Shawnee ? Cancel those Friday-night dinner plans. Better yet, tell your friends you still want to go out, you just want to do something a little different this time. Convince them to join you and make it the night the town of Olathe became Lawrence East for five hours of high school basketball.

Think of it as a nostalgic night, where the two high schools merge back into one. Suspend the rivalry for a night and root for both Lawrence High and Free State. If the entire town unites at Olathe Northwest, site of the Class 6A sub-state doubleheader that determines which two teams advance to Emporia for the eight-team state tournament, it’s the best shot both teams have of getting there.

Don’t just think about doing it. Do it and help to make it a memorable night.

LHS plays Leavenworth at 5 p.m., and Free State faces Olathe South at 7:45. Olathe Northwest is only a half-hour drive, and even those of us born without a compass and accustomed to getting hopelessly lost just pulling out of our driveways won’t have any trouble finding the school. Head east on K-10, exit at K-7 and head south for one-half mile to the College Blvd. exit. Head east on College Blvd. and look for the school on the north side of the street.

If you’re a Lawrence backer, stay for the second game and root for Free State. If you prefer the Firebirds, arrive early and lend your support to LHS. If you’re a basketball fan of any sort, it’s a perfect way to warm up for Kevin Durant’s Lawrence debut, which takes place the following day.

Look at it this way: It’s a great excuse to leave work early Friday. What boss wants to be accused of having no civic pride? Play that card if you need it.

LHS advancing was expected. Forecasting the Firebirds has been a more difficult task because they don’t always play team basketball.

Free State shared the ball well Wednesday night in a 60-51 comeback victory on the road against Shawnee Mission Northwest. The Firebirds played with defensive intensity, a must against a team that does such a good job of freeing its shooters with screens and shoots so well. Free State’s man-to-man, full-court pressure turned the game around.

Senior Nick Devin didn’t score a point. So what?

“Anytime Nick scores, it’s icing on the cake,” said senior Kyle Schreiner, who shared high-scoring honors with junior Weston Wiebe with 17 points. “He gives you everything he’s got on every play. He’s on every rebound. He’s on every loose ball. That’s why he’s our Most Valuable Player.”

Schreiner, as clutch as he is smart, played like a young man obsessed with extending his three-year varsity career.

Senior center Christian Ballard scored 12 points, which only hinted at his forceful influence at both ends. The charge he took in the fourth quarter summed up his night. Wiebe’s biggest play was a huge blocked shot late in the game. Junior Kris Wilson, playing the sixth-man role this time, dialed his speed down and upped his contribution by drawing the defense and dishing inside for easy buckets. Marcus Spates, Anthony Russell and Craig Rosenstengle contributed the sort of defensive fire Jamar Reese brings daily in practice.

See you for five hours Friday at Olathe Northwest. No absences will be excused.