Wilson's slaying was indicative of the tough streets from which Mr. Hambric drew his players. It hasnt really sunk in yet, Smith said. One possession in a basketball game doesnt necessarily mean anything. Simeon never had a losing season during Smith's tenure as Smith amassed a record of 480-92 with six state championships and seven Public League titles in 18 seasons. Smith has a career record of 480-92 with six state championships. The Redwings will face Rockford Auburn on Monday in the NIU Supersectional, and the Broncos will face Downers Grove North at the UIC Supersectional. From 1927 to 1933, it was known as the Westcott Junior High . Yes, the naysayers will always point to the talent Smith has at Simeon. The fall following his championship season, Mr. Hambric had to deal with the slaying of his center and the top prep player in the nation, Ben Wilson, who was fatally shot near Simeon. Stephen Edelson. Most of the time, we worked on our weaknesses. Senior Meghan Lamanna led a team-wide effort with 17 points and five rebounds, and junior Jasmine Miller added 13 points and six boards, and the Pioneers used a stifling defensive effort to . No. Do you have . Bucknor for rejecting handshake: Zero class, Man shot and killed after fight in downtown St. Louis, Fate of St. Louis Fox Theatre still undecided, Liberty High student killed in St. Charles shooting could heal you with a smile, Brothers who did everything together, fashionista among victims in fatal St. Louis crash, Arch Madness: 2023 MVC Basketball Tournament bracket, schedule, game times, TV info, Centene expects to lose millions of Medicaid customers beginning in April, St. Louis prosecutors staff down by nearly half as caseloads jump. Ryan Johnson and Mason Blanco returned after averaging five and four points a game, respectively. 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. Simeon basketball coach Robert Smith will retire after next season Robert Smith, the most successful boys high school basketball coach in state history, is closing in on 500 wins and has a record . Simeon (Chicago) head coach Robert Smith plans to retire following the 2022-23 season after one of the most successful high school basketball runs in state history, . He is always so stoic. That's what makes it so special. But Velasquez, who is 131-31 in the past six seasons, worked a pair of transfers into the mix and kept the Wolves humming. Then there are the many untold stories of how he nurtured players. The Broncos fans went wild. . 27. The Ben Wilson Gymnasium opened in 1989. And since the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, another one ending with Simeon winning a state trophy, the retirement thoughts intensified. 4 in 2012, No. Among those teams, however, there was one that lived up to the hype over three months of basketball better than any. Feb 28, 2023. 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 . The retiring coach, who has won a record seven city titles and six state championships, was faced with the prospect of a humiliating collapse in his final Public League game. In that scenario, with his high school teammate and best friend, Nick Anderson, at his side, Wilson surely would have flourished at that level. On 2/22, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Solorio (Chicago, IL) by a score of 97-32. But with a legendary coach like Smith, its so much more than the immediate retirement or why hes calling it a career. In that time hes guided Chicagos Wolverines to seven city championships and a state-record six state championships. Its not very normal for such a high-profile program and its coach to be so revered. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Area college signings: NCAA Division I and II, Area college signings: NCAA Division III, NAIA, JUCO, 4 killed, 4 critically injured in crash at South Grand Boulevard and Forest Park Avenue, Parents push back on allegations against St. Louis transgender center. Hurley is the father of former Duke guard Bobby Hurley, and Bobby is one of 150 players from St. Anthony to play Division I basketball. The No. Simeon and Kenwood are both top contenders in the state playoffs. He was set to have a successful NBA career, but that never happened because he was killed while he was in high school. 2 sectional seed. FORT MYERS, Fla. Simeon Woods Richardson had already been traded twice before his 21st birthday, going from the Mets to the Blue Jays as part of the deal for Marcus Stroman in . He loves Simeon like I did. Children. Photographer Dean Reid has posted a new gallery Simeon vs. Kenwood containing 40 photos. 3 in 2013 and No. Volunteer to be the statistician. Senior Wes Rubin sealed it with a dunk and Simeon beat Kenwood 72-64 at Credit Union 1 Arena to win the city title. "I thought it was cross-country," Bankston said. After everything weve been through all year our defense held up in those last two minutes of overtime.. 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. "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. Robert Smith and Simeon are chasing another Chicago Public League championship. (Ed Wagner, Jr., Chicago Tribune) . Smith is stepping down at the end of the year. Seriously underwater., St. Louis man charged in quadruple fatal crash; police say he ran off with his license plate, Neman: Missouri womans saga of trying to find common sense at Walmart, I can still hear the roaring of the engine, says father of teen maimed in downtown St. Louis. For better or worse. Mr. Hambric grew up on the South Side and played basketball at the old Parker High School. He understands basketball and is good with the kids.. There is a reason Heidkamp is a two-time City/Suburban Hoops Report Coach of the Year winner. The most unfamiliar coaching name on this short list is very much deserving of a whole lot of recognition. