You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Mike White's high school sports chat: 10.12.21
powered byJotCast
View Full Chat Next Page
Mike White
11:00
Is you ready? Let's go. There's the starter's gun - and the chat is off and running.
SouthHillsguy
11:00
Was at the game on Friday couldn’t make it back on Saturday. That Lebo RB is legit. He’s physical, fast, has great vision but his footwork is off the charts. Might be the best RB in WPIAL. I was talking to a Lebo mom I heard he has a bunch of FCS D1 offers but it’s really mind-blowing that he isn’t getting recruited more in the FBS. I think you are right about the new landscape in college football. It really stinks for these kids!
Mike White
11:03
I really like Alex Tecza. Let me say this first. He is a very good high school running back and just a really good "player" overall. Has good speed. Really like his cutting ability. Yes, I think he could be a player at the FBS level - but I don't know what position. I've said this before. I don't think people around Western Pa. realize how good you have to be to be a running back with impact on FBS level. Go look at Western Pa. history. We don't produce all that many FBS running backs. I think he can play somewhere on FBS level. Not Oklahoma and Georgia, but somewhere at some position. He has been under the radar.
LeboKid
11:03
Any thoughts as to why Mt. Lebo's Alex Tecza hasn't garnered more Division 1A attention? Aside from the service academies, what offers does he currently hold? Thanks, Mike.
Mike White
11:06
Read above. He is one of the players who has been hurt by pandemic recruiting and fewer scholarship spots for high school kids. Alex told me Saturday that besides service academies, Ivy League schools and Patriot League are showing most interest. He said he might decide soon. If I'm Duquesne, I'd be all over that kid. But Bob Palko said to me, "tell (Boston College coach) Jeff Hafley to call me. He should take a look." Don't know why he picked out Hafley. Palko is miffed Tecza doesn't have more interest.
BridgerRon
11:06
Hey Mike. Any idea where they will play the 6A championship game?
Mike White
11:09
At a high school stadium. They haven't said yet which one. The reason is that 6A has to be done a week earlier than all rest of classes because 6A plugs into PIAA semifinals.
Bill Farazewicz
11:10
How do you see the playoff seeding in 4A playing out? Can Hampton jump into top 3 if they remain undefeated? Not an easy decision for Wpial
Mike White
11:12
I say no. Best for Hampton is No. 4. No way they are jumping ahead of Belle Vernon, TJ and Aliquippa. Of course, have to wait and see what McKeesport does gainst Belle Vernon and TJ. But if Belle Vernon, TJ and Aliquippa win out, I say no way Hampton jumps to No. 4. I don't think their conference is exactly strong and past history will play a role.
Buffalo Bob
11:12
Saw your article on Moon’s Ben Bladel. Special teams coach Shawn Besong was a former star at ambridge and walk on/GA at Pitt. Anyway, do you see a trend that the best teams value special teams as much is offense/defense?
Mike White
11:14
Not so sure about that. I think some high school teams definitely value special teams. But what Ben Bladel is doing is phenomenal. 15 blocked kicks in a career. That's crazy!!! 41.5 sacks for career. That is something. We'll see how he ends up this season, but he could be playing his way onto Fab 22.
Coach O
11:14
First, I’ll throw a plug in for this week’s high school podcast; anybody on this chat do yourself a favor and listen to the Mike McMahon interview. His stories were tremendous. As things stand today, who would you pick in a Pine vs Moon championship game?
Mike White
11:17
I think I'd go Moon. But both have to get to final first, and that won't be easy. As for Podcast, Mike McMahon (Former NFL QB from NA) was tremendous. He talked longer than any guest we had this year, but we let him. Stories were tremendous. The stories of golfing with Michael Jordan and Lawrence Taylor were one of a kind. How about the one where bet with Jordan was up to $75 thousand? 75 grand? Are you kiddin' me? When I go with my good buddies Bryan and Pat from the neighborhood, I'm shaky when there's a putt on 18 and dang 10 dollars are on the line.
11:19
By the way, here is the link to this week's Podcast. Interview with Mike McMahon starts about the 15:20 mark. Check it out. It's good stuff. And how about he played in the PA. Mid-Amateur last week with Mario Lemieux's son in his group. And Mario was the caddie. Great stuff. Check it out. https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/the-north-shore-drive-sports-...
BigKetchupBottle
11:19
Who are some of the big name basketball transfers or new faces you have heard about for this year?
Mike White
11:23
Aliquippa leading scorer, Deandre Moye, is at Lincoln Park. There are others. Debaba Tshiebwe (brother of Oscar at Kentucky) is at Central Catholic. He is not even close to Oscar as a player. I've seen him play. But he is pretty big and could definitely make a difference at Central. WPIAL made him eligible for regular season and playoffs. I can see regular season. Tough family situation and Debaba is living with Tom Droney, who runs AAU program. I'm OK with Debaba being eligible for regular season. Understandable because it's a unique situation that we won't get into. But no way for playoffs. Sorry, but my opinion that WPIAL got this one wrong. This is why coaches and people get upset. I'll go on more in next entry.
