JotCast | Mike White's high school sports chat: 11.21.23

Mike White's high school sports chat: 11.21.23

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Mike White

11:31

Well, first off there is no dominant 6A team going into season. Honestly, 6A is down overall this year. But Butler a sleeper? C'mon. With what's out there this year, they could be No. 1 heading into season, just because of those two.

Best in wpial

11:31

It’s obvious that right now Peters township and central catholic are the two best teams in wpial, but who’s #1???

Mike White

11:32

Say what? Ahhhh, did you see the 6A final Saturday night. Central lost.

NAToday

11:32

Now that you have seen Peters, can you say they are legit? Could Peters compete with NA? Central?

Mike White

11:33

Peters has been legit all year. Not a big team, but have skill, fast, play physical and defense is very good. Could they compete with NA and Central? Yes. But competing and winning are two different things. T.J. Plack has done a great job, but I'd take Central and NA over Peters.

Basketball Jones

11:33

When does the hoops preview come out ?

Mike White

11:33

Sunday - both boys and girls.

Second-hand Rose

11:34

Mike, I think Johnny Lee does a really, really good job as the color commentator on KDKA Friday night high school football. With the Pirates having to make broadcasting changes due to the demise of AT&T, is there any shot of Johnny getting a shot as color commentator with the Buccos. I think he's add a lot of much-needed excitement to their broadcasts

Mike White

11:37

Hey Second-hand Rose, you are a genius. I actually think Johnny Lee should be in Monday Night Football booth. That Yinzer accent would be loved nationally. But let's not sell Johnny short. What about owner of the Pirates? I mean, with all that money his Coach's bar on Banksville is bringing in, he could take over for Nutting and would be able to bring some free agents in here. And think of it. When Pirates score 5 or more runs, it's free wings at Coach's for all fans. Johnny would love that.

11:37

What can you say about that tall guy with Montour hoops? Is he the answer?

Mike White

11:39

You're talking about Ama Sow, who is now about 6-10 or 6-11. I saw him in summer. Improved greatly since last year. Has Division I schools looking at him. With Sow and Jake "Big Bad" Wolfe back, Montour is a team to watch in 4A.

Holly Jolly

11:39

Christmas music and decorations before or after Thanksgiving?

Mike White

11:39

After. Can't believe how many people had Christmas decorations up before even Nov. 15. They make me tired.

11:40

I think it is ridiculous that folks are questioning CC's coaching. The same thing happened when Totten was there. I'd take a class size of 700, top notch facilities, and kids that have played together for many years over the CC job. There is 11 players on the field at a time. It's about the team, not about who has the most Power 5 kids. Recruiting is based on potential. It doesn't mean these kids are currently the best high school players in the WPIAL.

Mike White

11:42

Agree somewhat with you. And it's not like they don't have good coaches - past or present. But I keep going back to this: North Allegheny was really good, too. Counting down to sophomores, they might have 6 or 7 on this team to either FBS or FCS schools. Central's coaches did a really good job this year. But they didn't win it all. It happens. Although when you look at it, the two games they lost, they had trouble stopping the run with a QB. And Central made a few turnovers against NA this time. And NA didn't turn it over, unlike when they met earlier in season.

The HOW

11:43

Hey mike, this week, Saturday night, the Mt. Lebanon football players take on the non football players in the annual thesis bowl 7on7. Last year the non football players lost in a close one by 1 touchdown. This year, the HOW, headlined by coach Matt Manning are looking to get revenge. Who you got in the big game?

Mike White

11:43

Please stop.

The_Big_Tip

11:44

Good Morning, Mike. Do you have opinions on Erie Cathedral Prep’s Mathias Sprickman and his recent offer from University of Kentucky’s ACHA D2 club ice hockey team?

Mike White

11:47

Yes, I don't know Sprickman, but I do know Kentucky's club hockey team is one of the best in club history. Oscar Tschiebwe is really good scoring on rebounds. Anthony Davis just stands in front of the net and doesn't move. There is very little room to get the puck in the net. Jimmy Calipari coaches the team and has a lot of one and done players this year who will go on to NHL. They also have a sophomore player from Quaker Valley named I Do Thiero. He does everything for the team. Hence, his name. Go WIldcats! And Goose Givens is the team mascot. Dresses as a goose instead of a Wildcat. Team plays in Hiccup Arena. They are considered one of the red bloods of club hockey.

WPIAL Lifer

11:47

Where does NA-Central game rate on your list of all-time WPIAL championship classics?

Mike White

11:48

Seriously, it might be in top 2 or 3. Was tremendous. Think of all the talent, the swings in momentum, big plays ... it was great. Was also highest-scoring title game in WPIAL HISTORY!!!!!

11:49

What would've made it really interesting was if Central Catholic recovered that onside kick.

11:49

I though Kushner was phenomenal Saturday. Do you think there is a better qb in the WPIAL? Wehner is very good, but Kushner also throws well, but can score with his legs from ANY point on the field. I think that's what set's him apart. He's as good, or very close to as good, as any WPIAL qb I've seen running or passing. Fair disclosure, i haven't seen them all.

Mike White

11:51

Actually, he's been good the past two years. But I think Saturday really opened people's eyes to how good he is. He's just a "player." And I agree with Art Walker. He was the best player on the field. I also agree that Patriot and Ivy League schools should get in on him. But interesting thing. I was talking to a high school coach yesterday who has a good QB and he believes the transfer portal has hurt high school QBs the most because a college would rather have an experienced QB with one or two years under his belt - maybe more - than one out of high school. He might be right.

Acrisure

11:51

Doug Whaley on The Final Word said the WPIAL needs to move the 6A and 5A games to our stadium. Explain to me again why it isn't ? How about a rotation ? Is it just further proof that Scott Seltzer doesn't know what he's doing ?

Mike White

11:52

Read above in this chat. I explained it.

11:54

OK, here's a note to all you clowns currently sending in idiotic comments and questions from Mt. Lebanon. Please go back to your preschool class. I think it's nap time or maybe snack time. And you're stupid questions and comments won't get published, so please stop.

Ben McAuley

11:54

Who’s the best baseball player in the WPIAL?

Mike White

11:55

David Shields, pitcher-outfielder Mt. Lebanon. Committed to Miami. Stock has shot up greatly in past year or so. Did very well this summer. Reclassified to graduate in 2024. Will be interesting to see if he gets drafted and maybe high next year.

11:56

Peters Twp. gave up a couple late TD's to make score look closer than it was. But is this PT defense one of the best you remember covering?

Mike White

11:57

They are very good defensively. One of best ever? Ahhh, let's wait for the season to play out.

Coach O

11:57

Are you serving as an analyst for any of the games Friday on KDKA+? Usually you did at least one, granted on a different station.

Mike White

11:57

No, I am not. Too much work to do for Post-Gazette.

PIHL Hockey

11:57

Is Xavier Bias the best freshman in PIHL history?

Mike White

11:58

No Sean Miller from Xavier is best freshman in PIHL history.

Peter

11:58

Will New Castle basketball continue to compete for a championship? Lost a lot of good players and playing 6A can't help this year. As always, love your coverage Mike.

Mike White

11:59

New Castle will definitely be down this year. Only one starter back. Ralph Blundo's son. Ralph Sr. will tell you this will be a challenging year, but why do I feel he will make them competitive?

Buckets!

11:59

Favorite HS football uniform?

Mike White

11:59

I'd have to think about that. A lot of them are stock uniforms. Helmets might be the thing to ask about.

Mike White Fan

12:00

Mike, give me your top teams in 6A Boys hoops going into the season.

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