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. There is still something to look forward to.. 12-1 (W) Simeon vs. Kelly On 5/14, the Simeon varsity baseball team won their home playoff game against Kelly (Chicago, IL) by a score of 12-1 . 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 . 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The only two Catholic League programs to win a Class 4A sectional since the arrival of the four-class system have been Loyola in 2014 and Mount Carmel in 2008. Smith announced his retirement Thursday. The Bob Hambric era begins in 1980 with the mid-season firing of Lamont Bryant . Other future NBA players to play under Smith include Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn of the Los Angeles Lakers. Those guys have been great, so humble. Sport *Dante Culbreath (head) Football *Dennis Butler . Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. Asbury Park Press. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. MaxPreps is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Jabari Parker High School Basketball Highlights. Smith has stressed that this season is about the kids, not his farewell tour. For better or worse. The next highly-regarded prospect to play under Smith was Jabari Parker, who captured four consecutive Class 4A state titles while earning MaxPreps National Player of the Year honors in 2013. Even with all the player turnover and a new group taking on new and bigger roles, New Trier has remained a tough, defensive-minded team. Simeon High School Basketball Sync Games to Calendar Featured; Broadcast Schedule ; On Demand . The best teams are analyzed and the top players . 0. Congratulations once again to Coach Robert Smith! Simeon Career Academy773-535-3200. Mr. Hambric's wife, Phyllis Hambric, preceded him in death. This retirement is about all that Smith has meant to the sport and, specifically, Public League basketball. 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. He made adjustments when needed, changing stylistically at times to even how he managed different rosters. We did it. The best teams are analyzed and the top players are talked about all season long. 8. People like to say a lot of negatives about Chicago, Kenwood coach Mike Irvin said. Meet the Team. Statistics are submitted to MaxPreps by coaches, athletic directors or program personnel. Carmel (Chicago, IL) by a score of 70-47. The Wolves were in control from start to finish on their way to a 71-64 victory. [Flowers] has the passion, Smith said. The GOAT retires: A look back at the legacy of Simeon basketball coach Robert Smith, Simeon basketball coach Robert Smith will retire after next season, 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. Simeon coach Robert Smith watches as the Wolverines play Kenwood. 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. Just ask the fine people of Pontiac how much they appreciate their adopted program each December at the prestigious holiday tournament. Illinois High School Association records list him with 550 or 551 wins, against 145 losses. Simeon (Chicago) 29-3: 19.9: 2: Benet Academy (Lisle) 31-1: 16.4: 3: SHGHS (Springfield) 30-3: 15.4: 4: . Oswego East ended 2021-22 with a 52-51 sectional final heartbreaker to Bolingbrook but not before the Wolves finished with a program-best 33-3 record. Heck, there is hardly any bravado at all from a coach who could have shown a lot of it. There were a handful of teams with massive preseason expectations when the season began. On 2/28, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against St. Laurence (Burbank, IL) by a score of 50-42. Earlier today I was thinking about games I played in before and all the seasons Ive coached.. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Rose and . The lost talent and the timing of it would cripple most teams. Simeons Wes Rubin celebrates after the Wolverines defeat Kenwood in the Public League championship game. Competing against coaches like [Youngs] Tyrone Slaughter, Mike Oliver at Curie and Nick Irvin [at Morgan Park] just gave us a different vibe, Smith said. Vashon made it moot as it pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 56-46 win over Simeon in the OFallon Shootout on Saturday at the Panther Dome on the campus of OFallon High. Smith was a student . 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. The accolades are endless and the resume is, quite honestly, unlike any other in high school basketball when it comes to state championships and appearances, along with the individual talent hes produced. HOME 3-7 AWAY 3-5 NEUTRAL 5-5. All of us just wanted to win. 2014 - 20162 years. CBS 2's Matt Zahn had the story on why Simeon Career Academy's leader decided now is the right time. Chicago Simeon eventually plied victory away from Moline 67-66 on January 21 in Illinois boys high school basketball action. On January 24, 2023, Simeon Coach Robert Smith made history, securing his 500th career win in boys high school basketball. 