop the Patroon Conference with an 11-0 league mark. Friday night at home, the Cats host Greenville (10-2, 10-1). The Spartans have reeled off seven straight victories and their lone league loss came Dec. 5 with a 49-41 setback against Catskill.

4 The Mekeel Christian Academy boys’ basketball team will be the second team this weekend to face Eagle Academy, ranked No. 24 in the Class AA state poll. Green Tech gets the first crack at the team from the Bronx on Friday evening, and the Lions are set to entertain the Falcons at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

5 Holy Names, paced by high-scoring sophomore guard Sophia Bologna, stands 12-4 overall, 9-3 in the Colonial Council. One of those wins came Dec. 9 over Schalmont. The Sabres (7-6, 6-4) will be seeking the season split at home Friday in the rematch with the Panthers.