We’re two full weeks into the season — time to check in on who’s hot on the court among boys basketball teams in Macomb County.
This week’s rankings are a continuation of the preseason rankings, which were first published on Dec. 3. Along with the teams’ records, we also note where they are now relative to the most recent rankings, which considers all action through Dec. 15.
Also considered for spots in the rankings this week were Lake Shore, Eastpointe, Michigan Collegiate, New Haven, Cousino and Clintondale in no particular order.1. Lincoln Abes (3-1, no change)
The Abes’ only slip-up through two-ish weeks has been a 15-point loss to East Lansing this past weekend at the Moneyball Tip Off Classic in Lansing. And while they certainly would’ve liked it to be closer, there’s hardly any shame in losing to a reigning Division 1 quarterfinalist who is back in the state title hunt.
Lincoln has 20-plus point wins over L’Anse Creuse North and Eisenhower, and they’ve also handed reigning D1 semifinalist Ann Arbor Huron their only loss thus far.
2. Chippewa Valley Big Reds (6-0, up two spots)
Only two of the Big Reds’ wins so far have been decided by fewer than six points. In comparison, three of their wins are by more than 20.
They’re not doing it with just one go-to player, either; What makes Chippewa Valley dangerous early on is there they have several guys who can get it done, be it Brandon Bellante, Cass Sanders, Jaden Brown, Josh Johnson or Justin Gloester.
3. Fitzgerald Spartans (3-1, no change)
All three of Fitzgerald’s wins thus far have been by double-digits, even if they didn’t play their best ball in those games. Their first massive test was on Thursday, Dec. 12 when they dropped a defensive slugfest against Grosse Pointe South by two points.
Wins over Cousino, Imlay City and Center Line all have potential to age well.
4. Dakota Cougars (5-1, up one spot)
A 16-point loss at Cass Tech partially muddies what has otherwise been an idealistic start for the Cougars; they’ve taken care of business in the area with wins over Stevenson, Ford II, Anchor Bay and Eisenhower and also claimed a victory over Lake Orion during a showcase.
Dekovan Thomas has been the standout for Dakota early.
5. Center Line Panthers (3-1, up three spots)
The Panthers blew out Clawson, beat Hazel Park handily then took an eight point loss to Fitzgerald. What moved them way up the rankings was what they did on Saturday, beating De La Salle 58-55 behind 30 points from Terez Holmes.
That’s the type of win that can prove that a team is legit and needs to be taken seriously. And Derrick Walton Sr.’s crew certainly seems to fit the bill.
6. De La Salle Pilots (2-5, down four spots)
While De La Salle’s record is ugly through seven games, context is important — they have losses to top teams Groves, Catholic Central and Brother Rice with wins over Ferndale and Saginaw Heritage.
Phoenix Glassnor, of course, has been phenomenal. He scored a program-record 46 points in the win over Saginaw Heritage, but even in games where he scores 27 points — like against Brother Rice — it’s not always enough. They’ll need the rest of the team to contribute to their abilities in order to keep up with the Catholic League.
7. L’Anse Creuse North Crusaders (4-2, down one spot)
The Crusaders haven’t lit the world on fire through six games, but they’ve taken care of business with wins over Port Huron, Rochester, L’Anse Creuse and with a triple overtime win over Ford II.
They started 0-1 with a loss to Lincoln in November and their only slip-up since is a one-point defeat to Anchor Bay. Julius Wilson and Brandon Thomas especially have had strong starts.
8. Parkway Christian Eagles (5-1, new to rankings)
Few area teams have had a stronger start than the Eagles, who have won five-straight games after dropping their season opener to Everest Collegiate, which includes a blowout of friend/rival Austin Catholic.
The Harrison brothers — Isaiah and Nathaniel — along with Tyler Powers, Zaheem Cannon and Julian Montano have helped lead the Eagles out of the gate.
9. Roseville Panthers (3-2, down two spots)
Roseville’s toughest test to date has been Gabriel Richard, and it ended up being a 27-point loss. That comes on the heels of a home loss to Grosse Pointe North.
But while the last week was cruel to the Panthers, they still have taken care of business before, beating Eisenhower, L’Anse Creuse and Stevenson to start the year. But there’s still a long way to go for Greg Boler’s crew to reach what we’ve come to expect from this program.
10. Ford II Falcons (3-3, new to rankings)
Ford’s talent level is up there with most teams in the area — AJ Johnson, Jamie Thomas and Eli Miller can keep them in the game with anyone — but they’ll need to find their consistency in order to unlock their full potential.
The Falcons haven’t gone on a losing streak or winning streak yet. Each loss has been followed up with a win, and vice versa thus far. But all of the losses have been by three or fewer points, including against Dakota and L’Anse Creuse North, who are already on this list.
There’s a world where the Falcons are 6-0 and a top five team in Macomb County right now.