Coaches, ADs and staff who do not . 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. OVERALL 11-17 0.39 Win % CONFERENCE 3-5 6th in Conference. High/Middle School. The Redbirds will face top-ranked Chicago Simeon in the Class 3A state semifinals on Friday at State Farm Center in Champaign. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. He was honored for that milestone by the OFallon Shootout just before Simeon tipped off against Vashon. As a result, his basketball acumen and work ethic often went unnoticed. But we are going to win a state championship. The Class B Oklahoma high school boys basketball state tournament is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at State Fair Arena. Simeon head coach Robert Smith looking on during the 2019 IHSA Class 4A Super-Sectional title 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. . Submit Roster. Wilson was regarded as the top high school player in the country by many coaches and scouts. That's about as much as Robert Smith celebrates, he isn't the jumping around type. . Children. On 3/3, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Chicago Mt. Chicago Simeon opened with a 16-12 advantage over Moline through the . "I watched some other guys stick around too long. 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.. After 19 years and 500 wins, legendary Simeon basketball coach aims to go out on top. 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. ''Out here, very few go on to play Division I basketball,'' he says. Simeon High School Basketball; Basketball Roster; Simeon Basketball Roster. Simeon and Kenwood are both top contenders in the state playoffs. The Wolverines could be the areas preseason No. Boys Basketball *Maurice Brown. How about 480 wins and just 92 losses and likely another 25-plus victories coming next year? 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 . 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. "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. 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But there are so many coaches who have already helped their teams exceed preseason predictions or reach the high expectations placed on them. 27. Just four high school coaches are in the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame. When rival coach and now friend Tyrone Slaughter of Young heard the news, he didnt hesitate in making a bold statement. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Senior Wes Rubin sealed it with a dunk and Simeon beat Kenwood 72-64 at Credit Union 1 Arena to win the city title . Getting the kids to college was always very important.. CHICAGO (CBS) The most successful boys high school basketball coach in Illinois history is getting set to step down. THE HISTORY OF SIMEON / WESTCOTT HIGH SCHOOL. Smith said that out of the hundreds of varsity basketball players he has coached since 2004, just three or four didnt go to college. And I see a principal in that postgame crush pic.twitter.com/bV8P6il45f. Smith, a Simeon graduate, nearly took an assistant job at Loyola under Porter Moser in 2017. A 2.8 at Simeon isn`t the same as a 2.8 at Crystal Lake South,'' Jackson says. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. "Just for that moment, to embrace them as players, and as people.". Those guys have been great, so humble. All the best players wanted to come to Simeon because of Coach Rob, Parker 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. He is loyal and sincere. The most unfamiliar coaching name on this short list is very much deserving of a whole lot of recognition. The Wolverines play unselfishly and disciplined, thanks to Smiths ideals and values of what team basketball should look like. And thats because they had other plans, Smith said. Hes simply one of the elite coaches in the state, and hes right in the picture again this season. Michigan State recruit Jeremy Fears Jr. fouled out in the final minutes. 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. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. Oswego East also pulled off an upset, defeating Joliet West for the second time this season. Crystal Lake South coach Gary Collins concurs. And they generally always played with such pride. We were always synchronized and organized.. 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. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. 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.. Simeon Career Academy High School boys' basketball head coach Robert Smith is one of the co-founders of the Chicago Elite Classic. He decided to return to Simeon instead and watched the Ramblers head to the Final Four. Boys Basketball *Nathaniel Lloyd. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. This is what it is about, everyone supporting these kids. Senior Wes Rubin sealed it with a dunk and Simeon beat Kenwood 72-64 at Credit Union 1 Arena to win the city title. There were a handful of teams with massive preseason expectations when the season began. The No. 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. And do so with small college basketball prospects and an Ivy Leaguer? Boys Basketball *Corey Bradford. Rob carried himself with the highest level of professionalism and had the highest level of respect from so many different people, said Slaughter. 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. The Westcott building on Normal Avenue was occupied by the Calumet High School until 1926. 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. Leonard Thomas. The most recent was the Class 4A crown in 2012-13 which was the fourth consecutive championship for the Wolverines. Smith has been head coach at Simeon for over 19 years, succeeding the legendary Bob Hambric and has coached NBA stars such as Derrick Rose, Jabari Parker, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and more. Chicago Simeon head coach Robert Smith (far right) yells from the sidelines. Our school, originally known as Westcott Vocational High School, was established in September of 1949 at 8023 South Normal Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Latorre has led this senior-dominated group to the best season the program has had in 25 years. 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. He made sure that we were confident. Mr. Hambric's wife, Phyllis Hambric, preceded him in death. Along the way we at times forget about those leading them: the coaches. Despite the loss of Wilson, Simeon returned to Champaign and the state tournament in the spring of 1985 before losing in the quarterfinals. 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. A rock solid senior group, which included four key players, departed. It was a statement win for Vashon (13-7) against nationally ranked Simeon (24-3). Did you hear his praise of Glenbard West over the past 12 months? PG Sr. 5' 10" 160 lbs. Any list of greatest high school basketball coaches needs to include Stu Vetter, who led two different schools to national titles Flint Hill Academy in 1987 and St. John's Catholic Prep in 1988. . 2014 - 20162 years. Guards Sam Lewis and Jalen Griffith each scored 11. 