Monday Mailbag: January 20, 2019

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

This week’s Monday Mailbag includes questions about basketball postponements, a high school shot clock, Ohio State basketball and Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Q: Who decides which high school basketball games will be played and which ones will be canceled? It was strange to see Van Wert’s game at Bryan canceled for what amounted to rain, especially when other games went on as scheduled. Name withheld upon request

A: It’s true that we did get what seemed like mainly rain in this area, but it’s my understanding the weather was worse to the north on Friday night and Saturday.

During the winter, games are postponed or canceled for safety reasons, i.e. road conditions before and projected conditions afterward. Schools remain in communication during the process of deciding what’s best.

Van Wert at Bryan wasn’t the only game postponed in extreme northwest Ohio – at least two others that I know of were rescheduled due to outdoor conditions.

It may sound like a cliché, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Q: I read your comments last week about a high school shot clock. You’re wrong, dead wrong. A shot clock would add some excitement to the games and make them more entertaining. Name withheld upon request

A: This is a case of agreeing to disagree, and I’m okay with that.

As I mentioned last week, I don’t see how the pros outweigh the cons and until someone is able to show me some valid reasons, I’ll remain against the idea. Add some excitement how? Make them more entertaining how?

Q: About a shot clock in high school basketball – I agree with you. I’ve watched teams struggle to put the ball in the basket and with that in mind, a shot clock doesn’t seem to make any sense. Name withheld upon request

A: There are people on both sides of the argument.

Like I said in response to the previous question, I’d like to see some valid reasons as to how it could benefit the game.

Q: Prove me wrong Scott – Ohio State was the most overrated college basketball team in the country. Name withheld upon request

A: I prefer not to use the term overrated, but you may be correct.

At one point, the Buckeyes were ranked No. 2 in the country, but that ranking has steadily declined and when the new poll comes out today, they won’t be ranked.

I’m still not convinced they were ever truly the No. 2 team but at the time there was a lot of movement in the poll. Top ranked teams weren’t winning while other highly ranked teams were losing. Meanwhile, Ohio State beat North Carolina, which was impressive at the time but not so impressive now, given the struggles of the Tar Heels. There was the win over Kentucky, but outside of that, there were no big time wins.

In other words, the schedule was “friendly.”

Let’s see what happens as the season progresses, starting with Thursday’s game vs. Minnesota and Sunday’s game at Northwestern.

Q: Is there any chance the Bengals won’t take Joe Burrow, or will trade out of the top spot in the draft? Name withheld upon request

A: At this very moment, taking Burrow seems like a very wise thing for the Cincinnati Bengals organization.

I don’t see them selecting anyone else with the No. 1 overall pick, however, I won’t be shocked if they trade out of that spot. I’m not saying they will, I’m just saying I won’t be surprised.

If you have a sports question or comment for next week’s Monday Mailbag, you can email it to sports@thevwindependent.com.