Games to watch

Lowell at Andover (Jan. 4): It will, in all likelihood, be the second meeting between the Merrimack Valley rivals, with a second-round meeting in the Greater Lawrence Christmas Tournament all but certain. The Raiders should be at full strength for this matchup though, as they hope to return junior guard Meaghan Cavanaugh from her bout with mononucleosis.

Needham at Framingham (Jan. 12): A matchup between the Bay State's finest, Needham's Cerie Mosgrove and Framingham's Denise Beliveau , provides an entertaining backdrop to a game that may go a long way in determining the Bay State title.

Lincoln-Sudbury vs. Rush-Henrietta, N.Y. (Dec. 26): This BABC Holiday Classic in Chelsea features Boston College-bound Carolyn Swords and the Warriors against the school from Henrietta (just south of Rochester, N.Y.), which is ranked eighth by USA Today in the East Region and led by one of the country's top juniors in Shenise Johnson.

City championship (Feb. 23): Can Burke win its 13th title in 15 years? The defending champs return City tournament MVP Laniece Langford and hope for a spot in this year's final. Do not bet against the Bulldogs.

Spartan Classic (Feb. 18-19): It may be just the second year of this tournament, hosted by St. Mary's of Lynn, but already it's a showcase for some of the state's top teams and players. The Division 1 bracket features four ranked teams in Melrose, Lynn Classical, Peabody, and Lowell. The Division 2 side features host St. Mary's, Lynnfield, Newburyport, and Lynn English.

CONOR NEVINS