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Mike White's high school sports chat: 10.20.20
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Mike White
11:00
It's rainy and dreary out, but surely your day will be lightened by this chat. Let's go.
Joefromsew
11:00
I fell very bad about Quaker Valley Boys Soccer not able to play in post season.
Mike White
11:02
Well Joe, it is a sad situation. For those who don't know, you're referring to Quaker Valley probably not being able to participate in WPIAL soccer playoffs because of COVID cases in the district. School has gone all virtual. Saturday, the school said all sports and activities are off until Nov. 2. Tough one for that boys soccer team. Defending WPIAL and state champs. However, as I reported in story, coach J.J. Veshio said they are still talking and hoping something can be worked out. Bottom line. WPIAL is not going to delay playoffs for them. We will know definitely tomorrow.
Peace out
11:02
Starting to worry that our risk averse PA leaders are going to act on winter sports bc of the spike in cases... Talk me off the ledge...
Mike White
11:04
Well Peace out, I also have worries about winter sports. Right now, they are on. PIAA has said that. Judging from what happened with fall sports, PIAA will do everything possible to try to have sports in some manner. As Bob Lombardi said in summer, the only wrong decision would be if we don't at least try.
Ballerz
11:04
Mike, what game you heading to Friday night?
Mike White
11:04
Not sure yet.
Ballerz
11:04
What is the word with winter sports? Are most schools only going to allow parents in the venue if any fans are permitted? I feel bad for some of these sports like wrestling that rely on individual tournaments... a lot of head to head competitions are forfeits so these kids rely on tournaments. It will be difficult decision for some of these tournament directors.
Mike White
11:06
In WPIAL board of directors meeting yesterday, they pointed out PIAA sports medicine committee will meet soon to recommend start-up conditions for winter sports. It was brought up that there is a worry about wrestling. The worry isn't necessarily about the sport, but about these tournaments where many, many kids come together and many, many or their parents come together. Stay tuned.
Ballerz
11:06
What are some of the bigger/meaningful games this week?
Mike White
11:07
Mt. Lebanon at Seneca Valley ... Upper St. Clair at South Fayette ... Shenango at Rochester  ... McKeesport at Thomas Jefferson. ... Frazier at Washington .... Springdale at Clairton. ... Just a few.
Ballerz
11:07
I know WPIAL said they aren't using Heinz for WPIAL finals... any thoughts on what high schools might be in the mix?
Mike White
11:08
WPIAL is accepting any bids from schools to host. I'm sure the "usual" top sites will be in mix. North Allegheny. Norwin. Etc.
Ballerz
11:10
Let's talk hoops a minute... give me a few players to keep an eye on for the 2020-21 basketball season.
Mike White
11:12
Well Rodney Gallagher of Laurel Highlands made our Fab 5 last year as a freshman. Some others: Great one-two punch at OLSH Dante Spadfora and Jake DiMichele. Spadafora is going to West Liberty. ... Luke Gensler at Upper St. Clair. ... Brayden Reynolds at Char Valley. ... Connor Moss at Plum. ... Demitri Fritch at Springdale. ... Wes Kropp at Penn Hills. ... Michael Wells at New Castle. .. Is that a few???
Ballerz
11:12
If you had to guess, do you think Rodney Gallagher will play football or hoops in college? I have seen him in hoops and was quite impressed. I have not seen him play on a football field but heard he is just as good in football. Thoughts?
Mike White
11:14
I have never seen him live in football. Seen him live a number of times in hoops. Honestly, it probably will all depend on his size and if he grows much more in the next few years. He has Power Five offers in both sports. Think of it: A 6-foot guard in basketball - or a 6-foot DBack or receiver in football? He doesn't want to make a sports decision yet, nor should he. Just play and see what happens.
GH
11:14
Could Aliquippa play in 6A and still win?
Mike White
11:16
Yes, they could be competitive against some 6A teams. But that doesn't mean they'd be undefeated or have one loss in most years. No way. This is not to knock what they are doing in 4A. Kudos to them. But it's a totally different world in 6A and 4A. I think the hardest jump in football is from 4A to 5A. Totally different worlds there.
