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Mike White's high school sports chat: 02.07.23
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Mike White
11:04
WPIAL basketball section play ends this weekend. Brackets and seedings will be announced Wednesday. Still some interesting games left. So let's get started with this marvelous chat.
PEteacher
11:04
What do you think about seeding in 4A hoops if Uniontown beats Laurel Highlands(on Friday) for the second time or if LH beats Uniontown??
Mike White
11:07
Hey PEteacher, get back to class. Teach those kids badminton. Ha ha. No seriously, Class 4A could become really interesting after No. 1 seed. I don't think there is any doubt Lincoln Park gets No. 1. But one of biggest question of any classification is what do you do with Hampton, because they won't have leading scorer Peter Kramer for playoffs because of PIAA transfer rule. We have Hampton ranked No. 2 right now. But they will be a different team without Kramer. That has to be taken into consideration. If Uniontown beats Laurel Highlands, I would put Uniontown No. 2 definitely. But if Laurel Highlands wins, do you put LH No. 2?
11:08
Continuing on with 4A. If Laurel Highlands wins, I don't think you drop Uniontown further than No. 3. But where does Hampton go? If South Allegheny beats Quaker Valley tonight, do they deserve to go in maybe 3? So many different opinions and options. I think you have to wait and see how it plays out.
Tw
11:08
Heading to see NH at SF this evening …SF has been very competitive but a tough section…was advised to wear RED by the Buzzer!
Mike White
11:09
South Fayette is pretty good. Don't be fooled by their record. I don't remember a team that lost so many close games. But hey, they won one Friday in triple OT against Mars. South Fayette fighting for playoff lives.
Tony
11:10
Any word on the mt Lebo football job?
Mike White
11:10
Word is it hasn't been filled.
TM
11:10
Looking like Peters vs Bethel will decide the section on Friday night. Both teams have had great seasons and it sets up to be a really good game. Who do you think wins and which team is the bigger surprise this year?
Mike White
11:12
I would say Peters. Hey, they were 8-14 last year. Granted, that was in 6A. No way, they're 5A section is as good. A few tomato cans in there. But give Peters credit. Joe Urmann has done a really nice job turning things around. If Peters beats Bethel, does North Hills or Peters get No. 2 seed in 5A? But that doesn't really matter, 2 or 3? They are matched on same side of bracket anyway.
Hsfan
11:12
Which Classification do you think will be the hardest to seed?
Mike White
11:13
Class 4A after the top. Class 5A in spots 5-10. Depending on what happens, Class 6A could be a little tough in spots 3-5.
Coach O
11:15
Union won the WPIAL baseball and football last year; Imani stands in the way of a basketball championship. Got me thinking, has any team ever won all three either in the same calendar year or school year?
Mike White
11:17
We always consider things in the same school year. Same calendar year has different players on teams. So, to answer your question, no team has ever won football, basketball and baseball in the same "school year." Only six have won basketball and baseball in the same school year, going all the way back to beginning of WPIAL.
ShootTheJayPlayTheD
11:19
Are the playoffs going to be like they were last year, meaning the higher seed gets the first two playoff games at home. I know the article that recently came out said that the higher seed gets the first game home unless of a bye like last year, however I can recall a team like North Catholic being home in the first round as well as the quarterfinals.
Mike White
11:21
Yes, I wrote about it last week. This year, higher-seeded team will play at home in the first round, provided their gym is suitable. If a team gets a first-round bye, it will play at home in the quarterfinals. Last year was different. WPIAL gave higher-seeded teams home games through quarterfinals. So many teams played at home in first round and quarterfinals. Different setup this year.
Anon
11:21
Do you attend any games during the week or are you unable to do that because you sit on the North Hills bench?
Mike White
11:21
Yes, I go to games during week and cover games during week. I'm not at all North Hills games.
Akon
11:21
Who you got coming out of Section 3-3A between Deer Lakes and SSA?
Mike White
11:22
Tough one. I think I'll take Shady Side.
Hoop Dude
11:22
Big one tonight between South Allegheny and Quaker Valley.  SA seems like the heavy favorite but you know Mike Mastroianni will always have something up his sleeve  Who do you like in that one?
