It was never going to be easy following up last years remarkable season. This last year will be the same as any other, Smith said. 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 . 2022 Big East tournament winner. Hes probably the only person that has a winning record against me, Smith said with a smile. A big brother with a resume thats second to none in the basketball-mad state of Illinois. Illinois High School Association records list him with 550 or 551 wins, against 145 losses. 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. Simeon coach Robert Smiths storybook ending was slipping away Saturday. PG Sr. 5' 10" 160 lbs. Sport *Dante Culbreath (head) Football *Dennis Butler . And beat the likes of Joliet West, Kenwood and others along the way? Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. It probably will later. The Hawks are 25-3, emerged as the best team in the south suburbs and are a legitimate state threat in Class 3A. 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. Vashon played Chicago Simeon in the OFallon Shootout at OFallon High School in OFallon, IL on Saturday February 4, 2023. . 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, Defensive whiz Richard Zoller, high-flying Angelo Ciaravino help Mount Carmel take down Hyde Park, 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. Smith is closing in on 500 wins and has won six state titles and seven city titles, both records. Simeon faces Curie Thursday night in the Public League semifinals as Smith chases his eighth city championship. Despite the loss of Wilson, Simeon returned to Champaign and the state tournament in the spring of 1985 before losing in the quarterfinals. VidSwap Coaching Tools; Join our Affiliate Program; Media Partners; Popular Sports. Boys Basketball *Maurice Brown. That's about as much as Robert Smith celebrates, he isn't the jumping around type. For better or worse. There wasn't much Robert Smith hadn't accomplished in his 19-year career at Simeon Career Academy. The Trojans ended Hinsdale Centrals 23-game winning streak with a 53-43 victory in Hinsdale. Chicago Simeon eventually plied victory away from Moline 67-66 on January 21 in Illinois boys high school basketball action. There were a handful of teams with massive preseason expectations when the season began. Simeon coach Robert Smith coaches from the sidelines at far left. Football *David Thornton. Saturdays win was the second time Vashon and Irons bested Smith and Simeon. There was a problem saving your notification. Wolverine Mens Basketball Mr. Robert Smith Head Coach rsmith2@cps.edu 773.535.3200 Mr. Fred McClinton Sophomore Coach . Simeon coach Robert Smith, the most successful boys high school basketball coach in state history, will retire after next season. "I love Simeon," Smith said. "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. We all have one more year to enjoy it and to celebrate the most successful high school coach in state history. But with a legendary coach like Smith, its so much more than the immediate retirement or why hes calling it a career. We are going to keep our eyes on the prize. He is loyal and sincere. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has played a big role since the 1980s. Its always good competing against him, though. Oswego East is at the top of the Southwest Prairie Conference yet again. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. We wont let the fans down. The Wolverines had led by 20 to start the fourth quarter, but the city championship was going to overtime. Simeon was always a great reminder that keeping it simple and structured can lead to high-level success. February 8, 2023 / 4:50 PM / CBS Chicago. The Wolverines also finished the season ranked in the MaxPreps Top 25 four times No. Feb 21, 2023, 9:26am PST. [Flowers] has the passion, Smith said. Evan Kanellos made the winning free throw with five seconds left. Key Illinois high school boys basketball games, state tournament brackets, computer rankings, stat leaders, schedules & scores - live & final. But that dunk at the end was definitely an exclamation point., [That win] did feel better than usual, Smith said. But this was positive. Girls Basketball Head Coach: Kim Williams kawilliams62@cps.edu. 