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. ''Out here, very few go on to play Division I basketball,'' he says. While state tournament runs put together by their teams do matter, there are a number of Coach of the Year candidates throughout the area. 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. 1 small school in the STLhighschoolsports.com rankings and reinging two-time Class 4 champion, Vashon has been guided by coach Tony Irons since the 2015-16 season after previous stops at Imagine College Prep and Madison College Prep. Its the first sectional championship in school history for Oswego East, which will face Moline on Monday in the ISU Supersectional. Benjamin Wilson Jr. (March 18, 1967 - November 21, 1984) was an American high school basketball player from Chicago, Illinois. Kenwood guard Dai Dai Ames drained a dagger three-pointer at the top of the key to tie the game. Photographer Ricky Slaughter has posted a new gallery Simeon vs. Vashon (Bank of O'Fallon Shootout) containing 65 photos. On 2/3, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their home non-conference game against Clark (Chicago, IL) by a score of 78-41. Tim Vizer/Special to STLhighschoolsports.com. But what a job Velasquez has done this season in keeping the Wolves relevant and among the top teams in the area. This has been a program that won 23 games in back-to-back seasons in 2013-14 and 2014-15 with regional tiles. 2022 Big East tournament winner. 2: Jalen Griffith . File Photo by Kirsten Stickney. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. No other coach in state history has won more than four state titles. Oswego East has been a fixture in the top 25 all season and settled in as the No. We are building something special over here, Irvin said. During the early 1980s, the city of Chicago featured one of the best high school basketball players in the country. But this years team has tied the school record for most wins in a season, won a West Suburban Silver Conference championship and has earned a No. Feb 21, 2023, 9:26am PST. Chicago Simeon head coach Robert Smith (far right) yells from the sidelines. Smith added that he has his own kids playing sports and after spending his "whole life with other people's kids," he wants to spend more time with his kids. . Collinsville played Chicago Simeon in the final game of the OFallon Shootout on Saturday February 8, 2020. Simeon wins the city title. Simeon coach Robert Smith cheers his team on against Curie in 2018. He is survived by a son, Robert Jr.; a daughter, Robyn; and a brother, Arthur. Hes like a big brother to me.. Along the way we at times forget about those leading them: the coaches. While he's still clearly on top of his game when it comes to coaching at a high level, he's decided this is his last season. Matt arrived just as the Cubs won the World Series. But more than whats on paper or in the record books or who hes coached, Smith has earned a level of respect from everyone in the sport that so few are truly able to earn. Thats a rare combination. Smith was always handing out compliments to the very few teams that did manage to beat his and to players that deserved it. After 19 years and 500 wins, legendary Simeon basketball coach aims to go out on top. Then Simeon failed to score on its last possession. It was a statement win for Vashon (13-7) against nationally ranked Simeon (24-3). Print. 2 Benet squeaked past Geneva 35-34, and Kenwood beat Brother Rice 72-67. The Red Devils began the season unranked and have climbed into the top 10. When the third quarter began and Smiths Simeon boys basketball team didnt receive the ball to start he called over the officials, questioned the scorebooks accuracy and pleaded his case something was amiss. Hes simply one of the elite coaches in the state, and hes right in the picture again this season. Richard Barron led St. Ignatius to 50-43 victory against Fenwick. Along the way Irons crossed paths with Simeons Smith at the Nike Elite 100 camp here in town. Cheerleading and Dance Volleyball Wrestling Soccer Basketball Football. Latest Updates. 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 . Smith's current Simeon squad is right near the top of the state rankings again and certainly have a shot to compete for another championship. (Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times) The best teams are analyzed and the top players are talked about all season long. Smith said. People think we dont like each other, but that isnt the case. 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. 2 in 1989. Mr. Hambric ran alongside his players on a grueling training lap that started at the high school at 83rd Street and Vincennes Avenue, headed south to 87th Street, east to King Drive and then up to 83rd for the final stretch back to the school. The highly-successful and respected Houston didnt miss a beat. Mr. Hambric, 69, died of cancer on Friday, said Marque Riley, Simeon athletic director. 1 sectional seed. Those who are close to Robert Smith knew this day was coming sooner than later. - Adaptable leadership approach used to get the most out of each player. Simeon High School . The Westcott building on Normal Avenue was occupied by the Calumet High School until 1926. Tim Flowers is sort of a son of Simeon. