Its not very normal for such a high-profile program and its coach to be so revered. "I watched some other guys stick around too long. Belleville West played Chicago Simeon in a game at the O'Fallon Shootout at O'Fallon High School on Saturday February 2, 2019. Simeon basketball coach Robert Smith will retire after next season, The GOAT retires: A look back on the legacy of Simeon basketball coach Robert Smith, 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. The Wolves were in control from start to finish on their way to a 71-64 victory. When rival coach and now friend Tyrone Slaughter of Young heard the news, he didnt hesitate in making a bold statement. 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 . We knew what we had to do, and weve known since day one. 1. The veteran coach has had a solid decade-plus run at Hinsdale Central. Asbury Park Press. More than that, he was respected and liked. 16-11*. So that actually took a lot of pressure off of me.. Just ask the fine people of Pontiac how much they appreciate their adopted program each December at the prestigious holiday tournament. Mr. Hambric, 69, died of cancer on Friday, said Marque Riley, Simeon athletic director. 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. On 2/22, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Solorio (Chicago, IL) by a score of 97-32. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. As a father-figure coach, he is stern while offering endless support and instilling confidence when needed. One possession in a basketball game doesnt necessarily mean anything. Feb 28, 2023. Here's an overview of the eight contenders. I was able to tell the kids about my decision today. 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.. Boys Basketball *Nathaniel Lloyd. Last chance! Playing for Smith and Simeon absolutely means something to the players in this program, both present and past. He was honored for that milestone by the OFallon Shootout just before Simeon tipped off against Vashon. Won two gold medals with USA Basketball. Neal F. Simeon Career Academy (formerly known as Westcott Vocational High School, Neal F. Simeon Vocational High School, Neal F. Simeon Career Technical Academy), locally known simply as Simeon, is a public four-year vocational high school located in the Chatham area on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, United States.Simeon is a part of the Chicago Public Schools district. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. The address was changed from 8235 S. Vincennes Ave. to 8147 S. Vincennes Ave. All rights reserved. Grayslake Central knocked off Lake Forest 46-33, and Marmion beat Burlington Central 71-58 to win its first sectional since 1976. They all just wanted to win and that's me.". 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. 3 seed in the Bolingbrook Sectional. Collinsville played Chicago Simeon in the final game of the OFallon Shootout on Saturday February 8, 2020. Kenwood guard Dai Dai Ames drained a dagger three-pointer at the top of the key to tie the game. No. The Illinois Mr. Basketball award is given to the person chosen as the best high school boys basketball player in the U.S. state of Illinois.. He was a power forward for the high school's basketball team in the mid-2000s that behind Derrick Rose won back-to-back state championships under longtime . Roundup of Missouri boys basketball postseason games based on stats reported by each team. Here's an overview of the eight contenders. Craft, 55, retired in May as a science teacher and coach. First published on February 8, 2023 / 4:50 PM. Subscribe with this special offer to keep reading, (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Simeon High School Basketball; Basketball Roster; Simeon Basketball Roster. Kenwood has never won a city title. Most of the time, we worked on our weaknesses. 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. Our school, originally known as Westcott Vocational High School, was established in September of 1949 at 8023 South Normal Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Whether it was colleagues in the coaching business, including high school coaches who were beaten by him or college coaches recruiting his players, the respect was palpable. 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. Simeon coach Robert Smith watches as the Wolverines play Kenwood. 0:05. He checked off the final box on his coaching to-do list with the Wolverines' win over Brooks, Smith's 500th win as a head coach. Oswego East has been a fixture in the top 25 all season and settled in as the No. Ive spent the last 24 years giving all my attention to other peoples kids.. -. But he took over for a legendary coach [Bob Hambric] and not only sustained the success but clearly surpassed it.. For better or worse. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. Evan Kanellos made the winning free throw with five seconds left. Ryan Johnson and Mason Blanco returned after averaging five and four points a game, respectively. CHICAGO (CBS) - The most successful boys high school . Chase Lewis picked a perfect time to cut loose. Rubin led Simeon with 21 points and six rebounds. The most recent was the Class 4A crown in 2012-13 which was the fourth consecutive championship for the Wolverines. