Two big county rivalry games highlight Friday night’s prep basketball schedule.

Selma High hosts Keith High, while Southside travels to Dallas County High School in Plantersville.

Selma (5-4) defeated Keith 64-55 on Nov. 9 in Orrville, but Saints coach Ronald Lane expects a tougher contest in the rematch against the Bears (1-6).

“The return game with Keith is a big one for our community,” Lane said. “In the wake of all the recent violence, our students get an opportunity to demonstrate how to be competitive while striving in a race to accomplish good things.

“Keith coach Clifton Reeves and the staff at Keith always have their students prepared to play hard and with good sportsmanship. That’s exactly the aim at Selma High as well. We look forward to Friday’s game because we bring out the best in each other.”

Dallas County coach Cliff Nix and Southside coach Lenord Jones also expect a competitive clash between the Hornets (2-1) and Panthers (1-2). Both teams are still searching for consistency.

“It’ll be a battle,” Jones said. “You know how rivalries go, it won’t be easy. We should everyone back. We should be focused.”

“I don’t know much about Dallas County, but it’s a big county rivalry game,” Nix said. “It should be a good game.”