Serving up some hoops

While I can’t compete with a free Grand Slam (who can?), I’m going to try my best and serve up some free advice on the one subject I think I know nearly as well as Denny’s knows breakfast — Macomb County boys basketball.

Specifically, with the Macomb Area Conference division season just past the halfway point, I’ve put together a quick rundown of the title races and some key upcoming games that could decide who ends up with a championship banner.

(All games mentioned below start at approximately 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.)

MAC Red: Utica Eisenhower knocked off Romeo High in the schools’ first meeting to wrestle sole possession of first place away from the two-time defending champions. Barring any slip-ups or surprises, that sets the stage for a final first-place showdown when the Eagles hit the road to Romeo Feb. 27 — where the Bulldogs have been nearly impossible to beat the past couple seasons.

MAC White: Grosse Pointe North has stormed out of the gate beating its first 12 opponents by an average of 20 points to start the season unbeaten. Assuming things continue to go their way, a Feb. 12 game at Roseville High should decide whether the Norsemen can lock up the title early against the second-place Panthers — who’ll be out for revenge after falling by 18 points Jan. 13 at North.

MAC Blue: Madison Heights Madison has continued to work its magic and is looking for a third straight division title after winning the MAC Gold the past two seasons. But Eastpointe East Detroit and Fraser aren’t far behind, and Warren Fitzgerald and Fair Haven Anchor Bay can still make things happen as well.

Madison will enjoy some home cooking as the Eagles look to extend their division lead with home games against Fraser (Feb. 6) and East Detroit (Feb. 18). But the title will ultimately be decided on the road when Madison visits Fitzgerald (Feb. 20), Anchor Bay (Feb. 24) and East Detroit (Feb. 27).

MAC Gold: Warren Mott, Warren Lincoln and Marysville each have one eye on the title and one on their respective schedule as the trio of schools enter the homestretch of the division slate with a chance at first place. Mount Clemens High can’t be counted out either.

If Mott wants a piece of the title, the Marauders have to become true road warriors, with away contests at Lincoln (Feb. 10), Mount Clemens (Feb. 22) and Marysville (Feb. 24 – 7:30 p.m.). The picture will become a bit clearer just before all that when Lincoln hosts Marysville at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6.

MAC Silver: St. Clair Shores Lake Shore and Clinton Township Clintondale have emerged as the teams to beat — and the squads will meet for a second time at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Lake Shore. The Shorians edged the Dragons in overtime 59-58 in their first meeting, Jan. 7 at Clintondale.