There has been a smattering of boys volleyball matches this week, but the competition really ramps up over the weekend with the Wolf Howl Invitational.

It’s one of the strongest tournaments of the year and generally gives the volleyball community an idea of the teams to beat. Gilbert won it last year and went on to the state title. Highland isn’t participating again this year, but possible contenders like Brophy, Mesa, Boulder Creek, Corona del Sol, Desert Vista, Gilbert, Hamilton and Salpointe will be among  the 30-team field.

Pool play is on Friday with each team playing four matches. The 10 teams with the best records advance to the Gold division on Saturday. Friday’s action begins at 9:30 a.m., and Saturday’s at 8 a.m. It’s hard to know exactly when the championship match will happen, but it’s generally in the mid-afternoon. All contests are at Chandler High.

Pool 1: Gilbert, Mountain Ridge, Seton Catholic, Basha, Campo Verde.

Pool 2: Brophy, Mountain View, Higley, Chandler, McClintock.

Pool 3: Hamilton, Mesa, Sandra Day O’Connor, Dobson, Marcos de Niza.

Pool 4: Corona del Sol, Salpointe, Red Mountain, Notre Dame, Mesquite.

Pool 5: Deer Valley, Ironwood Ridge, Williams Field, Perry, Sunrise Mountain.

Pool 6: Desert Vista, Boulder Creek, Westwood, Desert Ridge, Queen Creek.

Tags: Wolf Howl Invitational