simeon high school basketball coach

But Im not sure about doing that whole grind now. 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. "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. But what a job Velasquez has done this season in keeping the Wolves relevant and among the top teams in the area. Tim Vizer/Special to STLhighschoolsports.com. That's about as much as Robert Smith celebrates, he isn't the jumping around type. 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. 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 . 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. 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, . 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. Im sure Simeon will hire a quality replacement, said Slaugher. 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. Smith was a student . Vashon takes on another big-time Illinois foe when it hosts East St. Louis (18-6) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Boys Basketball *Maurice Brown. Rankings from AP poll. On 2/3, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their home non-conference game against Clark (Chicago, IL) by a score of 78-41. Smith said that out of the hundreds of varsity basketball players he has coached since 2004, just three or four didnt go to college. He was set to have a successful NBA career, but that never happened because he was killed while he was in high school. 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 . People think we dont like each other, but that isnt the case. MaxPreps is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Jabari Parker High School Basketball Highlights. Playing for Smith and Simeon absolutely means something to the players in this program, both present and past. Boys Basketball. Kenwood has never won a city title. (Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times) The best teams are analyzed and the top players are talked about all season long. On 3/3, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Chicago Mt. There wasnt extra stress, Rubin said. By Joe Henricksen. Rob carried himself with the highest level of professionalism and had the highest level of respect from so many different people, said Slaughter. A local school could possibly be good for me because the big thing right now is to be with my kids., Robert Smiths career at Simeon2004-05: 29-42005-06: 33-4, Class AA title, Public League title2006-07: 33-2, Class AA title, Public League title2007-08: 29-4, Class 3A second place2008-09: 18-102009-10: 25-9, Class 4A title2010-11: 30-2, Class 4A title2011-12: 33-1, Class 4A title, Public League title2012-13: 30-3, Class 4A title2013-14: 22-52014-15: 28-42015-16: 30-4, Public League title2016-17: 30-4, Class 4A second place, Public League title2017-18: 29-4, Public League title2018-19: 20-15,2019-20: 24-9, Public League title2020-21: 9-12021-22: 28-7Total: 480-92, .839. 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. On January 24, 2023, Simeon Coach Robert Smith made history, securing his 500th career win in boys high school basketball. 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.. 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. And since the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, another one ending with Simeon winning a state trophy, the retirement thoughts intensified. Most of the talent went to Public League schools, and players stopped going to Catholic schools.. 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'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. But this was positive. Simeon (Chicago) 29-3: 19.9: 2: Benet Academy (Lisle) 31-1: 16.4: 3: SHGHS (Springfield) 30-3: 15.4: 4: . We all have one more year to enjoy it and to celebrate the most successful high school coach in state history. "I just thought it was time," he said. Michael Gulledge, Special to STLhighschoolsports.com, Collinsville guard Cawhan Smith (left) dribbles downcourt as he is closely guarded by Simeon player Jaylen Drane. He is survived by a son, Robert Jr.; a daughter, Robyn; and a brother, Arthur. It hasnt really sunk in yet, Smith said. And Im sure glad he did. His run at Simeon coincided with the Public Leagues most successful run of state titles. 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. Feb 21, 2023, 9:26am PST. Latest Updates. 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. Smith said. I always tell people that [legendary Simeon coach Bob Hambric] could have stayed and coached those guys and won more titles himself. Do you have . Chase Lewis picked a perfect time to cut loose. Velasquez did welcome back a Division I talent in the versatile Mekhi Lowery. Robert Smith and Simeon are chasing another Chicago Public League championship. Stream sports and activities from Simeon High School in Chicago, IL, both live and on demand. HOME 3-7 AWAY 3-5 NEUTRAL 5-5. One of them, Bob Hurley, is there because of the program he built at St. Anthony. It was a statement win for Vashon (13-7) against nationally ranked Simeon (24-3). On 2/24, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Englewood Stem (Chicago, IL) by a score of 70-33. More than that, he was respected and liked. 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) Photographer Dean Reid has posted a new gallery Simeon vs. Kenwood containing 40 photos. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. Volunteer to be the statistician. PG Sr. 5' 10" 160 lbs. Interviewed after the 1984 championship, Ben Wilson said of Mr. Hambric: "We do things his way, because he's right.". A rock solid senior group, which included four key players, departed. 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. -. "It was like a chess match; he'd put the right pieces in the right places to be successful.". Tim Vizer/Special to . Hes coached, mentored and developed dozens and dozens of Division I players, including two of the biggest in state history: Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker. We are going to keep our eyes on the prize. High/Middle School. Simeon coach Robert Smith and senior Jabari Parker embrace after winning the state championship in 2013. This is what it is about, everyone supporting these kids. 1. In his tenure Smith has coached several NBA players, including Rose, Jabari Parker, Talen Horton-Tucker and others. 27. 