When rival coach and now friend Tyrone Slaughter of Young heard the news, he didnt hesitate in making a bold statement. There wasnt any fake or forced bravado. The veteran coach has had a solid decade-plus run at Hinsdale Central. 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.. Sport *Dante Culbreath (head) Football *Dennis Butler . Michael Gulledge, Special to STLhighschoolsports.com, Collinsville guard Cawhan Smith (left) dribbles downcourt as he is closely guarded by Simeon player Jaylen Drane. Simeon coach Robert Smith watches as the Wolverines play Kenwood. Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times. Its the first sectional championship in school history for Oswego East, which will face Moline on Monday in the ISU Supersectional. Simeon High School 8147 S. Vincennes (Google map, other maps) Chicago, IL 60620 Phone: 773-535-3200 Fax: 773-535-3465 School . 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 made adjustments when needed, changing stylistically at times to even how he managed different rosters. 8. 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. The Hawks are competing and playing as a cohesive group under Houston and are the top seed in their own Class 3A sectional. Wolverine Mens Basketball Mr. Robert Smith Head Coach rsmith2@cps.edu 773.535.3200 Mr. Fred McClinton Sophomore Coach . Smith said it's the trust of the parents to send their kids to Simeon that has allowed him to be so successful. "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. In the 1990s, Mr. Hambric put together a stretch of 10 straight 20-win seasons. But this was positive. Smith has a career record of 480-92 with six state championships. Robert Smith and Simeon are chasing another Chicago Public League championship. 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. For better or worse. As a father-figure coach, he is stern while offering endless support and instilling confidence when needed. Stream sports and activities from Simeon High School in Chicago, IL, both live and on demand. We knew what we had to do, and weve known since day one. PG Sr. 5' 10" 160 lbs. THE HISTORY OF SIMEON / WESTCOTT HIGH SCHOOL. Fax. The school name was changed from Simeon Vocational High School in September of 1998 to Simeon Career Technical Academy. Those guys have been great, so humble. Smiths program produced multiple NBA players: Rose, Jabari Parker, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and more. This is only our second time playing each other. FORT MYERS, Fla. Simeon Woods Richardson had already been traded twice before his 21st birthday, going from the Mets to the Blue Jays as part of the deal for Marcus Stroman in . / CBS Chicago. Feb 28, 2023, 7 . They previously played in the 2020 Highland Shootout, with Vashon scoring an 80-71 win. A rock solid senior group, which included four key players, departed. Boys Basketball *Nathaniel Lloyd. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. 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. Smith, 50, is 480-92 heading into his final season. Simeon coach Robert Smith and senior Jabari Parker embrace after winning the state championship in 2013. That resonated with his players and assistant coaches. From 1927 to 1933, it was known as the Westcott Junior High . He made sure that we were confident. 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. You have permission to edit this article. We've nearly reached the conclusion of the regular season with the biggest games yet to . We are building something special over here, Irvin said. The Redbirds will face top-ranked Chicago Simeon in the Class 3A state semifinals on Friday at State Farm Center in Champaign. Simeon High School Basketball; JV; Simeon JV Basketball. One of them, Bob Hurley, is there because of the program he built at St. Anthony. Asbury Park Press. 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. After 19 years and 500 wins, legendary Simeon basketball coach aims to go out on top. He is survived by a son, Robert Jr.; a daughter, Robyn; and a brother, Arthur. All the best players wanted to come to Simeon because of Coach Rob, Parker said. Smith would always provide perspective after losses. We were always synchronized and organized.. As it has so often since he took over the Simeon program in 2004, history turned Smiths way. Photographer Ricky Slaughter has posted a new gallery Simeon vs. Vashon (Bank of O'Fallon Shootout) containing 65 photos. Flowers is currently an assistant coach at Simeon. Most of the talent went to Public League schools, and players stopped going to Catholic schools.. McDonald's All-American. They all just wanted to win and that's me.". 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. Boys Basketball *Corey Bradford. We did it. PF 596 PA 444 STREAK 1L. On 2/22, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Solorio (Chicago, IL) by a score of 97-32. He was set to have a successful NBA career, but that never happened because he was killed while he was in high school. There wasn't much Robert Smith hadn't accomplished in his 19-year career at Simeon Career Academy. 