Char Valley-Hampton probably won't be played .... Clairton's Green gets more scholarship offers

By Mike White | Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, 2:45 p.m.

It's highly likely that the much-anticipated basketball game between Chartiers Valley and Hampton will not be played before the regular season ends.

The two teams were supposed to play last Friday and the game was sold out a few days before. But the snowstorm postponed that game and it was rescheduled for Wednsday. With many schools already canceling classes for Wednesday because of more snow, it's unlikely the game will be played. The regular season ends Tuesday night and both Hampton and Chartiers Valley have makeup games to be played Thursday through Monday.

"Hampton has a game Thursday and we both play Friday," said Chartiers Valley coach Tim McConnell. "They don't want to play Saturday. We have to play Moon Monday and we're scheduled with North Catholic Tuesday. The only way we would be able to make it work would be to play North Catholic Sunday and Hampton Tuesday. But that would mean we'd play Friday, North Catholic Sunday, Moon Monday and Hampton Tuesday. That's a pretty tough thing to do. I don't know if I would want to do that right before the playoffs."

More offers for Green

Clairton junior Desimon Green, pictured to the left, has a few more scholarship offers for football. Pitt was the first to offer him during the season. But he recently was offered scholarships by West Virginia, Purdue and Bowling Green. Green is a 6-foot-5 quarterback-defensive end at Clairton.

"Bowling Green said I could play quarterback," Green said. "All of the others are for linebacker and defensive end. It doesn't really matter to me. I just want to keep my options open."

Green helped Clairton win WPIAL and PIAA championships this past season and is currently the leading scorer on the basketball team.

WPIAL extends basketball season

By Mike White | Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, 9:35 a.m.

WPIAL basketball teams getting behind because of postponed games will have a few more days to finish their seasons.

The WPIAL has extended the end of basketball season two days because of the large number of postponed games due to snow. The league sent a memo to all schools this morning, informing them that all section games should be completed by Monday (Feb. 15).

"This gives teams an extra two days to get in their section games," said WPIAL Executive Director Tim O’Malley. "Albeit, one of those days is Sunday, but there have been games played on Sundays.

"No one is playing tonight and probably no one will play [Wednesday] night. If we can start getting games in Thursday, that gives teams five days to get in their section games."

Also, the WPIAL has pushed back its playoff pairings announcement from next Tuesday to next Wednesday.

Section or non-section games involving teams not in the WPIAL playoffs can be played up until March 6.

In other WPIAL news, O’Malley said the two team wrestling championships will go on as scheduled today at 3 p.m. at Fox Chapel.

Norwin hires Tragesser ..... look for WPIAL to extend basketball season

By Mike White | Monday, Feb. 8, 2010, 10:00 p.m.

Art Tragesser stayed retired for only one season.

Norwin High School hired Tragesser as its new football coach tonight. Tragesser retired as Penn-Trafford's coach after the 2008 season. He was at Penn-Trafford from 1996-2008 and had an 83-52 record, making it to the WPIAL championship once. He coached Jeannette from 1985-95 and had a 73-33-3 record.

I always felt Tragesser was an underrated coach at Penn-Trafford. His teams were always competitive and he made it to a WPIAL title game once. He did this despite not always having terrific talent. But making Norwin into a winner won't be easy. The Knights have had some decent seasons, but they have been few and far between.

Basketball season extended?

Many schools have already canceled classes for tomorrow. That means more basketball games will be postponed. Considering that, the WPIAL might have to extend the season a day or two. The WPIAL originally wanted all teams to conclude section play by Saturday - and all non-section games had to be played by next Monday. But with the postponements this past Friday, and more tomorrow, the league might have to extend the deadline for section play to next Monday or possibly even next Tuesday. The playoffs are scheduled to start Friday, Feb. 19.

Notes - Tragesser to Norwin?... Remembering two for 40 .... State basketball rankings

By Mike White | Monday, Feb. 8, 2010, 5 p.m.

