Collinsville played Chicago Simeon in the final game of the OFallon Shootout on Saturday February 8, 2020. Stats are entered by the coach or designated team statistician in the admin. Simeon coach Robert Smith coaches from the sidelines at far left. "It would be like a fairytale story and we can finish this thing off the way we want to.". 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. Smith went out on top, at least in the Public League. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. The most unfamiliar coaching name on this short list is very much deserving of a whole lot of recognition. 2: Jalen Griffith . With just Jake Fiegen returning, Fricke has guided the Trevians right back to where they were a year ago, only this season theyve added a Central Suburban League South championship and a No. Mr. Hambric, 69, died of cancer on Friday, said Marque Riley, Simeon athletic director. PG Sr. 5' 10" 160 lbs. 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. Yes, the naysayers will always point to the talent Smith has at Simeon. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. 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. Me and Coach Smith are like family, Irons said. Smith made his debut as Simeons coach in 2004, the same night Derrick Rose made his for Simeon. Among those teams, however, there was one that lived up to the hype over three months of basketball better than any. Contact. 773-535-3465/3236. It keeps you working because you have to work for them. We've nearly reached the conclusion of the regular season with the biggest games yet to . He instilled discipline with his players and in how they played. The lost talent and the timing of it would cripple most teams. Its not very normal for such a high-profile program and its coach to be so revered. One possession in a basketball game doesnt necessarily mean anything. "I watched some other guys stick around too long. Simeons Wes Rubin celebrates after the Wolverines defeat Kenwood in the Public League championship game. One of them, Bob Hurley, is there because of the program he built at St. Anthony. That was good for Chicago.. Simeon coach Robert Smith, the most successful boys high school basketball coach in state history, will retire after next season. After everything weve been through all year our defense held up in those last two minutes of overtime.. The Westcott building on Normal Avenue was occupied by the Calumet High School until 1926. 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. This is only our second time playing each other. The Ben Wilson Gymnasium opened in 1989. 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. There is still something to look forward to.. 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. His team buckled down defensively in overtime, not allowing Kenwood a field goal. We all have one more year to enjoy it and to celebrate the most successful high school coach in state history. Simeon High School Basketball; JV; Simeon JV Basketball. Hes like a big brother to me.. But that was Simeon. Hynes, a Marist graduate who was an assistant under former coach Gene Nolan from 2007-2018, has revitalized the program. Smith would always provide perspective after losses. And while he won and won bigger than anyone he never, ever was full of himself or took himself too seriously. Simeon was always a great reminder that keeping it simple and structured can lead to high-level success. ALTON Isaiah Camper could only look over his shoulder and smile. 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. By Joe Henricksen. You can't just be a regular high school coach for those guys. Vashon played Chicago Simeon in the OFallon Shootout at OFallon High School in OFallon, IL on Saturday February 4, 2023. . It was great to have Derrick and Tim [Flowers] to help jump-start my career. Other future NBA players to play under Smith include Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn of the Los Angeles Lakers. 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. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. Simeon Betts (9) P, OF, IF . All of us just wanted to win. I'm giving another guy a chance.". Twitter Water Polo: Schedule Water Polo: Roster Water Polo: News Basketball Basketball: Twitter Basketball: Schedule Basketball: . 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. Illinois high school football playoff brackets, schedule, computer rankings, statewide stat leaders and scores - live and final. When asked about his favorite memory, a couple involving Rose and Parker stood out. The highly-successful and respected Houston didnt miss a beat. PISCATAWAY - Even in defeat, St. Rose added to the legacy of an . Ive spent the last 24 years giving all my attention to other peoples kids.. But for Benet to put together a 29-1 record? Simeon coach Robert Smith carries the state championship trophy at a pep rally in 2011. But there are so many coaches who have already helped their teams exceed preseason predictions or reach the high expectations placed on them. 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. Wilson's slaying was indicative of the tough streets from which Mr. Hambric drew his players. In the 1990s, Mr. Hambric put together a stretch of 10 straight 20-win seasons. It probably will later. 