But that dunk at the end was definitely an exclamation point., [That win] did feel better than usual, Smith said. 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. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. Just ask the fine people of Pontiac how much they appreciate their adopted program each December at the prestigious holiday tournament. The Bob Hambric era begins in 1980 with the mid-season firing of Lamont Bryant . 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. 1 sectional seed. His run at Simeon coincided with the Public Leagues most successful run of state titles. Simeon's legendary coach who won 551 games in . He is always so stoic. Anderson is the sixth recipient of the Mr . There wasnt any fake or forced bravado. 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 . Smith was a student . 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. .036. Chicago Simeon eventually plied victory away from Moline 67-66 on January 21 in Illinois boys high school basketball action. 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. He loves Simeon like I did. Simeon High School (Chicago, IL) JV Basketball - MaxPreps.com The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. The Trevians will face Libertyville, a 60-42 winner against Prospect, on Monday in the NOW Arena Supersectional in Hoffman Estates. No. On 2/22, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Solorio (Chicago, IL) by a score of 97-32. No matter the star or the team, there were never big numbers thrown up at Simeon by individual players. Simeon High School Basketball; Basketball Roster; Simeon Basketball Roster. On 2/24, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Englewood Stem (Chicago, IL) by a score of 70-33. 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. 2021-22 Illinois State Redbirds men's basketball team Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. ", On coaching so many great players over the years, Smith said, "It's been great. Carmel (Chicago, IL) by a score of 70-47. The Wolverines had led by 20 to start the fourth quarter, but the city championship was going to overtime. Collinsville played Chicago Simeon in the final game of the OFallon Shootout on Saturday February 8, 2020. ''Out here, very few go on to play Division I basketball,'' he says. His name was Ben Wilson, and he attended Simeon High School in Chicago. As a father-figure coach, he is stern while offering endless support and instilling confidence when needed. 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 . Curtis Wilson, Ben Wilson's oldest brother, center, accepts a framed team jersey from members of the Simeon High School basketball team in 2009 during a retirement ceremony for Ben's number, No . 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. Please enter valid email address to continue. A 2.8 at Simeon isn`t the same as a 2.8 at Crystal Lake South,'' Jackson says. Smith went out on top, at least in the Public League. This last year will be the same as any other, Smith said. Slaughter, who says he and Smith were once vicious adversaries but became close friends over the years, saw the class he oozed. The Broncos fans went wild. Simeons Miles Ruben (24) blocks Mount Carmels Lee Marks (11) shot attempt. I'm giving another guy a chance.". Stats are entered by the coach or designated team statistician in the admin. 3 - Kray Rogers - 6-2 - Jr. - 14.3 2 - Jaxon Willits - 6-0 - Sr. - 11.6 22 - Blayke Nunn - 6-2 . 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. 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. Belleville West senior EJ Liddell finds Jaylin Mosby for the go-ahead 3pt shot vs Simeon in the O'Fallon Shootout highlight | O'Fallon, IL. 16-11*. He instilled discipline with his players and in how they played. What a breakout season its been for Marist basketball and Hynes. "It was like a chess match; he'd put the right pieces in the right places to be successful.". But Velasquez, who is 131-31 in the past six seasons, worked a pair of transfers into the mix and kept the Wolves humming. . We've nearly reached the conclusion of the regular season with the biggest games yet to . We talk to each other at least two or three times a week. Our school, originally known as Westcott Vocational High School, was established in September of 1949 at 8023 South Normal Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Tim Vizer/Special to STLhighschoolsports.com. There is still something to look forward to.. On 3/3, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Chicago Mt. Most of the talent went to Public League schools, and players stopped going to Catholic schools.. "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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. More family time was at the forefront, including being able to watch his youngest, Rob Jr., play more. Simeon High School 8147 S. Vincennes (Google map, other maps) Chicago, IL 60620 Phone: 773-535-3200 Fax: 773-535-3465 School . The best teams are analyzed and the top players are talked about all season long. 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. The Redbirds will face top-ranked Chicago Simeon in the Class 3A state semifinals on Friday at State Farm Center in Champaign. Simeon coach Robert Smith coaches from the sidelines at far left. Photographer Ricky Slaughter has posted a new gallery Simeon vs. Vashon (Bank of O'Fallon Shootout) containing 65 photos. Oswego East has been a fixture in the top 25 all season and settled in as the No. Rankings from AP poll. For better or worse. For better or worse. "To go out on top?" [Flowers] has the passion, Smith said. 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 . Latorre has led this senior-dominated group to the best season the program has had in 25 years. 2005-2023 CBS Interactive. Ames led Kenwood with 22 points and Isaiah Green scored 11 in the fourth quarter to spearhead the comeback. 2014 - 20162 years. 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. 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. He made adjustments when needed, changing stylistically at times to even how he managed different rosters. Matt Zahn joined CBS2 Chicago in October 2016 as a sports reporter and fill-in sports anchor, and what a time to come to Chicago. Photos by @acphoto22. / CBS Chicago. The Trojans ended Hinsdale Centrals 23-game winning streak with a 53-43 victory in Hinsdale. