Especially in a game he wanted to win against a protg. Simeon coach Robert Smith and senior Jabari Parker embrace after winning the state championship in 2013. Two teams playing in a packed house. 2 Benet squeaked past Geneva 35-34, and Kenwood beat Brother Rice 72-67. High school basketball: Simeon basketball coach Robert Smith will Asbury Park Press. If you know who the head coach is, invite them to join MaxPreps so they can manage the team's roster, schedule, scores, stats and more. First published on February 8, 2023 / 4:50 PM. And Im sure glad he did. 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. (Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times) The best teams are analyzed and the top players are talked about all season long. / CBS Chicago. 2 sectional seed. More than that, he was respected and liked. Me and Coach Smith are like family, Irons said. Chase Lewis picked a perfect time to cut loose. Were talking six state championships and four other top four finishes at state that earned state trophies. DeAndre Craig led the Caravan (27-7) with 13 points. Ive spent the last 24 years giving all my attention to other peoples kids.. Simeon Betts - 2023 - JV Baseball - St. Xavier High School Athletics Please enter valid email address to continue. Meet the Team. High school basketball: Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year, Joliet Hes probably the only person that has a winning record against me, Smith said with a smile. 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. And thats because they had other plans, Smith said. Smith was a student-athlete at Simeon and is one of the winningest coaches in Illinois and CPS history, securing 6 IHSA State Title and 7 Chicago Public League Championships at his alma mater. All the wins, success and talent at Simeon would often mask the substance that was there as a coach and as a program. Submit Roster. Simeon lost in the state semifinals last year. [Flowers] has the passion, Smith said. Smith said. After 19 years and 500 wins, legendary Simeon basketball coach aims to go out on top. They previously played in the 2020 Highland Shootout, with Vashon scoring an 80-71 win. Tim Vizer/Special to . The conversations with him over the past few years led you to believe he was taking it year by year. [Smith] deserved it, Griffith said. All of us just wanted to win. MaxPreps is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Jabari Parker High School Basketball Highlights. It was sold out at Curie, and no one came to see me, Smith said. ", On coaching so many great players over the years, Smith said, "It's been great. But he took over for a legendary coach [Bob Hambric] and not only sustained the success but clearly surpassed it.. PG Sr. 5' 10" 160 lbs. S1MEON All Access | Study halls and basketball: A look at academics on SIMEON TRANSFER IS FITTING RIGHT IN - Chicago Tribune Won two gold medals with USA Basketball. Vashon takes on another big-time Illinois foe when it hosts East St. Louis (18-6) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The address was changed from 8235 S. Vincennes Ave. to 8147 S. Vincennes Ave. Stats are entered by the coach or designated team statistician in the admin. The Role of the AAU. While state tournament runs put together by their teams do matter, there are a number of Coach of the Year candidates throughout the area. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Illinois High School Association records list him with 550 or 551 wins, against 145 losses. Stephen Edelson. Smith was always handing out compliments to the very few teams that did manage to beat his and to players that deserved it. 9 in 2011, No. High school basketball: Revealing the coach of the year candidates Junior Chris Riddle added 10 points off the bench. Mr. Hambric grew up on the South Side and played basketball at the old Parker High School. On 2/28, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against St. Laurence (Burbank, IL) by a score of 50-42. His team buckled down defensively in overtime, not allowing Kenwood a field goal. There is a reason Heidkamp is a two-time City/Suburban Hoops Report Coach of the Year winner. Top daily playoff boys basketball stat leaders for Monday, Feb. 27 You have to learn and understand how to make them better players and people. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. The Ben Wilson Gymnasium opened in 1989. More:Wisconsin Lutheran moves back to the top of the boys basketball rankings; Oak Creek's Izaac Neal, Cedarburg honored. Smith whose signature look has been a spectacular pair of Gucci glasses wants his team to win every game, but finding a way to beat Irons would have meant a little more if only because they have become so close over the years. Tim Vizer/Special to STLhighschoolsports.com. I was going to win tonight anyway if I won or he won. Evan Kanellos made the winning free throw with five seconds left. No other coach in state history has won more than four state titles. College coaching is always something I wanted to do, Smith said. He was a power forward for the high school's basketball team in the mid-2000s that behind Derrick Rose won back-to-back state championships under longtime . The 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. Coach. He understands basketball and is good with the kids.. -. When rival coach and now friend Tyrone Slaughter of Young heard the news, he didnt hesitate in making a bold statement. Simeon was always a great reminder that keeping it simple and structured can lead to high-level success. Leonard Thomas. People think we dont like each other, but that isnt the case. "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. He handed over a thriving program to Robert Smith, who coached Simeon to state championships in 2006 and 2007 behind Derrick Rose, now with the Chicago Bulls. The 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 HISTORY | tscsimeon It was a statement win for Vashon (13-7) against nationally ranked Simeon (24-3). We all have one more year to enjoy it and to celebrate the most successful high school coach in state history. Watch online from home or on the go. From 1927 to 1933, it was known as the Westcott Junior High . High school basketball: Simeon beats Kenwood in OT to win the city The most unfamiliar coaching name on this short list is very much deserving of a whole lot of recognition. More:Here are Wisconsin high school basketball scores for Friday, Jan. 20 . Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times. High school basketball: Simeon coach Robert Smith, who led - MaxPreps 8. St. Rose Boys Basketball Falls Short in Upset Bid Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. 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. New Trier held on to beat Glenbrook North 47-46. St. Paul school district hosts meeting on campus safety after fatal stabbing at Harding High Wolves pick up much-needed victory, 108-101 over Clippers Home - Our History - Simeon Career Academy High school basketball: 2023 Chicago Sun-Times All-Area basketball team 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 will coach one more season a loaded team that is expected to contend for a state championship in 2023 and call it a career. 