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. Ames led Kenwood with 22 points and Isaiah Green scored 11 in the fourth quarter to spearhead the comeback. Averaged 19.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1 . He made sure that we were confident. "I love Simeon," Smith said. This was a team that was ranked in the preseason and had visions of playing in Champaign. It was great to have Derrick and Tim [Flowers] to help jump-start my career. 0:36. . Players (14) Staff (9) Do you have a team photo? Photos by @acphoto22. The Wolverines also finished the season ranked in the MaxPreps Top 25 four times No. Saturdays win was the second time Vashon and Irons bested Smith and Simeon. Ive completed my goals, Smith said. As it has so often since he took over the Simeon program in 2004, history turned Smiths way. 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. Simeon High School Basketball; Simeon Girls Basketball. He is loyal and sincere. As a result, his basketball acumen and work ethic often went unnoticed. OVERALL 8-3 0.73 Win % CONFERENCE 4-2 0.67 Win % HOME 3-1 AWAY 2-1 NEUTRAL 3-1. Robert Smith swore there was a jump ball. But Smith has been around long enough to know it can mean everything. Coaches, ADs and staff who do not . We didnt win it. PF 1119 PA 1294 STREAK 1L. When asked about his favorite memory, a couple involving Rose and Parker stood out. Simeon coach Robert Smiths storybook ending was slipping away Saturday. And beat the likes of Joliet West, Kenwood and others along the way? Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times. Our school, originally known as Westcott Vocational High School, was established in September of 1949 at 8023 South Normal Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. 1 and just recently capped off the regular season with a city championship. Ben Wilson with Simeon coach Bob Hambric (left) in November of 1984. 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. 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. But that was Simeon. Boys Basketball *Nathaniel Lloyd. Simeon coach Robert Smith checks the clock as the Wolverines defeat New Trier at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. Flowers is currently an assistant coach at Simeon. In 2003, the name changed to Simeon Career Academy to make way for a brand-new school building. Simeon coach Robert Smith coaches from the sidelines at far left. February 8, 2023 / 7:41 PM Smith would always provide perspective after losses. Here's an overview of the eight contenders. 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. Boys Basketball. All the wins, success and talent at Simeon would often mask the substance that was there as a coach and as a program. Latorre has led this senior-dominated group to the best season the program has had in 25 years. PF 596 PA 444 STREAK 1L. Simeon All Access: Study halls, educational experiences part of road trips for Simeon basketball team Subscriber Services (Opens in new window) Subscribe here (Opens in new window) When rival coach and now friend Tyrone Slaughter of Young heard the news, he didnt hesitate in making a bold statement. "I watched some other guys stick around too long. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. There wasnt extra stress, Rubin said. He looks after so many, both the high-profile ones and those looking for a small college opportunity. How about 480 wins and just 92 losses and likely another 25-plus victories coming next year? He instilled discipline with his players and in how they played. The veteran coach has had a solid decade-plus run at Hinsdale Central. The Wolverines are in Class 3A, Kenwood is in 4A. . Craft, 55, retired in May as a science teacher and coach. THE HISTORY OF SIMEON / WESTCOTT HIGH SCHOOL. The Metamora High School boys basketball team earned its first trip to the state finals in school history with a Class 3A super-sectional victory over Wheaton St. Francis on Monday night in Ottawa. . The most recent was the Class 4A crown in 2012-13 which was the fourth consecutive championship for the Wolverines. Smith went out on top, at least in the Public League. After 19 years and 500 wins, legendary Simeon basketball coach aims to go out on top. Hynes, a Marist graduate who was an assistant under former coach Gene Nolan from 2007-2018, has revitalized the program. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. Here's an overview of the eight contenders. Theres no added pressure because that is always the focus. That made it so much better.. 1. Collinsville played Chicago Simeon in the final game of the OFallon Shootout on Saturday February 8, 2020. 50-42 (W) Simeon vs. St. Laurence On 2/28, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against St. Laurence (Burbank, IL) by a score of 50-42 . Wilson was regarded as the top high school player in the country by many coaches and scouts. 773-535-3465/3236. David Kvidahl is a columnist for STL High School Sports. Knowing he'd hit another career milestone this season helped make the decision a little easier. Please enter valid email address to continue. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. Rob carried himself with the highest level of professionalism and had the highest level of respect from so many different people, said Slaughter. Smith said that out of the hundreds of varsity basketball players he has coached since 2004, just three or four didnt go to college. . A local school could possibly be good for me because the big thing right now is to be with my kids., Robert Smiths career at Simeon2004-05: 29-42005-06: 33-4, Class AA title, Public League title2006-07: 33-2, Class AA title, Public League title2007-08: 29-4, Class 3A second place2008-09: 18-102009-10: 25-9, Class 4A title2010-11: 30-2, Class 4A title2011-12: 33-1, Class 4A title, Public League title2012-13: 30-3, Class 4A title2013-14: 22-52014-15: 28-42015-16: 30-4, Public League title2016-17: 30-4, Class 4A second place, Public League title2017-18: 29-4, Public League title2018-19: 20-15,2019-20: 24-9, Public League title2020-21: 9-12021-22: 28-7Total: 480-92, .839. Football *David Thornton. No matter the star or the team, there were never big numbers thrown up at Simeon by individual players. Simeon head coach Robert Smith looking on during the 2019 IHSA Class 4A Super-Sectional title game. The underclassmen camp was conducted at St. Louis U.s Simon Recreation Center and when Smith and Irons got to talking they hit it off. A rock solid senior group, which included four key players, departed. I was going to win tonight anyway if I won or he won. But he wanted me to be successful, he wanted me to get off to a good start. Simeon High School 8147 S. Vincennes (Google map, other maps) Chicago, IL 60620 Phone: 773-535-3200 Fax: 773-535-3465 School . Key Illinois high school baseball Week 10 games, computer rankings, stat leaders, schedules & scores - live & final. Belleville West senior EJ Liddell finds Jaylin Mosby for the go-ahead 3pt shot vs Simeon in the O'Fallon Shootout highlight | O'Fallon, IL. Loyola recruit Miles Rubin led the top-ranked Wolverines (30-3) with 19 points, and Sam Lewis added 16. Basketball; Football; Twitter Water Polo: Schedule Water Polo: Roster Water Polo: News Basketball Basketball: Twitter Basketball: Schedule Basketball: . "College would have to be the right situation. And while he won and won bigger than anyone he never, ever was full of himself or took himself too seriously. Led the Tigers to a 28-5 record heading into the Class 4A sectional final. We knew what we had to do, and weve known since day one. It was during Covid that he learned and realized he could move on from coaching, that he wouldnt miss it as much as he thought. For better or worse. You have to be over the top. The Blue Demons were led by thirty-sixth year head coach Doug Bruno and played their home games at the Wintrust Arena . The players have repeatedly said they havent felt extra pressure to make sure that Smiths final season was a success. Over the next 18 years, Smith took the program to new heights. Smith, who is Simeons athletic director, will hand the head-coaching job over to Flowers, Roses good friend and former teammate. It would be quite the ending to an amazingly successful run. Rubin led Simeon with 21 points and six rebounds. McDonald's All-American. Hes probably the only person that has a winning record against me, Smith said with a smile. Velasquez did welcome back a Division I talent in the versatile Mekhi Lowery. Smith, 50, is 480-92 heading into his final season. Girls Basketball Head Coach: Kim Williams kawilliams62@cps.edu. Simeon coach Robert Smith and Derrick Rose embrace after Roses final high school game, the 2007 state championship. I wanted to have the most state and city championships, and Ive done that. Chase Lewis picked a perfect time to cut loose. Thank you : Master at his Craft: Longtime Collinsville Middle School girls basketball coach retires. But Im not sure about doing that whole grind now. MaxPreps is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. 2023 IHSA Boys Basketball State Championships (Illinois) Class 3A, Photos: Simeon vs. Vashon (Bank of O'Fallon Shootout). Simeon coach Robert Smith watches as the Wolverines play Kenwood. Boys Basketball *Maurice Brown. Vashon played Chicago Simeon in the OFallon Shootout at OFallon High School in OFallon, IL on Saturday February 4, 2023. . Key Illinois high school boys basketball games, state tournament brackets, computer rankings, stat leaders, schedules & scores - live & final. Slaughter, who says he and Smith were once vicious adversaries but became close friends over the years, saw the class he oozed. The Wolverines could be the areas preseason No. As a father-figure coach, he is stern while offering endless support and instilling confidence when needed. Ive spent the last 24 years giving all my attention to other peoples kids.. Along the way we at times forget about those leading them: the coaches. And Im sure glad he did. But it was just a comfort level he had started to feel in knowing he would be fine if he wasnt coaching the most iconic basketball program in state history. And they generally always played with such pride. 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 . Its always good competing against him, though. Miles and Wes Rubin, 6-8 twins, will be joined by talented guards Jalen Griffith and Michael Ratliff. I always tell people that [legendary Simeon coach Bob Hambric] could have stayed and coached those guys and won more titles himself. His team buckled down defensively in overtime, not allowing Kenwood a field goal. Won two gold medals with USA Basketball. Smiths early success at Simeon attracted the citys best players. Leonard Thomas. "That hug from Derrick in the last state championship and that hug from Jabari that last state championship, those meant a lot," Smith said.