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. On Jan. 24, Smith picked up win 500 when his Wolverines beat Brooks 82-36. I wanted them to hear it from me and not read it somewhere.. 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 . Simeon High School Basketball Sync Games to Calendar Featured; Broadcast Schedule ; On Demand . 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. The Red Devils have nearly always been competitive under Latorre. 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. 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 . Statistics are submitted to MaxPreps by coaches, athletic directors or program personnel. . 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. Simeon coach Robert Smiths storybook ending was slipping away Saturday. The Trojans ended Hinsdale Centrals 23-game winning streak with a 53-43 victory in Hinsdale. Theres no added pressure because that is always the focus. During the early 1980s, the city of Chicago featured one of the best high school basketball players in the country. The Trevians will face Libertyville, a 60-42 winner against Prospect, on Monday in the NOW Arena Supersectional in Hoffman Estates. We only watched film when it was necessary. It would be quite the ending to an amazingly successful run. When asked about his favorite memory, a couple involving Rose and Parker stood out. 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. Simeon coach Robert Smith coaches from the sidelines at far left. [Smith] trusted his players, thats what was special about him, Parker said. A year ago New Trier finished with a school record 30 wins and reached a sectional championship. On January 24, 2023, Simeon Coach Robert Smith made history, securing his 500th career win in boys high school basketball. Matt arrived just as the Cubs won the World Series. February 8, 2023 / 4:50 PM / CBS Chicago. 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. Key Illinois high school baseball Week 10 games, computer rankings, stat leaders, schedules & scores - live & final. But what a job Velasquez has done this season in keeping the Wolves relevant and among the top teams in the area. Hynes, a Marist graduate who was an assistant under former coach Gene Nolan from 2007-2018, has revitalized the program. 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. And while he won and won bigger than anyone he never, ever was full of himself or took himself too seriously. Benjamin Wilson Jr. (March 18, 1967 - November 21, 1984) was an American high school basketball player from Chicago, Illinois. 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. Parker had his choice of schools across the country but chose Simeon. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. "And then the 500 (wins) was the last piece of the puzzle.". Contact. This is the second title-game appearance for the Broncos, who lost to Simeon in 2016 as well. "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. Tim Flowers is sort of a son of Simeon. STLHighSchoolSports.com is the most comprehensive source of stats, scores and stories from any and all area high schools. Key Illinois high school boys basketball games, state tournament brackets, computer rankings, stat leaders, schedules & scores - live & final. Its a great friendship, Smith said. Illinois high school football playoff brackets, schedule, computer rankings, statewide stat leaders and scores - live and final. Simeon head coach Robert Smith looking on during the 2019 IHSA Class 4A Super-Sectional title game. Smith has been head coach at Simeon for over 19 years, succeeding the legendary Bob Hambric and has coached NBA stars such as Derrick Rose, Jabari Parker, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and more. 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. The veteran coach has had a solid decade-plus run at Hinsdale Central. PF 596 PA 444 STREAK 1L. Its been great the two times.. Just ask the fine people of Pontiac how much they appreciate their adopted program each December at the prestigious holiday tournament. Loyola recruit Miles Rubin led the top-ranked Wolverines (30-3) with 19 points, and Sam Lewis added 16. Especially in a game he wanted to win against a protg. You have to learn and understand how to make them better players and people. On 2/24, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Englewood Stem (Chicago, IL) by a score of 70-33. 8147 S Vincennes Chicago, IL 60620-1761. Smith is in his 19th and final season at Simeon. Smith said. Simeon High School . College coaching is always something I wanted to do, Smith said. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. Membership Options Live Broadcasts Current Stats Media requests Photo Galleries SmugMug Photos Athletic Director Podcasts Basketball Podcast with Coach Noszka Coach's Corner Podcast . It was great to have Derrick and Tim [Flowers] to help jump-start my career. But thats what having a seasoned pro on the bench will do for you. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The 2021-22 DePaul Blue Demons women's basketball team represented DePaul University during the 2021-22 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. And since the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, another one ending with Simeon winning a state trophy, the retirement thoughts intensified. 9 in 2011, No. 2: Jalen Griffith . Stats are entered by the coach or designated team statistician in the admin. That's what makes it so special. In the 1990s, Mr. Hambric put together a stretch of 10 straight 20-win seasons. Smiths last team at Simeon will be strong. After 19 years and 500 wins, legendary Simeon basketball coach aims to go out on top. Show all Sports. 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 lost talent and the timing of it would cripple most teams. He coached at a YMCA before taking over the frosh-soph teams at Simeon, presiding over a string of winning squads and continuing to win when he became varsity coach in 1980. 0. 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. Hes eager and wants to learn. Football *David Thornton. So that actually took a lot of pressure off of me.. (Ed Wagner, Jr., Chicago Tribune) . CENTRALIA, Ill. The evolution of Drew Winslow and the Triad boys basketball team continued in earnest Wednesday night. Flowers is currently an assistant coach at Simeon. Junior Chris Riddle added 10 points off the bench. DeAndre Craig led the Caravan (27-7) with 13 points. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The Ben Wilson Gymnasium opened in 1989. 0:05. 3 in 2013 and No. Smith said it's the trust of the parents to send their kids to Simeon that has allowed him to be so successful. The Trevians, however, graduated four of five starters, including all-area performer Jackson Munro. Collinsville played Chicago Simeon in the final game of the OFallon Shootout on Saturday February 8, 2020. Hes like a big brother to me.. 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 . It keeps you working because you have to work for them. Tim Vizer/Special to STLhighschoolsports.com, Vashon head coach Tony Irons yells instructions from the bench during a game against Staley, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at Vashon High School in St. Louis.