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Mike White's high school sports chat: 02.04.20
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Mike White
10:59
Section play in hoops ends this weekend. Pairings announced next Tuesday. Second football signing date is tomorrow. Much we can talk about. Let's start.
Perrytowne crew
10:59
Mike....I saw the schedule for North Hills next year in football. Do you think the former AD gave them a tough and rigorous schedule based upon not wanting to look like she is playing favorites? I mean that is a real gaunlet of opposition outside the already formidable talent in that section. The Indians might only be guaranteed/a lock 3 to 4 wins next year.
Mike White
11:00
Really? Please. They matched up teams in non conference game based on competitiveness. Many teams have tough non conference games. Nothing to do with playing favorites.
Howard Stern
11:00
What's the deal with the crazy Section 2 in 4A?  Blackhawk could win the section with a record around .500.  If they win the section outright, they have to be a top 4 seed right?  What do you do with the other teams in that section as I still feel that the final four could be (a longer shot than past years) all from Section 2?  I feel like there are 7 teams overall who could legitimately win 4A!
Mike White
11:02
The Blackhawk thing is crazy, isn't it? I don't ever remember seeing a team go winless in non-section games and then win a section title. Yes, Blackhawk will get a top 4 seed if they win section. Final 4 all from that section? I guess it could happen, but Highlands, Knoch and Uniontown all are pretty good. I don't think a total final four of teams from the Blackhawk section. I'll say two.
WPGBB
11:03
Hi Mike, how do you think 6A Girls basketball seeding shakes out 1-8?
Mike White
11:04
I think top 4 pretty easy. Either NA or Bethel No. 1 and the other No. 2. Mt. Lebanon 3-4. From there, a lot of even teams.
Ace O’Malley-Scheuneman
11:04
Mr. White,  Would the heirarchy of the WPIAL ever consider going back to two referees for basketball?  The quality is really lacking almost to a point where it is embarrassing.  In some cases it’s hard enough to find two qualified individuals, three just doesn’t ever happen.  Thank you.
Mike White
11:05
So, you think officiating quality is lacking and needs to be better -- and you're suggesting taking one official away from the game and go with two? Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. You want better officiating so let's take another set of eyes away.
Whike Mite
11:05
Mike,    What is the process for nomination, voting and induction into the WPIAL Hall of Fame?
Mike White
11:06
The committee asks schools to nominate people from their own school. Committee members can also suggest a person. I used to be on the committee but no longer am.
Guest
11:06
Mike, unlike football, interesting that classification status means little in basketball? Last weekend, NC thumps pretty good CC team, Vincentian knocked off LP(that one really surprised me) and Cornell lost by a couple to QV.
Mike White
11:07
Yes, basketball totally different than football. Size isn't as much of a factor in basketball classes as it is in football. And remember, two good players can make a world of difference in basketball, where it takes many more in football.
Zman
11:07
Previous question about classifications was mine. One more, McKeesport dropping to 4A in football should give TJ a legit challenger to their dominance don’t you think?
Mike White
11:08
Yes, McKeesport will be a factor in Class 4A.
Basketball Fan
11:08
Mike, if you had to put money on the 6A playoffs right now, who you going with?
Mike White
11:08
Not ready to pick a winner yet. See how this week plays out. I think there are five teams right now that could win it.
B-Baller
11:08
North Allegheny vs North Hills with the playoffs on the line! What will decide this game?
Mike White
11:08
Whatever team scores more points.
11:09
Ahhh seriously, probably who shoots the ball better. Sounds simple, but true.
Scott
11:09
South Allegheny Boys BB...How good are they really?
Mike White
11:11
Haven't seen them yet, so it's hard to say. I know people who have. Are they as good as Lincoln Park or North Catholic. I don't know if I'd go that far, but apparently they're pretty good. What makes a difference for South Allegheny apparently is 6-5 Omar Faulkner. SA has other good players but this kid averages 15, 10 boards and 4 blocks. Not many 3A teams have an inside player like that who can affect a game with his shot blocking. Nice to see a team that hasn't had much success having a really good year.
B-Baller
11:11
What is your opinion on the influence of coaching vs quality of players to the success of a basketball team?  The best teams typically have really good players and the worst teams do not.  I have seen coaches who are considered to be excellent lose a lot when they don't have the players.  Is coaching overrated?
Mike White
11:13
No, coaching is not overrated. Especially in high school. But you are exactly correct. I think there are definitely good coaches out there who don't do much because they just don't have the talent. Over the years, it's amazing how much better of a coach you are with good players. The good ones take average to not-so-good players and make their teams at least competitive.
Buddy Fiedler
11:13
Moon Girls basketball coach firing:
Mike White
11:13
What about it?
SewHoopster
11:13
Based on the current playoff standings (12 teams already made it) for Boys Class 4A, who is your final 4?
Mike White
11:13
Not ready to say yet. See how this week plays out.
Howard Stern
11:13
You have started to hear about many younger coaches in the NFL taking the game in a new direction (also the old buy Andy Reid finally got one).  Are there any "young" (maybe under 40 years old) football or basketball coaches in the WPIAL that you have noticed that could be poised for a long career of success?
Mike White
11:14
I'd have to think about that one.
Buddy Fiedler
11:14
I would hope the residents, parents and coaches of moon township sports would attend the next Moon school board meeting and ascertain whether present and future coaches' job security of Moon District sports will not be affected by the whims and opinions of school board members and/or parents.
Mike White
11:18
I don't know. I reported the story last week. Maybe we don't know the whole story but the coach gave her side. I do know that before this ever happened, she had told a few that there were a few people out to get her. Parents I mean. Like most schools, Moon says can't comment because it's a "personnel matter." Funny, though. I've dealt with some schools over the years that will at least give some kind of comment, even if it's generic. So we don't know full story and probably never will. I just agree with the coach. If they wanted to give her a penalty, give her a one or two game suspension. But to fire her?
11:19
But the Moon situation should come as no surprise. Tick off the wrong people and you've got trouble. Remember, it takes only five people to not like you. That's how many votes a school board needs.
4A2 fan
11:19
Talent in 4A2 boys is spread around. Couple of us from different schools came up with players who could legitimately be on all-section teams. If only 10 are selected, five will not be chosen unless there are ties.
Mike White
11:20
Explain yourself. What is 4A2?
yinzaaaaaa
11:20
Mike, predictions 4-8 6A GBB, as mentioned 1-4 pretty easy, what about the rest?
Mike White
11:21
You're pretty persistent. I'll go USC, Seneca, Baldwin, Fox Chapel
Show Time
11:21
Mike - who has turned in the top coaching performances for boys and girls in 2019-20?
Mike White
11:23
There are many, many, many. Tony DiCenzo at South Allegheny. Gotta look at him. Skrinjar has Fox Chapel undefeated. But there are numerous others.
Corner of 5th and Neville
11:25
I have some very influential alumni friends who are less then impressed with the way things are unfolding this season - I mean losing to North Catholic? They shouldve given Mcconnell what he wanted maybe he comes over next year?
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