LAS VEGAS -- If there were betting on high school basketball, the odds-on picks to win small-school Nevada state championships in The Orleans Arena here this weekend would be the Spring Creek girls in Class 3-A and the Lake Mead Christian Academy boys in Class A.

Spring Creek's Spartans are 26-1 under coach Sarah Ahrendt, whose 2006 and 2007 teams -- led by Johnna Ward -- won back-to-back state titles.

They're going to make it three out of four this weekend, starting today with a win against Mesquite Virgin Valley. Boulder City and Winnemucca Lowry also clash today; go with the Buckaroos if they don't have a way to slow down B.C.'s Caiti Forrester.

Spring Creek was 14-0 in the Northern League and its only loss was to Class 4-A Reno Hug. Virgin Valley's best hope is 6-3 Rachel Morris has a big day on the defensive boards and scoring in the paint.

Lake Mead Christian Academy's boys (23-8) coasted through the Southern Nevada 1-A league and regionals, allowing less than 30 points a game in 13 starts against 1-A opponents. Owyhee was 25-2, which means that that Northern Nevada team knows how to win. But the Eagles are on a mission: win back-to-back titles.

Pahranagat Valley Alamo and Smith Valley will offer little resistance to LMCA, no matter which team advances.

Other picks:

CLASS 3-A BOYS-- Overton Moapa Valley, led by Brad Weiss and Max Jenkins, will add the basketball title to the football championship the Pirates won last fall. Spring Creek, Boulder City and Lowry don't have the manpower to threaten the Pirates.

CLASS 2-A BOYS -- Agassi Prep had Quincy Brown and DeShawn Battle, and enough on-court discipline to win a state championship. Standing in the Stars' way: Southern 2-A power Needles.

The Mustangs have Stevie Kidd and Dara Russell, but if they don't control the tempo, be wary. Today's opponent could present Agassi Prep with its toughest challenge; in 2002, ROP won the state 3-A title. Incline was a 3-A state semifinalist in 2008; the Highlanders moved to 2-A this school year.

CLASS 2-A GIRLS -- Lincoln County and Needles are the two best 2-A girls teams in Nevada. They should battle for the championship Saturday. Incline and Pershing County Lovelock are up against it.

CLASS A GIRLS -- Any of the four teams -- Lund, Owyhee, Pahranagat Valley Alamo and Virginia City -- could win it. Go with Owyhee; the Braves know how to win the big game in a big arena.