The Birmingham News prep sports staff selects five high school basketball games, boys or girls, to watch each week.

With regular season area play winding down, this week’s games are pivotal. Teams are playing for seeding purposes in area tournaments with the No. 1 seed hosting.

See the top five games involving Birmingham area teams Jan. 23-29 — plus a bonus game.

Note: Information is compiled through Saturday games and schedules are subject to change.

VESTAVIA HILLS (22-3, 4-0) at HOOVER (18-6, 3-1) — GIRLS