We task our reporters with identifying several intriguing games throughout the state to assemble our Top Games of the Week. The matchups are presented in no particular order, and when there are additional games we want to highlight, we’ll include them with brief notes.

Cretin-Derham Hall vs. St. Thomas Academy, 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 21. Cretin-Derham Hall (3-2, 0-1) has played St. Thomas Academy (4-1, 0-0) once per year since the 2005-06 season, winning each game. However, the No. 8-4A Raiders return just one player who scored in last season's 84-66 win. Can the No. 4-3A Cadets end the lengthy losing streak when the teams meet this week?

Austin vs. Rochester John Marshall, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 18. Rochester John Marshall (1-3, 1-2) or No. 9-3A Austin (2-1, 2-1) have finished atop the Big 9 Conference every year since the 2010-11 season, including last year when the teams finished tied with 20-2 league records. Both squads have early season losses, adding significance to this week's conference tilt.

Perham vs. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 20. The road to the Heart O'Lakes Conference title has run through Perham the last three years, and the No. 4-2A Yellowjackets (3-1, 1-0) are again the favorites coming into the year. They aim to avoid a speed bump and maintain control in league play at Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton (3-1, 1-1).

The MN Basketball Hub poll is for entertainment purposes only.