SCOTT TRUXELL\/independent editor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The latest installment of Random Thoughts centers around girls basketball, a tough stretch, the NBA, All-Star football, bowl games and the Indianapolis Colts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Girls hoops<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s been a successful start for girls basketball teams at Crestview, Lincolnview and Van Wert. The three teams are off to a combined start of 17-7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Challenging stretch<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n After a delayed start due to football, Van Wert\u2019s boys basketball team is in the midst of a challenging portion of the schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After a thrilling come from behind win over Wayne Trace, the Cougars will play at Ottoville tonight and at Columbus Grove on Friday, weather permitting. Both places are tough to play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To some degree, this team is still finding its way but is fun to watch. The fun should increase when they get rolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n NBA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s no right or wrong answer here but I’m wondering – how many of you follow any NBA team on at least a semi-regular basis. Why do you enjoy the NBA or why don’t you follow it? Let me know. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All-Stars<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Congratulations to Van Wert head football coach Keith Recker for being named as one of the head coaches in next year\u2019s Ohio High School Football Coaches Association North-South All-Star Classic. Recker will coach Division IV-VII Team South. More information, including rosters, will be released next month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Wapakoneta\u2019s Travis Moyer has been named head coach of Division I-III Team South, so congratulations to him as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bowl games<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the \u201cminor\u201d bowl games played so far have been pretty entertaining. Hopefully that trend continues through the remaining bowl games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Colts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I saw on Sunday where people were blaming Matt Ryan for the Colts loss to Minnesota the day before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I say baloney. Obviously a lot of things have to happen for a team to blow a 33-0 halftime lead and lose in overtime. I\u2019m not saying Ryan is blameless but be real \u2013 there\u2019s plenty of blame to go around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n