COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Senior laden. Tradition heavy. Passionate students. Big-time big men. The scripts are the same for DeSales and St. Charles. Both undefeated in Central Catholic League play, the two CCL titans do battle on Friday at St. Charles.

Sitting at 3-0 in league play each, DeSales (10-2) and St. Charles (11-1) meet for a matchup of big proportions. With supremacy in the CCL on the line, Friday's game is expected to be just as good as the two classics that took place last season. 

After all, the first matchup a year ago went to triple overtime, with St. Charles pulling away late in the game. In a series of runs, the teams traded knockout blows, with the Cardinals and emerging big man Nick Muszynski pulling away late.

In the second meeting, DeSales ended St. Charles' perfect start to the season, as its own big man, Caden Sanchez, was dominant in a 48-45 victory.

With both big men back for their senior seasons, Muszynski and Sanchez, who each committed to Division I programs on the same day last fall, are looking to land one final blow to take control of the CCL. 

The key in this one could come down to depth. St. Charles was a deep team last season, as it was able to wear DeSales out in the first meeting of the season. The script has been flipped this time around, as DeSales possesses a deeper lineup, however, St. Charles has the best trio in Muszynski, senior forward Tavon Brown and senior guard Braden Budd.

While DeSales' top three is nothing to sneeze at, the Stallions have a talented cast of underclassmen and reserve players that could make a big difference. Guys like sophomore wing Kayin Derden, who is a deadly shooter from deep, could make an impact in a heated rivalry that is sure to create for an amazing atmosphere. 

Derden's shooting has helped the Stallions in big games this season, as he provides a big lift to Sanchez, senior wing Luke Hippler and senior guard Ryan Peaks. The Stallions could also see contribution off the bench from senior wing Abdul Kanu, who is a lengthy and athletic specimen on the perimeter that gives DeSales playmaking ability inside and in transition. 

For St. Charles, it can expect to get healthy doses of offense from its big three. However, senior guards Jordan Burkey and George Javitch will be expected to step up for the Cardinals, much as they did in a non-league thriller over Beechcroft two weeks ago. 

In classic CCL fashion, you can expect Friday's game to be a war of attrition. Foul trouble plagued each losing team in last season's meetings, and that could come back into play in 2017. The head-to-head battle between Muszynski and Sanchez is a CCL version of Ali vs. Frazier, as both seniors are big-time competitors that go at it each time out. The better of the two will win Friday's game, as each team thrives off the production of its Division I center. 

DeSales vs. St. Charles is Friday's top game in Central Ohio and a recommended watch for anyone looking for high-quality basketball.