Kenwood has never won a city title. Smith has stressed that this season is about the kids, not his farewell tour. Parker had his choice of schools across the country but chose Simeon. He looks after so many, both the high-profile ones and those looking for a small college opportunity. A year ago New Trier finished with a school record 30 wins and reached a sectional championship. 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 . Chicago Simeon head coach Robert Smith (far right) yells from the sidelines. For better or worse. More than that, he was respected and liked. How about 480 wins and just 92 losses and likely another 25-plus victories coming next year? Boys Basketball *Maurice Brown. Simeon coach Robert Smith watches as the Wolverines play Kenwood. 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. 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. Those who are close to Robert Smith knew this day was coming sooner than later. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. They are both playing basketball now, and I want to be able to give them my full attention. Latest Updates. The 2022-23 DePaul Blue Demons men's basketball team represents DePaul University during the 2022-23 NCAA Division I men's basketball season.They are led by second-year head coach Tony Stubblefield and play their home games at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois as members of the Big East Conference.. On January 10, 2023, DePaul defeated Villanova for the first time since 2008, snapping a . 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. Chicago Simeon opened with a 16-12 advantage over Moline through the . "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. As a result, his basketball acumen and work ethic often went unnoticed. "I watched some other guys stick around too long. The Redwings will face Rockford Auburn on Monday in the NIU Supersectional, and the Broncos will face Downers Grove North at the UIC Supersectional. 3 in 2013 and No. Stephen Edelson. Flipboard. Ive completed my goals, Smith said. Smith, 50, is 480-92 heading into his final season. Watch online from home or on the go. 3 seed in the Bolingbrook Sectional. I want to spend more time with my kids, Smith said. 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. 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That's what makes it so special. No matter the star or the team, there were never big numbers thrown up at Simeon by individual players. Saturdays win was the second time Vashon and Irons bested Smith and Simeon. Print. The Trevians will face Libertyville, a 60-42 winner against Prospect, on Monday in the NOW Arena Supersectional in Hoffman Estates. This was a team that was ranked in the preseason and had visions of playing in Champaign. They are both playing basketball now, and I want to be able to give them my full attention. Simeon coach Robert Smith watches as the Wolverines play Kenwood. 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 2021-22 Illinois State Redbirds men's basketball team represented Illinois State University during the 2021-22 NCAA Division I men's basketball season.The Redbirds played their home games at Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena in Normal, Illinois as members of the Missouri Valley Conference.The team finished the season 13-20, 5-13 in MVC play to finish in eighth place. As a father-figure coach, he is stern while offering endless support and instilling confidence when needed. 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 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. The players have repeatedly said they havent felt extra pressure to make sure that Smiths final season was a success. But that was Simeon. Leonard Thomas. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. Just ask the fine people of Pontiac how much they appreciate their adopted program each December at the prestigious holiday tournament. After 19 years and 500 wins, legendary Simeon basketball coach aims to go out on top. Theres no added pressure because that is always the focus. The Blue Demons were led by thirty-sixth year head coach Doug Bruno and played their home games at the Wintrust Arena . The best teams are analyzed and the top players are talked about all season long. Simeon High School Basketball; JV; Simeon JV Basketball. The Class B Oklahoma high school boys basketball state tournament is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at State Fair Arena. And they generally always played with such pride. 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 . 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. 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. One possession in a basketball game doesnt necessarily mean anything. Simeon and other top Chicago basketball powers don't produce all of that talent alone. He is survived by a son, Robert Jr.; a daughter, Robyn; and a brother, Arthur. Me and Coach Smith are like family, Irons said. VidSwap Coaching Tools; Join our Affiliate Program; Media Partners . On January 24, 2023, Simeon Coach Robert Smith made history, securing his 500th career win in boys high school basketball. He had 26 points and nine rebounds. It would be quite the ending to an amazingly successful run. 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. But this was positive. By Matt Zahn. When asked about his favorite memory, a couple involving Rose and Parker stood out. Getting the kids to college was always very important.. OVERALL 11-17 0.39 Win % CONFERENCE 3-5 6th in Conference. Kenwood guard Dai Dai Ames drained a dagger three-pointer at the top of the key to tie the game. He made adjustments when needed, changing stylistically at times to even how he managed different rosters. The Trojans ended Hinsdale Centrals 23-game winning streak with a 53-43 victory in Hinsdale. Its been great the two times.. "To go out on top?" 