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. Simeon High School Basketball; Basketball Roster; Simeon Basketball Roster. 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. The Class B Oklahoma high school boys basketball state tournament is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at State Fair Arena. The Ben Wilson Gymnasium opened in 1989. The Red Devils have nearly always been competitive under Latorre. ''Out here, very few go on to play Division I basketball,'' he says. 22 in 2018. Oswego East has been a fixture in the top 25 all season and settled in as the No. Simeon head coach Robert Smith looking on during the 2019 IHSA Class 4A Super-Sectional title game. Especially in a game he wanted to win against a protg. 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. 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. College coaching is always something I wanted to do, Smith said. 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. A big brother with a resume thats second to none in the basketball-mad state of Illinois. 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. The highly-successful and respected Houston didnt miss a beat. 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 coaching so many great players over the years, Smith said, "It's been great. Boys Basketball *Corey Bradford. Rankings from AP poll. CENTRALIA, Ill. East St. Louis senior Macaleab Rich can be a little stubborn at times. Simeon (Chicago) 29-3: 19.9: 2: Benet Academy (Lisle) 31-1: 16.4: 3: SHGHS (Springfield) 30-3: 15.4: 4: . He went on to LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, where he was captain of the basketball team and an honors student. 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. Just ask the fine people of Pontiac how much they appreciate their adopted program each December at the prestigious holiday tournament. Simeon coach Robert Smith watches as the Wolverines play Kenwood. Simeon coach Robert Smith cheers his team on against Curie in 2018. Theres no added pressure because that is always the focus. No matter the star or the team, there were never big numbers thrown up at Simeon by individual players. Simeon coach Robert Smiths storybook ending was slipping away Saturday. Oswego East is at the top of the Southwest Prairie Conference yet again. We only watched film when it was necessary. 2 Benet squeaked past Geneva 35-34, and Kenwood beat Brother Rice 72-67. Evan Kanellos made the winning free throw with five seconds left. On January 24, 2023, Simeon Coach Robert Smith made history, securing his 500th career win in boys high school basketball. Simeon High School Basketball Sync Games to Calendar Featured; Broadcast Schedule ; On Demand . 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. Most of the talent went to Public League schools, and players stopped going to Catholic schools.. All rights reserved. . Deon Thomas, who did not play organized basketball until high school, became No. Do you have . 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. Vashon played Chicago Simeon in the OFallon Shootout at OFallon High School in OFallon, IL on Saturday February 4, 2023. . 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 . 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 . In his tenure Smith has coached several NBA players, including Rose, Jabari Parker, Talen Horton-Tucker and others. a future NBA Most Valuable Player who made Simeon the first Chicago Public League School team to win back-to-back state championships. 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. Chicago Simeon head coach Robert Smith (far right) yells from the sidelines. Smith was always handing out compliments to the very few teams that did manage to beat his and to players that deserved it. Boys Basketball *Nathaniel Lloyd. Despite the loss of Wilson, Simeon returned to Champaign and the state tournament in the spring of 1985 before losing in the quarterfinals. 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 . We are building something special over here, Irvin said. The Hawks are competing and playing as a cohesive group under Houston and are the top seed in their own Class 3A sectional. 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. There is still something to look forward to.. 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. . 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. Simeon's legendary coach who won 551 games in . On 2/28, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against St. Laurence (Burbank, IL) by a score of 50-42. Slaughter, who says he and Smith were once vicious adversaries but became close friends over the years, saw the class he oozed. Thats a rare combination. Fax. 8. 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. Boys Basketball. "To go out on top?" 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. Among those teams, however, there was one that lived up to the hype over three months of basketball better than any. PG Sr. 5' 10" 160 lbs. The Bob Hambric era begins in 1980 with the mid-season firing of Lamont Bryant . All the wins, success and talent at Simeon would often mask the substance that was there as a coach and as a program. They are both playing basketball now, and I want to be able to give them my full attention. Please enter valid email address to continue. 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. Over the next 18 years, Smith took the program to new heights. Wilson's slaying was indicative of the tough streets from which Mr. Hambric drew his players. Tim Flowers is sort of a son of Simeon. 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 . Michael Gulledge, Special to STLhighschoolsports.com, Collinsville guard Cawhan Smith (left) dribbles downcourt as he is closely guarded by Simeon player Jaylen Drane. Im sure Simeon will hire a quality replacement, said Slaugher. I want to spend more time with my kids, Smith said. Two teams playing in a packed house. 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) 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. Hinsdale Central, now 28-3 on the season, hasnt lost since mid-December and is riding a 20-game winning streak. 8147 S. Vincennes Avenue Chicago, IL 60620 . All of us just wanted to win. 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. Latorre has led this senior-dominated group to the best season the program has had in 25 years. 0. 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 . Along the way Irons crossed paths with Simeons Smith at the Nike Elite 100 camp here in town. 3 - Kray Rogers - 6-2 - Jr. - 14.3 2 - Jaxon Willits - 6-0 - Sr. - 11.6 22 - Blayke Nunn - 6-2 . 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 lost talent and the timing of it would cripple most teams. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has played a big role since the 1980s. "I love Simeon," Smith said. Latest Updates. You started seeing the change across the city during [Smiths time]. 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 High School Basketball; JV; Simeon JV Basketball. VidSwap Coaching Tools; Join our Affiliate Program; Media Partners . Were talking six state championships and four other top four finishes at state that earned state trophies. But there are so many coaches who have already helped their teams exceed preseason predictions or reach the high expectations placed on them. He was honored for that milestone by the OFallon Shootout just before Simeon tipped off against Vashon. Averaged 19.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1 . Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. We knew what we had to do, and weve known since day one. 