11:29
There is new rule that a transfer will be ineligible for playoffs if he transfers after his sophomore year. Debaba Tshiebwe is a junior. Came to Central after his junior year. He would be eligible for playoffs if only he fit one of PIAA waivers. WPIAL ruled him eligible because they said he didn't really play for a high school team last year and wasn't eligible for postseason. It was a glorified AAU team. Hogwash! He played for Spire Institute in Ohio. It's a big training facility. No, it's not in the Ohio high school association. He took classes at a school near Spire, but didn't play for that school. You say Spire isn't really a high school team? C'mon. They have a coach. They have a schedule. They had practices like every high school team. Their players are high school age. They play other prep schools with high school kids. They play other "schools" with high school kids from everywhere. Look on Spire's web site. They call themselves "Spire high school basketball program."
11:33
If Spire wasn't a high school team, what the heck were they? Everything about them says high school. They used high school refs. They could've been eligible for Geico High School Nationals tournament. "High school" is everywhere. You may not like the rule about players not being eligible for postseason. But it's there. And if it's there, then go by it. I'm not saying Central did anything wrong. Tom Droney has done nothing wrong, even though he's not his guardian. Any WPIAL school would probably like to have Debaba. But he shouldn't be eligible for the playoffs. If what he played last year wasn't high school basketball, then I'm 2 Chainz.
Hoop it up
11:33
Do you think Bethel Park can find a replacement for Coach Burke or will they have to roll with an assistant since it is close to start of season?  Tough section!
Mike White
11:34
I'm not sure what they will do. Yes, it is tough because it's close to season. But it's a big school with great facility. Someone will want that job.
The Old Ranger
11:34
In a a recent game between Avonworth and South Side Beaver, there were 8 Personal fouls called and over 200 yards in Penalties. I have seen four Avonworth games this season and there have been maybe one PF in each game. Good Refs are certainly scarce these days.
Mike White
11:36
No, some refs aren't all that good. But so what. At least they're officiating -- and officials are in desperate need. And did you ever think that possibly there were reasons to call the personal foul penalties. Obviously, I wasn't there. But fans don't see or hear everything that goes on the field of play. From my standpoint, if more and more high school players would just shut up and play more these days, things would be a lot better.
Ryan
11:36
Mike do the cavaliers win this week against Shaler two close games should have won vs fox chapel
Mike White
11:38
Well, the Cavaliers play the Grizzlies tomorrow night. I don't know how Kevin Love has been doing but that might be key. ... Ohhhhhh you mean the Kiski Area Cavaliers? Yes, they beat Shaler and the fightin' Batkos.
bernie
11:38
what makes the "quips " so darn good?
Mike White
11:39
Players, talent, size and good coaches. And did I say talent?
Beaver County Bred
11:39
With reclassification coming up, I was surprised to hear schools self report enrollment data and it’s not pulled from official state reports. I’m not inferring…but I’m just saying…
Mike White
11:41
I'm not sure what the state has as far as enrollment data. I'm not sure, but I would doubt that they have grade by grade? Maybe I'm wrong. Plus, all schools have to use a formula of counting 10 percent of cyber, charter, home schooled kids. So the data might be a little different than what is on reports. By the way, only current students in grades 9, 10 and 11 are counted.
Billy the BEAR
11:41
Mike, what do you think of my beloved Clairton Bears’s chances for a LONG run again in Class A?
Mike White
11:42
This is not a great Clairton team. But certainly good enough to win Class 1A. It would be no surprise if they won, but I wouldn't be shocked if they didn't win.
Stack 56
11:42
Mike i've watched several of Westinhouses games this season and im impressed with their overall team speed and playmaking ability. Im really impressed with their Quarterback Keyshawn Marsillo. I truly believe he's a Division 1 talent. He has the size arm strength and he can make all of the throws. He made 2 off platform throws vs Butler that were tremendous. And he's only a jr. Your thoughts
Mike White
11:45
I only saw him last year. Haven't seen him this year. But I liked him last year. Is he Division I QB? Well, I'm not ready to go there yet. But really nice win for Westinghouse and City League last week against Butler. I know, I know. Butler isn't exactly Thomas Jefferson. But Butler is Class 6A. Westinghouse is 2A. Nice job by The House. Wouldn't it be nice to see them go on a PIAA playoff run and get to play WPIAL champ in state semifinals? Won't be easy for Westinghouse though.
LeboKid
11:45
As long as we're on the subject of recruiting, any news regarding landing spots for Lebo's Joey Daniels and Jack Smith? Quick aside, Jack has fantastic bloodlines as his great Grandad was Greenfield Jimmy Smith and his uncle Bobby is a recently-retired Navy SEAL Commander. There's a great story there, Mike!
Mike White
11:46
You talking about Jimmy Smith that won World Series in early 1900s? Wow that is something. Joey Daniels is nice high school QB. Not downgrading his talent. But he's not the biggest cat around. Small college.
IamMattClementsMinion
11:47
Please list your top 3 current WPIAL basketball coaches, boys or girls…Go.
Mike White
11:49
Can't. Have to think too long about it.
Stan
11:49
Who are your pre season basketball favorites in each class
Mike White
11:50
Oh, here we go. Weekly question about top teams. Pine-Richland (6A), New Castle (5A), Lincoln Park or Belle Vernon (4A), Ellwood City (3A), OLSH (2A) and Canevin (1A). How's that?
pup
11:50
Favorite month of the school year for covering HS Sports?
Mike White
11:51
late February and March. Basketball playoffs.
Connecting…