Mike White's high school sports chat transcript: 10.15.24

Mike White / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Mike White: Hey, there's so much going on, we're starting this chat a little early. Because if you're on time, you're late, right?
Mike White: Things are starting to heat up around here in WPIAL sports, on a wide variety of topics. Two weeks left in WPIAL regular season. Playoff picture should be much clearer after this weekend. ... Then there is the Imani Christian hoops team and Baldwin football team now under formal investigation by WPIAL for recruiting. We've talked about Imani stuff on this chat before. But administration at both schools is being looked at for administration oversight. ... Then there is Ringgold. Called off game Friday against Thomas Jefferson because of "alleged misconduct" of players. Investigation ensued. No criminal charges filed. Coach texted me and said Friday it was "teenage kids being teenage kids." I can tell you this. TJ coach Bill Cherpak not too happy.
Mike White: Well let's go. Fire away with any questions.

Frank: Assuming you will be at Montour this Friday? I am calling an upset with the Spartans coming out on top
Mike White: No I will not be. I think I'll go elsewhere. Aliquippa superintendent has forbidden his coaches and players from talking to me. He doesn't like things I've written about Aliquippa. So be it.

Bill Nye: The science of field goal kicking seems to be improving. Lot of good kickers arahnd.
Mike White: Well Bill Nye the science guy, I wrote a little story on this just last week. It is indeed amazing how all of a sudden the WPIAL has all these outstanding kickers. One going to Alabama (North Allegheny's Peter Notaro), a few rated among the tops in the country, the WPIAL record for longest field goal tied this year (55 yards). Is it merely coincidence? I think that's part of it. But from talking to a few of these kids, they had some kicking talent, and then decided to go all out in training to be a kicker. Maybe that has something to do with it.

5A: Will the Allegheny six get 2/3 of the wild cards?
Mike White: In Class 5A, there will be three wild cards, as determined by WPIAL football committee. I would be shocked if two of them aren't from the Allegheny Six, unless South Fayette gets totally blown out the next two games.

Old Timer: We will never know what happened with Ringgold football. It sounds like there was some low-level kidstuff, enough to warrant suspensions, and overblown into a game cancellation that conveniently avoided a worse beatdown than what probably would've occurred anyway. This is 21st Century high school football. If that's how Ringgold wants to operate, that's their business. I feel bad for Thomas Jefferson, because it now has to rely on someone's opinion for how it will be affected by an unplayed conference game.
Mike White: Well Old Timer, I have a story posted this morning about Ringgold situation. I don't know what kids did, but coach did say in a text message last week the cause of this was - get this - a parent who was unhappy about his son not playing the position he wanted ... and "teenage kids being teenage kids." As you can see in story, TJ coach Bill Cherpak not too happy. His kids lost a chance at a game, although it would not have been a pretty game against 1-6 Ringgold, which has lost 30 of 31. You think there is a littel part of some Ringgold folks who are kind of glad the game wasn't played?

Mr Ed: Why are only 8 teams in 4A WPIAL football playoffs this year? Had been 5A and 6A that had shortened playoffs. What changed? Is PIAA playoffs determined by number of teams in total classification or do they arbitrarily decide the playoff schedule for each classification year by year?
Mike White: Hey Mr. Ed, I know your cousin, retired Post-Gazette high school sports staistician "Horse" Mrazik. But before I answer your question, did you hear about the horse who walked into the bar and the bartender said, "Hey, why the long face?" ..... Wooooo hooooo. I'll be here all week. Try the veal.
Mike White: Oh, back to your question Mr. Ed. I will try to explain. The PIAA changes its state playoff brackets every two years. The WPIAL Class 6A and 4A champs in football automatically qualify for the PIAA quarterfinals. So, WPIAL Class 6A and 4A have smaller playoff fields because they must be done a week earlier than 5A, 3A, 2A and 1A. The champs of those four WPIAL classes automatically go into the state semifinals. Thus, 5A, 3A, 2A and 1A can have bigger playoff fields.
Mike White: Oooops. Here's the link to story on Ringgold football starting back up. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-football/2024/10/15/ri...

