Random Thoughts: very random edition

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

This week’s Random Thoughts center around All-Ohioan Keagon Hammons, Northwest Conference basketball, kudos to area coaches and athletic directors, Ohio State and the College Football Playoff, an intriguing bowl matchup, and public vs. private championships.

Keagon Hammons

I’d be remiss if I didn’t say congratulations to Van Wert High School senior Keagon Hammons, who was named as a Division IV Second Team All-Ohio defensive lineman.

He was chosen for the much deserved honor by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association. Hammons finished with a team high eight sacks and generally terrorized opposing offenses the entire season.

NWC hoops

It’s very early, but Columbus Grove and Bluffton seem like the teams to beat in the Northwest Conference boys’ basketball race. Both return key players and both have posted impressive victories.

The two teams won’t meet until January 31, at Columbus Grove.

Kudos

Kudos to the athletic directors and coaches who agreed to bump up basketball game times last Saturday.

It’s not something that’s exactly preferred, but I’m sure fans appreciated being able to watch their favorite basketball team and not miss the Big 10 Championship Game.

I’m guessing similar shifting of times will take place on December 28, when the Buckeyes play Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl.

College football playoff

A number of Ohio State fans are upset that the Buckeyes are the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff.

Yes, OSU has a great argument to be the top seed, but it didn’t happen. Personally, I’m happy they’re back in it, regardless of the seed, and as I said in the Monday Mailbag, the pressure is really on Clemson, not Ohio State.

Bowl games

Michigan vs. Alabama in the Citrus Bowl? Interesting.

Notre Dame in the Camping World Bowl? Somehow that doesn’t seem right, especially for such a storied program.

State football champions

For those keeping track, public schools won six of the seven Ohio High School Athletic Association state football championships over the weekend.

In fact, only two of 14 teams competing for state titles were private or parochial schools, and both were from Cincinnati – Elder in Division I and La Salle in Division II. La Salle defeated Massillon Washington and Elder lost to Pickerington Central.

If you have thoughts on any of the above subjects feel free to email me at sports@thevwindependent.com.