I'm just telling ya'

Norwin is expected to hire a new football coach tonight and it's likely the school will bring a coach out of retirement.

Art Tragesser is the leading candidate to get the job. He retired as Penn-Trafford's coach after the 2008 season.

Tragesser coached Penn-Trafford from 1996-2008. Before that, he was Jeannette's coach from 1985-95. His career record was 156-85-3, including 83-52 at Penn-Trafford and 73-33-3 at Jeannette.

40 or more

A Varsity Blog reader with a good memory brought back a memorable one-on-one showdown from yesteryear.

On yesterday's blog, I remarked how it was tremendous to watch the high school game on ESPN2 Friday night between two Florida teams - Pine Crest and Winter Park. Brandon Knight, arguably the No. 1 senior in the country, scored 48 points while Austin Rivers scored 42. Rivers is one of the best juniors in the country. I said I don't ever remember seeing a high school game where two players scored 40 points.

Well, "Lee" wrote in the comments section of "Varsit Blog" about a memorable game 16 years ago between Shaler's Dan Fortson and Butler's Shawn Bellis. I wasn't at the game, and Lee wasn't sure of each player's point total. But Lee's comments got me digging into stat books and story archives today. And get this: Both players did indeed hit the 40-point mark in that game.

It was February 15, 1994, and Fortson scored 41 points. Bellis had 40. Shaler won, 81-77.

Great memory, Lee. What also was interesting about the game is that Butler played without coach George Abraham. He was suspended by the WPIAL for two games for pulling his team off the floor during a non-section game at Aliquippa Jan. 25.

Fortson, as you probably know, went on to become an All-American at the University of Cincinnati and played in the NBA. I never heard from Bellis again after high school.

 State rankings

Here are the Harrisburg Patriot-News boys' and girls' state basketball rankings for this week.

