You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Mike White's high school sports chat: 01.10.23
powered byJotCast
Mike White
11:01
Well, it's a little cold outside. So let's warm things up with this always hot chat. Now open for business.
Hsfan
11:01
Heard any injury news out of New Castle?
Mike White
11:01
As far as what?
Coach O
11:01
How good is Uniontown? 11-1 but a soft schedule though they beat pretty good Belle Vernon team by 15 last game. Good enough to run with the big dogs Lincoln Park and Laurel Highlands?
Mike White
11:05
Yes, their schedule hasn't been great, but it was indeed impressive win over Belle Vernon. I haven't seen them. But it's about the postseason with Uniontown. 14-8 regular season and lost in first round last year. Section champs in 2020 and lose in first round. Section champs in 2019 lost in quarters. So I think they have to prove themselves. Should be interesting against Laurel Highlands. Tonight it's Belle Vernon and Laurel Highlands.
Tim Gordon
11:05
Top 5 teams in boys basketball? Including  WPIAL, District 10 and city league?
Mike White
11:06
I don't know about District 10. And honestly, I haven't seen enough of teams yet. Ask me again in two weeks. And no matter who I would pick, they are far from prohibitive favorite as top 5 team.
Wpial Hoops
11:06
Any teams off to slow starts you expect to heat up come playoff time?
Mike White
11:07
Still say watch Steel Valley. Had to get football players back. Even though they lost to OLSH Friday, I think they will still challenge for 3A title.
Wpial Hoops
11:07
Matchup Friday up Eden who is on the rise and just got Damon Astronio back, who is your pick for Friday them or Canevin
Mike White
11:09
Former Steeler Aaron Smith has Eden off to a great start. Good for him. Great guy. But Bishop Canevin, especially Champine, is better than anyone they've played, except maybe Butler. I'll take Canevin.
Coach K
11:09
Seems like WPIAL has a had a good run of non-power five D1 talent on the girls side.  Any thoughts on the class of 2023?
Mike White
11:10
Yes, WPIAL always produces a number of low to mid-major D-1 girls. One Power Five from WPIAL who is having excellent season is Makenna Marisa of Penn State (Peters Township). Seen a couple mock WNBA drafts. Some have her going in third round.
Referee Appreciation Week
11:10
Please a shout out for the officials. It's Winter Season Officials Appreciation Week. REMEMBER THERE ARE NOT OFFICIALS ITS JUST PRACTICE.
Mike White
11:11
Most definitely. Here goes: "Hip, hip hooray for all officials in any sport. We need you. We need more of you. We appreciate you." Now stop calling so many charges when offensive player goes sideways, uses Eurostep and barely brushes the defense (ha ha).
Ken
11:12
Why didn't Rodney Gallagher play in LH's last game?
Mike White
11:12
He was at All-American Bowl football all-star game.
Referee Appreciation Week
11:12
Folks be nice to officials all the time
Mike White
11:13
Yes, yes. I talked to WPIAL male officials rep, Nick Morea, yesterday. He thinks coaches have toned behavior to officials some. I think I agree. But not fans. And I agree. Fans and parents are still ridiculous many times.
Sportmanship
11:13
Was really impressed with the way South Allegheny has looked over the past week.  They seem like a veteran team that knows how to win.  But, can they hang with the Lincoln Park and the other big boys in 4A?
Mike White
11:15
Good question. We I really like Bryce Epps, South Allegheny guard. Underrated. Leftie who has moves, gotten stronger and can now shoot it pretty well. About to become school's all-time leading scorer. I don't know they'll fare against the best in 4A. I think they might be OK because of Epps.
Ryan
11:16
Mike what do you think about the Kiski girls and boys basketball team so far this season. Good article about the Myers
Mike White
11:17
Well the boys are 5-8 and the girls 4-7. So I think they should just concentrate on hopefully making the playoffs. I saw Kiski one game on tape. They're OK. But Penn Hills still the class of their section.
TM
11:17
Who are some names to watch out for in WPIAL hoops for the next couple of years, who you like as up and coming 8th and 9th graders?
Mike White
11:18
Stop it. I'm not putting 8th graders names on here, so they can get their heads filled with ridiculous things. I've seen handful of 9th graders have impacts in boys and girls. One is Shady Side's Karis Thomas. Big game again last night. She's the one Duquesne offered in fourth grade.
Shocked
11:19
Are you surprised by Palko leaving ? Was it really a health thing or did the Lebo parents push him out ?
Mike White
11:20
I think Bob was being fairly truthful with his comments. Says he doesn't like how he feels. Says he doesn't like how much weight he's gained. Did he tell everything? Not sure. But he wouldn't do that.
Hoops junkie
11:20
What’s up with Central. They have guys out?  Saw they lost to Seneca Valley
Mike White
11:22
Not sure. But here's the thing. I'm telling you Seneca is pretty decent. Three players who are three-year starters. We had them ranked in top five in beginning of season. And there is no overwhelming team in 5A. Central still good but not unbeatable. Seneca tries to muck games up with their football players, lot of pushing, grabbing, etc., from games I saw. But they have a few good football players and they use them.
Canesfan
11:22
New Castle’s Isiah Boice suffered a foot injury. Expected to miss 2 weeks.
Mike White
11:22
Yes, broken foot.
Char Val Country
11:22
Our boys are never gonna lose again aren't they ?
Mike White
11:23
Never. It will be 2030 and Char Valley will not have lost. Will probably break OLSH's winning streak record. For sure. Put it on a T-shirt, Underdog.
WPIAL Football Fan
11:23
Where do you think this year’s Pine Richland state championship football team ranks with the other Pine Richland State Champs?  With the new coaching staff and new offense implemented halfway through the season it seems like a team that was just getting started.
Mike White
11:23
Good team, no doubt. But I would put the other two ahead of them.
Hoops Junkie
11:24
Is Central Catholic missing players?  I saw they lost to Seneca Valley. No disrespect to SV but CC I thought was the best in 6A coming in
Mike White
11:24
See above.
todd
11:24
Saw your article on the Duquense Women's team with a lot of local talent.  That local talent doesn't seem to be translating into wins.  Sure they are 11-5 this year, but 1-2 in the A-10 an in 7th place.
Mike White
11:25
I didn't write the story on all the local talent. I wrote the story on Tess Myers and her family. But yes, they have to start winning in conference. Really, no one cares if you win all these non-conference games and go nowhere in conference.
Hoops fan
11:25
Mike, do you think New Castle can still win their section now after losing one of their top 2 players in Boise? Wishing him a speedy recovery also. Senior year injuries stink for any kid
Load More Messages
Connecting…