Curtis Wilson, Ben Wilson's oldest brother, center, accepts a framed team jersey from members of the Simeon High School basketball team in 2009 during a retirement ceremony for Ben's number, No . OVERALL 8-3 0.73 Win % CONFERENCE 4-2 0.67 Win % HOME 3-1 AWAY 2-1 NEUTRAL 3-1. No matter the star or the team, there were never big numbers thrown up at Simeon by individual players. Photographer Ricky Slaughter has posted a new gallery Simeon vs. Vashon (Bank of O'Fallon Shootout) containing 65 photos. No. A rock solid senior group, which included four key players, departed. Interviewed after the 1984 championship, Ben Wilson said of Mr. Hambric: "We do things his way, because he's right.". Especially in a game he wanted to win against a protg. Tim Vizer/Special to STLhighschoolsports.com, Vashon head coach Tony Irons yells instructions from the bench during a game against Staley, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at Vashon High School in St. Louis. Junior Chris Riddle added 10 points off the bench. Watch online from home or on the go. On 2/4, the Simeon varsity basketball team lost their neutral non-conference game against Vashon (St. Louis, MO) by a score of 56-46. Mr. Hambric's wife, Phyllis Hambric, preceded him in death. Here's an overview of the eight contenders. That's what makes it so special. Simeon coach Robert Smith watches as the Wolverines play Kenwood. He decided to return to Simeon instead and watched the Ramblers head to the Final Four. With several freshmen and sophomores playing key roles, Marist is 23-7, ranked in the top 20 and sits just behind Benet in second place in the East Suburban Catholic Conference. Wolverine Mens Basketball Mr. Robert Smith Head Coach rsmith2@cps.edu 773.535.3200 Mr. Fred McClinton Sophomore Coach . Matt arrived just as the Cubs won the World Series. DeAndre Craig led the Caravan (27-7) with 13 points. We wont let the fans down. (Ed Wagner, Jr., Chicago Tribune) . Smith was always handing out compliments to the very few teams that did manage to beat his and to players that deserved it. 3 - Kray Rogers - 6-2 - Jr. - 14.3 2 - Jaxon Willits - 6-0 - Sr. - 11.6 22 - Blayke Nunn - 6-2 . In the 1990s, Mr. Hambric put together a stretch of 10 straight 20-win seasons. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. PG Sr. 5' 10" 160 lbs. (Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times) The best teams are analyzed and the top players are talked about all season long. The Wolverines play unselfishly and disciplined, thanks to Smiths ideals and values of what team basketball should look like. Leonard Thomas. You started seeing the change across the city during [Smiths time]. Illinois high school boys basketball: IHSA rankings, postseason brackets, stats leaders, schedules and scores . [Smith] deserved it, Griffith said. Twitter Water Polo: Schedule Water Polo: Roster Water Polo: News Basketball Basketball: Twitter Basketball: Schedule Basketball: . "I thought it was cross-country," Bankston said. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. CHICAGO (CBS) - The most successful boys high school . Simeon's Smith, Vashon's Irons bonded over basketball. Smith, who is Simeons athletic director, will hand the head-coaching job over to Flowers, Roses good friend and former teammate. OVERALL 11-17 0.39 Win % CONFERENCE 3-5 6th in Conference. For better or worse. This has been a program that won 23 games in back-to-back seasons in 2013-14 and 2014-15 with regional tiles. The Wolverines are in Class 3A, Kenwood is in 4A. Grayslake Central knocked off Lake Forest 46-33, and Marmion beat Burlington Central 71-58 to win its first sectional since 1976. On Friday, it was Akil Watson's turn to burn the Roses, with the Arizona State commit shooting 10-for-14 from the floor and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line. The only thing I didnt get a chance to do is to win a national championship, and thats because the [Illinois High School Association] wont allow us to compete for that.. 35-12 (L) Simeon vs. Crete-Monee On 11/5, the Simeon varsity football team lost their neutral playoff game against Crete-Monee (Crete, IL) by a score of 35-12 . On 2/7, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their home non-conference game against North Lawndale (Chicago, IL) by a score of 74-54. We came out here and accomplished our goal. 2 sectional seed. Richard Barron led St. Ignatius to 50-43 victory against Fenwick. Smith whose signature look has been a spectacular pair of Gucci glasses wants his team to win every game, but finding a way to beat Irons would have meant a little more if only because they have become so close over the years. 2014 - 20162 years. For better or worse. It hasnt really sunk in yet, Smith said. Flipboard. Simeon Betts (9) P, OF, IF . Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. Simeon coach Robert Smiths storybook ending was slipping away Saturday. And they generally always played with such pride. "He upstarted my career on a national level, because he was a top five player in the country and everybody wanted to see," Smith said. Saturdays win was the second time Vashon and Irons bested Smith and Simeon. 8147 S Vincennes Chicago, IL 60620-1761. No other coach in state history has won more than four state titles. