JotCast | Mike White's high school sports chat: 02.13.24

Mike White's high school sports chat: 02.13.24

Prev Page View Full Chat

Mike White

11:38

Well, there are only 10 weeks for football games. And you can play 22 basketball games. I know what you are saying, but you also need to know that years ago football teams complained and wanted the WPIAL to schedule all games except the opener because some good teams were having trouble getting games. No one wanted to play them. The WPIAL has tried to schedule more competitive non-conference games the past few years. League has tried to schedule top teams against top teams from other conferences.

‘ T ‘ from Green Tree

11:38

I saw the last two games Joe Roth from Ellwood City played. He needs 32 points to be a 2,000 point scorer and 1,000 rebound player. The most amazing thing was, he had 9 assists in each game. It was as important to him to pass the ball as to score. Amazing kid!

Mike White

11:40

One of the most amazing athletes in WPIAL history. Only a few players have had 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in WPIAL history. And don't forget he's a state record holder in swimming. Maybe you'd like the "day-in-the-life" piece I did on Joseph Roth recently. https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/joseph-roth-wpial-ellwood-cit...

Concernedfan

11:40

It appears that you have already crowned the Moon Tigers the champ in 5A. Should the bracket even get played out? No talk about their loss to the defending champion PH Indians? I’m kidding 5A should be a gem to watch.

Mike White

11:41

Yes, they are my pick to win 5A. Certainly doen't mean they can't lose. But I feel they are the best team.

Upset City

11:41

Which game in 6a would you say could most likely be an upset ? I agree Baldwin is a sleeper team and USC girls might make it interesting

Mike White

11:42

You talking boys or girls?

Bobby

11:42

Obviously the high seeds are the favorites, but can we get a sleeper team or two in the boys playoffs for each class?

Mike White

11:44

Hard to pick a sleeper in 6A because only eight teams. In 5A, South Fayette and Kiski Area. Don't forget about Gateway, either. 4A South Allegheny and don't forget North Catholic. 3A Washington or Yough or Neshannock. Greensburg C.C. is No. 2 in Class 2A and I think they are pretty darn good. 1A hard to see anyone beating Imani.

Alice

11:45

So back to Fab 5. Who picks the players and does a player on a team staying in the playoffs in later rounds have a better chance of being picked as they are going up against better competition and more visible if they are performing well. In other words, what criteria do you use to pick them. Thank you.

Mike White

11:46

Our Post-Gazette high school staff picks them, but we talk to a number of coaches and even have some vote. And like anything, winning does help.

Single A Hoops

11:46

Can anyone compete with Imani in "A"? They're pretty impressive.

Mike White

11:46

They cam compete, but I don't see anyone beating Imani.

Joseph Wow

11:47

Who is your player to watch in the coming years in 6A with all of the young talent.

Mike White

11:47

As far as a sophomore or freshman, I really don't have just one to pick out.

Basketballguru

11:47

Does shooting the ball 39 times and ending the game with 35 points constitute a good player these days? Blows my mind 1 kid on a team shooting this much. What happening to teamwork?

Mike White

11:49

Yes, when you score a ton of points in a game you win by 80-30 isn't all that impressive, if you ask me. But I will say some players who score a lot don't have much surrounding them, especially at lower classifications.

Jared

11:50

who was the last player to make Fab 5 and Fab 22? Does montours jake Wolfe have a chance this year?

Mike White

11:55

Well the last one was only a year ago. Rodney Gallagher. It doesn't happen every year, but it has happened more than two or three times. Here are just a few: Major Harris, Darelle Porter, Adam DiMichele, Darrelle Revis, Terrelle Pryor, Malik Hooker, Michael Carmody.

40stripes

11:55

Hi Mike. Mt. Lebanon, in my opinion, made a great hire with Coach Greg Perry. Class guy and a proven winner. He tends to work the best from his players.

Mike White

11:56

Greg has been successful at his other two head coaching stops - KO and Seton. Known as a really good offensive coach. Trains QBs.

Playoffs

11:56

Will the WPIAL playoff games or championships be available to stream for free?

Mike White

11:57

NFHS has first rights to all playoff games. If they're not doing a game and someone else wants to stream it, they have to pay a fee. So yes, there could be some free games streamed.

Jordan

11:58

Do you think beaver boys got snubbed from getting a better seed?

Quip fan

11:59

Will the transfers coming to Aliquippa from Central Catholic and Central Valley be eligible to play in the playoffs?

Mike White

11:59

Not really. They're a third-place team and the only third-place team that got seeded ahead of them was South Allegheny. I have no problem with that.

As for the transfers from Central Catholic to Aliquippa, they transferred after freshman year. So yes, they will be eligible for playoffs. Ineligibility comes into play when you transfer after sophomore season.

Alice

11:59

Have you seen Bobby Fadden (Mohawk) in person yet? Thoughts? He's a player to watch in the future

Mike White

12:00

Have not seen him in person. But have heard good things about him.

Robert Parish

12:00

Allderdice have a chance to medal at PIAA’s?

Mike White

12:01

Well, to medal in basketball that would mean you have to get to the state championship. Sorry, but no Allderdice isn't getting there. Dice will win City, but losing Major Rainey for rest of season to injury was a pretty big blow.

Fan

12:01

Any word on when new basketball sections come out?

Mike White

12:01

Late March or early April.

fan1

12:01

What was the best performance you have seen all year?

Mike White

12:02

In person? Mike Plasko of South Fayette scoring 50 against North Hills.