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Mike White's sports chat: 03.19.24
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Coach O
11:32
What’s the most unique high school gym you have been in based upon weird dimensions, distinguishing characteristics, etc? Mine was the bandbox gym Ambridge played in years ago. Had to stand on walkways overlooking the court to watch games. May have went out of service before your time.
Mike White
11:33
I think Ambridge had a balcony, didn't it? A number of older gyms had balconies. I actually remember a few. Some of the old gyms were so small. Some of the City League gyms were ridiculously small.
Diamond Dawgs
11:33
Who are the top baseball players in the area to watch?  Any seniors  going to any big time schools?
Mike White
11:37
David Shields is a pitcher at Mt. Lebanon who reclassified to be a senior this year and is going to Miami. But might get drafted. He has mono right now, though. Gio Lonero of Seton LaSalle made our All Area team last year. Going to Nort Alabama. He's good. Shortstop Brady Miller of West A. is going to Oklahoma. Gavin Kelly catcher at Central to WVU. In fact, WVU has either signed or has commitments from seven WPIAL players - sophomores to seniors. Seneca Valley pitcher Owen Yarussi is going to Auburn, but he might not even be the best pitcher on their staff. Those are just a few.
Duquesne
11:37
A lot of love for the Dukes.  Well deserved.  It is interesting to see DiMichele change of style of play to get minutes.  In high school he was a volume shooter who played very little defense, if at all.  He also looks to be interacting well with his teammates.  I hope high school kids learn a thing or two from this.
Mike White
11:40
Tons and tons of credit to Jake DiMichele. There was no one, including myself, who could've ever predicted he would be playing major-college ball as a freshman this year, getting minutes and having an impact on a team going to the NCAA. They won't admit it, but not even Duquesne could've thought that, or they would've given him a scholarship, instead of being a walk-on. He's playing his role great. He's not asked to do too much offensively and his defense has been very good. It's something because I think at OLSH he played a lot of zone. Kudos to that kid. I don't know if my memory is right on this, but his Dad might have went from Sto-Rox to Duquesne as a walk-on and it didn't work out years ago? Not sure about that. But I seem to remember.
Ballerz
11:40
Whitey - saw you at PT last night. Weird game. FR goes up 17-2 to start game - Moon takes lead at half but it’s ashame Eli hurt ankle for Moon. Not saying Moon would have won but it’s a huge difference. FR was extremely physical with Moon especially early and they got rattled. I thought the officials let them play a little too much hence the chippiness at  the end of the game. Oh well - now you get to face Imhotep. Thoughts on game overall?
Mike White
11:42
Game got really chippy. Lots of talking. Some pushing. Oh well. I'm not saying anything else. Yes, it might have been a great game if Guillory doesn't get hurt. But still have to give credit for Franklin Regional.
Ballerz
11:42
Besides Chartiers Valley, Indiana and Plum - do you know what other WPIAL boys basketball programs are looking for head coaches?
Mike White
11:42
No.
The Bumbler
11:42
Where you headed Thursday, to Hershey to cover the PIAA games or staying to the Burgh to cover the NCAA Tournament?
Mike White
11:42
I'll be in Hershey.
New guy
11:42
What are your thoughts of parents who run kids social media accounts for recruiting?  I always laugh when they post out dated references.
Mike White
11:43
I can tell a lot of times when a parent is running social media account for a kid. It's ridiculous. On other hand, I wouldn't want some kids running their social media account.
Chris
11:43
I know I am not the only one contacting you about PR boys basketball any insight as to what is going on lots of rumors out there
Mike White
11:43
I have no idea.
Mister Ed
11:44
You have watched Brandon Cummings play a number of games? How do you think he’ll fare in the ACC? Can he contribute as a freshman?
Mike White
11:46
He needs to get stronger and get in the weight room more, but yes, I think he can be of help next year. Of course, a lot might depend on who comes back at guard and who comes in through transfer portal. But Brandin is very good. Can definitely help Pitt at some point. Will he have a big impact next year? That's tough to do in ACC as a freshman, and the above factors I stated will facotr in. He can really shoot, but he's a "scorer," too. Not just a shooter. Scores in variety of ways. Can make tough shots, too. And he's athletic.
Doug
11:46
Mike are the coach player issues at PR real or is this just parents upset
Mike White
11:47
I have no idea about anything going on at P-R. I hate to even post the question, because it just leads to speculation. But people keep asking.
Charter
11:47
I remember seeing Imhotep play at PSU in a championship game a few years back. They brought very little fans.  How are they 5A?  Do they play up or do they just have disinterested fan bases?
Mike White
11:50
They bring no one, like a lot of Philly teams. I think Imhotep has been bounced up twice under competitive balance rule. But they are not a "small" school, either.
Pitt
11:50
6'9" Mignogna from Hampton to walkon at Pitt.  Do you see him getting minutes down the road?
Mike White
11:51
Liam really had a nice year. I think at one point he wasn't interested in playing college basketball, especially small college ball. Could be a nice practice player because of size. I'm interested to see what happens to his body at that level, with weightlifting and such.
LP
11:51
Who is a better high school player Nelly or Brandin?
Mike White
11:53
Oh man. If I answer that, it could cause some problems the next time I see them. Different players. I think Brandin the better shooter. Nelly was a little stronger at this age. I won't answer that. Ha ha.
complainers
11:53
It always seems to be the affluent school districts that yell loudest about removing coaching.  PR has a really good coach.  This season he happens to have an average roster, and guess what?  They made the playoffs with a few of their better players hurt.  NA and USC seem to be other school districts that are always complaining.  Give me a break.
Mike White
11:54
Pine-Richland was definitely missing a few of its top players.
Lopes
11:54
What was the deal with the Avonworth coach missing?  During the tv broadcast parents were screaming "go back on vacation."  Is that really why he missed?
Mike White
11:54
You're talking about Mike Mancuso. He was not at first state playoff game. I was told later it was a family thing he missed for. Yes, he was away.
AAU
11:55
Other states do not allow AAU tryouts or practices during the school season.  Why does PA?
Mike White
11:56
I don't think you're correct on that. Not sure about Ohio, but I have seen kids from other states at AAU workouts while season is going on.
Pizza time
11:56
Who is your NCAA national champion?
Mike White
11:56
Duquesne. Go Dukes!!!!!!!
Pizza time
11:56
Thoughts on Pitt not playing in the NIT?  Weak move?
Mike White
11:57
I wouldn't call it weak, but I don't agree. Hard to believe players wouldn't maybe want to play a few more games. But maybe they didn't. Just me, but I would've played.
Pops
11:57
How did Roth do in states?
Mike White
11:58
Second in his main event. While swimmers are resting up, tapering, getting ready for states, he was still playing in state basketball playoffs. Last game was last Wednesday. State swimming was Friday and Saturday. Remarkable story. Remarkable kid.
11:59
OK, time to get to some other work. Good luck to all teams going to Hershey. See ya.
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