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Mike White's high school sports chat: 12.26.23
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Mike White
11:07
Ooops. Few minutes late with start of chat. Maybe too much egg nog. Well let's go.
Jay Daven
11:07
Mike, I have not seen him but how good is the 6'11" Montour High School basketball player?
Mike White
11:09
"P" is the word with Ama Sow. It's "potential." Still raw. Still learning how to play. But he's legit 6-10, 6-11 with frame to put on much more muscle. Gotten lot better than last year. Developing skills. Definite factor on defense with blocks from weak side drive. Duquesne has offered. They seem very interested. Other Division Is interested. Montour coach Bill Minear said they want to see him more. I think he'll get more D-1 offers. Maybe not Power Five. But remember, still has a year left in high school and still learning game.
Coach O
11:09
Mike, the talk on last week’s chat about who was the best high school team ever around these parts, and you always bring up ‘67 Ambridge team and with very good reason. I think how did a team do against its opponents in their time is fairest measure to go by. That Ambridge team won by an average of 25 per game, beat undefeated defending state champs Schenley with Kenny Durrett in state semis then undefeated Chester by 30 in championship game. Add in two kids from that team going to blue bloods Duke and North Carolina and then another to Purdue who had Rick Mount and was in national championship game in ‘69, I doubt a stronger case can be made for another team.
Mike White
11:12
Don't disagree. Hard to top them. But few others would give them a run for their money. Midland 65. Schenley 71. Fifth Ave. team of 1976. And you know what? That 2007 team with Blair (Pitt), Kane (Marshall and Iowa State) and Kennedy (St. John's) is rather impressive. And Greg Blair was a D-1 football player at Cinncy. A few Uniontown teams were up there, too. And don't forget about a couple Farrell teams from 60s. And on their own level, the Wampum team with Don Hennon was pretty dang good.
North2South
11:12
Have you seen Mt. Lebanon play yet this year?  Are they the real deal in 6A?
Mike White
11:13
No, I have not seen them. Hope to, soon. They are really shooting the ball well. Couple kids can really shoot. They will be right in the mix in 6A. But they usually are. There is no overpowering team in 6A. Honestly, I think 6A is a little down this year. There could be 5 or 6 teams capable of winning it. Lebo would be one of them.
SeanE
11:14
Hi Mike.  With baseball season fast approaching who are some teams to look out for in the WPIAL this year?
Mike White
11:15
Wow. I'd have to think. Still have football and basketball on mind. I know one player to watch. David Shields of Mt. Lebanon. Miami recruit. Reclassified. Is now a senior. Will be interesting to see if he is worthy of being drafted high.
North2South
11:15
If you had to win one HS basketball game what WPIAL Coach would you want on your sideline?
Mike White
11:15
Bill Swan.
The Bumbler
11:15
How is Lincoln Park able to afford a cross country trip?  I mean, I thought that school is for Performing Arts students?
Mike White
11:16
Not really sure. They are a public school. You know, public schools do have booster clubs that raise money. Also, Lincoln could have some private donations. Honestly, I'm not sure who raises the money.
DCW3-Quip94
11:17
How come there is not much coverage on the Aliquippa Girls' basketball team
Mike White
11:17
Tell them to get in line.
Ironman
11:17
Mike - If the question hasn't already been asked, what are your thoughts on 6A and Central?
Mike White
11:17
You talking basketball?
What gives ?
11:17
USC is off to a disappointing start. Both boys and girls. What gives ? I thought they were supposed to be good ?
Mike White
11:21
Ahhhhh, the Upper St. Clair hater is back. I think we've gone a week without your ridiculousness. Boy, so happy to have you back. Girls are 5-3 with pretty good losses. They play a good schedule. I don't think anyone was picking them to win it. Boys are 4-3. Bad loss to Bethel. They haven't been overwhelming. But like I said at start of year, there is not a really, really good team in 6A. That holds true for USC. They're still probably as good as any other in 6A. Do you live in USC?
North2South
11:21
Are the Peters Township Girls realistic contenders in 6A?
Mike White
11:23
Well, they have some pretty good players back and are one of only two undefeated teams in 6A. Outscoring teams, 60-38. So I'd say that makes them right in the mix with best teams, wouldn't you say so?
Dave Mustache
11:23
Are you going to the CCBC event either day? The matchups/quality of team seems a little disappointing this year.
Mike White
11:23
I am not. Yes, not any great games. Oh well. Still a good event.
Matthew Manning (Coach)
11:23
mike!!!!! Lebo hoops is THE best team in the state. What do you think about that? Joe David’s got the boys ROLLINNNNN
Mike White
11:24
Ahhhhh, please get a grip. Best team in the STATE???? Please. Off to a good start but let's not get carried away. Do you remember the teams over in Philly area?
Plumothy Iceberg
11:24
Mike how do you feel about this hot hot start for Coach David and the Blue Devils
Mike White
11:25
Already touched on it above.
Guest
11:26
Have you seen Peter’s Twp play yet?   After the football players returned.    They only lost two seniors from last year, and only 1 starter… they are gonna be tough in 5A
Mike White
11:27
Yes, they are still a team to watch in 5A. We had them No. 2 at the start of the year. According to startling lineups for last year's championship, they have three starters back - Jack Dunbar, Nate Miller and Cam Mills.
TW
11:27
South Hill Catholic 1965 was a stud team….Litz, South Donahoe
Mike White
11:28
Without a doubt. They weren't in WPIAL yet, but were very good. Some Catholic school teams were really strong in old Catholic League before joining WPIAL. This was one of them.
Christmas Time
11:28
Why are these schools doing these tournaments over Christmas, especially trip out of state etc ? If you are a family that makes celebrating the holiday a big deal you're kind of screwed. Seems like priorities are out of whack.
Mike White
11:31
C'mon, man. Teams have been going to out of state tournaments for years. Honestly, I only hear good things about teams that make out of state trips. The kids really look forward to it and so do some of the parents. Sometimes, parents go also. Think of it, you're son or daughter is on that high school team for maybe three years. So maybe you're committed for only three of those years. I don't think anyone's priorities are out of whack. I know kids and even parents who have great memories about an out-of-state trip with the team over holidays.
Joe Public
11:31
Hi Mike - I wanted to thanks for all of your HS coverage and the chats. I don’t always know the details (and sometimes don’t agree) but I enjoy hearing about the local kids. Thanks and have a great 2024!
Mike White
11:32
Well, thank you Joe Public. Very nice of you to say. People ask why don't you cover this and that team more. But there are, what, 130 schools in WPIAL? Take care. Happy holidays.
Jag Nation
11:32
How would you compare TJ boys to the other ranked 5A teams you’ve also seen so far this season?
Mike White
11:32
I would not put them in top five in 5A right now.
JohnnyFootball
11:32
When will the all-state teams for football be announced? How does each team get decided?
What gives ?
11:33
No I'm an alumni who supports the school and wants them to win. Not a hater in the least. I have high expectations because of the tradition of winning that USC athletics USED to have but now seems to have forgotten. How does that make me a hater ?
Mike White
11:33
They come out Thursday and Friday. Three classes each day. Sports writers and other media people around the state nominate players. Then they vote on the nominations.
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