Mike White: Hey, how goes it, everyone? There are no sports, but we can still talk a little, can't we? Might help pass the time. So, live from the White House chat situation room, let's get started.
fat boy: Since this covid-19 mess is setting a precedent will the PIAA draft up a contingency plan for dates if this were to happen again. For example: all spring sports must be completed at a certain date of no return?
Mike White: Obviously, if by chance spring sports were able to start, it would be on some kind of shortened season. That's a big "IF." I asked PIAA director Bob Lombardi yesterday if there was indeed a "final date" on when a decision would have to be made on spring sports, and he said the board hasn't discussed a "deadline date." They're going day by day, and I can't say I blame them.
West View Joe: Do you know why I am not in the North Hills Hall of Fame?
Mike White: Because you haven't been voted in.
D9 Dave: What is the latest that you think the PIAA could finish the state basketball tournament without losing its meaning? Saw an article yesterday in the Reading newspaper where the Methacton coach, whose team is still alive in the playoffs, thinks it has gotten to the point that the PIAA is giving people false hope by further delaying their decision.
Mike White: Purely my opinion, but if you had to, I think you could even wait until June to play the basketball championships. Heck how about 4th of July weekend. That would be kind of awesome, wouldn't it. All I know is this, what do athletes like to do, no matter the age? Compete. Anywhere. Any time. I've talked to a number of players still alive in the basketball playoffs and a few coaches, and they said they'd be more than happy to play the quarterfinals, semis and finals at any point this summer. Even June. Even July. Heck why not?
#us3: If #metoo has taught me anything it is that we have the right to play from the same tees as the boys. To me (and us3) this has been a great victory. Next up for the movement is getting girls to play football to help the declining participation numbers in that sport.
Mike White: I think I detect sarcasm, but not sure I understand your point. I guess you're referring to the new rule that would make girls in boys golf championships play from the same tees as the boys. I have no problem with the rule. In fact, I wrote a column advocating it last year. If a girl plays baseball, they don't put the bases closer. Or if a girl kicks a field goal in football, they don't let her move up to kick.
NorthSouth: With Vincentian closing, are there any eligibility issues for kids that will be going to new schools next year?
Mike White: This question has been asked before on the chat, but no problem. We'll go through again.
Mike White: An athlete from a school that closes is permitted to go to any private/parochial/charter school that they choose and be eligible. If they want to go to a public school, they must attend the school in the district where they reside. For example, Vincentian's Alex Griggs lives in Hampton. He can go to Hampton and be eligible. Or go to North Catholic, Central Catholic and be eligible.
CCAlum1979: As a disgruntled Central Alumni, why would our new Basketball Coach Brian Urso be applying and interviewing with other 6A schools? Is it because our Athletic Director already has Tim McConnell (a non alumni) lined up for the position already? Or would Central Catholic finally give the job to an alumni like Justin Walther who applied to the job last year and is well qualified for the position and who bring Central Catholic basketball back to relevance?
Mike White: I have no idea if Brian Urso is interviewing at other schools. Could that be a rumor? And here we go again with the Tim McConnell to Central thing. I can tell you that unless Brian Urso leaves, Central creates a made-up job for McConnell, throws a bunch of money at him, he's not going to Central. In other words, it ain't happening. So let's stop with the Tim McConnell to Central rumors. I still keep hearing when the NBA starts back up, he'll be on the bench with the Indiana Pacers to coach T.J. And then when college basketball season starts, the Duquesne women want him on their bench to coach Megan.
Guest: maybe you should have a player of the year separate from the fab 5,then you could get another player like pollack or dimichele or who ever
Mike White: What? Not good idea. So then we'd have to have a Fab 6. Heck, we should just pick eight and call it the Elite 8. Or nine and call it the Nifty Nine. Better yet, let's just pick 22 and call it the Fabulous 22.
Coach Z: Hi Mr. White, Which Char Valley Girls team is better? This years undefeated team or last years? Also where do each of those teams rank in the best girls teams to ever come out of the WPIAL?
Mike White: That's a tough question. Last year's team had a little bit of size. This year's team doesn't but Perri Paige certainly play bigger than she is. Wouldn't these teams have to be considered among the best ever? I mean, there are at least three and there might be four future Division I players on this year's team.
Coach Z: Awesome job as always with the FAB 5. So hard to just to pick 5 players. Are you able to shed some light on some other players who were in contention for the FAB 5 for the girls and boys
Mike White: A number of them were considered. I'm not going to talk about players who didn't make it or were considered. Does no good. I won't mention somebody and they'll flip out, "How could so and so not be mentioned." Every year you can make points for players who don't make it that might be as good as one or two other players on the team. But you can only pick five. Have to make choices. It's always a good question if you think someone should make it, who do you then take off?