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. Oswego East has been a fixture in the top 25 all season and settled in as the No. Smith has a career record of 480-92 with six state championships. Won two gold medals with USA Basketball. They previously played in the 2020 Highland Shootout, with Vashon scoring an 80-71 win. All rights reserved. Simeon High School 8147 S. Vincennes (Google map, other maps) Chicago, IL 60620 Phone: 773-535-3200 Fax: 773-535-3465 School . St. Paul school district hosts meeting on campus safety after fatal stabbing at Harding High Wolves pick up much-needed victory, 108-101 over Clippers PF 1119 PA 1294 STREAK 1L. 1. Please enter valid email address to continue. Girls Cross Country Head Coach: TBA. Rubin led Simeon with 21 points and six rebounds. But if you earned the trust of Smith and it would take time for the few who did, especially in the early years of his coaching career he would let you in. The Wolverines had led by 20 to start the fourth quarter, but the city championship was going to overtime. All of us just wanted to win. Smiths early success at Simeon attracted the citys best players. Hes like a big brother to me.. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. ", On coaching so many great players over the years, Smith said, "It's been great. Watson scored 15 of his points in the first half, when St. Rose battled Roselle Catholic to a near-stalemate before a sequence at the end of the half left the Purple Roses with an eight . Last chance! 9 in 2011, No. Were talking six state championships and four other top four finishes at state that earned state trophies. It wasnt just city and state championships. On 2/1, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their home non-conference game against Catalyst-Maria (Chicago, IL) by a score of 81-43. Im baffled., Suspect charged in fatal shooting in downtown St. Louis, Former Sweetie Pies TV star Tim Norman gets two life sentences in nephews death, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol slams ump C.B. He is survived by a son, Robert Jr.; a daughter, Robyn; and a brother, Arthur. PISCATAWAY - Even in defeat, St. Rose added to the legacy of an . The RedHawks, who nearly upset rival and highly-ranked Brother Rice, losing 49-48, earned a top four seed in the tough St. Rita Sectional. The Wolverines could be the areas preseason No. After everything weve been through all year our defense held up in those last two minutes of overtime.. Oswego East is at the top of the Southwest Prairie Conference yet again. Simeon head coach Robert Smith looking on during the 2019 IHSA Class 4A Super-Sectional title game. Subscribe with this special offer to keep reading, (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). . I was going to win tonight anyway if I won or he won. Its more than what is to come this season and where Simeon goes from here. Of course there have been many greats to pass through the school during his tenure: Jabari Parker, Kendrick Nunn and Talen Horton-Tucker among others. Chicago Simeon head coach Robert Smith (far right) yells from the sidelines. Simeon carries themselves the right way. The players have repeatedly said they havent felt extra pressure to make sure that Smiths final season was a success. Belleville West played Chicago Simeon in a game at the O'Fallon Shootout at O'Fallon High School on Saturday February 2, 2019. 2023 Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year: Joliet Wests Jeremy Fears Jr. Previewing Fridays best sectional finals, IHSA girls basketball state final tournament scores, Dear Abby: When my husbands brother marries, I should be in the wedding, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and wife to invest $250 million in new Chicago research lab, Jose Abreu on life with the Astros and leaving the White Sox, who werent a family in 2022, Chicago police officer was shot and killed in front of kids playing at school: They ran as quickly as possible just to get to safety, Dear Abby: With boyfriends fussy father living here, I feel trapped, Office of the chief architect: Next mayor has a big role to play in the citys design future, Taking aim at gun safety in Illinois invites tragedy, Tom Sizemore dies at 61; actor known for Saving Private Ryan, Natural Born Killers, Cubs Justin Steele back on track after efficient first spring-training start. The most unfamiliar coaching name on this short list is very much deserving of a whole lot of recognition. Michigan State recruit Jeremy Fears Jr. fouled out in the final minutes. By Matt Zahn. And since the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, another one ending with Simeon winning a state trophy, the retirement thoughts intensified. One of them, Bob Hurley, is there because of the program he built at St. Anthony. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. Photographer Dean Reid has posted a new gallery Simeon vs. Kenwood containing 40 photos. Our school, originally known as Westcott Vocational High School, was established in September of 1949 at 8023 South Normal Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Velasquez did welcome back a Division I talent in the versatile Mekhi Lowery. He went on to LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, where he was captain of the basketball team and an honors student. They are both playing basketball now, and I want to be able to give them my full attention. Smith went out on top, at least in the Public League. The Red Devils began the season unranked and have climbed into the top 10. But for Benet to put together a 29-1 record? 