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. 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. "Just for that moment, to embrace them as players, and as people.". Smith, 50, is 480-92 heading into his final season. The Trevians are 27-4 heading into this weeks Central Suburban League regular-season finale with Niles North. He led the program to new heights, beginning with to back-to-back Class AA state championships led by Rose in 2006 and 2007. You have to learn and understand how to make them better players and people. The conversations with him over the past few years led you to believe he was taking it year by year. The Broncos fans went wild. 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. 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 . Those who are close to Robert Smith knew this day was coming sooner than later. Feb 21, 2023, 9:26am PST. Smith has stressed that this season is about the kids, not his farewell tour. 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. "I thought it was cross-country," Bankston said. In that scenario, with his high school teammate and best friend, Nick Anderson, at his side, Wilson surely would have flourished at that level. And since the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, another one ending with Simeon winning a state trophy, the retirement thoughts intensified. . CENTRALIA, Ill. The evolution of Drew Winslow and the Triad boys basketball team continued in earnest Wednesday night. Tim Vizer/Special to . Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. Simeon head coach Robert Smith looking on during the 2019 IHSA Class 4A Super-Sectional title game. Coach. Vashon takes on another big-time Illinois foe when it hosts East St. Louis (18-6) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. 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. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. Hes probably the only person that has a winning record against me, Smith said with a smile. Hes like a big brother to me.. Crystal Lake South coach Gary Collins concurs. He is survived by a son, Robert Jr.; a daughter, Robyn; and a brother, Arthur. When rival coach and now friend Tyrone Slaughter of Young heard the news, he didnt hesitate in making a bold statement. 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. 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. February 8, 2023 / 7:41 PM - Adaptable leadership approach used to get the most out of each player. The 2021-22 DePaul Blue Demons women's basketball team represented DePaul University during the 2021-22 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. There wasnt extra stress, Rubin said. Coaches and members of the news media from throughout the state have voted senior Nelison "Nick'' Anderson as Mr. Basketball of Illinois for 1986. 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. Statistics are submitted to MaxPreps by coaches, athletic directors or program personnel. 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, . Submit Roster. . 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. People think we dont like each other, but that isnt the case. Kenwood guard Dai Dai Ames drained a dagger three-pointer at the top of the key to tie the game. Smith is closing in on 500 wins and has won six state titles and seven city titles, both records. The Wolverines could be the areas preseason No. Feb 28, 2023, 7 . Other future NBA players to play under Smith include Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn of the Los Angeles Lakers. On 2/22, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Solorio (Chicago, IL) by a score of 97-32. I personally remember several talks with Smith over the past year or two where he would openly discuss how he personally found other interests, outside of basketball, during the down time of Covid. 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 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. His team buckled down defensively in overtime, not allowing Kenwood a field goal. Robert Smith goes out on top: Simeon beats Kenwood in OT to win the city title, 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. Won two gold medals with USA Basketball. 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. Hes eager and wants to learn. His team buckled down defensively in overtime, not allowing Kenwood a field goal. Simeon coach Robert Smith coaches from the sidelines at far left. Its always good competing against him, though. That was good for Chicago.. OVERALL 8-3 0.73 Win % CONFERENCE 4-2 0.67 Win % HOME 3-1 AWAY 2-1 NEUTRAL 3-1. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. Belleville West played Chicago Simeon in a game at the O'Fallon Shootout at O'Fallon High School on Saturday February 2, 2019. More:Wisconsin Lutheran moves back to the top of the boys basketball rankings; Oak Creek's Izaac Neal, Cedarburg honored. Oswego East also pulled off an upset, defeating Joliet West for the second time this season. Then Simeon failed to score on its last possession. Did you hear his praise of Glenbard West over the past 12 months? That made it so much better.. It was a statement win for Vashon (13-7) against nationally ranked Simeon (24-3). 1 and just recently capped off the regular season with a city championship. St. Ignatius, Grayslake Central and Marmion were the other local teams advancing to Class 3A supersectionals. Simeon's Smith, Vashon's Irons bonded over basketball. 773-535-3465/3236. 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. Simeon coach Robert Smith and senior Jabari Parker embrace after winning the state championship in 2013. There is a reason Heidkamp is a two-time City/Suburban Hoops Report Coach of the Year winner. Grayslake Central knocked off Lake Forest 46-33, and Marmion beat Burlington Central 71-58 to win its first sectional since 1976. Ames led Kenwood with 22 points and Isaiah Green scored 11 in the fourth quarter to spearhead the comeback. 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. After everything weve been through all year our defense held up in those last two minutes of overtime.. He instilled discipline with his players and in how they played. Smith said that out of the hundreds of varsity basketball players he has coached since 2004, just three or four didnt go to college. 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 . 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. But that was Simeon. 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. Latest Updates. We didnt win it. 1 sectional seed. Keep watching, it is coming. Photographer Ricky Slaughter has posted a new gallery Simeon vs. Vashon (Bank of O'Fallon Shootout) containing 65 photos. Contact. Smiths program produced multiple NBA players: Rose, Jabari Parker, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and more. High/Middle School. His name was Ben Wilson, and he attended Simeon High School in Chicago. (Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times) The best teams are analyzed and the top players are talked about all season long. Football *David Thornton. One possession in a basketball game doesnt necessarily mean anything. I was going to win tonight anyway if I won or he won. And they generally always played with such pride. Throughout his tenure as the South Side school's coach, Mr. Hambric produced disciplined teams whose controlled offensive schemes broke with the city's tradition of breakneck, playground-style ball, and fundamentally sound players conditioned to run all day. 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.