By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Slowly and surely, teams began returning to the court and ice Thursday, including with the first games of this weekend’s Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League Showcase.

1. Hockey: Utica Eisenhower won its 10^th straight game in downing Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett 4-2, and Division 1 No. 9 Macomb Dakota came back to defeat Division 2 No. 7 Saline 3-1 in MIHL Showcase games – Macomb Daily

2. Girls Basketball: Mackinaw City improved to 12-1 by holding on against Cheboygan 47-44 – Petoskey News-Review

3. Boys Basketball: Matt Ojala put up 27 points and 16 rebounds to lead Calumet past Houghton 46-45 – The Upbeat

4. Boys Basketball: Gaylord St. Mary held on for a 70-65 win over Onaway – Gaylord Herald Times

5. Boys Basketball: Alpena continued its best season in four with a 70-55 win over Gaylord – Alpena News

6. Girls Basketball: Abby Brown scored 31 points as Manton won big over Leroy Pine River – MI Sports Now

7. Girls Basketball: Six Copper Kings players scored eight or more points in Calumet’s 66-47 win over L’Anse – The Upbeat

8. Girls Basketball: McBain Northern Michigan Christian bounced back from this week’s layoff with a 48-22 win over Evart – Cadillac News

9. Boys Basketball: Grand Traverse Academy also came back from nearly a week off practice for a 68-53 win over the Traverse City Homeschoolers – Traverse City Record-Eagle