3 seed in the Bolingbrook Sectional. More family time was at the forefront, including being able to watch his youngest, Rob Jr., play more. Averaged 19.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1 . Chase Lewis picked a perfect time to cut loose. The perennial south suburban power lost two Division I prospects in the offseason, both transferring out of the program. On 2/9, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their away conference game against Curie (Chicago, IL) by a score of 64-60. Simeon Career Academy High School boys' basketball head coach Robert Smith is one of the co-founders of the Chicago Elite Classic. Its been great the two times.. Simeon faces Curie Thursday night in the Public League semifinals as Smith chases his eighth city championship. And do so with small college basketball prospects and an Ivy Leaguer? The Blue Demons were led by thirty-sixth year head coach Doug Bruno and played their home games at the Wintrust Arena . The most recent was the Class 4A crown in 2012-13 which was the fourth consecutive championship for the Wolverines. It probably will later. Membership Options Live Broadcasts Current Stats Media requests Photo Galleries SmugMug Photos Athletic Director Podcasts Basketball Podcast with Coach Noszka Coach's Corner Podcast . VidSwap Coaching Tools; Join our Affiliate Program; Media Partners . The Trojans ended Hinsdale Centrals 23-game winning streak with a 53-43 victory in Hinsdale. I wanted to have the most state and city championships, and Ive done that. "That hug from Derrick in the last state championship and that hug from Jabari that last state championship, those meant a lot," Smith said. Smith is stepping down at the end of the year. On 2/24, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Englewood Stem (Chicago, IL) by a score of 70-33. Chicago Simeon opened with a 16-12 advantage over Moline through the . A year ago New Trier finished with a school record 30 wins and reached a sectional championship. (Ed Wagner, Jr., Chicago Tribune) 1979-80. Tim Flowers is sort of a son of Simeon. But we are going to win a state championship. More:Here are Wisconsin high school basketball scores for Friday, Jan. 20 . He handed over a thriving program to Robert Smith, who coached Simeon to state championships in 2006 and 2007 behind Derrick Rose, now with the Chicago Bulls. Smiths debut as a high school coach in December 2004 is one of the citys legendary high school basketball moments it also was Derrick Roses debut. Coach Robert Smiths farewell tour took a step closer to the Illinois High School Association state finals in Champaign as Simeon eased past Mount Carmel 70-47 on Friday in the final of the Class 3A Glenbard South Sectional. Ben Wilson with Simeon coach Bob Hambric (left) in November of 1984. The Trevians are 27-4 heading into this weeks Central Suburban League regular-season finale with Niles North. All the wins, success and talent at Simeon would often mask the substance that was there as a coach and as a program. But Im not sure about doing that whole grind now. A big brother with a resume thats second to none in the basketball-mad state of Illinois. Collinsville played Chicago Simeon in the final game of the OFallon Shootout on Saturday February 8, 2020. Its not very normal for such a high-profile program and its coach to be so revered. The actor suffered a brain aneurysm Feb. 18 at his Los Angeles home and died in his sleep Friday at a hospital in Burbank, California, his manager said. There wasn't much Robert Smith hadn't accomplished in his 19-year career at Simeon Career Academy. Morgan Park coach Nick Irvin and Simeon coach Robert Smith have each been suspended four games due to their conduct following their game on Jan. 16, according to a Chicago Public Schools . Bob Hambric never had a losing season in 24 years as the boys basketball coach at Simeon Career Academy, winning more than 500 games, including the 1984 state championship. But this was positive. Carmel (Chicago, IL) by a score of 70-47. The Trevians, however, graduated four of five starters, including all-area performer Jackson Munro. We will enjoy this for a few days and then we will regroup and try to fix some things and try to go win another state championship, Smith said. Getting the kids to college was always very important.. Revealing the high school basketball coach of the year candidates, Sectional final roundup: Simeon, St. Ignatius win in 3A; Oswego East takes down Joliet West in 4A, 2023 Chicago Sun-Times All-Area basketball team. Upload it here. We want to win city and state. Wilson was regarded as the top high school player in the country by many coaches and scouts. Stephen Edelson. Girls Bowling Head Coach: Glenda Dunson gfdunson@cps.edu. 8. But he wanted me to be successful, he wanted me to get off to a good start. Loyola recruit Miles Rubin led