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has played a big role since the 1980s. Simeon wins the city title. 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. He was set to have a successful NBA career, but that never happened because he was killed while he was in high school. Simeon coach Robert Smith coaches from the sidelines at far left. People like to say a lot of negatives about Chicago, Kenwood coach Mike Irvin said. 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. 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. This was his last one, and he had to go out with a win.. On 2/28, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against St. Laurence (Burbank, IL) by a score of 50-42. Simeon Betts (9) P, OF, IF . He was honored for that milestone by the OFallon Shootout just before Simeon tipped off against Vashon. The Trevians are 27-4 heading into this weeks Central Suburban League regular-season finale with Niles North. Rob carried himself with the highest level of professionalism and had the highest level of respect from so many different people, said Slaughter. Simeon coach Robert Smith, the most successful boys high school basketball coach in state history, will retire after next season. 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 . Rose and . They are both playing basketball now, and I want to be able to give them my full attention. The Class B Oklahoma high school boys basketball state tournament is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at State Fair Arena. And since the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, another one ending with Simeon winning a state trophy, the retirement thoughts intensified. Last chance! Simeon and other top Chicago basketball powers don't produce all of that talent alone. We only watched film when it was necessary. A big brother with a resume thats second to none in the basketball-mad state of Illinois. Smith would always provide perspective after losses. 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. Smith, a Simeon graduate, nearly took an assistant job at Loyola under Porter Moser in 2017. Subscribe with this special offer to keep reading, (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). They previously played in the 2020 Highland Shootout, with Vashon scoring an 80-71 win. I was able to tell the kids about my decision today. Crystal Lake South coach Gary Collins concurs. Did you hear his praise of Glenbard West over the past 12 months? Me and Coach Smith are like family, Irons said. He looks after so many, both the high-profile ones and those looking for a small college opportunity. We are going to keep our eyes on the prize. David Kvidahl is a columnist for STL High School Sports. BOB HAMBRIC: 1939-2009 - Chicago Tribune 0. Simeon High School | Women's Hoops Blog Illinois high school boys basketball: IHSA rankings, postseason High school basketball: Simeon beats Kenwood in OT to win the city NJ girls basketball: New Providence topples Manasquan in CJ2 final Simeon High School Basketball; JV; Simeon JV Basketball. But we are going to win a state championship. 293 Simeon High School Premium High Res Photos - Getty Images Top daily playoff boys basketball stat leaders for Monday, Feb. 27 Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. Print. Simeon coach Robert Smith and Derrick Rose embrace after Roses final high school game, the 2007 state championship. 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. Boys Basketball *Maurice Brown. 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. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. Its more than what is to come this season and where Simeon goes from here. Smith, 50, is 480-92 heading into his final season. Simeon All Access | Looking for answers after death of 17-year-old Interviewed after the 1984 championship, Ben Wilson said of Mr. Hambric: "We do things his way, because he's right.". One possession in a basketball game doesnt necessarily mean anything. 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. I wanted them to hear it from me and not read it somewhere.. More:Here are Wisconsin high school basketball scores for Friday, Jan. 20 . 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. Smith said. Simeon Betts - 2023 - JV Baseball - St. Xavier High School Athletics As it has so often since he took over the Simeon program in 2004, history turned Smiths way. 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. We came out here and accomplished our goal. 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 . Chicago Simeon head coach Robert Smith (far right) yells from the sidelines. Thank you : Master at his Craft: Longtime Collinsville Middle School girls basketball coach retires. The perennial south suburban power lost two Division I prospects in the offseason, both transferring out of the program. CBS 2's Matt Zahn had the story on why Simeon Career Academy's leader decided now is the right time. The lost talent and the timing of it would cripple most teams. Despite the loss of Wilson, Simeon returned to Champaign and the state tournament in the spring of 1985 before losing in the quarterfinals. 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. I was going to win tonight anyway if I won or he won. 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. Then Simeon failed to score on its last possession. But thats what having a seasoned pro on the bench will do for you. Coach Robert Smiths farewell tour took a step closer to the Illinois High School Association state finals in Champaign as Simeon eased past Mount Carmel 70-47 on Friday in the final of the Class 3A Glenbard South Sectional. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. Children. Will Simeon's Smith be the next coach at Illinois? | RSN OVERALL 8-3 0.73 Win % CONFERENCE 4-2 0.67 Win % HOME 3-1 AWAY 2-1 NEUTRAL 3-1. We wont let the fans down. All of us just wanted to win. 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 . Ryan Johnson and Mason Blanco returned after averaging five and four points a game, respectively. