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Mike White's high school sports chat: 12.20.22
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Mike White
10:57
Well, the last chat before the holidays, so let me wish everyone a Merry Christmas and happy high school days. It's cold outside, so that means high school basketball is heating up. We still have some football awards coming up in the next week, like Post-Gazette coach of the year, player of the year for every classification and all-state teams that will be released next week. So let's get started, if you're feeling chatty.
Slick
10:57
I have noticed that DePante for CC hasn't been in the box score the past few games.  Is he injured?
Mike White
10:59
Yes, I noticed that also. I'm not sure if he's hurt or not. Will have to check. Debaba Tshiebwe didn't play first few games, either. But he is now back.
Cam
10:59
Any thoughts on the future for Montour Basketball right now with Ama Sow
Mike White
11:02
Watched him two games on film. Haven't seen him live yet. Very long. He's 6-9 and only a sophomore. Aggressive on rebounds. Rebounds well and blocks shots. But is still very raw offensively. Has a ways to go there. But at 6-9 and only a sophomore, certainly some potential there. Have to wait and see. Looks like will grow, too.
Ernie Ferency
11:02
Good Morning Mike. Do you think today's kids are softer than when we played in HS? I watch games & wind up just shaking my head.
Mike White
11:08
You know, my feeling is many players feel they were more talented and tougher than today's athletes. I don't know. I think a lot of guys have that "tough guy" syndrome when they really weren't. They weren't as tough as they thought. It's that thing where so many think the past was better. I will say this. What I see and hear as a writer and what I see as a junior-high coach is that kids don't have as much desire as generations ago. Does that make them softer? Probably. But I think most of that comes from the way parents are today. Sense of entitlement is different. With a lot of parents, it's not "you want to play more, you to contribute more, then work harder and get better." It's more of "The coach is an idiot. That's why you're not playing." It's never the kid's fault. So yeah, I guess what I'm saying is they are softer.
FB Guy
11:08
Any scoop on who is a leading candidate for any of the open football jobs?
Mike White
11:09
I've heard North Catholic might be down to two candidates. Not sure who they are. I've been told Kevin Colbert is helping with that coach's search. Also was told by sources that Central will take applications maybe until Jan. 1.
Slick
11:09
Speaking of injuries according to social media Parham from NH isn't playing tonight because of an injury last game.  Any info on that?
Mike White
11:09
We shall see. Probably game time decision.
John
11:11
Thoughts on nil deals in the wpial, such as Brandon Davis being payed if people want to call him or play games that he just signed.
Mike White
11:13
Are you talking about the Brandon Davis who used to be at Laurel Highlands? He now plays at a basketball school in Erie. I have no idea what you mean about "being paid if people want to call him or play games that he just signed." No idea what that means or what you're trying to say. There aren't going to be many kids in Western Pa. who get NIL deals.
WPIAL guy
11:13
What’s the word on open big school head football jobs ? Bethel, PCC, Norwin ? Been quiet ! Any speculation?
Mike White
11:15
I touched on Central and North Catholic jobs above. No idea about Norwin or Bethel. I know Central offensive coordinator Steve Bezila will be one of the top candidates for Central job. I also know some Woodland Hills people, whether fans or alums, have contacted Donta Green at Westinghouse. But he said he's staying at Westinghouse.
Slick
11:15
How about Beaver giving LP a scare.  Are they the real deal or was someone missing for LP?
Mike White
11:16
Yes, Beaver opened some eyes. Were undefeated until then. Good for Beaver. Nice to see. I don't know if Lincoln Park had anyone out. All I know is Meleek Thomas and Brandin Cummings played.
Kevin
11:17
Did you get to see the 2023 season for the Montour Spartans football, if so what was your thoughts on their run?
Mike White
11:18
Believe it or not, I'm not Nostradamus. So I haven't seen the 2023 Montour Spartans season yet. I can only dream about it.
Football Dad
11:19
With the new NIL deals available in the WPIAL and PIAA, do you feel that this may give some of the private schools (North and Central Catholic) and the bigger schools (NA) an advantage.
Mike White
11:20
Some think it will and, yes, it might. But why can't someone in a public school district give some money to players, too? There are some well-off public school districts who have some people with money, too. Remember, one of the rules is that alums can't use NIL to get a kid come to a school. Yep. Wink-wink. Like that won't happen. Just funnel the money through a third party.
