A look at upcoming events in LOS ANGELES COUNTY

PEPSI HOTSHOTS PLAYOFFS: More than 200 youngsters ages 9 to 18 from 50 youth service agencies throughout Southern California will take to the basketball courts today at South Gate Sports Center. Twelve finalists will advance to the Area Finals to be played during halftime at the Los Angeles Clippers game on Feb. 13.

OVERCROWDED SCHOOLS: The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education will hold the first of two public hearings Friday on proposals to reduce school overcrowding districtwide. Action on the issue is scheduled for Feb. 5.