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 . There were a handful of teams with massive preseason expectations when the season began. The Red Devils have nearly always been competitive under Latorre. And beat the likes of Joliet West, Kenwood and others along the way? Simeon coach Robert Smith coaches from the sidelines at far left. Submit Roster. "I respect him and his family for trusting me. The Wolverines also finished the season ranked in the MaxPreps Top 25 four times No. Simeon head coach Robert Smith looking on during the 2019 IHSA Class 4A Super-Sectional title game. Knowing he'd hit another career milestone this season helped make the decision a little easier. 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. Miles and Wes Rubin, 6-8 twins, will be joined by talented guards Jalen Griffith and Michael Ratliff. Mr. Hambric, 69, died . Smith made his debut as Simeons coach in 2004, the same night Derrick Rose made his for Simeon. 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. 2: Jalen Griffith . 22 in 2018. Subscribe with this special offer to keep reading, (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 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. Just ask the fine people of Pontiac how much they appreciate their adopted program each December at the prestigious holiday tournament. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. Simeon Career Academy773-535-3200. 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. Simeon head coach Robert Smith looking on during the 2019 IHSA Class 4A Super-Sectional title game. Michigan State recruit Jeremy Fears Jr. fouled out in the final minutes. 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) MaxPreps is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. 2023 IHSA Boys Basketball State Championships (Illinois) Class 3A, Photos: Simeon vs. Vashon (Bank of O'Fallon Shootout). Simeon Career Academy High School boys' basketball head coach Robert Smith is one of the co-founders of the Chicago Elite Classic. In his second season as head coach, Hynes has taken a mix of seniors and promising young players and the blend has resulted in one of the biggest surprises of the season. Im sure Simeon will hire a quality replacement, said Slaugher. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 0:05. The Class B Oklahoma high school boys basketball state tournament is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at State Fair Arena. Me and Coach Smith are like family, Irons said. Illinois High School Association records list him with 550 or 551 wins, against 145 losses. 3: Michael Ratliff. Interviewed after the 1984 championship, Ben Wilson said of Mr. Hambric: "We do things his way, because he's right.". During the early 1980s, the city of Chicago featured one of the best high school basketball players in the country. Over the next 18 years, Smith took the program to new heights. Flipboard. Coach. And they generally always played with such pride. College coaching is always something I wanted to do, Smith said. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. Statistics are submitted to MaxPreps by coaches, athletic directors or program personnel. VidSwap Coaching Tools; Join our Affiliate Program; Media Partners . Simeon coach Robert Smith checks the clock as the Wolverines defeat New Trier at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. 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. In that scenario, with his high school teammate and best friend, Nick Anderson, at his side, Wilson surely would have flourished at that level. Football *David Thornton. 2 in 1989. Hinsdale Central, now 28-3 on the season, hasnt lost since mid-December and is riding a 20-game winning streak. 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. 2022 Big East tournament winner. It hasnt really sunk in yet, Smith said. Children. 9 in 2011, No. He decided to return to Simeon instead and watched the Ramblers head to the Final Four. No. On 2/24, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Englewood Stem (Chicago, IL) by a score of 70-33. Wilson is noted as the first Chicago athlete to receive . Mr. Hambric, 69, died of cancer on Friday, said Marque Riley, Simeon athletic director. Craft, 55, retired in May as a science teacher and coach. 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. OVERALL 8-3 0.73 Win % CONFERENCE 4-2 0.67 Win % HOME 3-1 AWAY 2-1 NEUTRAL 3-1. The Blue Demons were led by thirty-sixth year head coach Doug Bruno and played their home games at the Wintrust Arena . 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. Despite the loss of Wilson, Simeon returned to Champaign and the state tournament in the spring of 1985 before losing in the quarterfinals. 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Print. The Ben Wilson Gymnasium opened in 1989. The 2021-22 DePaul Blue Demons women's basketball team represented DePaul University during the 2021-22 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. Simeons Wes Rubin celebrates after the Wolverines defeat Kenwood in the Public League championship game. Coaches and members of the news media from throughout the state have voted senior Nelison "Nick'' Anderson as Mr. Basketball of Illinois for 1986. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. 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. a future NBA Most Valuable Player who made Simeon the first Chicago Public League School team to win back-to-back state championships. After everything weve been through all year our defense held up in those last two minutes of overtime.. When asked about his favorite memory, a couple involving Rose and Parker stood out. Simeon wins the city title. 