Harvard-Westlake Show Hits Road

For the second consecutive season, the Harvard-Westlake boys’ basketball team will test its mettle against some of the nation’s top teams.

The Wolverines (5-0), defending state Division III champions and ranked first in The Times’ regional poll, meet Socastee (4-1) of Myrtle Beach, S.C., at 6:45 tonight in the opening round of the Reebok Holiday Prep tournament in Las Vegas.

The 54-team tournament, rated among the best in the country, includes eight of the nation’s 10 top-ranked teams.

Harvard-Westlake, led by seniors Jarron and Jason Collins, is ranked 25th nationally and fourth in the West region by USA Today.

Last season, Harvard-Westlake participated in December tournaments in Florida and Delaware.

Montclair Prep also is entered in the tournament. The Mounties play Westlake of Austin, Texas, tonight at 9:05. The tournament takes place at Durango and Cimarron-Memorial highs and runs through Monday.

“They’re definitely traveling because they feel they have a good team,” Harvard-Westlake Coach Greg Hilliard said of Socastee.

Welcome mat: Rio Mesa High will host its third wrestling tournament Friday and Saturday, with several out-of-state wrestling powerhouses competing.

They include Iolani of Hawaii, Red Mesa, Ariz., Blackfoot, Ida., and Green Valley, Nev.

Ventura and Newbury Park, favorites this season in the Channel and Marmonte leagues, also will compete.