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. Smith was always handing out compliments to the very few teams that did manage to beat his and to players that deserved it. Despite the loss of Wilson, Simeon returned to Champaign and the state tournament in the spring of 1985 before losing in the quarterfinals. 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. "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. The Trevians are 27-4 heading into this weeks Central Suburban League regular-season finale with Niles North. DeAndre Craig led the Caravan (27-7) with 13 points. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. Most of the award winners have gone on to play at the highest levels of college basketball, and many have gone on to play in the National Basketball Association.On April 5, 2010, Jon Scheyer became the second winner to also have played on both a high . College coaching is always something I wanted to do, Smith said. More:Wisconsin Lutheran moves back to the top of the boys basketball rankings; Oak Creek's Izaac Neal, Cedarburg honored. I want to spend more time with my kids, Smith said. (Ed Wagner, Jr., Chicago Tribune) . 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. He is loyal and sincere. Football *David Thornton. Along the way we at times forget about those leading them: the coaches. 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. There is a reason Heidkamp is a two-time City/Suburban Hoops Report Coach of the Year winner. 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. He loves Simeon like I did. He went on to LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, where he was captain of the basketball team and an honors student. ", On coaching so many great players over the years, Smith said, "It's been great. (Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times) The best teams are analyzed and the top players are talked about all season 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. This is what it is about, everyone supporting these kids. I wanted them to hear it from me and not read it somewhere.. Smith, 40, will have accomplished everything he set out to do at the high school level if he coaches his Simeon team to a fifth state championship in his eight-year career. Volunteer to be the statistician. Children. But this was positive. Latorre has led this senior-dominated group to the best season the program has had in 25 years. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has played a big role since the 1980s. "It was like a chess match; he'd put the right pieces in the right places to be successful.". CENTRALIA, Ill. The evolution of Drew Winslow and the Triad boys basketball team continued in earnest Wednesday night. Latest Updates. Simeon lost in the state semifinals last year. Submit Roster. Senior Wes Rubin sealed it with a dunk and Simeon beat Kenwood 72-64 at Credit Union 1 Arena to win the city title . First published on February 8, 2023 / 4:50 PM. Rubin led Simeon with 21 points and six rebounds. The Red Devils have nearly always been competitive under Latorre. 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. Simeon coach Robert Smiths storybook ending was slipping away Saturday. "I want to spend more time with my kids. 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. Hes coached, mentored and developed dozens and dozens of Division I players, including two of the biggest in state history: Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker. Miles and Wes Rubin, 6-8 twins, will be joined by talented guards Jalen Griffith and Michael Ratliff. Wilson was regarded as the top high school player in the country by many coaches and scouts. 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 . Simeon coach Robert Smith watches as the Wolverines play Kenwood. Led the Tigers to a 28-5 record heading into the Class 4A sectional final. Simeon High School 8147 S. Vincennes (Google map, other maps) Chicago, IL 60620 Phone: 773-535-3200 Fax: 773-535-3465 School . He is survived by a son, Robert Jr.; a daughter, Robyn; and a brother, Arthur. Its a great friendship, Smith said. 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. We only watched film when it was necessary. 0. All the best players wanted to come to Simeon because of Coach Rob, Parker said. But he wanted me to be successful, he wanted me to get off to a good start. Simeon coach Robert Smith cheers his team on against Curie in 2018. Watch online from home or on the go. But there is going to be a huge void in our sport, a huge void in city and high school basketball.. More family time was at the forefront, including being able to watch his youngest, Rob Jr., play more. Keep watching, it is coming. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. Statistics are submitted to MaxPreps by coaches, athletic directors or program personnel. It hasnt really sunk in yet, Smith said. More than that, he was respected and liked. After 19 years and 500 wins, legendary Simeon basketball coach aims to go out on top. It would be quite the ending to an amazingly successful run. a future NBA Most Valuable Player who made Simeon the first Chicago Public League School team to win back-to-back state championships. While state tournament runs put together by their teams do matter, there are a number of Coach of the Year candidates throughout the area. Mr. Hambric, 69, died . The Wolves were in control from start to finish on their way to a 71-64 victory. Then Simeon failed to score on its last possession. HOME 3-7 AWAY 3-5 NEUTRAL 5-5. 