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. Smith said. Simeon lost in the state semifinals last year. He was set to have a successful NBA career, but that never happened because he was killed while he was in high school. Boys Basketball *William Buford. Simeon High School Basketball; Simeon Girls Basketball. The Wolverines play unselfishly and disciplined, thanks to Smiths ideals and values of what team basketball should look like. Having accomplished so much is part of the reason Smith decided that this season, his 19th, would be his last. The Class B Oklahoma high school boys basketball state tournament is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at State Fair Arena. Heck, there is hardly any bravado at all from a coach who could have shown a lot of it. Please enter valid email address to continue. Robert Smith swore there was a jump ball. Miles and Wes Rubin, 6-8 twins, will be joined by talented guards Jalen Griffith and Michael Ratliff. In that scenario, with his high school teammate and best friend, Nick Anderson, at his side, Wilson surely would have flourished at that level. But he took over for a legendary coach [Bob Hambric] and not only sustained the success but clearly surpassed it.. 22 in 2018. Were talking six state championships and four other top four finishes at state that earned state trophies. Smiths program produced multiple NBA players: Rose, Jabari Parker, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and more. Coach. What a breakout season its been for Marist basketball and Hynes. 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. [Smith] deserved it, Griffith said. . They are both playing basketball now, and I want to be able to give them my full attention. It was a statement win for Vashon (13-7) against nationally ranked Simeon (24-3). So that actually took a lot of pressure off of me.. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. That was good for Chicago.. Parker had his choice of schools across the country but chose Simeon. As a father-figure coach, he is stern while offering endless support and instilling confidence when needed. 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 . Fax. Flipboard. 50-42 (W) Simeon vs. St. Laurence On 2/28, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against St. Laurence (Burbank, IL) by a score of 50-42 . We knew what we had to do, and weve known since day one. That made it so much better.. Photographer Ricky Slaughter has posted a new gallery Simeon vs. Vashon (Bank of O'Fallon Shootout) containing 65 photos. 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. Twitter Water Polo: Schedule Water Polo: Roster Water Polo: News Basketball Basketball: Twitter Basketball: Schedule Basketball: . Smith, who is Simeons athletic director, will hand the head-coaching job over to Flowers, Roses good friend and former teammate. 2005-2023 CBS Interactive. Smith, a Simeon graduate, nearly took an assistant job at Loyola under Porter Moser in 2017. Simeons Miles Ruben (24) blocks Mount Carmels Lee Marks (11) shot attempt. Thank you : Master at his Craft: Longtime Collinsville Middle School girls basketball coach retires. Richard Barron led St. Ignatius to 50-43 victory against Fenwick. Illinois high school football playoff brackets, schedule, computer rankings, statewide stat leaders and scores - live and final. 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. PF 596 PA 444 STREAK 1L. "College would have to be the right situation. Ryan Johnson and Mason Blanco returned after averaging five and four points a game, respectively. The Trevians, however, graduated four of five starters, including all-area performer Jackson Munro. This was a team that was ranked in the preseason and had visions of playing in Champaign. There wasnt extra stress, Rubin said. No matter the star or the team, there were never big numbers thrown up at Simeon by individual players. A 2.8 at Simeon isn`t the same as a 2.8 at Crystal Lake South,'' Jackson says. Then Simeon failed to score on its last possession. Here's an overview of the eight contenders. Simeon and Kenwood are both top contenders in the state playoffs. Hes simply one of the elite coaches in the state, and hes right in the picture again this season. Membership Options Live Broadcasts Current Stats Media requests Photo Galleries SmugMug Photos Athletic Director Podcasts Basketball Podcast with Coach Noszka Coach's Corner Podcast . 27. CENTRALIA, Ill. East St. Louis senior Macaleab Rich can be a little stubborn at times. Belleville West played Chicago Simeon in a game at the O'Fallon Shootout at O'Fallon High School on Saturday February 2, 2019. They are both playing basketball now, and I want to be able to give them my full attention. Simeon (29-3) vs. Mount Carmel (27-6) With four losses in the final seven games of the regular season, there were some who were prepared to write an early postseason obituary for Mount Carmel. Smith announced his retirement Thursday. You have permission to edit this article. "I want to spend more time with my kids. Chase Lewis picked a perfect time to cut loose. When rival coach and now friend Tyrone Slaughter of Young heard the news, he didnt hesitate in making a bold statement. He decided to return to Simeon instead and watched the Ramblers head to the Final Four. Michigan State recruit Jeremy Fears Jr. fouled out in the final minutes. Simeon and other top Chicago basketball powers don't produce all of that talent alone. 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. HOME 3-7 AWAY 3-5 NEUTRAL 5-5. 