His team buckled down defensively in overtime, not allowing Kenwood a field goal. Along the way Irons crossed paths with Simeons Smith at the Nike Elite 100 camp here in town. The perennial south suburban power lost two Division I prospects in the offseason, both transferring out of the program. But he took over for a legendary coach [Bob Hambric] and not only sustained the success but clearly surpassed it.. A 2.8 at Simeon isn`t the same as a 2.8 at Crystal Lake South,'' Jackson says. "Just for that moment, to embrace them as players, and as people.". (Ed Wagner, Jr., Chicago Tribune) . Cheerleading and Dance Volleyball Wrestling Soccer Basketball Football. Chicago Simeon opened with a 16-12 advantage over Moline through the . 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. 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. Collinsville played Chicago Simeon in the final game of the OFallon Shootout on Saturday February 8, 2020. Simeon will face Hillcrest on Monday in the UIC Supersectional. Smith is closing in on 500 wins and has won six state titles and seven city titles, both records. 8. CBS 2's Matt Zahn had the story on why Simeon Career Academy's leader decided now is the right time. The Blue Demons were led by thirty-sixth year head coach Doug Bruno and played their home games at the Wintrust Arena . Smith was a student . On 2/24, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Englewood Stem (Chicago, IL) by a score of 70-33. He is survived by a son, Robert Jr.; a daughter, Robyn; and a brother, Arthur. Simeon Betts (9) P, OF, IF . That was good for Chicago.. Chicago Simeon head coach Robert Smith (far right) yells from the sidelines. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. All of us just wanted to win. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. Retiring Simeon coach Robert Smith surpassed 500 career wins, spent most of the season ranked No. 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. But there is going to be a huge void in our sport, a huge void in city and high school basketball.. Evan Kanellos made the winning free throw with five seconds left. Upload it here. PG Sr. 5' 10" 160 lbs. Illinois High School Association records list him with 550 or 551 wins, against 145 losses. 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. By Matt Zahn. The Hawks are competing and playing as a cohesive group under Houston and are the top seed in their own Class 3A sectional. From 1927 to 1933, it was known as the Westcott Junior High . Smith is in his 19th and final season at Simeon. More family time was at the forefront, including being able to watch his youngest, Rob Jr., play more. Hes eager and wants to learn. 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 . The highly-successful and respected Houston didnt miss a beat. Simeon High School 8147 S. Vincennes (Google map, other maps) Chicago, IL 60620 Phone: 773-535-3200 Fax: 773-535-3465 School . We came out here and accomplished our goal. Mr. Hambric grew up on the South Side and played basketball at the old Parker High School. 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 / 4:50 PM / CBS Chicago. And I see a principal in that postgame crush pic.twitter.com/bV8P6il45f. College coaching is always something I wanted to do, Smith said. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. But there are so many coaches who have already helped their teams exceed preseason predictions or reach the high expectations placed on them. 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. McDonald's All-American. Ames led Kenwood with 22 points and Isaiah Green scored 11 in the fourth quarter to spearhead the comeback. 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. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. Simeon @ Washington 4:00 pm Sat, Dec. 13 Marion, IL High School Shootout 5:30 pm Sun, Dec. 14 Capital Market Shoot-Out TBA Mon, Dec. 15 Brooks @ Simeon 4:00pm Wed, Dec. 17 Simeon@ Morgan Park . On 2/28, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against St. Laurence (Burbank, IL) by a score of 50-42. Its not very normal for such a high-profile program and its coach to be so revered. PISCATAWAY - Even in defeat, St. Rose added to the legacy of an . No matter the star or the team, there were never big numbers thrown up at Simeon by individual players. Most of the time, we worked on our weaknesses. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. Deon Thomas, who did not play organized basketball until high school, became No. Vashon played Chicago Simeon in the OFallon Shootout at OFallon High School in OFallon, IL on Saturday February 4, 2023. . Football *David Thornton. Basketball; Football; A year ago New Trier finished with a school record 30 wins and reached a sectional championship. 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. His twin brother, Miles, added 15 points, six rebounds and five blocks. 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Hes simply one of the elite coaches in the state, and hes right in the picture again this season. Simeon coach Robert Smith cheers his team on against Curie in 2018. He went on to LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, where he was captain of the basketball team and an honors student. It hasnt really sunk in yet, Smith said. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Simeon All Access: Administrators, parents, coaches search for answers in wake of shooting death of 17-year-old Morgan Park student Tyrone Lawson after a Morgan Park Simeon basketball game at . It was great to have Derrick and Tim [Flowers] to help jump-start my career. And beat the likes of Joliet West, Kenwood and others along the way? On 2/22, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Solorio (Chicago, IL) by a score of 97-32. You have permission to edit this article. Simeon's Smith, Vashon's Irons bonded over basketball. It would be quite the ending to an amazingly successful run. Membership Options Live Broadcasts Current Stats Media requests Photo Galleries SmugMug Photos Athletic Director Podcasts Basketball Podcast with Coach Noszka Coach's Corner Podcast . "To go out on top?" The most recent was the Class 4A crown in 2012-13 which was the fourth consecutive championship for the Wolverines. 3 in 2013 and No. Smith's current Simeon squad is right near the top of the state rankings again and certainly have a shot to compete for another championship. In 2003, the name changed to Simeon Career Academy to make way for a brand-new school building. "College would have to be the right situation. 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. Belleville West played Chicago Simeon in a game at the O'Fallon Shootout at O'Fallon High School on Saturday February 2, 2019. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. 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. Revealing the high school basketball coach of the year candidates, Sectional final roundup: Simeon, St. Ignatius win in 3A; Oswego East takes down Joliet West in 4A, 2023 Chicago Sun-Times All-Area basketball team. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Submit Roster. 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. 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. 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. 