Zman
11:17
Looking at football or girls/boys basketball, off top of your head who are a couple coaches you think are really good that always get the most out of their teams but don’t receive much public recognition due to never having won a championship?
Mike White
11:17
There are many, many coaches in that category. Way too many to single out some.
Zman
11:17
Outside TJ, you like BV or Quips to reach 4A championship game? Hard to gauge Plum though decisively beating always solid Mars team was impressive.
Mike White
11:18
I think TJ will be the No. 1 seed and Belle Vernon-Aliquippa will be 2-3. I don't know in what order. Believe me, Belle Vernon is most certainly better than anyone Aliquippa has faced this year, especially defensively. I think it would be a good game.
your name
11:19
Is there talk about shortening or lengthening the winter seasons due to Covid?
Mike White
11:21
PIAA said a few weeks ago that, right now, winter sports are on as scheduled. First practice Nov. 20. First play date Dec. 11. I would say chances are pretty good that the season will start then. Of course, if COVID cases really get out of control, Gov. Wolf could go for another shutdown. But I think that's highly unlikely. As of now, it's one. Let's hope winter sports happen. I think they will in some way.
PATD
11:21
Who do you think top 4 seed in 5A will be? Do you think Pine had a tough schedule?
Mike White
11:23
No, Pine's schedule wasn't as tough as those in Allegheny Six. But that's not Pine's fault. Gateway game was canceled because of COVID. And remember, Pine played a good Upper St. Clair team and beat them soundly. Pine is definitely No. 1 seed. If I would seed them right now, Pine would be 1, Gateway-Peters Township 2-3 (I'm not sure of order yet) and Penn-Trafford 4.
Blah Blah Blah
11:23
You said the "WPIAL is accepting bids" for schools to host. I figured it was the other way around. They looked at sites and rented them out. What all is involved in a bid ?
Mike White
11:24
For championships, WPIAL has asked if any schools want to host. What is involved in a "bid?" Ahhh, not a whole lot. You inform the WPIAL that you would like to host, you let them know the costs. It's pretty easy from there.
my name
11:25
If a player transfers to a different school and cites covid as the reason (virtual vs in person) would the WPIAL/PIAA deny their eligibility?  If not, seems like a great loop hole.
Mike White
11:26
I would say PIAA would not give them eligibility. PIAA has said they're not giving an extra year of eligibility to anyone who wants to repeat a grade because of COVID. I don't think a transfer would be viewed any differently.
LAIPW
11:27
Any word on Robby Carmody?  Will he play for ND this year?
Mike White
11:30
Hey LAIPW, did you go to IUPUI? Ha ha. ... As for Carmody, you feel bad for him. Injuries have plagued him. Two season ending injuries first two years at Notre Dame. Shoulder and a knee. Then in Septemer he suffered broken kneecap in practice. Had surgery. Will miss start of season, but is supposed to maybe be back in December. He's had some tough luck. Played in only 16 games first two seasons.
Colts Crazies
11:30
What chance do you give of CV winning it all or at least making a lot of noise in the playoffs ?
Mike White
11:33
Of course they have a "chance." But I have a chance of winning the lottery, too. Chartiers Valley is decent. They will be in playoffs as second place team. I see them possibly getting 5-6 seed. Dan Knause has done a great job there in getting them to this point. They can be competitive in playoffs most certainly but can't see them winning it.
Kiski Fan
11:33
Asking for a friend....what weaknesses do you see on Pine Richland's football squad that may be exploited in their run to a state title?
Mike White
11:34
I wouldn't say it's a weakness, but they don't have a top-notch running back. But their backs are good enough to be successful in their system.
WPIAL Lifer
11:35
I can think of some examples of a player "putting the team on his/her shoulders" all the way to a WPIAL title in basketball (Drew Schifino, Gina Nacarrato, Ethan Morton); anyone stick out in your mind for football? Granted, very different sports.
Mike White
11:35
Yeah, how 'bout Terrelle Pryor?
Common Sense
11:35
Mike, if the point was to get these kids to play, why bother with playoffs?  There are schools out there lying today about cases and how they were handled.  Why not just play games and that be all.  Playoffs gives reasons for people to cover up.
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