Mike White
11:23
This is not a great Quaker Valley team. But still, Mike Mastroianni has them on edge of possibly winning section championship. He's one of best coaches around, so I'm not surprised.
Hoop Dude
11:23
I went to a Canevin game recently and noticed Tim McConnell isn't coaching them (or at least wasn't that night).  Is he OK?  Didn't know if he had a health issue or something as nothing has been reported on it.
Mike White
11:23
I didn't know he missed a game. He's fine now. I know he has been coaching lately.
Hoop Dude
11:23
To me, Hampton is the clear 2 seed in 4A, with the transfer (Kramer) not eligible in the playoffs, do you see the WPIAL Committee taking them down to 3 or 4?  They are a different team without him.
Mike White
11:24
Yes, we touched on him above and the situation. I agree, they are the No. 2 seed - if he is playing. But he's not. That has to be factored into playoff seeding. I think they definitely should be moved down to 3 or 4.
Single A
11:26
Hi Mike, how do you see the top 5 on in single A get seeded? Obviously Imani, union are too 2 in that orders. But is 3-5 still open for discussion or does it go Carlynton, Moneness, NA/Aquinas? Seems like a huge drop off after those 6. Thanks
Mike White
11:28
Agree on 1-4. Should be Imani, Union, Carlynton, Monessen. No way Aquinas or Neighborhood should get 5. You have Summit in there also. I think Geibel should get No. 5. Geibel beat Monessen. Geibel also beat Neighborhood. Geibel goes ahead.
Guyn412
11:29
Hey Mike, I hope you are doing well. I’ve been to many (A/AA) boys games this season and I have noticed that the attendance isn’t what it used to be, Are you seeing the same thing? The student sections are smaller and not many adults at games either, usually just parents. I know the times have changed. How are the student sections at the game you attend? Do you see this trend changing any time soon?
Mike White
11:30
I'm trying to think the lowest classification game I've seen this year. I think it's 4A. Sorry, but I disagree with you. Now I go to the top games. And the crowds have been nothing but excellent. A number of times a packed gym, whether 4A or 6A. Sure some of the smaller classes might not have as many people because they're smaller schools. But I've said for the last 10-15 years, student sections have really come on in the WPIAL. And I've done stories last few years that attendance at WPIAL championships has been excellent in recent years, especially Friday and Saturday nights.
Chuck's Bucs
11:31
WPIAL Playoff Prop Bet, What school will host the most playoff games ?
Mike White
11:31
Ahhhh, probably North Allegheny.
All Things Wpial
11:31
I got to see some of the boys basketball finals last year down The PETE one of which being the 1A title game between Union and Bishop I was impressed with Unions kids but some are men especially the one Stanley brother that hasn’t played all year saw on Twitter he may be making a return.
Mike White
11:32
Not sure about Stanley brother status. But they could sure use him.
Hoop Dude
11:32
Whats up with that crazy boys' section in 5A!  South Fayette is probably one of the best 4 teams, but may not get in unless they get some help this week.  Chartiers Valley has a great overall record but can't seem to beat anyone in section.  What do you make of all this?
Mike White
11:35
It's just a really good section. From top to bottom, certainly the best in 5A. Here's what's crazy: Chartiers Valley started the season 12-0. Got to No. 2 in rankings. But if they lose their final two to Mars and North Hills, they might not get in. We'll see. Just one of the perils of being in a top section.
mike whites #1 fan
11:35
Love your work, how do you keep yourself going everyday
Mike White
11:37
Thanks. I don't know, it's my job, I guess - and try to be best I can be at it. Plus, I love high school sports, ever since I was a kid. I love kids (they help keep you young) and I really enjoy many coaches. Some parts can be a real pain, but could think of lot worse ways to make a living.
Ian march
11:37
I’m feeling a 70 ball tonight something light no one these little boys can guard me
Mike White
11:38
Ahhhh, here we go with the weekly Ian March stuff. Please get off your laptop or phone. When you turn 12, ask your parents if you can use them.
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