BOYS

BOYS CLASS AAAA

 1. Plymouth-Whitemarsh (1) 18-1

 2. Penn Wood (1) 17-3

 3. Mt. Lebanon (7) 18-1

 4. Philadelphia Frankford (12) 15-2

 5. Philadelphia La Salle College (12) 14-3

 6. Philadelphia Roman Catholic (12) 12-6

 7. Bayard Rustin (1) 16-2

 8. Reading (3) 18-2

 9. Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep (12) 14-5

10. Landisville Hempfield (3) 19-0

BOYS CLASS AAA

 1. Philadelphia Neumann-Goretti (12) 18-1

 2. Philadelphia Archbishop Carroll (12) 17-2

 3. Hampton (7) 16-1

 4. Chartiers Valley (7) 17-1

 5. Eastern York (3) 20-0

 6. Erie East (10) 17-1

 7. Abington Heights (2) 18-1

 8. Holy Ghost Prep (1) 18-3

 9. York Suburban (3) 18-1

10. Perry (8) 15-1

BOYS CLASS AA

 1. Phila. Strawberry Mansion (12) 18-0

 2. Phila. Communications Tech (12) 17-1

 3. Philadelphia Imhotep Charter (12) 14-5

 4. Hughesville (4) 17-1

 5. North Catholic (7) 16-1

 6. Mercyhurst Prep (10) 16-3

 7. Devon Prep (1) 14-4

 8. South Fayette (7) 13-4

 9. Loyalsock (4) 15-2

10. Holy Cross (2) 14-4

BOYS CLASS A

 1. Sewickley Academy (7) 15-2

 2. Reading Central Catholic (3) 20-0

 3. Girard College (1) 14-6

 4. Serra (7) 15-2

 5. Phila. Math, Civics & Sciences (12) 16-4

 6. Phila. Boys’ Latin Charter (12) 14-4

 7. Allegheny-Clarion Valley (9) 16-1

 8. Philadelphia Constitution (12) 12-5

 9. Philadelphia Paul Robeson (12) 14-4

10. Lincoln Park (7) 13-6

GIRLS

GIRLS CLASS AAAA

 1. Mt. Lebanon (7) 18-2

 2. Cheltenham (1) 19-0

 3. Council Rock North (1) 16-4

 4. Downingtown East (1) 16-2

 5. Philadelphia Archbishop Ryan (12) 15-4

 6. Bethel Park (7) 16-2

 7. Bethlehem Liberty (11) 19-1

 8. Northampton (11) 17-2

 9. Carlisle (3) 14-5

10. Downingtown West (1) 17-2

GIRLS CLASS AAA

 1. Philadelphia Archbishop Carroll (12) 17-2

 2. Philadelphia Archbishop Wood (12) 16-4

 3. Hopewell (7) 19-0

 4. Springfield-Delco (1) 20-0

 5. Camp Hill Trinity (3) 14-4

 6. Mount St. Joseph (1) 20-1

 7. New Castle (7) 16-2

 8. St. Basil (1) 16-4

 9. Allentown Central Catholic (11) 17-2

10. West York (3) 20-0

GIRLS CLASS AA

 1. Villa Maria (10) 17-2

 2. Delone Catholic (3) 17-2

 3. York Catholic (3) 18-2

 4. Lancaster Mennonite (3) 16-3

 5. Greensburg C.C. (7) 16-1

 6. Ligonier Valley (6) 17-1

 7. Southern Huntingdon (6) 17-2

 8. North Star (5) 15-1

 9. Phila. Engineering & Science (12) 17-2

10. Jeannette (7) 18-1

GIRLS CLASS A

 1. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) 16-0

 2. Pottsville Nativity BVM (11) 17-2

 3. North Catholic (7) 16-3

 4. Williamsburg (6) 16-1

 5. Northern Cambria (6) 15-3

 6. Conemaugh Valley (6) 11-4

 7. Quigley (7) 15-2

 8. Rochester (7) 17-3

 9. Tri-Valley (11) 14-4

10. Lourdes Regional (4) 14-3

Remembering two for 40

By Mike White | Monday, Feb. 8, 2010, 3:40 p.m.

A Varsity Blog reader with a good memory brought back a memorable one-on-one showdown from yesteryear.

On yesterday's blog, I remarked how it was tremendous to watch the high school game on ESPN2 Friday night between two Florida teams - Pine Crest and Winter Park. Brandon Knight, arguably the No. 1 senior in the country, scored 48 points while Austin Rivers scored 42. Rivers is one of the best juniors in the country. I said I don't ever remember seeing a high school game where two players scored 40 points.

Well, "Lee" wrote in the comments section of "Varsit Blog" about a memorable game 16 years ago between Shaler's Dan Fortson and Butler's Shawn Bellis. I wasn't at the game, and Lee wasn't sure of each player's point total. But Lee's comments got me digging into stat books and story archives today. And get this: Both players did indeed hit the 40-point mark in that game.

It was February 15, 1994, and Fortson scored 41 points. Bellis had 40. Shaler won, 81-77.

Great memory, Lee. What also was interesting about the game is that Butler played without coach George Abraham. He was suspended by the WPIAL for two games for pulling his team off the floor during a non-section game at Aliquippa Jan. 25.

Fortson, as you probably know, went on to become an All-American at the University of Cincinnati and played in the NBA. I never heard from Bellis again after high school.

Memorable one-on-one national showdown

By Mike White | Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010, 6 p.m.

With just about all high school basketball games called off Friday because of the snowstorm, it gave me a chance to watch two of the top players in the country square off on national television. It certainly was worth watching.

Although I was looking forward to seeing Chartiers Valley at Hampton Friday, I don't think I've ever seen a high school game like the one on ESPN2 where two players score more than 40 points. But it happened in a Florida showdown between Pine Crest and Winter Park. Brandon Knight of Pine Crest is considered by some scouting services as the No. 1 senior in the country, and he scored 48 points. Austin Rivers of Winter Park is considered one of the top 10 juniors in the country. He scored 42 points.

Rivers and Winter Park won the game, 87-76. Rivers is the son of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers.