Zman: Mike, if the shutdown or restriction of group activities extends into June or so, and if it is determined though by fall that high school football can be played, these kids will have missed out on lot of off season conditioning, would make things interesting, no? Kind of take us back to old school days of 60s and 70s.
Mike White: Indeed Zman, it was a team when teams didn't start getting ready for football season until the summer. So, there won't be kids going to football workouts 4 days a week starting in June. But here's the thing. Everyone will be in the same boat. So no one will have an advantage.
Howard Stern: Any idea what is going on at Ambridge with their coaching search? I just saw their coach last year was badmouthing Jula and recentely sent a tweet saying he had 2 job offers at the college ranks. Doesn't sound like a way to secure the Bridger position permanently!
Mike White: No idea.
Glass house: Long time fan Mike, really appreciate all the PG does for HS athletes. Is it me or over the past few years have people, especially jealous, insecure adults, grown increasingly angry towards the accomplishments of HS athletes. After all, these are kids! What happened to celebrating the accomplishments of these teenagers instead of trying to tear them down?
Mike White: Hey Glass House. I understand your point but I really think there always have been people who don't like successful people. That goes way back. That's one thing I learned a number of years ago. Here's the difference today: Social media. You didn't know all the horrible things people could say about a person before Twitter or facebook, etc. It amazes me sometimes the things people say to others on Twitter. Social media makes tough guys out of a lot of people. I'm an adult. I can handle it and laugh it off. But social media creates so many problems for kids. It's a shame.
Howard Stern: Any idea what will happen with "forced move ups" if the PIAA tournament isnt continued. Lincoln Park got enough success points the Wednesday before it all got shut down. Wonder if they will be forced to move up to 4A next year?
Mike White: There has been no word from the PIAA about "move ups" if state playoffs are canceled. It's one of the reasons the WPIAL hasn't released basketball sectional alignments yet because they don't know if a few teams have to move up or not.
Coach Z: Any word on the section realignments for basketball yet? Really hoping the 5a girls section with CV, Trinity, Moon, and TJ sticks together. The section produced some great games and clearly was the toughest in the WPIAL
Mike White: As I stated in above post, sectional alignments have not been released by WPIAL because they don't know yet what will happen with a few "move ups" in class.
‘T’ from Green Tree: I heard Pitt offered Rodney Gallagher! I saw him play. He’s very quick and can really play. Can you think of another time they offered a freshman.
Mike White: Yes, they offered him. And yes, he is very good. Needs to keep working and getting better at some things, but his future is awfully bright. Has Pitt ever offered a freshman from WPIAL? Hmmm. I don't remember one. Most definitely sophomores, though.
Proud Pittsburgher: Morning Mike. So let's pretend you're the king of the PIAA and somewhat normal life begins 5-1-20. Do the High School Basketball & Hockey playoffs continue? Spring sports play a few regular season games and then playoffs? As you know, these kids work very hard all year for these opportunities that come only once in a lifetime. Is it fair to them to just cancel all this? Or do you do everything you can to make games happen? What does Mike do?
Mike White: Well Proud Pittsburgher, funny you ask. I am doing a column on this alter this week. If school start back up in early May, then most definitely I would go with everything. That's plenty of time to do a shortened season for spring sports. And you could also do the basketball playoffs at any time. Heck, I'm looking at even doing something with spring sports if you started around May 15. But with each day, this seems less and less likely. I do know I have talked to some WPIAL people, even a head of a WPIAL sports committee. He's trying to come up with plans if things would start at some point in May. It can definitely be done.
guest: Did you ever think you'd end up putting a freshman on the Fab 5?
Mike White: Yes, I thought it would happen at some point. Freshman impacts on high school sports have been much greater in the past 25 years. It was inevitable.
Guest: Mike, How many Fab 5 underclassmen would you say do NOT make the Fab 5 the following year, historically? I have to figure it's hard to name an underclassman Fab 5 and exclude them the following year...
Mike White: It has happened. Not a lot. But one comes to mind. Josh Lay of Aliquippa made it as a junior in 2000 and not as a senior. So it's not a sure bet.
Guest: I'm glad the PIAA hasn't shut the door on Basketball yet. I agree with Ethan that they could finish in the summer. Your doing a great job.
Mike White: I think Ethan speaks for most players who are on teams in the quarterfinals. Heck, let's go to Mellon Park in June and play the quarterfinal with Butler and McDowell.
Fat boy: I got fat from playing too many video games. I think the only safe thing to do to avoid COVID-19 is to play the rest of the season on the 2k video platform. Safety first.
Mike White: Woooo hoooo. You're so funny, Fat Boy.
Coach Z: In the past I've seen speculation about Tim McConnell taking another job. Hard for me to understand why he would take a job somewhere else when he has potentially 3 maybe 4 division 1 players who are sophmores
Mike White: He wouldn't. Unless a school got him a job also.
Guest: I like your idea of State championship over july 4th, but don't think the big business of AAU programs wouldn't have a say, and lobby to have "their" month of July so they can ching the cash registers..
