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Mike White's high school sports chat: 03.01.22
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BigBob
11:40
i heard you’re traveling to york for the 7-7 3-1 matchup in the first round of states
Mike White
11:40
Please.
Timbo 4 Life
11:40
The last time Moon girls basketball team played Chartiers Valley, the next day on social media Moon parents were complaining about the way Coach McConnell was yelling at one of his players.  Why do they care, it was not their daughter he was yelling at.  If you don't like his style don't play for him.  Why do people feel the need to call the school district and complain about other coaches?  Truth be told it is almost always the losing team doing the complaining.  You have been around coach McConnell, a lot people don't see the side for him that cares about his players on and off the court, they just see or want to see the yelling!
Mike White
11:42
You ask why would parents do that? It's simple. Because they're parents. Enough said. Most parents have to complain about something after a loss.
WPIAL Pigskin
11:42
I'm hearing Meleek Thomas from Lincoln Park is heading back to North Hills next year....any inside info from the North Hills 9th grade coach?
Mike White
11:43
No inside info here. Meleek Thomas is still at Lincoln Park. No need to start rumors that he is leaving.
Rollo
11:43
Is it crazy to say that Ralph Blundo might be the best coach, regardless of level or sport, in the Pittsburgh area? I've been in awe of his success year in and year out and his team seem to have an amazing will to win
Mike White
11:45
Ralph is one of the best coaches in the history of the WPIAL in any sport. Not a lot of guys can coach at New Castle - and have big success. He IS New Castle. If ever a coach is perfect for a town and a team, it's him. And it's not just because he has great talent. He and those kids work their butts off. So do a lot of other coaches and teams. But yes he is one of best coaches of all time. I mean, he has 7 titles.
Guest
11:45
Went to the highlands game at Peters Township last night and wasn't allowed into the gym until the girls game was over, this was the first time I have ever seen that. Do you know the reasoning behind that ?
Mike White
11:46
That has happened before and it will happen again tonight at North Allegheny. That's because they want to clear the gym out from the first game to open up seats.
D9 Dave
11:46
Were you surprised about the PIAA’s decision to move the football finals from Hershey and choosing Cumberland Valley’s bid over Altoona who offered to host for pretty much free. Altoona more centrally located & great facility with ample parking. Your thoughts.
Mike White
11:47
I was at Altoona for all of the championships. It's an OK place. I wouldn't call it great for state championships. It's decent. Yes, it is more centrally located than Cumberland Valley. But what I'm hearing about Cumberland Valley, they have some pretty nice things. I don't blame PIAA for picking them.
PIAA Fan
11:47
Would You List Your Championship Picks By Classification
Mike White
11:48
Well before playoffs I took North Hills, New Castle, Quaker Valley, Ellwood City, OLSH and Canevin. So I guess I still have five left.
Big Shot
11:48
Mike could you see an upset in 1A boys championship??
Mike White
11:49
Yes, I think Union can certainly be in the game. And if they're in the game in fourth quarter, they should be happy. Imani Christian had a much bigger team than Union. Some thought more talent, too. And how did that work out?
D9 Dave
11:49
What is the seating particulars at the Pete for the WPIAL finals?  Is lower area going to be closed like in the past? Does your admission allow you to sit anywhere? Please explain.
Mike White
11:51
All seating is general admission. But the last few years, the seats on the side where the students sit have been reserved. I think the price for those used to be $20. They do not allow anyone in end zones of first level. That's used for cheerleaders, teams in next game. I wish they would allow students there. Students go up in second level in end zones.
D9 Dave
11:51
Love watching Mike Mastroianni’s Quaker Valley teams play. Saturday’s game vs. Lincoln Park showed that coaching can beat talent. His teams are so well schooled & fundamentally sound & his sideline demeanor is one that his teams obviously respond to. He always gets the most out of his teams every year which is the mark of a great coach.
Mike White
11:54
Mike Mastroianni is one of the best. Has already won two at two different schools - Quaker and Bethel Park. But Mike will tell you this. It certainly helps to have two players like Adou Thiero and Markus Frank. But Quaker Valley's "other guys" were key in the first quarter against Lincoln Park. They played a big role in the win. And shoutout to Wil Dunda of QV. Captain of state championship soccer team and now starter in basketball.
Guest
11:54
Loved Robert Morris for the game last night. Gym was awesome and parking was good. Bring some more games there.
Mike White
11:55
Robert Morris is great for quarterfinal and semifinal games. Atmosphere is great. Just not big enough for bigger classification championship doubleheaders.
TJ Hoops
11:56
I have noticed you only answer the question that you want too.  I understand that you can not answer them all, but it seems like the same people are the only questions you are answering!
Mike White
11:56
You're right. I don't answer all questions. Don't have time, too. And I'm not touching some of the questions asked. Sorry.
JP
11:56
Football schedules came out last week. Anything interesting to you?
Mike White
11:57
Belle Vernon's. Even though move down to 3A, they are still playing TJ and other really good 4As and even Penn-Trafford (5A).
Wpialguy
11:57
Where do you think they should play the basketball state championships? Palestra?
Mike White
11:57
No, that's too far East, but heck I'd try it there for a couple years. Only if you bring it to Pittsburgh for a couple years.
11:58
But I'm good with state basketball playoffs in Hershey. Giant Center is nice and Hershey has a certain appeal. Hersheypark Stadium is antiquated, old and some of the place is a dump.
Tommy Boy
11:58
Happy Valley is the place for state football finals.   Anything else is pathetic, including Hershey.  Can also do bball finals there as well.   Best spot in PA.  Hey, but why didnt Duquesne host any playoffs games?   Was it their choice or the WPIAL?
Mike White
11:59
Did you see what I wrote above about Penn State. According to Altoona Mirros, Penn State wanted $140,000 per year to host games. Absurd. Stupid. Makes you wonder if they really did want to host games.
Tommy Boy
11:59
Why isnt Markus Frank a D1 recruit?
Mike White
12:01
He's getting lot of D-11 looks. I really like him. But I don't know if his game translates to D-1 level. Has not even attempted a 3-pointer all year. Everything is at the rim. He's 6-5. It's not easy to get to the rim ALL THE TIME at Division I level at that size.
Scott
12:01
I know that you mentioned earlier that you didn't know much about the school but here is a plug for the Aquinas Academy girls team.  Second smallest school in the WPIAL on it's way to The Pete!  Congrats, Crusaders!  Let's make it happen on Saturday!
Mike White
12:01
Wooooo hoooooo! Go Aquinas.
Dominic
12:01
Would the WPIAL consider going back to play-in games like they did a few years ago to determine PIAA qualifiers? The format seemed like it worked well before COVID.
Mike White
12:02
They only did it for a couple years. From sitting in on board meetings, I don't think they will go back to that, although I wish they would.
12:03
Hey, that's it for today. If you get a chance, go to the Pete this weekend. You might like a game or two. Everyone, be good.
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