High-School Dunking

In high-school sports, the rivalry game is the big cheese. Win the game against the punks down the block and you’ll have bragging rights all year. The 2008 High School Hoops Rivalry Showdown gives local basketball squads the chance to upend their bitter rivals on the neutral courts of Municipal Auditorium (301 West 13th Street, 816-513-5000). The border wars begin at noon with Oak Park vs. Winnetonka, followed by Raytown South vs. Raytown at 2 p.m., Blue Springs vs. Blue Springs South at 4 and William Chrisman vs. Truman at 6. Plenty of onlookers will be excited to get a glimpse of William Chrisman senior Justin Clark, whose 25 points-per-game average and lights-out three-point stroke earned him a scholarship to Illinois State along with fellow Chrisman Bear Jon Ekey. Tickets cost $5 at the door for an all-day rivalry pass.

Sat., Dec. 20, noon, 2008