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. Simeon coach Robert Smith cheers his team on against Curie in 2018. Over the next 18 years, Smith took the program to new heights. On Jan. 24, Smith picked up win 500 when his Wolverines beat Brooks 82-36. For better or worse. Wilson's slaying was indicative of the tough streets from which Mr. Hambric drew his players. Pocket. 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. Coaches, ADs and staff who do not . 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. Its been great the two times.. Simeon Superville - Advanced Product Manager - LinkedIn Custom Content Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand . For better or worse. 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. IHSA Chicago (Simeon) Boys Basketball - Illinois High School Association But there are so many coaches who have already helped their teams exceed preseason predictions or reach the high expectations placed on them. 3 - Kray Rogers - 6-2 - Jr. - 14.3 2 - Jaxon Willits - 6-0 - Sr. - 11.6 22 - Blayke Nunn - 6-2 . Ryan Johnson and Mason Blanco returned after averaging five and four points a game, respectively. Illinois high school boys basketball: IHSA rankings, postseason brackets, stats leaders, schedules and scores . Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. Simeons Wes Rubin celebrates after the Wolverines defeat Kenwood in the Public League championship game. Michigan State recruit Jeremy Fears Jr. fouled out in the final minutes. Led the Tigers to a 28-5 record heading into the Class 4A sectional final. The No. He instilled discipline with his players and in how they played. There was a problem saving your notification. It was great to have Derrick and Tim [Flowers] to help jump-start my career. 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 coach Robert Smith, the most successful boys high school basketball coach in state history, will retire after next season. Simeon coach Robert Smith checks the clock as the Wolverines defeat New Trier at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. Hes like a big brother to me.. February 8, 2023 / 4:50 PM / CBS Chicago. Illinois high school boys basketball: IHSA rankings, postseason I wanted to have the most state and city championships, and Ive done that. . The list includes some familiar names and past winners, along with some under-appreciated coaches who are receiving their due. Simeon Career Academy773-535-3200. Knowing he'd hit another career milestone this season helped make the decision a little easier. Simeon coach Robert Smith coaches from the sidelines at far left. . 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. After 30 years and more than 600 victories as a girls basketball coach at Collinsville Middle School, formerly North Junior High, Greg Craft is calling it a career. Photos by @acphoto22. On 2/3, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their home non-conference game against Clark (Chicago, IL) by a score of 78-41. The most recent was the Class 4A crown in 2012-13 which was the fourth consecutive championship for the Wolverines. Earlier today I was thinking about games I played in before and all the seasons Ive coached.. And do so with small college basketball prospects and an Ivy Leaguer? VidSwap Coaching Tools; Join our Affiliate Program; Media Partners; Popular Sports. Simeon Career Academy - Wikipedia Belleville West played Chicago Simeon in a game at the O'Fallon Shootout at O'Fallon High School on Saturday February 2, 2019. Crystal Lake South coach Gary Collins concurs. In 2003, the name changed to Simeon Career Academy to make way for a brand-new school building. But what a job Velasquez has done this season in keeping the Wolves relevant and among the top teams in the area. Simeon Head Basketball Coach Robert Smith Secures 500th Career Win How about 480 wins and just 92 losses and likely another 25-plus victories coming next year? We've nearly reached the conclusion of the regular season with the biggest games yet to . The Red Line Project 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. Simeon's legendary coach who won 551 games in . With 500 wins, Simeon basketball coach aims to go out on top - CBS Chicago Statistics are submitted to MaxPreps by coaches, athletic directors or program personnel. Congratulations once again to Coach Robert Smith! "I watched some other guys stick around too long. But Smith has been around long enough to know it can mean everything. Getting the kids to college was always very important.. David Kvidahl is a columnist for STL High School Sports. 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. In that scenario, with his high school teammate and best friend, Nick Anderson, at his side, Wilson surely would have flourished at that level. Will Simeon's Smith be the next coach at Illinois? | RSN Other future NBA players to play under Smith include Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn of the Los Angeles Lakers. But we are going to win a state championship. The best teams are analyzed and the top players . Oklahoma HS basketball: 2023 Class B boys state tournament schedule "And then the 500 (wins) was the last piece of the puzzle.". Most of the time, we worked on our weaknesses. PF 1119 PA 1294 STREAK 1L. Our school, originally known as Westcott Vocational High School, was established in September of 1949 at 8023 South Normal Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Those who are close to Robert Smith knew this day was coming sooner than later. 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. Simeon Coaches' Directory. He was honored for that milestone by the OFallon Shootout just before Simeon tipped off against Vashon. 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. I wanted 500 wins, and hopefully I can get that next year. 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. Its always good competing against him, though. In search of brotherhood, the Simeon boys basketball team travels to Robert Smith and Simeon are chasing another Chicago Public League championship. Watson scored 15 of his points in the first half, when St. Rose battled Roselle Catholic to a near-stalemate before a sequence at the end of the half left the Purple Roses with an eight . Subscribe with this special offer to keep reading, (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Along the way Irons crossed paths with Simeons Smith at the Nike Elite 100 camp here in town. 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. Rubin led Simeon with 21 points and six rebounds. . Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. 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. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. Simeon High School - Chicago, IL - NFHS Network In that time hes guided Chicagos Wolverines to seven city championships and a state-record six state championships. Simeon head coach Robert Smith looking on during the 2019 IHSA Class 4A Super-Sectional title game.