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has played a big role since the 1980s. The Wolverines had led by 20 to start the fourth quarter, but the city championship was going to overtime. Just four high school coaches are in the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame. He will coach one more season a loaded team that is expected to contend for a state championship in 2023 and call it a career. We were always synchronized and organized.. Its been great the two times.. Simeon coach Robert Smith cheers his team on against Curie in 2018. No other coach in state history has won more than four state titles. Meet the Team. The 500th win was a nice addition to a resume that includes seven Chicago Public League championships and six state titles at Simeon. Smith is in his 19th and final season at Simeon. This was a team that was ranked in the preseason and had visions of playing in Champaign. On 3/3, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Chicago Mt. There was a problem saving your notification. Were talking six state championships and four other top four finishes at state that earned state trophies. The Trevians, however, graduated four of five starters, including all-area performer Jackson Munro. This last year will be the same as any other, Smith said. On 2/3, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their home non-conference game against Clark (Chicago, IL) by a score of 78-41. PF 1119 PA 1294 STREAK 1L. We all have one more year to enjoy it and to celebrate the most successful high school coach in state history. 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. Football *David Thornton. Sports team/skills coaching at London Pulse basketball club and at Drayton Manor High School: - Coaching and setting drills for children improved leadership and communication skills. "He had a great understanding of the game," said Tim Bankston, whose 25 points and 12 rebounds helped Simeon to the 1984 state Class AA championship over Evanston Township High School. Boys Basketball *William Buford. A big brother with a resume thats second to none in the basketball-mad state of Illinois. You have to be over the top. Fax. After 30 years and more than 600 victories as a girls basketball coach at Collinsville Middle School, formerly North Junior High, Greg Craft is calling it a career. Coaches and members of the news media from throughout the state have voted senior Nelison "Nick'' Anderson as Mr. Basketball of Illinois for 1986. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. And I see a principal in that postgame crush pic.twitter.com/bV8P6il45f. Simeon coach Robert Smith checks the clock as the Wolverines defeat New Trier at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. . He had 26 points and nine rebounds. Leonard Thomas. Membership Options Live Broadcasts Current Stats Media requests Photo Galleries SmugMug Photos Athletic Director Podcasts Basketball Podcast with Coach Noszka Coach's Corner Podcast . The Wolves have won 25 games and gone a perfect 16-0 in the league, including going on the road and handing Joliet West its only conference loss. The lost talent and the timing of it would cripple most teams. Weve nearly reached the conclusion of the regular season with the biggest games yet to come. 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. Carmel (Chicago, IL) by a score of 70-47. And thats not even because of all the wins and titles which are obvious. Thank you : Master at his Craft: Longtime Collinsville Middle School girls basketball coach retires. He instilled discipline with his players and in how they played. People think we dont like each other, but that isnt the case. Rose and . After 19 years and 500 wins, legendary Simeon basketball coach aims to go out on top. We are building something special over here, Irvin said. Smith, 50, is 480-92 heading into his final season. There is still something to look forward to.. The players have repeatedly said they havent felt extra pressure to make sure that Smiths final season was a success. McDonald's All-American. Smith was always handing out compliments to the very few teams that did manage to beat his and to players that deserved it. 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. 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. Smith evolved so much over the years. But that was Simeon. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. Smith was a student-athlete at Simeon and is one of the winningest coaches in Illinois and CPS history, securing 6 IHSA State Title and 7 Chicago Public League Championships at his alma mater. High/Middle School. Basketball; Football; Heck, there is hardly any bravado at all from a coach who could have shown a lot of it. 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. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. 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. Smiths program produced multiple NBA players: Rose, Jabari Parker, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and more. ALTON Isaiah Camper could only look over his shoulder and smile. