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Mike White's high school sports chat: 01.16.24
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Mike White
10:55
Well, first half of section play concludes this week. Some surprise teams, for sure. Plenty to talk about. Also, today WPIAL will decide whether to let Farrell back into the league for all sports.
11:02
But before we get going with questions. Interesting "Remember When" story. It's on our web site now. 50 years ago Friday was one of the most memorable games and shots in NCAA basketball history. Notre Dame broke UCLA's 88-game winning streak when Dwight Clay hit the winning shot from the corner with 29 seconds left. Dwight is a former Fifth Ave. High School standout in Pittsburgh City League. Still lives in Pittsburgh. There is an iconic picture of his shot and he will be signing photos of the shot Thursday at a Pittsburgh restaurant. If you're a Notre Dame fan? .... But here's a story on "The Shot" and Dwight, who has been a long time hoops official in WPIAL and City League. Still does a couple games at age 70.
Coach O
11:03
I believe Terry Smith has led Penn State’s recruiting efforts in Western PA for awhile now and  they always have picked up some recruits but I was curious with the big haul of four top players this year if Bob Palko is now influential in their recruiting efforts here?
Mike White
11:04
Well, Bob Palko is involved with relations with high school coaches. He can't do any recruiting on road. So I don't think he is recruiting Western Pa. kids. That's Terry. But you can bet whenever high school kids and coaches go to Penn State campus, Bob Palko deals with them.
Second-hand Rose
11:04
Did some research: There are 27 states that use a shot clock for high school basketball. More expected next season. Is there some reason the PIAA can't see the light?
Mike White
11:07
The PIAA and schools can't see the light. I've seen games already this year where a shot clock would've made a difference. I think it would make some games better. I'm a backer of shot clock. PIAA says majority of schools don't want it? The main reason? Cost and getting people to run it. But if so many other states can do it, why can't Pennsylvania. I understand a little about getting people to run it. But the cost thing? I think that's a lame excuse. Here's why: If cost is your reason for not having shot clock, then Pa. will never have one. Why? Because it cost money to put in shot clock system years ago. It costs money today. And it will cost money 5 years from now. So you'll never do it because of cost? I wish Pa. had it. I've seen a few games already in Ohio this year at prep school that has it. I like it.
11:09
A knock against shot clock is it hurts a team without as much talent because they can't be patient and take time off clock. I understand that logic. But my belief is it would make the game better. I know not many possessions in a game are longer than 35 seconds. But I've seen many times when a team is down by maybe 4 or 5 in the last two minutes, it is so hard to come back, especially with no more one-and-ones now. I also think it would force players to become better "players," having to make more plays because of time.
Football
11:09
South Fayette still doesn’t have a new football coach? Heard nobody wants to apply because they know it’s gonna be a
Mike White
11:10
You didn't finish your thought. I would think South Fayette has candidates. I do know Joe Rossi hopes one of his assistants would get the job.
Ryan
11:10
Mike who wins tonight’s game between The Mars Fighting Planets and the moon tigers go mars
Mike White
11:11
Will probably be close. I'll go with Moon. A lot will depend on Mars' shooting. Sometimes, they can really shoot it. Made 15 3's in the FIRST HALF of one game this season.
Hoops
11:15
What's your thoughts on 3A Boy's Basketball and what teams do you think have a chance at a WPIAL Championship this year?
Mike White
11:17
I wouldn't say 3A is real strong this year, at least with depth of quality teams. What a job Albie Fletcher has done at Deer Lakes. Terence Parham got that program going, but Fletcher took it to another level. Won WPIAL last year. Lost some key players from that team but are ranked No. 1 this year. Neshannock has won 12 in a row, has big game tonight against Mohawk. Don't forget about Seton LaSalle. Burrell has a good record. How good is Washington? I think 3A might be a little open come playoff time.
Hoops
11:18
Who do you believe are some of the top 3A Basketball Players and Coaches in the WPIAL this year?