Both players are obviously excellent. I might even like Rivers more than Knight, who has not yet decided on a college. Click here for a story on the game from the Miami Herald.

Best teams in state - regardless of class

By Mike White | Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010, 2:20 p.m.

Just about all high school basketball games in the WPIAL and City League were postponed Friday and Saturday. With a number of schools already canceling classes for Monday, don't look for many games to be played.

Anyway, let's take a look around the state in boys' basketball. The Harrisburg Patriot-News does state rankings every week, by classification. But who are the best teams in the state, regardless of class? Jerry Shenk and the Middle Atlantic Sports News/LLHoops.com compile state rankings every week. Jerry has been doing it for years. Here are the rankings for this week (two WPIAL teams are in the top 20).:

Big 33 and the Super Bowl

By Mike White | Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, 10:10 p.m.

There has never been a Super Bowl without a former Big 33 all-star game player - and the streak continues this year.

The Big 33 is a summer game in Hershey between top players in Pennsylvania against top players from Ohio. This year's Super Bowl has six former Big 33 players. Five are active players and one a practice squad player. Here are the players (information provided by Dave Trimbur of the Big 33). 

FROM THE SAINTS

ZACH STRIEF is a former Ohio player who attended Northwestern University. He is an offensive lineman who also plays tight end in certain offensive formations. He played extensively in the game against the Vikings on Sunday.

DARNELL DINKINS, pictured to the left, is a former PA player who attended Schenley High School and the University of Pittsburgh. He is a reserve tight end and special teams player. Dinkins was a quarterback in high school and a safety at Pitt. 

FROM THE COLTS

BOB SANDERS, a PA player from Erie, and attended the University of Iowa.

MARLIN JACKSON, a PA player from Sharon, and attended the University of Michigan.

ANTHONY GONZALEZ, an OH player and attended Ohio State University.

JAMIE THOMAS, a PA Player and attended Maryland University. He is on the Colts' practice squad.

North Penn pulls out of opener vs. Gateway... Char Valley-Hampton postponed....USC's newest QB recruit is in 7th grade

By Mike White | Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, 12 45 p.m.

On this blog this morning, it was reported that the North Penn football team, a perennial power from suburban Philadelphia, would open the 2010 season at Gateway.

But Gateway coach/athletic director Terry Smith said North Penn pulled out of the agreement this afternoon. Gateway is now looking elsewhere for another opponent.

Char Valley-Hampton postponed

Hampton officials made the decision a short time ago. The game, which matches two of the top teams in Western Pennsylvania, had been sold out as of two days ago.

Hampton athletic director Bill Cardone said there was a discussion of moving the game up and playing it at 4 or 5 p.m. today, but Cardone said that would've meant some people who had tickets might not have been able to get there because of work.

"In the end, we thought it would be best for everyone if we just postpone it until another day," Cardone said.

Tickets originally purchased for tonight will be good for Wednesday's game. Tipoff is 7:30.

USC lands 13-year-old

Hey, there is this kid who lives in my neighborhood and I've seen him throw a nice spiral with a Nerf ball in his back yard. I'm hearing Pitt and Penn State already are interested and might offer him a scholarship this summer. So what if he's only 6 years old and in first grade.

OK, so maybe I made all that up. But after what happened last night in football recruiting, could recruiting a 6-year-old be just around the corner?

New USC coach Lane Kiffin got a new football recruit last night. THE KID IS IN SEVENTH GRADE!!!!! Yes, 7th grade.

David Sills, a 13-year-old from Bear, Del., was offered a scholarship by USC and accepted. Ridiculous? Yeah. But not surprising. College coaches can't help themselves from recruiting kids earlier and earlier. Many of them complain about how recruiting never stops these days and it's year-round. They complain about kids committing early and how the college coaches have to babysit them until they sign. They complain about kids making a verbal commitment before their senior years and then looking elsewhere. Well, the coaches have only themselves to blame for this mess.