Tw: Morning Michael….looks like South Fayette struggling after a great start…still has Bethel Park and Moon…..tough conference…
Mike White: Very tough conference that Allegheny Six. I think if South Fayette is at least competitive in these final two games, they still might get one of the wild card spots.

J D: Mike, is Montour good enough to beat Aliquippa this week? It looks like Montour is pass happy and connecting on long throws while Aliquippa always has very few weaknesses. Your comments.
Mike White: Of course they are. Hey, Aliquippa has a loss - to Penn Hills. I'm not saying Montour WILL beat Aliquippa but they could. I think it could be an excellent game. As far as Montour being pass happy, QB Trey Hopper averages 19 passes a game. I don't think that's ridiculous. Montour has some good receivers, don't forget. But I think the key to the game will be Montour's defense against Aliquippa's running game.

Knoch sports: I heard that the Knoch football was a sleeper this year and seemed to struggle moving up to 4A, I am hearing Knoch Basketball is on the up swing. What are your thoughts on football and basketball
Mike White: Depends what you consider a "sleeper." I don't know if anyone thought Knoch would beat out McKeesport or Mars in the conference. Knoch lost 42-7 to Mars and still must play McKeesport. Knoch is 3-4. Not good, but certainly not shocking. As for Knoch basketball, I do think they should be pretty good. And the classification they are in isn't overly strong.

Bball guy: Should the Imani staff start looking for places to vacation for a year? What have they done that IS ethical? A string of violations arising + more that the WPIAL seems to overlook... the race card is always a factor in this. Will it happen again?
Mike White: The WPIAL has started an investigation. In stories that we already have written and what was presented at hearings, it seems pretty clear that a case can be made for recruiting. Post-Gazette also has reported on few things that Imani has done that might not break PIAA rules, but certainly are deceiving. WPIAL boss Scott Seltzer also hinted that the league might also have some other things that have not been made public. And it's interesting that entire administration will be looked at for oversight.
Mike White: Hey Bball guy, may I also bring up what was reported in story today. Back in 2012, Imani was suspended from WPIAL for not complying with rules and regulations concerning transfers and eligibility paperwork. The WPIAL lifted the suspension in April of 2012. Wilson was Imani Christian’s basketball coach back then, but left after the 2011-12 season. He returned as an assistant a few years ago and became head coach last season. Here's a comment from Wilson in Washington Observer-Reporter in 2018 about his time at Imani: "I had a vision of turning Imani Christian Academy into Oak Hill Academy.”
Mike White: One last thing Bball guy, I vividly remember in the spring of 2010. I know it was a while ago, but it has always stuck with me. I was at a youth AAU basketball game for my son. Khayree Wilson politely introduced himself as the new coach at Imani Christian, who would be joining the WPIAL. He then asked if I would do a story on him. When I asked, "Why would I do a story on you?" he flat out said, "Because I want to build the best program in Western Pennsylvania and I want to get all of the best players all over Western Pennsylvania to come to Imani. A story would help." I have never forgotten that brief conversation.

Your Cuz: Did you watch the Penguin game last night?
Mike White: I DVR'ed it, like I do all games. Jean Pronovost comes over my house once a week and we break down the games. It's tremendous. Riveting. I love it.

Clown Show: Imani brought in Tristian Brown from New York and did not file paperwork. How the heck did they get that one swept under the rug? I saw in the article "Coach" said Gonzalez transferred in July... well if July is the case for all transfers, Gonzalez, Demus, and Morris (their new big man transfer from Steel Valley) all played at Philly Live in June. I could go on about these guys, but I will refrain.
Mike White: You're speaking of Tristen Brown who played for Imani last year. He is sort of a mystery. He wasn't on the team in 2022-23, but was last year. I don't know if he's still there or not. I don't know where he was in the 2021-22 season, but I do know a coach told me Brown was at Shaler in the fall of 2021 for a brief period of time, came to some open gyms, played a fall league game or two, but then suddenly left before the season. No one seems to know where he played that year or in 2022-23.

WPIAL Lifer: Just mere coincidence that Ringgold was scheduled to play TJ when a whole lot of nothing "forced" them to call off game? Me thinks not. Shame on them.
Mike White: You said it. Not me.