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Smith, 50, is 480-92 heading into his final season. Boys Basketball *William Buford. Evan Kanellos made the winning free throw with five seconds left. For better or worse. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Its been great the two times.. He was set to have a successful NBA career, but that never happened because he was killed while he was in high school. Simeon coach Robert Smith checks the clock as the Wolverines defeat New Trier at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. Flipboard. .036. 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, . THE HISTORY OF SIMEON / WESTCOTT HIGH SCHOOL. 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. Smith is stepping down at the end of the year. Most of the talent went to Public League schools, and players stopped going to Catholic schools.. Deon Thomas, who did not play organized basketball until high school, became No. "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. After 19 years and 500 wins, legendary Simeon basketball coach aims to go out on top. We did it. All the wins, success and talent at Simeon would often mask the substance that was there as a coach and as a program. Boys Basketball *Corey Bradford. Oswego East also pulled off an upset, defeating Joliet West for the second time this season. You have to learn and understand how to make them better players and people. He made adjustments when needed, changing stylistically at times to even how he managed different rosters. There were a handful of teams with massive preseason expectations when the season began. But Im not sure about doing that whole grind now. Especially in a game he wanted to win against a protg. PF 596 PA 444 STREAK 1L. 1 and just recently capped off the regular season with a city championship. 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. The perennial south suburban power lost two Division I prospects in the offseason, both transferring out of the program. Stephen Edelson. 2 Benet squeaked past Geneva 35-34, and Kenwood beat Brother Rice 72-67. Latest Updates. It was a statement win for Vashon (13-7) against nationally ranked Simeon (24-3). The Wolverines play unselfishly and disciplined, thanks to Smiths ideals and values of what team basketball should look like. 2005-2023 CBS Interactive. For better or worse. Boys Basketball *Maurice Brown. 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. 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. When rival coach and now friend Tyrone Slaughter of Young heard the news, he didnt hesitate in making a bold statement. . We talk to each other at least two or three times a week. Saturdays win was the second time Vashon and Irons bested Smith and Simeon. Simeon coach Robert Smith watches as the Wolverines play Kenwood. Simeon and other top Chicago basketball powers don't produce all of that talent alone. Girls Bowling Head Coach: Glenda Dunson gfdunson@cps.edu. Do you have . Retiring Simeon coach Robert Smith surpassed 500 career wins, spent most of the season ranked No. 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.. Basketball; Football; The school name was changed from Simeon Vocational High School in September of 1998 to Simeon Career Technical Academy. 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. Tim Vizer/Special to . Illinois high school boys basketball: IHSA rankings, postseason brackets, stats leaders, schedules and scores . "I respect him and his family for trusting me. 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 . He made sure that we were confident. People like to say a lot of negatives about Chicago, Kenwood coach Mike Irvin said. 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. Over the next 18 years, Smith took the program to new heights. 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. 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. This last year will be the same as any other, Smith said. 8147 S. Vincennes Avenue Chicago, IL 60620 . Matt arrived just as the Cubs won the World Series. But that dunk at the end was definitely an exclamation point., [That win] did feel better than usual, Smith said. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. 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. Its always good competing against him, though. In that scenario, with his high school teammate and best friend, Nick Anderson, at his side, Wilson surely would have flourished at that level. There wasnt extra stress, Rubin said. Hes simply one of the elite coaches in the state, and hes right in the picture again this season. No. I wanted to have the most state and city championships, and Ive done that. Smith has stressed that this season is about the kids, not his farewell tour. 3: Michael Ratliff. And Im sure glad he did. 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. [Smith] deserved it, Griffith said. The list includes some familiar names and past winners, along with some under-appreciated coaches who are receiving their due. ''Out here, very few go on to play Division I basketball,'' he says. We didnt win it. Michael Gulledge, Special to STLhighschoolsports.com, Collinsville guard Cawhan Smith (left) dribbles downcourt as he is closely guarded by Simeon player Jaylen Drane. High school basketball players love using the phrase "business trip" to demonstrate that Tuesday night's 15-minute drive to the neighboring town is a somber, no-fun outing. There was a problem saving your notification. Pocket. 