8147 S. Vincennes Avenue Chicago, IL 60620 . Subscribe with this special offer to keep reading, (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). They are both playing basketball now, and I want to be able to give them my full attention. Coaches, ADs and staff who do not . 22 in 2018. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. "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. St. Ignatius, Grayslake Central and Marmion were the other local teams advancing to Class 3A supersectionals. But thats what having a seasoned pro on the bench will do for you. 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. [Smith] deserved it, Griffith said. There is a reason Heidkamp is a two-time City/Suburban Hoops Report Coach of the Year winner. VidSwap Coaching Tools; Join our Affiliate Program; Media Partners; Popular Sports. 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. 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 . This has been a program that won 23 games in back-to-back seasons in 2013-14 and 2014-15 with regional tiles. He made adjustments when needed, changing stylistically at times to even how he managed different rosters. Simeon High School Basketball; Simeon Girls Basketball. Smith said. His run at Simeon coincided with the Public Leagues most successful run of state titles. There wasnt extra stress, Rubin said. Smith has a career record of 480-92 with six state championships. The Broncos fans went wild. Latorre has led this senior-dominated group to the best season the program has had in 25 years. "I thought it was cross-country," Bankston said. Simeon's legendary coach who won 551 games in . 3: Michael Ratliff. The Class B Oklahoma high school boys basketball state tournament is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at State Fair Arena. Oswego East is at the top of the Southwest Prairie Conference yet again. (Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times) The best teams are analyzed and the top players are talked about all season long. But Smith has been around long enough to know it can mean everything. Simeon coach Robert Smith watches as the Wolverines play Kenwood. The conversations with him over the past few years led you to believe he was taking it year by year. THE HISTORY OF SIMEON / WESTCOTT HIGH SCHOOL. Vashon takes on another big-time Illinois foe when it hosts East St. Louis (18-6) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Robert Smith and Simeon are chasing another Chicago Public League championship. He made sure that we were confident. 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. Fax. 2: Jalen Griffith . [Smith] trusted his players, thats what was special about him, Parker said. Boys Basketball *Nathaniel Lloyd. Loyola recruit Miles Rubin led the top-ranked Wolverines (30-3) with 19 points, and Sam Lewis added 16. Smith went out on top, at least in the Public League. The No. You have to learn and understand how to make them better players and people. The Ben Wilson Gymnasium opened in 1989. Along the way we at times forget about those leading them: the coaches. Smith is stepping down at the end of the year. That's what makes it so special. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. In that time hes guided Chicagos Wolverines to seven city championships and a state-record six state championships. When asked about his favorite memory, a couple involving Rose and Parker stood out. But with a legendary coach like Smith, its so much more than the immediate retirement or why hes calling it a career. and made us make some other plays," Simeon coach Robert Smith said . For better or worse. Just four high school coaches are in the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame. Junior Chris Riddle added 10 points off the bench. He decided to return to Simeon instead and watched the Ramblers head to the Final Four. You started seeing the change across the city during [Smiths time]. Hes like a big brother to me.. Keep watching, it is coming. There were a handful of teams with massive preseason expectations when the season began. The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. 2022 Big East tournament winner. 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. Feb 28, 2023, 7 . 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. 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. This was his last one, and he had to go out with a win.. Then Simeon failed to score on its last possession. PF 596 PA 444 STREAK 1L. We are going to keep our eyes on the prize. He loves Simeon like I did. After everything weve been through all year our defense held up in those last two minutes of overtime.. After 19 years and 500 wins, legendary Simeon basketball coach aims to go out on top. Its a great friendship, Smith said. Watch online from home or on the go. On January 24, 2023, Simeon Coach Robert Smith made history, securing his 500th career win in boys high school basketball. We all have one more year to enjoy it and to celebrate the most successful high school coach in state history. "I want to spend more time with my kids. The Role of the AAU. Leonard Thomas. 773-535-3465/3236. Statistics are submitted to MaxPreps by coaches, athletic directors or program personnel. Simeon High School Basketball; Basketball Roster; Simeon Basketball Roster. Smith, 50, is 480-92 heading into his final season. . . Key Illinois high school baseball Week 10 games, computer rankings, stat leaders, schedules & scores - live & final. - Adaptable leadership approach used to get the most out of each player. We wont let the fans down. I personally remember several talks with Smith over the past year or two where he would openly discuss how he personally found other interests, outside of basketball, during the down time of Covid. Simeon was always a great reminder that keeping it simple and structured can lead to high-level success. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. 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. "I respect him and his family for trusting me. On Jan. 24, Smith picked up win 500 when his Wolverines beat Brooks 82-36. Tim Flowers is sort of a son of Simeon. Did you hear his praise of Glenbard West over the past 12 months? Last chance! There wasn't much Robert Smith hadn't accomplished in his 19-year career at Simeon Career Academy. 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. The Hawks are 25-3, emerged as the best team in the south suburbs and are a legitimate state threat in Class 3A. 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. Most of the talent went to Public League schools, and players stopped going to Catholic schools.. First published on February 8, 2023 / 4:50 PM. 1. 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. The best teams are analyzed and the top players are talked about all season long. 1 sectional seed. Rankings from AP poll. MaxPreps is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Jabari Parker High School Basketball Highlights. Photographer Ricky Slaughter has posted a new gallery Simeon vs. Vashon (Bank of O'Fallon Shootout) containing 65 photos. Theres no added pressure because that is always the focus. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. It keeps you working because you have to work for them. But Velasquez, who is 131-31 in the past six seasons, worked a pair of transfers into the mix and kept the Wolves humming. By Joe Henricksen. 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I wanted 500 wins, and hopefully I can get that next year. We were always synchronized and organized..