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. Knowing he'd hit another career milestone this season helped make the decision a little easier. More than anything, when the history of high school basketball and basketball in the city is written, Rob Smith will be considered the GOAT, said Slaughter. And while he won and won bigger than anyone he never, ever was full of himself or took himself too seriously. Smiths last team at Simeon will be strong. Rankings from AP poll. Smith went out on top, at least in the Public League. It would be quite the ending to an amazingly successful run. He looks after so many, both the high-profile ones and those looking for a small college opportunity. Simeon High School Basketball Sync Games to Calendar Featured; Broadcast Schedule ; On Demand . Loyola recruit Miles Rubin led the top-ranked Wolverines (30-3) with 19 points, and Sam Lewis added 16. Wolverine Mens Basketball Mr. Robert Smith Head Coach rsmith2@cps.edu 773.535.3200 Mr. Fred McClinton Sophomore Coach . This is the second title-game appearance for the Broncos, who lost to Simeon in 2016 as well. Wilson was regarded as the top high school player in the country by many coaches and scouts. 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. Hes like a big brother to me.. Its always good competing against him, though. I am one who has had the distinct privilege to be up close and personal with Smith and the inner workings of a program that few truly understand. Having accomplished so much is part of the reason Smith decided that this season, his 19th, would be his last. Two teams playing in a packed house. A year ago New Trier finished with a school record 30 wins and reached a sectional championship. 2 Benet squeaked past Geneva 35-34, and Kenwood beat Brother Rice 72-67. 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. But thats what having a seasoned pro on the bench will do for you. February 8, 2023 / 7:41 PM All the wins, success and talent at Simeon would often mask the substance that was there as a coach and as a program. "And then the 500 (wins) was the last piece of the puzzle.". The Ben Wilson Gymnasium opened in 1989. 0:36. 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. Along the way we at times forget about those leading them: the coaches. 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 . I was going to win tonight anyway if I won or he won. The Red Devils began the season unranked and have climbed into the top 10. Other future NBA players to play under Smith include Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn of the Los Angeles Lakers. Key Illinois high school boys basketball games, state tournament brackets, computer rankings, stat leaders, schedules & scores - live & final. Girls Basketball Head Coach: Kim Williams kawilliams62@cps.edu. Smith, who is also Simeon's athletic director, hands the job over to his assistant coach and former player Tim Flowers, who will begin his tenure during the 2023-24 season. Tim Vizer/Special to . The No. Twitter Water Polo: Schedule Water Polo: Roster Water Polo: News Basketball Basketball: Twitter Basketball: Schedule Basketball: . Smith is stepping down at the end of the year. And do so with small college basketball prospects and an Ivy Leaguer? New Trier held on to beat Glenbrook North 47-46. Guards Sam Lewis and Jalen Griffith each scored 11. His run at Simeon coincided with the Public Leagues most successful run of state titles. 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. OVERALL 11-17 0.39 Win % CONFERENCE 3-5 6th in Conference. (Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times) The best teams are analyzed and the top players are talked about all season long. Cheerleading and Dance Volleyball Wrestling Soccer Basketball Football. Its the first sectional championship in school history for Oswego East, which will face Moline on Monday in the ISU Supersectional. Smith announced his retirement Thursday. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. 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. Players (14) Staff (9) Do you have a team photo? Collinsville played Chicago Simeon in the final game of the OFallon Shootout on Saturday February 8, 2020. The perennial south suburban power lost two Division I prospects in the offseason, both transferring out of the program. . 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. "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. His team buckled down defensively in overtime, not allowing Kenwood a field goal. 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. We've nearly reached the conclusion of the regular season with the biggest games yet to . But there are teams, on paper, with more talent than Simeon, and Smith continues to always be able to navigate and right a ship just perfectly. Simeon High School 8147 S. Vincennes (Google map, other maps) Chicago, IL 60620 Phone: 773-535-3200 Fax: 773-535-3465 School . Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. You started seeing the change across the city during [Smiths time]. If you know who the head coach is, invite them to join MaxPreps so they can manage the team's roster, schedule, scores, stats and more. . 2 in 1989. 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. St. Rose basketball falls to powerhouse Roselle Catholic, 68-59, in state final. Tim Flowers is sort of a son of Simeon. 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. "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. The most unfamiliar coaching name on this short list is very much deserving of a whole lot of recognition.