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 . The best teams are analyzed and the top players . Belleville West played Chicago Simeon in a game at the O'Fallon Shootout at O'Fallon High School on Saturday February 2, 2019. During the early 1980s, the city of Chicago featured one of the best high school basketball players in the country. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has played a big role since the 1980s. Simeons Wes Rubin celebrates after the Wolverines defeat Kenwood in the Public League championship game. "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. 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. Custom Content Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand . Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. Smiths impact on student-athletes throughout Chicago has truly been incredible as he continues to cement his legacy in his final season as the head basketball coach at Simeon. Simeon carries themselves the right way. No other coach in state history has won more than four state titles. Feb 28, 2023, 7 . "College would have to be the right situation. Congratulations once again to Coach Robert Smith! After everything weve been through all year our defense held up in those last two minutes of overtime.. He was honored for that milestone by the OFallon Shootout just before Simeon tipped off against Vashon. Oswego East is at the top of the Southwest Prairie Conference yet again. He loves Simeon like I did. But Velasquez, who is 131-31 in the past six seasons, worked a pair of transfers into the mix and kept the Wolves humming. People like to say a lot of negatives about Chicago, Kenwood coach Mike Irvin said. DeAndre Craig led the Caravan (27-7) with 13 points. Other future NBA players to play under Smith include Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn of the Los Angeles Lakers. . [Flowers] has the passion, Smith said. THE HISTORY OF SIMEON / WESTCOTT HIGH SCHOOL. High/Middle School. Benjamin Wilson Jr. (March 18, 1967 - November 21, 1984) was an American high school basketball player from Chicago, Illinois. 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) Check out the lists below to see the daily stat leaders for Monday, Feb. 27 in five statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals. Weve nearly reached the conclusion of the regular season with the biggest games yet to come. Simeon's legendary coach who won 551 games in . While state tournament runs put together by their teams do matter, there are a number of Coach of the Year candidates throughout the area. 2 sectional seed. Most of the time, we worked on our weaknesses. For better or worse. The most unfamiliar coaching name on this short list is very much deserving of a whole lot of recognition. Here's an overview of the eight contenders. And I see a principal in that postgame crush pic.twitter.com/bV8P6il45f. Football *David Thornton. Led the Tigers to a 28-5 record heading into the Class 4A sectional final. Meet the Team. All the wins, success and talent at Simeon would often mask the substance that was there as a coach and as a program. Volunteer to be the statistician. Collinsville played Chicago Simeon in the final game of the OFallon Shootout on Saturday February 8, 2020. You started seeing the change across the city during [Smiths time]. Over the next 18 years, Smith took the program to new heights. As it has so often since he took over the Simeon program in 2004, history turned Smiths way. Simeon coach Robert Smith watches as the Wolverines play Kenwood. 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.. It has been great despite the results. 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. More:FAQ: What to know . Grayslake Central knocked off Lake Forest 46-33, and Marmion beat Burlington Central 71-58 to win its first sectional since 1976. This is what it is about, everyone supporting these kids. Coaches and members of the news media from throughout the state have voted senior Nelison "Nick'' Anderson as Mr. Basketball of Illinois for 1986. Its more than what is to come this season and where Simeon goes from here. His team buckled down defensively in overtime, not allowing Kenwood a field goal. We want to win city and state. Players (14) Staff (9) Do you have a team photo? It was sold out at Curie, and no one came to see me, Smith said. . 16-11*. The Broncos fans went wild. He led the program to new heights, beginning with to back-to-back Class AA state championships led by Rose in 2006 and 2007. Earlier today I was thinking about games I played in before and all the seasons Ive coached.. 4 in 2012, No. Do you have . 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 . It keeps you working because you have to work for them. There wasnt any fake or forced bravado. Senior Wes Rubin sealed it with a dunk and Simeon beat Kenwood 72-64 at Credit Union 1 Arena to win the city title. Simeon coach Robert Smith cheers his team on against Curie in 2018. Key Illinois high school boys basketball games, state tournament brackets, computer rankings, stat leaders, schedules & scores - live & final. Here's an overview of the eight contenders. Slaughter, who says he and Smith were once vicious adversaries but became close friends over the years, saw the class he oozed. Two teams playing in a packed house. In that time hes guided Chicagos Wolverines to seven city championships and a state-record six state championships. 