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 Hawks are 25-3, emerged as the best team in the south suburbs and are a legitimate state threat in Class 3A. Crystal Lake South coach Gary Collins concurs. Loyola recruit Miles Rubin led the top-ranked Wolverines (30-3) with 19 points, and Sam Lewis added 16. HOME 3-7 AWAY 3-5 NEUTRAL 5-5. It was never going to be easy following up last years remarkable season. Smith evolved so much over the years. Stephen Edelson. 1. It was sold out at Curie, and no one came to see me, Smith said. Getting the kids to college was always very important.. No matter the star or the team, there were never big numbers thrown up at Simeon by individual players. 2014 - 20162 years. Simeon coach Robert Smith watches as the Wolverines play Kenwood. "I love Simeon," Smith said. 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. Smiths last team at Simeon will be strong. Illinois high school football playoff brackets, schedule, computer rankings, statewide stat leaders and scores - live and final. 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. Hes like a big brother to me.. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has played a big role since the 1980s. I want to spend more time with my kids, Smith said. The Trevians are 27-4 heading into this weeks Central Suburban League regular-season finale with Niles North. 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. 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. It would be quite the ending to an amazingly successful run. Just four high school coaches are in the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame. I'm giving another guy a chance.". Simeon and other top Chicago basketball powers don't produce all of that talent alone. Theres no added pressure because that is always the focus. Its been great the two times.. "To go out on top?" He instilled discipline with his players and in how they played. OVERALL 11-17 0.39 Win % CONFERENCE 3-5 6th in Conference. Boys Basketball *Maurice Brown. Oswego East also pulled off an upset, defeating Joliet West for the second time this season. But thats what having a seasoned pro on the bench will do for you. Earlier today I was thinking about games I played in before and all the seasons Ive coached.. Those who are close to Robert Smith knew this day was coming sooner than later. All of us just wanted to win. Hes probably the only person that has a winning record against me, Smith said with a smile. Last chance! 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. 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. Collinsville played Chicago Simeon in the final game of the OFallon Shootout on Saturday February 8, 2020. This is the second title-game appearance for the Broncos, who lost to Simeon in 2016 as well. 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 . But Velasquez, who is 131-31 in the past six seasons, worked a pair of transfers into the mix and kept the Wolves humming. Simeon's Smith, Vashon's Irons bonded over basketball. Especially in a game he wanted to win against a protg. On 2/3, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their home non-conference game against Clark (Chicago, IL) by a score of 78-41. Latest Updates. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. 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. 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 . 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. Richard Barron led St. Ignatius to 50-43 victory against Fenwick. Boys Basketball *William Buford. Won two gold medals with USA Basketball. That's what makes it so special. Simeon Coaches' Directory. There is a reason Heidkamp is a two-time City/Suburban Hoops Report Coach of the Year winner. This has been a program that won 23 games in back-to-back seasons in 2013-14 and 2014-15 with regional tiles. 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. Keep watching, it is coming. Led the Tigers to a 28-5 record heading into the Class 4A sectional final. Ames led Kenwood with 22 points and Isaiah Green scored 11 in the fourth quarter to spearhead the comeback. "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. 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The Class B Oklahoma high school boys basketball state tournament is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at State Fair Arena. The Wolverines play unselfishly and disciplined, thanks to Smiths ideals and values of what team basketball should look like. ALTON Isaiah Camper could only look over his shoulder and smile. Guards Sam Lewis and Jalen Griffith each scored 11. He is loyal and sincere. 1 sectional seed. Chicago Simeon opened with a 16-12 advantage over Moline through the . Congratulations once again to Coach Robert Smith! 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. A big brother with a resume thats second to none in the basketball-mad state of Illinois. St. Ignatius, Grayslake Central and Marmion were the other local teams advancing to Class 3A supersectionals. It probably will later. 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Heck, there is hardly any bravado at all from a coach who could have shown a lot of it. 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 He had 26 points and nine rebounds. So that actually took a lot of pressure off of me..