JotCast | Mike White's sports chat: 03.19.24

Mike White's sports chat: 03.19.24

Mike White

10:58

Let's get started. Half of the field for state basketball championships is now filled. Other half will be filled tonight. Still an exciting time. Right now, three WPIAL boys teams have clinched spots in title games - Franklin Regional, Lincoln Park and Imani Christian. So far, no WPIAL girls teams are in - and it's entirely possible the WPIAL might not have a girls team make it this year. Wow. I'd have to check to see if that has ever happened.

11:01

But it's a strange week for basketball in Pittsburgh. It's a shame Pitt didn't make the NCAA. On the other hand, Duquesne is in for the first time in 47 years. I'm working on a story on the 1977 Duquesne team, the last to make NCAA. I followed that team closely. Norm Nixon was "may man." I was in ninth grade then. Heck, I used to try and sometimes shoot like him, imitating that leg kick that he had. For some reason, the ball didn't go in for me like it did for him. Talke to Norm Nixon last night. Was great conversation. He's still living in California but is charged up by this year's team. Oh well, let's get to some questions.

FarmerRick

11:03

Mike, Not once but twice did the Uniontown Red Raiders basketball team show everyone and especially the WPIAL seating committee that being seated 4th in the WPIAL Tournament was totally incorrect.

Mike White

11:05

You're probably right, but it's easy to say now. Uniontown had two losses in regular season. No. 3 seed Montour had three. Both had some nice wins. Uniontown hit a short rough patch in January, and maybe that had something to do with it. Hindsight says, though, Uniontown should've probably been No. 3.

Coach O

11:05

I think the most entertaining game in Hershey this weekend may be Imani-Berlin Brothersvalley. High scoring and tremendous guard play. Pace Prosser of Berlin caught my eye in last year’s game. And then about a month or so ago I watched them play Uniontown. Berlin lost in OT and Prosser had 37. Uniontown had no answer for him. I don’t think Imani will cruise in this one.

Mike White

11:06

Imani handled them last year. Imani had more size last year. This year, their guards are ultra-impressive. It seems maybe Berlin Brothersvalley is a little better than last year. It could be a good game. I think a key is whether Berlin can handle pressure. And Pace Prosser is very good.

North2South

11:06

Is there a better HS venue for a big game than AHN Arena at Peters Township? Environment was electric there last night for Moon/Franklin Regional.

Mike White

11:07

You know, I was at Peters last night for the Moon-FRegional game. And I thought to myself how great that place is for a big game. It gets pretty loud in there and there is a lot of seating. I agree, it's probably the best place now for a big high school game. Gives you a small college feel. Love the seats in both end zones. There are some older gyms I still cherish. But for a big game, yeah I'll go with Peters Township now.

Slob

11:08

Best wpial basketball team ever?

Mike White

11:09

You know that's hard to say. I can't name one. A few always mentioned among best - and I agree - are 1967 Ambridge, 1965 Midland. A couple of the great Farrell teams. A Uniontown team in 1960s. Those are just some.

Retire already!!!!

11:09

As far as high school coaches go who is responsible for hiring and firing?? School board or athletic director or a mix of both?? Some of these basketball coaches around the wpial need to hang it up!! The game has passed them by!!!!!!

Mike White

11:11

And the complaining has officially started!!!!! Obviously you want to see a coach or two out. It can be a decision among athletic director, principal, superintendent, school board. But ultimately the board is the one who hires. If you're a coach, you have to hope the wrong five people don't want you out. That would be five school board members.

Anon

11:11

What happens if aliquippa football wins a lawsuit against PIAA in court? Drop down and all schedules get revamped?

Mike White

11:12

I don't know any other thing to do. But they still haven't filed anything in court. Will they? Not sure, although they say they will. Don't know wat they're waiting on.

Pops

11:12

It was a shame how Guillroy's injury changed the game last night. He was noticeably limping. Tough way to end the season for Moon. I was a little disappointed that the other players couldn't pick up the slack for the tigers. Who does FR play next?

Mike White

11:14

Yes, would've liked to see a team have its top player healthy. Could've been a great game. Looked like Guillory couldn't cut well or move well. Franklin Regional plays that Philadelphia perennial power - that charter school - Imhotep. Looking at all the teams left, I'm sure the public vs. private/Catholic/charter school debate will be revved up again.

