Rivalry week sets up marquee boys hoops games

Hoops fans slowly emerging from their holiday hibernation may want to avert their eyes in the upcoming week. Rivalry games and key division clashes highlight what should make for a bright spot on the varsity boys basketball schedule.

Wednesday, Jan. 9
Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse at Romeo High, 7 p.m.
Few people outside of L’Anse Creuse expected the Lancers to be sitting atop the MAC Red instead of the Bulldogs. The dynamic duo of Nick Carreri and Willie Cruz can add more believers to the Lancers bandwagon if they win at Romeo to remain unbeaten in the division.

Lake Shore at Lakeview, 7 p.m. A half a game and a little more than two miles separate these St. Clair Shores intracity rivals as they face off in this MAC Silver showdown.

Fair Haven Anchor Bay at Warren Fitzgerald, 7 p.m. A little more than 30 miles separate these schools, but the Tars and Spartans sit tied for second place a half game behind Roseville High in the MAC Blue. This contest should be pivotal when it comes to crowning a champion in a division crowded with contenders. Roseville visits Anchor Bay Jan. 11.

Warren Lincoln at Mt. Clemens High, 7:30 p.m. If the Abes and Bathers want to keep pace with MAC Gold Division leader Madison High Madison, they can’t afford to get tripped up by each other. Oh, and it’s possible that the memories of Lincoln ending Mt. Clemens’ season in the district final last year may come into play.

Thursday, Jan. 10
Mt. Clemens at Macomb Lutheran North, 7 p.m. The Bathers will be tested in the post by the Mustangs in this non-conference clash, which comes a day after racing up and down the court with Lincoln. The contrasting styles should prepare Mt. Clemens for another tough test on Jan. 15, when the Bathers travel to Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day.

Friday, Jan. 11
Macomb Dakota at Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, 7 p.m. The Cougars knocked the Big Reds out of the playoffs the past two years. The Big Reds knocked the Cougars out of the playoffs the two seasons before that. The MAC Red foes are again scheduled in the same district this year and could again face off in the postseason for a third-game rubber match. Better get to this one early if you want a (ring)side seat for round one.

East Detroit at South Lake, 7 p.m. Last year the Shamrocks and Cavaliers ended up sharing the MAC Blue crown. Nobody likes to share, especially heated rivals.

Grosse Pointe North at Grosse Pointe South, 7 p.m. Fans of this rivalry will be treated to an extra helping this year. Although the Norsemen compete in the MAC Red and the Blue Devils play in the MAC White, these squads will square off twice, with the second meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at North. But first things first, and a win over a rival could be just the boost these squads need after slow starts in their respective divisions.

Warren De La Salle at Birmingham Brother Rice, 7:30 p.m. The young Pilots may not have a single senior on their roster, but no one needs to remind them that beating the Warriors is a big deal.

Tuesday, Jan. 15
Lutheran North at Harper Woods High, 7 p.m. The Mustangs emerged with the Metro Conference title last season, ending a three-year reign by the Pioneers. Don’t think Harper Woods has forgotten.

Center Line High at Warren Lincoln, 7:30 p.m. Old foes meet in a MAC crossover in what could be a postseason preview. The Panthers began the week sitting atop the MAC Silver with a 4-0 division mark and were 6-1 overall.