Four games into the season might seem early to get worked up over one game, but then again, not every game is Free State-Lawrence High.

Important every year for its bragging rights, the boys basketball showdown at 7:30 tonight at Free State has a little more punch than normal.

The Firebirds (4-0) are off to their best start in the school’s six-year history, while the Lions (3-1) merely have a better record at this point than last year’s state tournament squad. As the last game before Christmas break, the loser has to cope with a loss for nearly two weeks before getting back on the court.

Big might be an understatement.

“The bottom line is, high school basketball does not get any better than this,” LHS coach Chris Davis said. “It’s as big as any sub-state game we’ve played in, it’s probably as big as any state tournament game we’ve played in. It means that much, right now, to both teams.”

Take away the bragging rights and the win before the break and the game is crucial for another reason. It also kicks off league play.

“It’s huge,” FSHS coach Jack Schreiner said. “But maybe most importantly, it’s our first league game. We figure the winner of the Sunflower League isn’t going to be able to lose too many games and we can’t afford to give away one now, especially at home.”

So yeah, there’s a little bit at stake.

The teams split last year, with LHS taking the early season game. This season, with Free State touted as one of the state’s top teams, the pressure is probably on the Firebirds — which is a relief to the Lions.

“We don’t have as much pressure on our shoulders as they do,” Cargill said. “We know since we’re the underdogs it’s going to be easier for us to just go out and play.”

That’s been their attitude throughout December. By graduating four starters and 80 percent of their scoring punch, the Lions’ focus has been defense. It’s paid off. They’re holding opponents to about 49 points a game on 27.6 percent shooting.

With 7-foot senior Brad Collier anchoring the Lions’ 2-3 zone defense, teams have resorted to chucking three-pointer after three-pointer, with little success. Opponents have made just seven of 69 attempts.

“The concentration has been on defense, and our defense has been pretty good,” Davis said. “But, we’ve watched tape and I’ve been trying to figure out ways to make us get better and fine tune it.”

The offense also needs a little fine tuning.

Senior Bryan Cargill leads LHS in scoring at 10.5 points per game, but he’s the only Lion in double figures. For all their defensive success, the Lions average just 50 points a contest, and have made 41 percent of their shots.

But that’s all according to Davis’ plan. He knows his team is still adjusting to four new starters, which always makes offensive output more difficult.

“We’re pleased with where we are right now,” Davis said. “But we know how talented Free State is and we know we have to overachieve to be able to win.”

That too, may be an understatement.

The Firebirds have been impressive this season. They won the KVOE Tip-Off Classic last weekend in Emporia, including a couple of blowout victories.

The offense — which Schreiner admits should never be a problem — has been somewhat inconsistent, but rarely struggles. FSHS averages 62 points a game and makes nearly 48 percent of its shots. Three players average double figure scoring, led by 6-foot-9 senior Keith Wooden’s 14.5-point average.

Three different players have led FSHS in scoring this season, which has opened things up for other players. If teams try to stop Wooden, junior Dain Dillingham or senior Bijai Jones, senior Cameron Karlin has been able to fill some of that scoring load. In last week’s championship game against Emporia, he was perfect from the field for 13 points.

“They just attract so much attention,” Karlin said. “It helps me get an open look.”

And with the offense grabbing the spotlight, the Firebirds’ defense has been just as impressive, limiting opponents to less than 44 points a game on 33 percent shooting. That’s been a feather in Schreiner’s cap this season, but he’s wary of overconfidence and what surprises the Lions might bring.

“Last year we took that philosophy and Chris Davis threw some things at us that we were not prepared for,” Schreiner said. “We’ve worked on those things and hopefully, we’re better prepared than we were last year.”

As big as tonight’s game is, school officials know it’s still not the biggest ticket in town. Kansas University plays UCLA at 4 p.m., so FSHS moved tipoff back a half hour to allow fans extra time to fill the gym.

Still, expect a packed house even with the double header.

“I don’t think it’ll affect the crowd,” Schreiner said. “I fully expect it to be a packed house. You’ve got two in-town rivals going at it. It’s what high school basketball is all about.”