Hsfan
11:20
Do you see 6A being chaotic, or will a hierarchy form?
Mike White
11:24
I see 6A being pretty open, honestly. I still say Central - at least for now - is the team to beat. New Castle doesn't have size, but they're New Castle. They will be in title hunt. Butler doesn't have size, but guards are good. USC is one to watch. Got two starters back now who were injured. And Joey David looks like he will have Mt. Lebanon in the thick of it again. Norwin might be sleeper team. Bilinsky is very good. I don't think there is an overwhelming team in 6A. No great team. Best team in 6A around this district is Allderdice, I think.
Kevin
11:24
I meant 2022 I guess 😂 for the Spartans.
Mike White
11:25
Ohhhhhh. Nice run for Captain Lou Cerro and his boys. Started out 1-3 and finished 7-5. I think they're somewhat young, too, with some decent players coming up.
Coach15
11:26
Is Westinghouse &/or PIAA satisfied with S Columbia's handling of "the issue", & shouldn't Roth's wife be suspended as it was reported that she had helped cheerleaders with the sign-making--(seems like she shoulda been a little more ALERT of the sensitivity)?
Mike White
11:29
Westinghouse or Pittsburgh Public Schools will make no more comment until PIAA meets and decides whether Southern Columbia's response was good enough. I was the one who reported Roth's wife is the cheerleader coach and cheerleaders made the sign "Whip Westinghouse" with drawing of whip. I don't know if Southern will do anything to her. But adults, whether Roth or others, saw those signs. For them to think that might not be a good idea is absurd. They're living with blinders on if they can't see that. Shame on them. As for kids? Well, another example of social media being the biggest problem for lives of teenagers.
Hoops guy
11:29
Any good games you are going to tonight or this week?
Mike White
11:29
I really like Gateway at Laurel Highlands tonight. I will probably go to Hampton at Fox Chapel on Thursday.
WPIAL nerd
11:30
I know you coach 9th grade basketball at North Hills.  Are you allowed to coach a high school team or does the pg think that would be a conflict of interest?  Did you ever have a chance to coach the big kid for NH or did he go straight to varsity?
Mike White
11:31
Yes I am the 9th grade coach. No, I can't be a high school head coach. That wouldn't be good. Maybe when I retired. Ha ha. I help a little bit with varsity here and there, at some games. Just mainly do some stats on games.
Hsfan
11:31
Thought it was surprising that Dice lost to an Erie team that was blown out by Shady Side.
Mike White
11:32
Most definitely. Just talked to Dice coach Devin Crummie no more than an hour ago. He said Erie was pumped to play them and their pressure hurt Dice. After that, the Shady Side score was shocking. Devin said he went to the Shady Side game and he, too, was surprised. Sometimes basketball a funny, funny game.
Pete
11:32
A lot of local D3 schools have players from the WPIAL that I have never heard of.  I would think recruiting for a small, expensive basketball team is extremely difficult.  What's harder: being Pitt trying to recuit 4 stars or Waynesburg trying to find a quality player who can shell out $60k?
Mike White
11:35
Yes, many WPIAL players at local D3 schools - and doing well. It's comparing apples and oranges because big-time schools have so much more to offer. D3 schools have education and you play in front of a couple 100 fans many times. Plus, it can be expensive. But you have to remember. They can give the aid "based on need." And if they "need" you, they usually can find you some "aid." Funny how that works.
Pete
11:35
I noticed you have Valentine on the picture of this chat.  Is he getting overlooked by D1 programs for a reason?
Mike White
11:37
You're speaking of Mekhai Valentine. According to his coach this summer, he had some Division I interest and a couple offers. I think more and more people are starting to find out about him. I hope to see him play soon. I have heard nothing but good things about him and believe could be a low D-1 program. We'll see as season progresses.
Pete
11:37
Why hasn't Imani played recently?  They collected a solid team. I figured they would want to play some games.
Mike White
11:38
Well, they have played four. That's not low. Others have played only four or five. They are playing in some tournaments and events against good teams in higher classifications. It's still early in season. Give it time.
Pipkins
11:38
I saw that Aquinas played a christian school last night that I never heard of and Cuigini had 50.  That is pretty weak to schedule schools like that to ensure you can break the scoring record.  Don't you think?
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