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. Wolverine Mens Basketball Mr. Robert Smith Head Coach rsmith2@cps.edu 773.535.3200 Mr. Fred McClinton Sophomore Coach . Smith announced his retirement Thursday. 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. 1 and just recently capped off the regular season with a city championship. Loyola recruit Miles Rubin led the top-ranked Wolverines (30-3) with 19 points, and Sam Lewis added 16. Won two gold medals with USA Basketball. All the wins, success and talent at Simeon would often mask the substance that was there as a coach and as a program. Simeon coach Robert Smith watches as the Wolverines play Kenwood. Over the next 18 years, Smith took the program to new heights. But what a job Velasquez has done this season in keeping the Wolves relevant and among the top teams in the area. Oswego East is at the top of the Southwest Prairie Conference yet again. (Ed Wagner, Jr., Chicago Tribune) 1979-80. Top 40 High Schools That Have Produced the Most NBA Players High/Middle School. High school basketball: 2023 Chicago Sun-Times All-Area basketball team Velasquez did welcome back a Division I talent in the versatile Mekhi Lowery. 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 . Illinois high school football playoff brackets, schedule, computer rankings, statewide stat leaders and scores - live and final. 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. 3 in 2013 and No. Simeon All Access | The 1980s: Hambric begins building a powerhouse Smith said that out of the hundreds of varsity basketball players he has coached since 2004, just three or four didnt go to college. High school basketball players love using the phrase "business trip" to demonstrate that Tuesday night's 15-minute drive to the neighboring town is a somber, no-fun outing. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. New Trier held on to beat Glenbrook North 47-46. It was a statement win for Vashon (13-7) against nationally ranked Simeon (24-3). 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. We are building something special over here, Irvin said. STLHighSchoolSports.com is the most comprehensive source of stats, scores and stories from any and all area high schools. 2: Jalen Griffith . The address was changed from 8235 S. Vincennes Ave. to 8147 S. Vincennes Ave. But there are so many coaches who have already helped their teams exceed preseason predictions or reach the high expectations placed on them. Simeon High School Basketball Sync Games to Calendar Featured; Broadcast Schedule ; On Demand . The list includes some familiar names and past winners, along with some under-appreciated coaches who are receiving their due. 8147 S. Vincennes Avenue Chicago, IL 60620 . All those massive wins on big stages? 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. The Red Devils have nearly always been competitive under Latorre. 9 in 2011, No. Yes, the naysayers will always point to the talent Smith has at Simeon. 2 in 1989. And do so with small college basketball prospects and an Ivy Leaguer? Football *David Thornton. 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Smith is closing in on 500 wins and has won six state titles and seven city titles, both records. Smith is in his 19th and final season at Simeon. 2021-22 DePaul Blue Demons women's basketball team Parker had his choice of schools across the country but chose Simeon. And I see a principal in that postgame crush pic.twitter.com/bV8P6il45f. "That hug from Derrick in the last state championship and that hug from Jabari that last state championship, those meant a lot," Smith said. Stats are entered by the coach or designated team statistician in the admin. The plan was to win city. -. High school basketball: A look back on the legacy of Simeon basketball Simeon lost in the state semifinals last year. This is the second title-game appearance for the Broncos, who lost to Simeon in 2016 as well. With 500 wins, Simeon basketball coach aims to go out on top - CBS Chicago Metamora's boys basketball team enjoys its first berth in state finals One of them, Bob Hurley, is there because of the program he built at St. Anthony. High school basketball: Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year, Joliet Smith is stepping down at the end of the year. 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. 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. First published on February 8, 2023 / 4:50 PM. Simeon High School Basketball; Simeon Girls Basketball. . The Wolves were in control from start to finish on their way to a 71-64 victory. 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. High school basketball: Previewing Friday's best sectional finals It was sold out at Curie, and no one came to see me, Smith said. 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. Key Illinois high school baseball Week 10 games, computer rankings, stat leaders, schedules & scores - live & final. Craft, 55, retired in May as a science teacher and coach. Simeon carries themselves the right way. Simeon faces Curie Thursday night in the Public League semifinals as Smith chases his eighth city championship. 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 Coaches' Directory. Simeons Wes Rubin celebrates after the Wolverines defeat Kenwood in the Public League championship game. For better or worse. 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 . 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. Simeon head coach Robert Smith looking on during the 2019 IHSA Class 4A Super-Sectional title game. The Wolverines could be the areas preseason No. He is survived by a son, Robert Jr.; a daughter, Robyn; and a brother, Arthur. 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. 0:36. Playing for Smith and Simeon absolutely means something to the players in this program, both present and past. Getting the kids to college was always very important.. 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. 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 . Boys Basketball *Corey Bradford. Simeon Career Academy High School boys' basketball head coach Robert Smith is one of the co-founders of the Chicago Elite Classic. The GOAT retires: A look back at the legacy of Simeon basketball coach Robert Smith This retirement is about all that Robert Smith has meant to the sport and, specifically, Public League basketball.