Friday night is opening night of the high school basketball season, and in the KVAC Class A, there are a couple of interesting games.

Lawrence plays at Skowhegan. Both teams feel they've improved from last season, and expect to make playoff runs. For Skowhegan, a key is how much have Jordan Taylor and Paul Verville, who both started as freshmen last year, improved? For Lawrence, have the Bulldogs developed an inside game that will spark the offense? Expect both teams to play strong defense, as Skowhegan coach Troy Scott played at Lawrence under Mike McGee, and both stress defense first.

Mt. Blue is at Messalonskee is a game between two teams rebuilding a little after strong seasons. Mt. Blue graduated all five starters from last season, but the Cougars return some players who played well in reserve roles. Messalonskee graduated Eric Taylor, one of the top post players in the league, and Matt Natole, one of the top point guards in the KVAC. The Eagles return Orlando Holmes, a proven scorer. Finding other scoring options while playing strong defense will be the key for Messalonskee.