The Van Wert County Courthouse

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

Monday Mailbag: HS hoops and more

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

This week’s Monday Mailbag includes questions about Van Wert basketball, the Lincolnview Lancers, the Northwest Conference basketball race and Ohio State vs. Clemson.

Q: With the end of the year nearly here, I’d like to get your thoughts on Van Wert basketball. Name withheld upon request

A: Both teams are adjusting to new coaches and schemes, but I think there are some encouraging signs.

The Lady Cougars won their first Western Buckeye League game on Thursday and the team has played fairly solid defense so far this season. Once things come together on the offensive side, this will be a dangerous team.

Keep in mind this is a young program with a lot of potential, especially when you factor in the junior varsity team.

As far as the Cougars, Friday’s win over Wapakoneta showed what this team is capable of. The team has shown some flashes in each game, but Friday was the first time the Cougars put together a complete game.

Van Wert had a tough schedule ahead, but with the same effort and continued improvement, the Cougars should be able to hold their own.

Q: Could Lincolnview be considered the surprise team of the area so far this season?

A: In some ways, yes. The Lancers are off to a nice 4-1 start and they’ve done it with a team that had no returning starters from last season. Jake Bowersock and Creed Jessee had varsity experience, just not starting experience.

In another way, it’s not too surprising because Brett Hammons is the type of coach that seems ready for anything and gets the most out of each and everyone of his players.

Q: Is it safe to say the NWC title race is a two-horse race between Columbus Grove and Bluffton? Name withheld upon request

A: It appears that way, at least on paper. Both teams are 5-0 and 2-0 in the NWC and both are very talented teams. The conference title race may very well come down to their January 31 game at Columbus Grove.

Of course, upsets do happen and who knows, perhaps a team like Lincolnview could throw a wrench in the whole thing. The Lancers will travel to Columbus Grove on January 10 and will host Bluffton the following Friday.

Q: Who are you picking in the Fiesta Bowl – Ohio State or Clemson? Name withheld upon request

A: Less than a week to go before this game and I still don’t know.

If Justin Fields is at full strength (MCL) or near full strength that’s a big plus for the Buckeyes. They’ve been battle tested and they should be ready to go.

While it’s true the Tigers haven’t exactly played a daunting schedule this year, the fact of the matter is Clemson is a very good team. Many would say the Tigers have the edge because the current team has more playoff experience. That may be true, but I still think the pressure is on Clemson, not Ohio State.

In my mind, it’s a tossup. Obviously, I’d like to see the Buckeyes win and play for the national championship.

If you have question for the next Monday Mailbag, email it to sports@thevwindependent.com.

POSTED: 12/23/19 at 4:49 am. FILED UNDER: Sports