Recruiting was probably a lot easier for everyone involved when college coaches didn't make scholarship offers to kids until their senior years. There were no offers to kids before they were seniors. But those days are gone and will never return because everyone wants to always be ahead of their opponents. What I find funny are people who want a rule passed where colleges can't offer a kid a scholarship before he is a senior. Now that's ridiculous. Colleges have the right to offer a scholarship whenever they want. The NCAA can't tell them when scholarships are allowed to be offered.

Sills' commitment is one of the biggest sports stories in the country today. It's all over the internet. Apparently the kid is a phenom. He's already 6 feet and has his own personal coach in California in Steve Clarkson, a former trainer of Matt Leinart, Ben Roethlisberget and current USC quarterback Matt Barkley. Sills has worked with Clarkson six or seven times in California and Clarkson told Kiffin about Sills. When Kiffin watched some film of Sills, he said he would offer a scholarship to Sills.

I will say that after watching the below video of Sills on YouTube, you will have to be impressed. The kid doesn't throw like a 7th grader. Take a look at it.

Under NCAA rules, Kiffin can't call Sills. But Sills can call Kiffin. Sills was put in touch with Kiffin Thursday night and that's when the scholarship was offered - and Sills committed.

This isn't new territory for Kiffin. The Orlando Sentinel reports that Kiffin offered an 8th grader last year.

To read about Sills' commitment, click here for a story from The News Journal in Wilmington, Del.

Click here for another story and a picture of Sills from ESPN in Los Angeles.

Pryor, Strom best of the decade? .... Big game a sellout tomorrow night

By Mike White | Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

News, notes and thoughts around the high school scene

If you'd like to go to the big game tomorrow night (Chartiers Valley at Hampton) and don't have a ticket yet? Forget it.

The Chartiers Valley-Hampton game was sold out as of yesterday afternoon. Chartiers Valley sold its allotment of 300 tickets in the matter of 20 minutes Tuesday night, while Hampton sold its 700 in the matter of hours Wednesday.

Then again, I'll bet this game isn't even played tomorrow night because of the weather. Some games for tomorrow already have been postponed. If this one is postponed, I sure hope they reschedule it, even though it's only a non-section game. People want to see this game.

Pryor, Strom the best

Jeannette's Terrelle Pryor and Steel Valley's Jess Strom were the best boys' and girls' basketball players in the WPIAL in the past decade. At least that's what the fans say.

The past two weeks, our Varsity Xtra question was who was the best high school player in the past decade? Now these polls aren't scientific. One area might stuff the ballot box, er, internet. But 769 people voted in the boys' poll and 679 in the girls'. Pryor was first with 21 percent, Aliquippa's Herb Pope and Darrelle Revis tied for second at 15 percent, and Blackhawk's Brandon Fuss-Cheatham and Beaver Falls' Lance Jeter tied for fourth at 9 percent.

I can't say I disagree with Pryor (pictured above). I had one Division I college coach tell me when Pryor was in high school that he had NBA type skills and athletic ability, if he concentrated solely on basketball. My vote? Blackhawk's Brandon Fuss-Cheatham. I'm just talking a high school player. Maybe he didn't set the world on fire at Ohio State, but on the high school level, he was considered one of the best point guards in the country. He was as good a point guard as we've had around here.

As for the girls, Steel Valley's Jess Strom was first with 33 percent, Oakland Catholic's Meg Bulger second at 25 percent and West Mifflin's Tanisha Wright third at 11 percent. A total of 679 votes were cast. Strom was good, but sorry, it should've been Wright. She could do everything. She had an excellent college career, too, and is still in the WNBA.

Early decisions

Is it just me or do some school districts jump the gun a little too early when postponing games? Some schools were postponing tomorrow's games this morning. At that point, weather forecasters still were saying we could get only 1-2 inches or snow, depending on which way the storm went. Whatever happened to waiting until the day of the event to see if we really do get hit hard? It's not like these forecasters are always correct.

But that's just me.