Happy hoops and holidays!

The other morning, I spent a few freezing minutes scraping the frost off my car windows, which can only mean two things — it’s winter, and it’s finally boys basketball season.

OK, so I just checked the calendar and winter doesn’t officially start until Dec. 21, but by then most schools will be out on break, leaving a handful of hoops tournaments here and there.

So to feed your (and mine) basketball fever until then, I’ve highlighted several great games in the Macomb County area in the next couple of weeks. Enjoy!

Dec. 7 — Utica Ford II at Fraser High, 7:30 p.m. — This MAC crossover is one of a few local games on opening day. Even with the entire preseason to get ready for it, there might not be a tougher team to prepare for then Fraser of the MAC Blue. The Ramblers’ pressure, zone ‘D’ and Princeton offense will surely test the visiting Falcons of the MAC Red.

Dec. 8 — Grosse Pointe North at Warren De La Salle, 7:30 p.m. — These squads were hands down the two most complete teams in the area last year. The Pilots eventually bested the Norsemen in a regional final last season, but nearly everyone who played in that game has graduated, so it will be interesting to see who steps up for these proud programs this year.

Dec. 9 — Warren Cousino at Warren Mott, 7 p.m. — The MAC Gold-based Marauders, led by twin towers C.J. Olaniyan and Joel Asbury, could be one of the top five teams in the area and will get a much-needed early test from their rivals, who play in the MAC White. Meanwhile, this will be the Patriots’ second game in as many nights, as Cousino plays at Troy Athens Dec. 8 in new coach Craig Miller’s debut with the team.

Dec. 11 — St. Clair Shores Lake Shore at Warren Lincoln, 7 p.m. — The Shorians and Abes probably surprised a few people last year when they finished as co-champs in their divisions, the MAC Gold and Silver, respectively. Their league rivals might want to keep a close eye on this early season clash so they know what’s coming this year. Lake Shore, led by Johnny Johnson, might even be the favorites this season in the Silver.

Dec. 15 — Madison High at Roseville High, 7 p.m. — Calling this game a “track meet” may be cliche, but it doesn’t even do it justice. It's more like a high-octane, turbo-fueled, 40-yard dash on rocket skates. The talent level will be through the roof, as will the offensive output, for these athletic squads. First team to 90 wins.

Dec. 17 — Utica Eisenhower at Roseville High, 7 p.m. — It’s too tough to pass on the Panthers again, as they play host to the defending MAC Red champs and Oakland University-bound center Corey Petros following their matchup with Madison — the defending MAC Blue champs. This will be another huge test for Brandon Gouch, Traye Williams and the rest of the Panthers — who want to reach those championship ranks with the MAC White and district title after coming close last year.