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 . The Red Devils have nearly always been competitive under Latorre. File Photo by Kirsten Stickney. Wilson's slaying was indicative of the tough streets from which Mr. Hambric drew his players. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. On Jan. 24, Smith picked up win 500 when his Wolverines beat Brooks 82-36. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. 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. 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. 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. Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times. Smith, 50, took over the helm at Simeon prior to the 2004-05 season, making his debut the same year as Derrick Rose. I was going to win tonight anyway if I won or he won. 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. I've spent the last 24 years giving all my attention to other people's kids," Smith told Michael O'Brien of the Chicago Sun Times. 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. Basketball; Football; 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. Simeon Betts (9) P, OF, IF . Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. Mr. Hambric grew up on the South Side and played basketball at the old Parker High School. His team buckled down defensively in overtime, not allowing Kenwood a field goal. 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 We didnt win it. The Ben Wilson Gymnasium opened in 1989. "I just thought it was time," he said. Simeon faces Curie Thursday night in the Public League semifinals as Smith chases his eighth city championship. This retirement is about all that Smith has meant to the sport and, specifically, Public League basketball. Smith, who is Simeons athletic director, will hand the head-coaching job over to Flowers, Roses good friend and former teammate. And since the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, another one ending with Simeon winning a state trophy, the retirement thoughts intensified. But he wanted me to be successful, he wanted me to get off to a good start. And Im sure glad he did. Won two gold medals with USA Basketball. Simeon was always a great reminder that keeping it simple and structured can lead to high-level success. Photographer Dean Reid has posted a new gallery Simeon vs. Kenwood containing 40 photos. 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. 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. 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. 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. . His run at Simeon coincided with the Public Leagues most successful run of state titles. "That hug from Derrick in the last state championship and that hug from Jabari that last state championship, those meant a lot," Smith said. "Just for that moment, to embrace them as players, and as people.". Contact. 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. The highly-successful and respected Houston didnt miss a beat. Smith was always handing out compliments to the very few teams that did manage to beat his and to players that deserved it. Rob carried himself with the highest level of professionalism and had the highest level of respect from so many different people, said Slaughter. Show all Sports. That made it so much better.. Thats a rare combination. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. I wanted to have the most state and city championships, and Ive done that. So that actually took a lot of pressure off of me.. 2022 Big East tournament winner. 9 in 2011, No. 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. Membership Options Live Broadcasts Current Stats Media requests Photo Galleries SmugMug Photos Athletic Director Podcasts Basketball Podcast with Coach Noszka Coach's Corner Podcast . He never wavered from high standards that stressed teamwork over individual glory, and the boys who played for him learned to accept his rules or go elsewhere. Along the way Irons crossed paths with Simeons Smith at the Nike Elite 100 camp here in town. 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. And thats not even because of all the wins and titles which are obvious. Playing for Smith and Simeon absolutely means something to the players in this program, both present and past. Rubin led Simeon with 21 points and six rebounds. PF 596 PA 444 STREAK 1L. Richard Barron led St. Ignatius to 50-43 victory against Fenwick. Submit Roster. OVERALL 8-3 0.73 Win % CONFERENCE 4-2 0.67 Win % HOME 3-1 AWAY 2-1 NEUTRAL 3-1. 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. 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 Smith's 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 . The Wolverines also finished the season ranked in the MaxPreps Top 25 four times No. Smith evolved so much over the years. There is still something to look forward to.. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. Knowing he'd hit another career milestone this season helped make the decision a little easier. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. 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. Illinois high school boys basketball: IHSA rankings, postseason brackets, stats leaders, schedules and scores . 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. The AAU circuit is seen as a chance of opportunity for high school players to play on traveling teams at national tournaments and gain exposure in front of top college coaches.