8. 2022 Big East tournament winner. Together with Whitney Young High School boys' basketball head coach Tyrone Slaughter, they launched the Classic a decade ago with a mutual vision to unite the city through basketball and community. By Matt Zahn. Last chance! As it has so often since he took over the Simeon program in 2004, history turned Smiths way. Guards Sam Lewis and Jalen Griffith each scored 11. Simeon High School basketball player Ben Wilson on Nov. 13, 1984. Simeon and Kenwood are both top contenders in the state playoffs. Ames led Kenwood with 22 points and Isaiah Green scored 11 in the fourth quarter to spearhead the comeback. 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. Boys Basketball *Nathaniel Lloyd. Subscribe with this special offer to keep reading, (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Parker had his choice of schools across the country but chose Simeon. Coaches, ADs and staff who do not . . But Smith has been around long enough to know it can mean everything. 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. "I thought it was cross-country," Bankston said. 27. Illinois High School Association records list him with 550 or 551 wins, against 145 losses. 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. OVERALL 8-3 0.73 Win % CONFERENCE 4-2 0.67 Win % HOME 3-1 AWAY 2-1 NEUTRAL 3-1. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. Were talking six state championships and four other top four finishes at state that earned state trophies. A big brother with a resume thats second to none in the basketball-mad state of Illinois. Tim Vizer/Special to STLhighschoolsports.com. 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 . Simeon head coach Robert Smith looking on during the 2019 IHSA Class 4A Super-Sectional title game. Hinsdale Central, now 28-3 on the season, hasnt lost since mid-December and is riding a 20-game winning streak. and made us make some other plays," Simeon coach Robert Smith said . Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. And do so with small college basketball prospects and an Ivy Leaguer? Rob carried himself with the highest level of professionalism and had the highest level of respect from so many different people, said Slaughter. Along the way we at times forget about those leading them: the coaches. We knew what we had to do, and weve known since day one. And I see a principal in that postgame crush pic.twitter.com/bV8P6il45f. Smiths last team at Simeon will be strong. [Flowers] has the passion, Smith said. High/Middle School. 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 . 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 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, 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. 1 team. 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. We came out here and accomplished our goal. Senior Wes Rubin sealed it with a dunk and Simeon beat Kenwood 72-64 at Credit Union 1 Arena to win the city title. 0:36. Then there are the many untold stories of how he nurtured players. 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. 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. This is the second title-game appearance for the Broncos, who lost to Simeon in 2016 as well. For better or worse. You have permission to edit this article. February 8, 2023 / 7:41 PM Kenwood has never won a city title. 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. All rights reserved. Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times. Smith announced his retirement Thursday. [Smith] trusted his players, thats what was special about him, Parker said. Hes probably the only person that has a winning record against me, Smith said with a smile. Ive completed my goals, Smith said. 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. Along the way Irons crossed paths with Simeons Smith at the Nike Elite 100 camp here in town. We want to win city and state. There wasn't much Robert Smith hadn't accomplished in his 19-year career at Simeon Career Academy. Roundup of Missouri boys basketball postseason games based on stats reported by each team. 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.. There wasnt any fake or forced bravado. 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. The best teams are analyzed and the top players are talked about all season long. Simeon will face Hillcrest on Monday in the UIC Supersectional. 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. Simeon coach Robert Smith and Derrick Rose embrace after Roses final high school game, the 2007 state championship. Smith said. Simeon @ Washington 4:00 pm Sat, Dec. 13 Marion, IL High School Shootout 5:30 pm Sun, Dec. 14 Capital Market Shoot-Out TBA Mon, Dec. 15 Brooks @ Simeon 4:00pm Wed, Dec. 17 Simeon@ Morgan Park . Our school, originally known as Westcott Vocational High School, was established in September of 1949 at 8023 South Normal Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Belleville West played Chicago Simeon in a game at the O'Fallon Shootout at O'Fallon High School on Saturday February 2, 2019. But thats what having a seasoned pro on the bench will do for you.