BC Fan: The 1a state championship could potentially be Westinghouse vs the WPIAL champ is that correct? Should move the game to NA or North Hills
Mike White: Yes, the way the PIAA brackets are set up in Class 1A, Westinghouse would have to go through the other side of the bracket than the WPIAL champ. It was like this the past few years in Class 1A. A Western team played through the east. So the only way Westinghouse would meet the WPIAL champ would be in the state final. Why not Lt. J.C. Stone Field in North Park. Think of it. Would be a great setting on a December day. You could walk the lake, maybe fish a little, play 9 at North Park Golf Course and then catch the game.

BC Fan: How are officials chosen for WPIAL playoffs? I’ve seen a few crews who shouldn’t be allowed to officiate mighty mite games.
Mike White: The WPIAL chooses them.

Parkway: More of an observation than a question: The WPIAL changing the non-conference scheduling has been a great move that has opened the door for far more competitive games throughout the season. What I think it will affect, however, is the perception of many teams going into the playoffs based strictly on their record. A look at the standings, for instance, will show a 3A Central Valley team with a 4-4 record and a likely 5-5 finish (still have to play 5A North Hills), but with four of those potential losses against 4A and 5A competition. I think to the casual observer, we may see a lot of "upsets" come playoff time if you are looking at records alone.
Mike White: Hey Parkway, I think the WPIAL football committee will be well aware of strength of schedule for some teams. Central Valley is a good example. There are other teams who have had really tough non-conference schedules. I'm sure that will be considered.

JP: On TJ Ringgold. I can't see them playing that game with only two weeks left in the season and then the playoffs starting.
Mike White: That game will be played when Bill Cherpak flies.

Haystacks Calhoun: That’s a shame Mike. You’ve written hundreds of articles about Quip over the years and they’ve been nothing but fair and professional. L for the superintendent
Mike White: Hundreds is probably not an exaggeration. Oh well, that's the superintendent's perception. Ask me if I care that he won't let coach and players talk to me.

WPIAL Lifer: Holy Quip, for real?!? You've practically written a book worth of accolades on Aliquippa over the years but now you're in the no fly zone??? Man, that's bush league.
Mike White: You said it.

Haystacks Calhoun: Seeing that Baldwin is 0-8 they may need a new recruiting coordinator
Mike White: Ohhhhhh, you went there.

How on Earth: How is a team that beat 3 undefeated teams in a row still only get a #2 ranking in 5a ? How ?
Mike White: You're talking about Upper St. Clair. Sure you could make a point for them. But what has Pine-Richland done to deserve to be dropped from No. 1? They beat the No. 1 6A team, beat a 7-1 5A team and beat another 5A team that beat Aliquippa.

Leapin Lanny Poffo: Did you hear about the horse who walked into the bar and said “Ouch that hurt”
Mike White: Awwwww yeahhh!!!! But what did the horse say to its foal (newborn)? Hey, it's 'pasture bedtime?' ...... Wooooo hoooooo. Tip your waitresses.

Colt Corral: How many teams make the playoffs in 4a and is Chartiers Valley basically toast ? Do you think we could talk Jim Render out of retirement to be head coach ?
Mike White: Oh, look at you. Bringing up the Chartiers Valley "Colts" after all the horse jokes today. You're such a "Potsie." ... Oh, only eight teams make the WPIAL 4A playoffs. Top two in each conference and two wild cards. Chartiers Valley would have to win its final two games to even have a chance - and that ain't happening because one is against Thomas Jefferson.

Hooper: Shocked it took this long for the WPIAL to investigate Imani. The shame is they took WPIAL/PIAA titles away from deserving teams the last two years. Should have to vacate it.
Mike White: Hou need evidence, Hooper. Evidence. And apparently the WPIAL has some now. Post-Gazette even had some.

Aaron Smetanka: Any scoop on the schools interested in Dahlem ? I'd cut my arm off to have him at St Vincent
Mike White: Probably small colleges. Guess maybe a chance and FCS school would become interested.

