Free State High’s girls basketball team will be hoping to defend its title this week in the Metro Prep Classic in Bonner Springs.

The Firebirds will open the three-day, eight-team tournament at 3 p.m. today against Lansing in the Bonner gym.

Free State will meet either Topeka Seaman or Savannah, Mo., Friday – at 6:30 p.m. if the Firebirds win and 3 p.m. if they lose.

Free State’s boys team will be hoping to improve on last year’s seventh-place finish at the Leavenworth Invitational.

The Firebirds will open at 8:30 p.m. today against Nixa, Mo.

Lawrence High’s boys are also tournament-bound. The Lions will start defense of their Blue Valley Shootout title when they tangle with Kansas City, Mo., Center at 5:15 p.m. today.

Lawrence High’s girls are not in a tournament, but will play host to Kansas City, Mo., Van Horn at 6 p.m. today.