Mike White: If a kid wants to play AAU instead of a state championship, go ahead. July 4th is usually not a live period anyway.
Guest: Mike I feel for the referees in basketball at times they're damned if they make the call and damned if they don't. What do you think?
Mike White: Damn if I know, Guest.
Hoops lover: Coach Z Both CV girls teams were amazing! Last year's team did win the PIAA, but this year's team in better. They are still winning with 4 sophomores on the floor, and 3 did not play much last year.
Mike White: Fun debate. Too bad they can't play each other. Maybe Megan McConnell and Aislin Malcolm could play a half for last year's team - and a half for this year's team. Whatdya think?
Colts Corral: I'm watching a broadcast of the 1979 World Series. What's your favourite memory of that season or World Series ?
Mike White: I was a senior in high school. And my favorite memory was going to the Labor Day doubleheader with my Dad and watching the Pirates sweep the hated Phillies - with a great comeback in Game 1 capped when John Millner hit a ninth-inning grand slam off Tug McGraw to win it.
Gym class MVP: Speaking of coaching jobs, do higher classification schools require better resumes than smaller schools? Do bigger schools pay more or offer something that smaller schools do not? If seems like 5 and 6A schools often hire retreads instead of younger coaches.
Mike White: Well, bigger schools often pay more than smaller schools. But it's not like the bigger schools are paying 20 thousand more dollars. But isn't it sometimes like college? A Power 5 program might hire someone from a small or mid-major right? I do know some high school coaches who got 6A jobs got experience at a smaller school first.
Bored at home: I love projecting talent and most often wrong. In my opinion Morton will have a long career playing professional basketball if injuries do not stop him. I think he has a chance to make it to the NBA and at the worst become a successful overseas pro. What say you?
Mike White: I think Ethan Morton is tremendous. Best passing point guard from around here in years. That's what people don't bring up much - his passing. And a 6-6 point guard with skills? How often do you find that. Sure he has to keep working and improving some areas of his game, but who doesn't? Predicting the NBA for him? I wouldn't do that to any player. That's a lot of pressure. I do think Purdue is a good fit for him, though.
NorthSouth: There's been a tweet I've seen on twitter a bunch this week with people posting their top 5 WPIAL athletes. Who would yours be, not sport specific?
Mike White: I'd have to really think about it and this is just real fast off the top of my head and these are only ones who I've seen (since 1980). But Jeannette's Terrelle Pryor and North Hills' LaVar Arrington come to mind right away along with Washington's Brian Davis. And most definitely Swin Cash on the female side.
PetersFAN: Any idea on if Peters Township is moving forward with their coaching search because of the COVID-19 outbreak? Also do you know who the candidates are? Heard its up in the air
Mike White: North Allegheny and Peters Township have been doing interviews. Doing them on videos (Skype for example). Both ADs say they hope to have a hire in few weeks at April board meetings. NA is doing second interviews yesterday and today.
Last picked at recess: Have you heard anything about Robbie Carmody? Is he expected to recover from his gruesome knee injury? Tough two years at ND with injuries.
Mike White: According to his brother, Mike, Robby's rehab is coming along nicely and plans to be ready for next season.
Mackdaddy: Will The pg be doing a baseball and softball preseason alll
Mike White: Not until we hear spring sports will actually happen.
Whitehall joe: Mike what do you think about them taking off the rims at basketball courts around the city?
Mike White: I've heard that at some places. Unbelievable, isn't it. But large groups of people aren't supposed to be getting together, right? If maybe a dozen people are getting together to play pickup basketball and contacting each other, I wouldn't think that wouldn't be too smart? Or is just me?
D9 Dave: Hear the PIAA is considering more severe penalties than a 1 game suspension for ejection for unsportsmanlike conduct. Your thoughts? Are more severe penalties needed?
Mike White: Yes, I had that in story today. They're talking about two games. That's OK. I listened to the meeting yesterday. They were talking about making it a week. Bad idea. A week would be one game in football. But that could be 4 games in basketball. Not right.
Quad North Fan: Long time no talk Mike. Hearing anything about the fall football season? Seems like if the kids go back to school, sports could be played.
Mike White: I'm hearing football is scheduled to start playing games in August. What more is there to say or "hear" right now. Heck, they haven't even decided anything on spring sports and you wanna know what's going to be done in the fall. C'mon, man.
Steve: Any insightS or thoughts on the North Allegheny boys job?
Mike White: Vincentian's Tim Tyree is one of the finalists. Getting second interview. Another interesting one. Shelton Carney, father of Butler's Devin Carney. Shelton was Vincentian coach before Tim Tyree.
Mike White: OK, that's it, everyone. Questions keep coming in, so we'll plan to do it again next Tuesday at 11. May everyone stay safe. Be good.
First Published: March 31, 2020, 1:35 p.m.