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. On January 24, 2023, Simeon Coach Robert Smith made history, securing his 500th career win in boys high school basketball. Retiring Simeon coach Robert Smith surpassed 500 career wins, spent most of the season ranked No. Smith said that out of the hundreds of varsity basketball players he has coached since 2004, just three or four didnt go to college. Its more than what is to come this season and where Simeon goes from here. On January 24, 2023, Simeon Coach Robert Smith made history, securing his 500th career win in boys high school basketball. 2014 - 20162 years. 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. Along the way Irons crossed paths with Simeons Smith at the Nike Elite 100 camp here in town. 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. High/Middle School. 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. After everything weve been through all year our defense held up in those last two minutes of overtime.. Name: Simeon High School City: Chicago City Population: 3 Million County: Cook Enrollment: 1638 Nickname: Wolverines Colors: Blue/Gold Conference: Chicago Public League CEO: Arne Duncan Director of Sports Administration Chicago Public S: Calvin Davis Principal: Tamara Sterling Boys Athletic Director: Melvin L. Dillard, Jr. Head Coach: Robert Smith Assistant Coaches: James Farr, Leonard Thomas . But thats what having a seasoned pro on the bench will do for you. Simeon's legendary coach who won 551 games in . 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. (Ed Wagner, Jr., Chicago Tribune) . "And then the 500 (wins) was the last piece of the puzzle.". Smith has stressed that this season is about the kids, not his farewell tour. Wilson's slaying was indicative of the tough streets from which Mr. Hambric drew his players. A rock solid senior group, which included four key players, departed. But Im not sure about doing that whole grind now. 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 . I wanted 500 wins, and hopefully I can get that next year. 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 Broncos fans went wild. When asked about his favorite memory, a couple involving Rose and Parker stood out. Senior Meghan Lamanna led a team-wide effort with 17 points and five rebounds, and junior Jasmine Miller added 13 points and six boards, and the Pioneers used a stifling defensive effort to . 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.. I'm giving another guy a chance.". For better or worse. . No. The veteran coach has had a solid decade-plus run at Hinsdale Central. 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. 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. People think we dont like each other, but that isnt the case. Statistics are submitted to MaxPreps by coaches, athletic directors or program personnel. Mr. Hambric's wife, Phyllis Hambric, preceded him in death. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. 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 Role of the AAU. The Redwings will face Rockford Auburn on Monday in the NIU Supersectional, and the Broncos will face Downers Grove North at the UIC Supersectional. 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. Illinois high school boys basketball: IHSA rankings, postseason brackets, stats leaders, schedules and scores . Feb 28, 2023. Michael Gulledge, Special to STLhighschoolsports.com, Collinsville guard Cawhan Smith (left) dribbles downcourt as he is closely guarded by Simeon player Jaylen Drane. The most recent was the Class 4A crown in 2012-13 which was the fourth consecutive championship for the Wolverines. Competing against coaches like [Youngs] Tyrone Slaughter, Mike Oliver at Curie and Nick Irvin [at Morgan Park] just gave us a different vibe, Smith said. Leonard Thomas. "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. 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. Simeon basketball coach Robert Smith will retire after next season Robert Smith, the most successful boys high school basketball coach in state history, is closing in on 500 wins and has a record . 2 sectional seed. Smiths early success at Simeon attracted the citys best players. (Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times) The best teams are analyzed and the top players are talked about all season long. It was great to have Derrick and Tim [Flowers] to help jump-start my career. 773-535-3465/3236. His twin brother, Miles, added 15 points, six rebounds and five blocks. Watch online from home or on the go. Then there are the many untold stories of how he nurtured players. 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. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. He looks after so many, both the high-profile ones and those looking for a small college opportunity. People like to say a lot of negatives about Chicago, Kenwood coach Mike Irvin said. He instilled discipline with his players and in how they played. During the early 1980s, the city of Chicago featured one of the best high school basketball players in the country. Volunteer to be the statistician. The lost talent and the timing of it would cripple most teams. The best teams are analyzed and the top players . Whether it was colleagues in the coaching business, including high school coaches who were beaten by him or college coaches recruiting his players, the respect was palpable. / CBS Chicago. After 19 years and 500 wins, legendary Simeon basketball coach aims to go out on top. But we are going to win a state championship. Sports team/skills coaching at London Pulse basketball club and at Drayton Manor High School: - Coaching and setting drills for children improved leadership and communication skills. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Area college signings: NCAA Division I and II, Area college signings: NCAA Division III, NAIA, JUCO, 4 killed, 4 critically injured in crash at South Grand Boulevard and Forest Park Avenue, Parents push back on allegations against St. Louis transgender center. But he wanted me to be successful, he wanted me to get off to a good start. The highly-successful and respected Houston didnt miss a beat. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. 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. 2 Benet squeaked past Geneva 35-34, and Kenwood beat Brother Rice 72-67. "Just for that moment, to embrace them as players, and as people.". 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. The plan was to win city. On 2/24, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Englewood Stem (Chicago, IL) by a score of 70-33. It was sold out at Curie, and no one came to see me, Smith said. Photos by @acphoto22. Simeon High School basketball player Ben Wilson on Nov. 13, 1984. Last chance! The Wolverines could be the areas preseason No. 9 in 2011, No. The Trevians are 27-4 heading into this weeks Central Suburban League regular-season finale with Niles North. Those guys have been great, so humble. Simeon High School Basketball Sync Games to Calendar Featured; Broadcast Schedule ; On Demand . More:FAQ: What to know . Rankings from AP poll. This is only our second time playing each other. 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. The Trevians will face Libertyville, a 60-42 winner against Prospect, on Monday in the NOW Arena Supersectional in Hoffman Estates. While state tournament runs put together by their teams do matter, there are a number of Coach of the Year candidates throughout the area. PISCATAWAY - Even in defeat, St. Rose added to the legacy of an . VidSwap Coaching Tools; Join our Affiliate Program; Media Partners . Pocket. The list includes some familiar names and past winners, along with some under-appreciated coaches who are receiving their due. He loves Simeon like I did. 8147 S Vincennes Chicago, IL 60620-1761. Simeon Betts (9) P, OF, IF . Most of the talent went to Public League schools, and players stopped going to Catholic schools.. Getting the kids to college was always very important.. This was his last one, and he had to go out with a win.. Simeon coach Robert Smith carries the state championship trophy at a pep rally in 2011. 3 - Kray Rogers - 6-2 - Jr. - 14.3 2 - Jaxon Willits - 6-0 - Sr. - 11.6 22 - Blayke Nunn - 6-2 . The 500th win was a nice addition to a resume that includes seven Chicago Public League championships and six state titles at Simeon. . 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. Over the next 18 years, Smith took the program to new heights. Boys Basketball. 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. Deon Thomas, who did not play organized basketball until high school, became No. Feb 28, 2023, 7 . 4 in 2012, No. Oswego East has been a fixture in the top 25 all season and settled in as the No. 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 made us make some other plays," Simeon coach Robert Smith said . Smith evolved so much over the years. The Redbirds will face top-ranked Chicago Simeon in the Class 3A state semifinals on Friday at State Farm Center in Champaign. 3 seed in the Bolingbrook Sectional. Just four high school coaches are in the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame. He was honored for that milestone by the OFallon Shootout just before Simeon tipped off against Vashon. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. The Class B Oklahoma high school boys basketball state tournament is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at State Fair Arena. "He used to have a saying, 'Come the fourth quarter, you'll see who can play.'". Simeon (Chicago) 29-3: 19.9: 2: Benet Academy (Lisle) 31-1: 16.4: 3: SHGHS (Springfield) 30-3: 15.4: 4: . Especially in a game he wanted to win against a protg. The Bob Hambric era begins in 1980 with the mid-season firing of Lamont Bryant . DeAndre Craig led the Caravan (27-7) with 13 points. But that was Simeon. I was able to tell the kids about my decision today. 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.