Is it too early to start talking about next Tuesday’s boys basketball game between No. 1 Federal Way and No. 6 Kentwood?
This showdown (7 p.m., Dec. 8 at KW) isn’t just big in regards to the South Puget Sound League North Division, but the state as well.
A few things I’m interested in finding out in this game …

1) How much better can the Eagles be this season?
I traded e-mails with Federal Way Mirror sports reporter Casey Olson earlier today and he feels this Eagle team is even better than last year and, health pending, should win another state title.
I scratched my head and wondered, “How can they be even better? They were nearly flawless last year.”
Guard Michael Hale III has graduated and since moved on to North Idaho College, where he’s playing with Kentridge product Renado Parker. Hale is without a doubt one of the quickest guards I’ve ever reported on. Federal Way also graduated second-team all-leaguer Jeff Forbes.
So how can FW be better?

The Eagles certainly looked better in their season-opening 110-85 throttling of ninth-ranked Lincoln. Yes, 110 points folks. That’s a number Federal Way didn’t reach all of last year. And the Eagles did it against a very good Lincoln team. Ouch!

Sure, Federal Way graduated some top-flight talent, but it also received a solid transfer in Tyrell Lewis (Mount Rainier High).

2) Can Kentwood slow down Federal Way?
Federal Way took two of three games against Kentwood last year, though the Conquerors were one of the few teams that did slow the Eagles down. Federal Way averaged 72.5 points per game last year, but just 57 against Kentwood.
In addition, Kentwood held Cole Dickerson, Federal Way’s leading scorer last year, to a combined 31 points in three games. He averaged 17.5 per game.
So can KW slow down FW? I’d bet on it. How much, however, will be the key.

And the last thing I’m interested in finding out …
3) Will KW’s guards take the open shot or try and force the ball down low?
We all know what KW’s Josh Smith is going to deliver … around 25 points, 15 rebounds, a few blocks and four or five rim-rattling dunks. What got the Conquerors in trouble at times last year, however, was when they tried to force the ball into Smith, who often was double and triple-teamed.
Rest assured, Federal Way will drape at least two guys around Smith. If Kentwood’s guards can take — and hit — some open shots, this has the makings of a tremendous high school basketball game.

I’d love to hear some thoughts on those planning on attending. It should be fun.