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. Players (14) Staff (9) Do you have a team photo? Carmel (Chicago, IL) by a score of 70-47. On Jan. 24, Smith picked up win 500 when his Wolverines beat Brooks 82-36. 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. Its a great friendship, Smith said. . Weve nearly reached the conclusion of the regular season with the biggest games yet to come. Simeon coach Robert Smith coaches from the sidelines at far left. It wasnt just city and state championships. Here's an overview of the eight contenders. Guards Sam Lewis and Jalen Griffith each scored 11. Stephen Edelson. It was during Covid that he learned and realized he could move on from coaching, that he wouldnt miss it as much as he thought. After 19 years and 500 wins, legendary Simeon basketball coach aims to go out on top. We did it. 2 in 1989. It was never going to be easy following up last years remarkable season. 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. 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. 3: Michael Ratliff. His name was Ben Wilson, and he attended Simeon High School in Chicago. The Red Devils have nearly always been competitive under Latorre. "That hug from Derrick in the last state championship and that hug from Jabari that last state championship, those meant a lot," Smith said. With several freshmen and sophomores playing key roles, Marist is 23-7, ranked in the top 20 and sits just behind Benet in second place in the East Suburban Catholic Conference. And while he won and won bigger than anyone he never, ever was full of himself or took himself too seriously. 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. As a father-figure coach, he is stern while offering endless support and instilling confidence when needed. His team buckled down defensively in overtime, not allowing Kenwood a field goal. The Trojans ended Hinsdale Centrals 23-game winning streak with a 53-43 victory in Hinsdale. Other future NBA players to play under Smith include Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn of the Los Angeles Lakers. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. The Hawks are 25-3, emerged as the best team in the south suburbs and are a legitimate state threat in Class 3A. Print. 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 year ago New Trier finished with a school record 30 wins and reached a sectional championship. 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. 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 would always provide perspective after losses. Photos by @acphoto22. 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. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. They all just wanted to win and that's me.". You have to be over the top. Simeon Career Academy High School boys' basketball head coach Robert Smith is one of the co-founders of the Chicago Elite Classic. He had 26 points and nine rebounds. 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. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. . But we are going to win a state championship. A 2.8 at Simeon isn`t the same as a 2.8 at Crystal Lake South,'' Jackson says. CBS 2's Matt Zahn had the story on why Simeon Career Academy's leader decided now is the right time. More:FAQ: What to know . The Trevians will face Libertyville, a 60-42 winner against Prospect, on Monday in the NOW Arena Supersectional in Hoffman Estates. Fax. Submit Roster. 2 sectional seed. Hes probably the only person that has a winning record against me, Smith said with a smile. 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. Then there are the many untold stories of how he nurtured players. But that was Simeon. St. Ignatius, Grayslake Central and Marmion were the other local teams advancing to Class 3A supersectionals. Simeon coach Robert Smith checks the clock as the Wolverines defeat New Trier at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. Simeon and other top Chicago basketball powers don't produce all of that talent alone. And thats because they had other plans, Smith said. 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. For better or worse. Asbury Park Press. Congratulations once again to Coach Robert Smith! 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 . The No. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. There wasn't much Robert Smith hadn't accomplished in his 19-year career at Simeon Career Academy. Getting the kids to college was always very important.. Ames led Kenwood with 22 points and Isaiah Green scored 11 in the fourth quarter to spearhead the comeback. He was honored for that milestone by the OFallon Shootout just before Simeon tipped off against Vashon. 2: Jalen Griffith . The highly-successful and respected Houston didnt miss a beat. Football *David Thornton. The Bob Hambric era begins in 1980 with the mid-season firing of Lamont Bryant . Simeon head coach Robert Smith looking on during the 2019 IHSA Class 4A Super-Sectional title game. Contact. Simeon's Smith, Vashon's Irons bonded over basketball. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Parker had his choice of schools across the country but chose Simeon. Over the next 18 years, Smith took the program to new heights. As it has so often since he took over the Simeon program in 2004, history turned Smiths way. We were always synchronized and organized.. 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. 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. . Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. Thank you : Master at his Craft: Longtime Collinsville Middle School girls basketball coach retires. "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. The 2021-22 DePaul Blue Demons women's basketball team represented DePaul University during the 2021-22 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. Mr. Hambric, 69, died . 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. 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 . Girls Basketball Head Coach: Kim Williams kawilliams62@cps.edu. STLHighSchoolSports.com is the most comprehensive source of stats, scores and stories from any and all area high schools. On January 24, 2023, Simeon Coach Robert Smith made history, securing his 500th career win in boys high school basketball. More:Wisconsin Lutheran moves back to the top of the boys basketball rankings; Oak Creek's Izaac Neal, Cedarburg honored. VidSwap Coaching Tools; Join our Affiliate Program; Media Partners; Popular Sports. He looks after so many, both the high-profile ones and those looking for a small college opportunity. Simeon High School Basketball; Simeon Girls Basketball. McDonald's All-American. Keep watching, it is coming. Just four high school coaches are in the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame. 