the top-ranked Wolverines (30-3) with 19 points, and Sam Lewis added 16. The Class B Oklahoma high school boys basketball state tournament is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at State Fair Arena. The Redbirds will face top-ranked Chicago Simeon in the Class 3A state semifinals on Friday at State Farm Center in Champaign. Anderson is the sixth recipient of the Mr . Wilson, a Neal F. Simeon Vocational High School basketball player, was regarded as the top high school player in the U.S. by scouts and coaches attending the 1984 Athletes For Better Education basketball camp. 2023 Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year: Joliet Wests Jeremy Fears Jr. Previewing Fridays best sectional finals, IHSA girls basketball state final tournament scores, Dear Abby: When my husbands brother marries, I should be in the wedding, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and wife to invest $250 million in new Chicago research lab, Jose Abreu on life with the Astros and leaving the White Sox, who werent a family in 2022, Chicago police officer was shot and killed in front of kids playing at school: They ran as quickly as possible just to get to safety, Dear Abby: With boyfriends fussy father living here, I feel trapped, Office of the chief architect: Next mayor has a big role to play in the citys design future, Taking aim at gun safety in Illinois invites tragedy, Tom Sizemore dies at 61; actor known for Saving Private Ryan, Natural Born Killers, Cubs Justin Steele back on track after efficient first spring-training start. In his second season as head coach, Hynes has taken a mix of seniors and promising young players and the blend has resulted in one of the biggest surprises of the season. PF 596 PA 444 STREAK 1L. Rob carried himself with the highest level of professionalism and had the highest level of respect from so many different people, said Slaughter. CBS 2's Matt Zahn had the story on why Simeon Career Academy's leader decided now is the right time. "When I started this, my goal was to have the most city championships and the most state championships and I accomplished those goals a couple of years ago," Smith said. 1 team. Those guys have been great, so humble. and made us make some other plays," Simeon coach Robert Smith said . Simeon High School Basketball; Basketball Roster; Simeon Basketball Roster. He made sure that we were confident. Then Simeon failed to score on its last possession. Smith has been head coach at Simeon for over 19 years, succeeding the legendary Bob Hambric and has coached NBA stars such as Derrick Rose, Jabari Parker, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and more. On 3/3, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Chicago Mt. Simeon (29-3) vs. Mount Carmel (27-6) With four losses in the final seven games of the regular season, there were some who were prepared to write an early postseason obituary for Mount Carmel. "Just for that moment, to embrace them as players, and as people.". There is a reason Heidkamp is a two-time City/Suburban Hoops Report Coach of the Year winner. "It was like a chess match; he'd put the right pieces in the right places to be successful.". The 2021-22 DePaul Blue Demons women's basketball team represented DePaul University during the 2021-22 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. I always tell people that [legendary Simeon coach Bob Hambric] could have stayed and coached those guys and won more titles himself. Matt Zahn joined CBS2 Chicago in October 2016 as a sports reporter and fill-in sports anchor, and what a time to come to Chicago. People think we dont like each other, but that isnt the case. It was great to have Derrick and Tim [Flowers] to help jump-start my career. Senior Wes Rubin sealed it with a dunk and Simeon beat Kenwood 72-64 at Credit Union 1 Arena to win the city title. a future NBA Most Valuable Player who made Simeon the first Chicago Public League School team to win back-to-back state championships. How about 480 wins and just 92 losses and likely another 25-plus victories coming next year? The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. This was all accomplished with one of the current top five senior prospects in the country, 6-9 Matas Buzelis, leaving the Hinsdale Central program following his sophomore year. Smith, a Simeon graduate, nearly took an assistant job at Loyola under Porter Moser in 2017. I wanted them to hear it from me and not read it somewhere.. Thank you : Master at his Craft: Longtime Collinsville Middle School girls basketball coach retires. "If it weren't for basketball and Bob Hambric, I would have been lost to the gangs," Thomas Price, a reserve guard, told the Tribune in 1984. Simeon All Access: Administrators, parents, coaches search for answers in wake of shooting death of 17-year-old Morgan Park student Tyrone Lawson after a Morgan Park Simeon basketball game at . The Wolves were in control from start to finish on their way to a 71-64 victory. The school name was changed from Simeon Vocational High School in September of 1998 to Simeon Career Technical Academy. Its always good competing against him, though. Simeon Coaches' Directory. It was sold out at Curie, and no one came to see me, Smith said.