Pops: It’s easier to recruit a top level basketball team compared to a football team.
I hope seltzer investigates the Imani football team too. A lot of Penn hills kids got plucked. Sketchy.
Mike White: They said they are investigating programs, so that might mean more than one sport.

Popularity: Best atmosphere at a high school game in recent memory?
Mike White: Just in recent memory I'll say the last two years. Last year's Central - North Allegheny game at Central. But I'll take a WPIAL semifinal basketball game any time.

Tony Heisman: My Hopewell Vikings have turned things around this year with 4 wins. Though we haven't beat a good team yet. Do you like our chances @CV and @NC?
Mike White: You have a chance, yes. And yes Hopewell is trending up.

Tony Heisman: Do you remember who were the 5 HS with the largest enrollment back when you started in 1980? I'm sure NA and SV weren't the biggest back then.
Mike White: I wouldn't have that info but you're right, it certainly wasn't North Allegheny and Seneca Valley. I know Butler was among the biggest. Heck Pine-Richland (Richland back then) was in 2A I believe. I don't know who was the biggest, though.

SeenThisB4: Two congratulations:
1) Since the Wolverines are featured in the picture leading the online, great job to my alma mater Ellwood City!.
2) Also great job to the Shaler girls soccer in making the playoffs! Although I wish the benefit of moving down to 3A was in place before my daughter graduated this spring, it's still great to see the program moving forward!
Mike White: Last time Ellwood City was 7-0, they made it to the WPIAL title game in 1944 and players didn't wear facemasks then. And kudos to the Shaler soccer girls. Titanic effort.

OldSchoolCity: how does baldwins coach make it out of this. kids played in a scrimmage that weren't enrolled and one got hurt. Thats bad for business. Also doesn't the AD get some of this blame?
Mike White: Interesting to see what happens with Baldwin. I would say someone is going to be penalized at Baldwin. For administrators, could be old "probation" or dreaded "public censure."

Ghost of WPIALs Past: Not sure this has been published before but who is on this committee that will be picking wild cards?
Mike White: The football committee members are on the WPIAL web site. Committee members for all sports are on the web site.

OldSchoolCity: how is it good for the kids or program to not allow them to talk to one of the bigger writers in the area. Like you or not just seems like a bad move
Mike White: You'd have to ask the Aliquippa superintendent.

FAIR IS FAIR: I'm by no means condoning Imani Christian and their recruiting tactics, but how is the WPIAL we going to allow Sewickley academy to bring in 3 kids from Africa this offseason and pillage local school districts through their Tull money (allegedly paying their tuition) and their aau ties? Seems like money and power solves a lot of problems.
Mike White: You're saying a lot there. Other coaches have told me what they're seeing at Sewickley Academy and on their teams in the fall. I don't know all the particulars. But let's just say it will be very interesting to see how this plays out. I do know that Sewickley feels all of a sudden they are going to be very good.

Dale Berra: Solution to recruiting/transfers: if kid found to be athletic intent....suspend coach for a year. Let kid play. Its the coach's fault 98% of the time. This cat from Southmoreland is next. Be adults and coach your kids.
Mike White: Totally wrong. If a kid moves for athletic reasons and coach had nothing to do with it, you don't penalize the coach. Now if the coach is found guilty of recruiting, then the coach gets penalized.

Leapin Lanny Poffo: I put a bet on a horse to come in at 10 to 1 – and it did! Unfortunately all the others came in at 12:30.
Mike White: Wooooo hooooo. Love it. You get a gold star for best pun of the week. And on that note, I have to go. I have a root canal this afternoon. Scheduled for 2:30 ..... Woooo hooooo. Get it? Awwwww yeahhhhh.

Hooper: HS Sports have just turned into the Wild West. Parents, recruiting etc. It is ridiculous how we now basically have a transfer portal in HS. SWAC getting kids from Africa? SHAM!!!
Mike White: Ooops this one snuck in. I don't know what the total situation is at Sewickley Academy. All I know is many coaches and fans are talking about it. Eyes will surely be on that team and players. ..... Let's just see what develops, said the man as he dropped of his film for pictures. ... OK, I'll stop now. See ya next Tuesday at 11.