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. Its not very normal for such a high-profile program and its coach to be so revered. 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. Grayslake Central knocked off Lake Forest 46-33, and Marmion beat Burlington Central 71-58 to win its first sectional since 1976. Matt arrived just as the Cubs won the World Series. Hinsdale Central, now 28-3 on the season, hasnt lost since mid-December and is riding a 20-game winning streak. They are both playing basketball now, and I want to be able to give them my full attention. CENTRALIA, Ill. East St. Louis senior Macaleab Rich can be a little stubborn at times. 35-12 (L) Simeon vs. Crete-Monee On 11/5, the Simeon varsity football team lost their neutral playoff game against Crete-Monee (Crete, IL) by a score of 35-12 . The Wolverines had led by 20 to start the fourth quarter, but the city championship was going to overtime. Latorre has led this senior-dominated group to the best season the program has had in 25 years. ALTON Isaiah Camper could only look over his shoulder and smile. 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. After everything weve been through all year our defense held up in those last two minutes of overtime.. This has been a program that won 23 games in back-to-back seasons in 2013-14 and 2014-15 with regional tiles. Mr. Hambric's wife, Phyllis Hambric, preceded him in death. "I love Simeon," Smith said. Especially in a game he wanted to win against a protg. 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. February 8, 2023 / 7:41 PM Basketball; Football; Last chance! He made sure that we were confident. 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. 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. Coaches and members of the news media from throughout the state have voted senior Nelison "Nick'' Anderson as Mr. Basketball of Illinois for 1986. 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. One possession in a basketball game doesnt necessarily mean anything. The veteran coach has had a solid decade-plus run at Hinsdale Central. 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 Senior Wes Rubin sealed it with a dunk and Simeon beat Kenwood 72-64 at Credit Union 1 Arena to win the city title . VidSwap Coaching Tools; Join our Affiliate Program; Media Partners . The RedHawks, who nearly upset rival and highly-ranked Brother Rice, losing 49-48, earned a top four seed in the tough St. Rita Sectional. 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. Children. 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. Here's an overview of the eight contenders. He made adjustments when needed, changing stylistically at times to even how he managed different rosters. Key Illinois high school baseball Week 10 games, computer rankings, stat leaders, schedules & scores - live & final. But there is going to be a huge void in our sport, a huge void in city and high school basketball.. And beat the likes of Joliet West, Kenwood and others along the way? Show all Sports. There is a reason Heidkamp is a two-time City/Suburban Hoops Report Coach of the Year winner. All of us just wanted to win. His team buckled down defensively in overtime, not allowing Kenwood a field goal. Flowers is currently an assistant coach at Simeon. The list includes some familiar names and past winners, along with some under-appreciated coaches who are receiving their due. 3 seed in the Bolingbrook Sectional. He is always so stoic. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. The school name was changed from Simeon Vocational High School in September of 1998 to Simeon Career Technical Academy. There wasnt any fake or forced bravado. 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 . "He upstarted my career on a national level, because he was a top five player in the country and everybody wanted to see," Smith said. Smith, who is Simeons athletic director, will hand the head-coaching job over to Flowers, Roses good friend and former teammate. 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. Cheerleading and Dance Volleyball Wrestling Soccer Basketball Football. 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. There were a handful of teams with massive preseason expectations when the season began. Smiths last team at Simeon will be strong. 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. We are building something special over here, Irvin said. You can't just be a regular high school coach for those guys. Sport *Dante Culbreath (head) Football *Dennis Butler . .036. Illinois high school football playoff brackets, schedule, computer rankings, statewide stat leaders and scores - live and final. 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. 1 sectional seed. Please enter valid email address to continue. 8. Along the way Irons crossed paths with Simeons Smith at the Nike Elite 100 camp here in town. (Ed Wagner, Jr., Chicago Tribune) 1979-80. Junior Chris Riddle added 10 points off the bench. 3 - Kray Rogers - 6-2 - Jr. - 14.3 2 - Jaxon Willits - 6-0 - Sr. - 11.6 22 - Blayke Nunn - 6-2 . I wanted them to hear it from me and not read it somewhere.. A big brother with a resume thats second to none in the basketball-mad state of Illinois. (Ed Wagner, Jr., Chicago Tribune) . Illinois high school boys basketball: IHSA rankings, postseason brackets, stats leaders, schedules and scores . New Trier held on to beat Glenbrook North 47-46. I was able to tell the kids about my decision today. 0:36. All rights reserved. The Hawks are competing and playing as a cohesive group under Houston and are the top seed in their own Class 3A sectional. 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. "I respect him and his family for trusting me. Chicago Simeon eventually plied victory away from Moline 67-66 on January 21 in Illinois boys high school basketball action. The Wolverines play unselfishly and disciplined, thanks to Smiths ideals and values of what team basketball should look like. . The Westcott building on Normal Avenue was occupied by the Calumet High School until 1926. Meet the Team. 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.