Eisenhower Hockey Team Skates for Division Title

First of all, let me start out by saying a big “Thank You” to everyone who e-mailed in response to last week’s column. The response was really good, and as a result, this little column is going to be better.

Please keep these comments, suggestions and ideas coming.

Without your help, I can’t recognize any of the outstanding efforts put in by athletes all over the area—from the little ones all the way to our senior citizens. Everyone has a place on Patch.com, and in this column.

This week we’re going to take a few moments to look back at some of the week’s highlights, as well as look forward to some of the events you might want to catch over the next week or so.

A Look Back

• Let’s begin with the boys hockey team and a strong skate had at the Michigan Public High School Hockey Invitational Showcase this past weekend. The Eagles went 1-1-1 overall, with a loss to Novi, a tie against Brighton, and a victory over Escanaba. The squad played well against very good competition. Well done, Coach Hall, and the entire team.
• Now, switching gears to boys basketball, where wrapped up the week 2-0 with wins over Lincoln High and Port Huron Northern during the week. Coach Kraemer has his squad on the upswing as of late and apparently gearing up for a serious district title run in a few weeks. Keep up the good work.

• Also, the boys hoops squad from Ike got a much-needed victory over Macomb Area Conference Red Division foe, L’Anse Creuse North, last Tuesday at home, 55-42.

• Both Utica and Ike bowed out of the state wrestling tournament this week, falling in team districts. The Chieftains advanced to the final before falling to Utica Ford II, while the Eagles fell to Romeo in the opener.

• Also, kudos to the boys bowling team who locked up a MAC Red title this season. The Chieftains dominated the rest of the division going unbeaten through the first nine contests.

A Look Ahead

• ­As the boys hockey regular season winds down, the Eagles team finds itself on top of the MAC Red Division at 6-2, with Dakota High close behind at 5-2 in division play. That said, this week’s game is big for Ike. Of course, the fact that it’s against Utica on Saturday night, Feb. 19, at Suburban Ice only adds to the significance. The puck drops at 8:30 p.m. so it’s going to be a late night of hockey, but it’ll be worth it, trust me.

• The boys basketball team from Utica has a huge game Thursday night against MAC White Division-leading East Detroit at home beginning at 7 p.m. Currently, the Chieftains are in the second spot in the White, three games back of the Shamrocks. Still, a victory in front of the home crowd would send a message to the rest of the division, as well as the team’s opponents in district play, which tips off March 9 for Utica and Utica Ford II.