Pairings for next week’s Class 6A state boys basketball tournament at Emporia’s White Auditorium are expected to be announced around noon today.

Free State High will be either the No. 1 or No. 2 seed. The Firebirds and Dodge City each have 19-3 records, and it will be up to Kansas State High School Activities Assn. officials to determine which team will be the top seed.

Regardless, Free State probably will face another Sunflower League school in the opening round Wednesday, because Shawnee Mission Northwest (14-8) and SM West (13-9) have the two worst records among the state qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Lawrence High most likely will face probable No. 3 seed Wichita East (18-4) or probable No. 4 seed Wichita East (17-5) in the first round. The Lions and Maize have identical 15-7 records, so one will be the No. 5 seed and the other the No. 6 seed.

Game times Wednesday in Emporia will be at 3 p.m., 4:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. First-round girls games are scheduled for the same times Thursday. Semifinals will be Friday and the championship and third-place games Saturday.