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Mike White's high school sports chat, 11 a.m.
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WWH
11:35
school board members and parents who think they know sports have become a plague on coaches in all sports.  Most of them have only played softball at a picnic and are experts in all levels and types of ahletic events.  A frien of mine who coached for thirty years retired about five years ago to watch his sibling play basketball.  When I asked him how retirement was his comment summed up the problems today.  "Its amazing.  I have learned more sitting in the stands from the parents than I did in thirty years on the bench".  He ended the statement with a smile and a wink.  How true.
Mike White
11:37
Longtime Washington hoops coach Ron Faust told me last week that when he quits coaching he's going to get into gyms and arena designs. He said, for some reason, gyms nowadays are built where the higher you go in the stands, the smarter the people are. In other words, the higher up you go, the people know more than the coaches. He had his tongue in his cheek, of course, but true. I think he is on to something.
DT
11:37
Any word on the draft stock of former South Fayette receiver Justin Watson? Had a tremendous career at Penn. Thanks
Mike White
11:37
I do not know. I'd rather watch someone unload a grocery truck than watch NFL combine.
Pal
11:37
Why no playoff games at NA? Heard bc of their behavior towards PR and Jurkovec in the fall... If so, good move, WPIAL
Mike White
11:39
Not exactly sure. But it's not WPIAL's move. WPIAL czar Tim O'Malley said they can only put games at places that are willing to host. NA has told WPIAL it does not want to host. Is it the Pine and Jurkovec incident? Maybe, but not sure. I've texted and called NA AD. No response.
Mike
11:39
What do you think of the idea of having the final four teams in basketball go to Hershey?
Mike White
11:42
I love it. Years ago in the 70s that is what used to happen. That would be great. But there weren't as many classes back then. But biggest factor is cost. You have to put players, coaches, staff up in hotels. Costs money. And with school budgets hurting these days, it's understandable. But from a basketball fan's standpoint, I'd love it. I remember as a kid watching semifinals and finals on Channel 13 from Hershey or Harrisburg. Ahhh the days of Chilly Billy and BIll Hillgrove and Dr. Tony Brungo with the halftime stats. Great memories.
Dean E
11:42
What are your thoughts on highlands FR tonight?
Mike White
11:43
Well they split two games this year. Highlands blew out FR last time. I think this one will be close. Game got heated last time. Coaches had words. T's were given out. I expect it to be physical. Officials will probably try to take control early but I hope they let them play also. I'll take Highlands in a close one. I doubt it will be in the 20s. Ha ha.
Petey
11:43
Allderdice in my opinion has the best guards in western pa in Bobby Clifford and Jackson Blaufeld. Do you think they could make a deep run into the state playoffs?
Mike White
11:45
I really like both of them. I agree, excellent combo. Both can really shoot it. No doubt they can make a playoff run. Seem to be peaking at right time. They might be the best team in Western Pa. But here's the thing. It's not like they're head and shoulders above everyone. The best teams from the WPIAL in 6A will play with them. Incidentally, Dice plays Altoona in PIAA sub regional Friday.
john s
11:45
Mike going to Giant Center tonight to watch D-3 SEMI FINALS, THREE GAMES STARTING AT 5;30, VERY NICE FACILITY , GREAT SEATS AND FOOD.
Mike White
11:46
That's great. I contend the next two nights of semifinals are the best two days in high school sports year. Gyms are packed. Electric atmosphere. Although I wish a few semifinals could be played every night at The Pete or Palumbo. But it's not always available -- and it's not cheap. Cost is the biggest reason.
BigChief
11:46
Will Pgh City League teams be affected by pending PPS teachers strike? Last time this happened was 1975-76 school year when Fifth Avenue (Clancy, Clarke, Kennedy, Macklin) went undefeated for state title in strike shortened season.
Mike White
11:48
Still to be determined. And yes, you are right about that team in 1970s. I got you all covered BigChief on the history. That Fifth Avenue team finished only 15-0 because of strike. They won state.
Chief
11:48
Mike, tough question and I don't blame you if you don't answer... who's the best basketball coach in the WPIAL  in your opinion?
Mike White
11:48
Won't answer. Too hard.
WPIAL North
11:48
3A Girls hoops semis look to be exciting yet again! EA/Neshannock rematch. Mohawk playing great hoops, will be a great game against Canevin.  All four teams use maybe six or seven players at most. Could be interesting if teams get into foul trouble.
Mike White
11:49
Yes. Will EA stay undefeated??? I won't see 3A team play, though, until The Pete.
Simon
11:55
Will your "Big Game Hunting" segment online finally have some girls games discussed this week.
Mike White
11:55
Maybe.
11:56
Well everyone, that's it for this week. Week full of basketball ahead - and that's a good thing. We'll talk again next Tuesday at 11 a.m.
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