Ever since the big guys graduated from the Lawrence High and Free State boys basketball teams last year, Dec. 19 has been circled as quite possibly the most exciting city showdown to date.

It’s finally here.

The Lions (2-2) and Firebirds (2-2) square off in part two of the city doubleheader tonight at Free State. The Free State and Lawrence High girls will play first at 5:30 p.m., followed by the knock-your-socks-off boys game.

How come this boys matchup is so intriguing? Because, for the most part, nobody has any size.

With the graduation of impact forwards from each school — notably Free State’s Keith Wooden and Bijai Jones and Lawrence High’s Derrick Newman and Brandon McAnderson — each squad has gone from pound-it-inside teams to run-and-gun, don’t-ever-stop, shoot-as-much-as-humanly-possible, you-can-take-a-break-when-the-game-is over kind of teams.

Having one such squad on the floor makes things wild. Having two, like tonight, could make this city showdown one for the ages.

“It should be an extremely fun contest to watch,” LHS coach Chris Davis said. “The pace of play should be incredible.”

Lawrence High has done its part to entertain its fans. The Lions average 80 points per game, mainly from an overwhelming abundance of three-point shooting.

Coming into this season, the Kansas record for three-point attempts in a game was 42, set by Ottawa in 1993. The Lions have bettered that mark three times in their first four games, including a 21-for-59 performance Dec. 6 against Topeka High, a 100-85 LHS victory.

FSHS coach Jack Schreiner was at that game, and he certainly was impressed.

“They’re a tough team to stop,” Schreiner said. “I don’t know how you prepare for a team like that. We’re scratching our heads over here.”

Statistically, Free State nearly has attempted as many shots (262) as the Lions (284). The three-point disparity is where the difference.

“If they hit their shots,” Schreiner said, “I don’t know how you could possibly beat them.”

So Free State, which recognizes tonight’s game will be chaotic, is focusing on its own strengths, notably the slashing abilities of senior Dain Dillingham and the outside shooting of several Firebirds, including Tyler Blankenship, Brady Morningstar and Bobby Underwood.

The city showdown always looms large, but it’s probably as important as ever this time around.

“This is a big game,” Schreiner said. “It’s the first league game for both of us. I’m really hitting our kids with that.”

Added Davis: “Anytime we play each other, it’s a state tournament-type atmosphere. I know the kids live for it, and I think it’ll be a lot of fun.”