The Helena High and Capital High girls basketball teams square off tonight in the season's first crosstown game, and both coaches agree that the contest will create a lot of electricity in the Carroll PE Center.

"It will be a good game and both teams are going to be ready to compete," Helena coach Cyndie Lockett said. "The crosstown atmosphere is always an exciting time for the players and the fans."

Bill Pilgeram, Capital's coach, said that crosstown hoops always means "a big-game atmosphere," and that mentally handling the emotions of a big crowd will be the keys to winning.

The contest marks the 35th anniversary of the intracity rivalry, with HHS leading the series 47-23. The Bruins swept both games last year, 57-37 and 47-37.

Capital is currently 4-1 overall, and 1-0 in conference. The Bengals are 2-1, with tonight's tilt being their conference opener.

"Our strengths are our leadership, experience, and selflessness," Lockett said. "The girls are playing with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. They take pride in both transition defense and offense. And we are well balanced - we have nine girls that contribute equally, both at practice and in the games."

HHS is led offensively by Sarah Jackson and Kelli Hubley, averaging 12.3 and 10.0 points per game, respectively. Taylor Kanthack averages 6.3 rebounds a game, with Jordan Briski averaging 3.3 steals. Monica Grimsrud has blocked 10 shots this season.

All-conference junior Kelsey Williams, who has been out since the start of the year, will be on the floor for the Bengals tonight.

The Bengal skipper felt that some of their goals versus Capital would be to come out ready to play and execute their game plan, and to not allow the Bruins opportunities for second-chance points.

"We need to contest every shot and be aware of their shooters at all times," she said. "We must take care of the ball and see the floor offensively."

In its last outing, CHS dropped a close 45-40 contest to Bozeman High.

"Helena High has been playing very aggressively on defense and a big key to this game is taking care of the ball and breaking their pressure defenses," Pilgeram said. "We also have to make sure that they don't have an advantage in the post and in rebounding. Transition points and points in the paint will also go a long way towards determining the winner."

The Bruin coach described how his group's success is built around their team chemistry and the strong play of their veteran guards.

"We have a lot of experience returning in guards Kelsi Brekke, Sammi Bignell and Alecia Wilson," he said.

Brekke is averaging 18.2 ppg, followed by Bignell at 10.4. Bignell is the top rebounder, with an average of 6.0 boards, while Wilson leads in assists, at 7.0 per contest.

"I feel that any one of those three are as good as any guards in the state," Pilgeram said.

Tipoff is slated for 6:30 p.m.

Reporter Curt Synness: 449-2150 or curt52s@bresnan.net