Mike White
11:20
Well two players come to mind right away. Terek Crosby of Yough leads WPIAL in scoring. Then there's Joseph Roth of Ellwood City. The kid continues to amaze me. A state record holder swimmer who contines to play - and excel - in basketball. Averaging 24 a game. Has outside chance maybe at 2,000 career points. Are you kidding me? Do you know how hard it is to just be a good swimmer? And then excel in basketball in same season? I think he's one of the best stories in the WPIAL.
11:21
By the way, here's that Dwight Clay story: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/highschool/2024/01/16/the-shot-dwi...
Big Ben
11:21
What's the status of many of the high school basketball games today, do you know any off the top of your headed or posted anywhere that are canceled?
Mike White
11:21
A few postponed. I don't have a full list.
GP14
11:21
Mike, what do you think of the situation going on at Chartiers Valley? Star player and veteran coach not on the team, how bad do you think it can progress as section play continues to heat up?
Mike White
11:24
It has a lot of people scratching their heads. How is the coach put on administrative leave? Everything I've been told by people who were at the game against South Fayette, where situation occurred, said coach did nothing wrong. The player, Jayden Davis, will be back tonight. I don't know what the total story is. Did the coach not do what administration wanted? I don't know. But I have a feeling this story isn't over.
Jeff
11:24
Mike quite a race in PIHL AAA with as many as 7 schools (Not Central Catholic) with a shot at Penguins Cup .......Not your expertise ? but Great for all schools involved .....maybe WPIAL or PIAA Football should takes on competitive balance ?
Mike White
11:25
Hockey does things different than PIAA and WPIAL. You could be a big school, but if you don't do well for a period of years, you move down in class. There are some bigger schools playing Class 1A in hockey. Maybe the system should be looked at for WPIAL sports. But I doubt it will happen.
Jeff
11:26
Great Story out of EF Area as LJ Mooney is headed for US National Development for USA Hockey and could be drafted in the NHL like cousin Logan Cooley of Arizona Coyotes ........LJ is son of Serra's John Mooney who scored over 100 Goals in a season for Serra and led the Eagles to 3 straight State Titles from 1999 to 2001
Mike White
11:26
Nice. I remember John Mooney.
GoWPIAL
11:26
Any must see hoop matchups on the horizon? If so, what games are you looking forward to seeing?
Mike White
11:27
Some very good ones tonight with first place on the line. NA at Central (who's the best team in 6A? I don't know). Fox Chapel at Shaler. Moon at Mars. Highlands at Knoch. Mohawk at Neshannock (both teams unbeaten in section). Burgettstown at Fort Cherry (both undefeated in section).
Hoops
11:27
Who are some of the best players and coaches that you have seen throughout 3A this year?
Mike White
11:28
Already touched on two of the best above - Crosby and Roth. We have Deer Lakes, Neshannock, Seton LaSalle as top three teams in 3A right now. That could change.
Jv guru
11:28
When do football schedules for next year come out?
Mike White
11:29
Probably not until February when conference alignments are definite.
Jv guru
11:29
What are you thoughts on the Mike Tomlin Situation ?
Mike White
11:29
Not even touching that one.
NA Fan
11:29
Joey Dopriak from North Allegheny is having a great year in hoops. One of the nicest kids ever. Really glad he is coming along. Played football through 9th grade could have been a great football player as well.
Mike White
11:31
I put him on 12 players in WPIAL who have taken their game to next level this year. He's been terrific. I could believe he'd be a good football player. Like a tight end, or rush end. Soft hands. Versatile. I know he's not being recruited by D-1s or probably not even D-2s. I think he'd make an excellent D-3 player.
Hat trick harry
11:31
How can a coach who benches a player, then attacked by parents after the game put on paid administrative leave?? The actions of that player and his parents warranted being removed from the team, yet the coach is the one suspended??? Make it make sense please.
Mike White
11:32
You said it. That's what many are asking. You're talking about the Chartiers Valley situation.
JohnnyFootball
11:32
Hearing any news on the hiring front or potential hires for football teams looking to fill their openings?
Mike White
11:32
Nothing definite.
South Hills Fan
11:32
Will new football sections be released today and if so, where will they be posted?
Mike White
11:33
No they will not. Probably not until February when conferences are finalized. They will vote on whether to accept Farrell into WPIAL today.
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