Hambone

11:14

Hampton started strong but the game was over at halftime. They are not built to comeback from large deficits. In the two games I watched Hampton play LP, Kramer looked a little intimidated. I am not trying to slight him but the confident player I saw much of the season was not there. Hampton needed a BIG night from he and Mignogna just to have a chance. Does LP win back to back states?

Mike White

11:17

Lincoln Park did a great job on Kramer. Lincoln Park can play some pretty good defense when it wants, especially Thomas. Lincoln Park plays Archbishop Carroll, a Philly Catholic League team. So you know they're good. But I like Lincoln Park to repeat.

Ryan

11:17

Mike Does Franklin Regional Win on Friday Big Win For Franklin Regional Last Night

Mike White

11:22

Really nice win last night. Now they play Imhotep Charter. Philly Power always strong. Won five state titles since 2017. Justin Edwards, freshman at Kentucky, is from Imhotep. Imhotep this year has guard Ahmad Nowell, No. 36 senior in the country. He's only going to UCONN. Does that tell you enough?

Rumor mill

11:22

Word is Imani may close as a school next year. Players on their basketball team are shopping themselves around. Why would they ask to move to 6A if they weren't viable as a school? Have you heard anything about them closing?

Mike White

11:22

I don't know what truth there is to those rumors.

Hooper

11:22

I watched the Lincoln vs hampton game last night. From what I saw LP didn't run a single play or do anything defensively as a team that stood out. In fact, they got burnt by the same flex cut and cross screen all night. What seems to win them games is outstanding individual performances. Their coach is a tremendous recruiter but I question the coaching. Even with all of his wins and championships you can't mention him in the same breathe as the other WPAIL great basketball coaches. Can you?

Mike White

11:23

Lincoln Park does run some things. C'mon. But with Cummings and Thomas, you don't have to run many plays. They can do so many things on their own.

Dog

11:23

Who's the last Fab 5 team that could beat 2007 Schendley? That team was so strong it would be tough for the recent talent pool to even beat them

Mike White

11:24

One of the best. They'd give any Fab 5 a battle and beat most.

North2South

11:24

Jesse Reed and Gino Palmosina are two really great young coaches with bright futures. Do you know if they are employeed by the districts they coach in? That seems to be a thing of the past to have coaches teaching in the district.

Mike White

11:26

You're right. Great jobs by them. Gino in second year. Jesse in third. They do not work at schools. Jesse is an insurance salesman. Gino works for the city of Pittsburgh, I think chief of staff for a councilwoman whose name I can't remember right now.

Hoops guy

11:26

Taking nothing away from FR because they’re deserving and good, but you mentioned Guillory’s ankle yesterday. Didnt Shaler’s leading scorer Smetanka, have a bad injury too? I heard about it but never saw you mention it

Mike White

11:28

Sorry. Obviously you wanted it mentioned. Smetanka didn't start but played most of the game. I didn't see him limping or hobbling around like Guillory.

Imani Fan 412

11:28

We proved everybody wrong!!! Look at us now!!! Go saints #underdogstory

Mike White

11:29

Imani an underdog? Please. They were ranked No. 1 in WPIAL Class 1A at beginning of last season. They were ranked No. 1 at beginning of this season and stayed there. Sorry, spare me the underdog story.

Next year

11:29

Hey Mike. Off hand do you know how many Seniors USC will lose this year ? They have to be the odds on favourite for next season in 6a

Mike White

11:30

Five of their top seven are back, I believe. Of starters, they lose Ito and Meinert. There is no question they are the team to beat in 6A next year. No. 1 coming into year.

Hoops

11:30

I saw a tweet by Ianna Wade today that she was disappointed that the Fab 14 conference (whatever that is) only named her to the first team and didn’t name her player of the year. Instead, they chose the very talented Erica Gribble. Can these kids not be grateful for the recognition that they are given? If I am a college coach, that’s a red flag.

Mike White

11:31

I have no idea about Fab 14 conference all-star teams. I don't even know what that is. Nor do I care.

Ryan Kenney

11:31

favorite high school baseball fields?

Mike White

11:31

I'd have to think. Not as easy as gyms or football stadiums.

Timbo

11:32

Which WPIAL teams have the best chance to win states?