He led the program to new heights, beginning with to back-to-back Class AA state championships led by Rose in 2006 and 2007. All rights reserved. The most recent was the Class 4A crown in 2012-13 which was the fourth consecutive championship for the Wolverines. Saturdays win was the second time Vashon and Irons bested Smith and Simeon. Smith made his debut as Simeons coach in 2004, the same night Derrick Rose made his for Simeon. We will enjoy this for a few days and then we will regroup and try to fix some things and try to go win another state championship, Smith said. 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. The Trevians will face Libertyville, a 60-42 winner against Prospect, on Monday in the NOW Arena Supersectional in Hoffman Estates. The Westcott building on Normal Avenue was occupied by the Calumet High School until 1926. 8147 S Vincennes Chicago, IL 60620-1761. And they generally always played with such pride. After 19 years and 500 wins, legendary Simeon basketball coach aims to go out on top. 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. 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 . All the best players wanted to come to Simeon because of Coach Rob, Parker said. Rankings from AP poll. Smith has stressed that this season is about the kids, not his farewell tour. 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 veteran coach has had a solid decade-plus run at Hinsdale Central. "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. 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. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. Illinois high school boys basketball: IHSA rankings, postseason brackets, stats leaders, schedules and scores . The players have repeatedly said they havent felt extra pressure to make sure that Smiths final season was a success. Loyola recruit Miles Rubin led the top-ranked Wolverines (30-3) with 19 points, and Sam Lewis added 16. You have to be over the top. And do so with small college basketball prospects and an Ivy Leaguer? 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. On 2/22, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Solorio (Chicago, IL) by a score of 97-32. 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 . On 3/3, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Chicago Mt. Especially in a game he wanted to win against a protg. It probably will later. He is survived by a son, Robert Jr.; a daughter, Robyn; and a brother, Arthur. Smith, 40, will have accomplished everything he set out to do at the high school level if he coaches his Simeon team to a fifth state championship in his eight-year career. Cheerleading and Dance Volleyball Wrestling Soccer Basketball Football. The next highly-regarded prospect to play under Smith was Jabari Parker, who captured four consecutive Class 4A state titles while earning MaxPreps National Player of the Year honors in 2013. It wasnt just city and state championships. Simeon head coach Robert Smith looking on during the 2019 IHSA Class 4A Super-Sectional title game. [Flowers] has the passion, Smith said. I want to spend more time with my kids, Smith said. Simeon wins the city title. 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. This was a team that was ranked in the preseason and had visions of playing in Champaign. It hasnt really sunk in yet, Smith said. But we are going to win a state championship. 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. 2005-2023 CBS Interactive. The Redbirds will face top-ranked Chicago Simeon in the Class 3A state semifinals on Friday at State Farm Center in Champaign. Latest Updates. He was always pretty private. 3 - Kray Rogers - 6-2 - Jr. - 14.3 2 - Jaxon Willits - 6-0 - Sr. - 11.6 22 - Blayke Nunn - 6-2 . Simeon High School Basketball Sync Games to Calendar Featured; Broadcast Schedule ; On Demand . Chicago Simeon eventually plied victory away from Moline 67-66 on January 21 in Illinois boys high school basketball action. 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. 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. Most of the talent went to Public League schools, and players stopped going to Catholic schools.. On Jan. 24, Smith picked up win 500 when his Wolverines beat Brooks 82-36. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. We did it. Meet the Team. . 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 coach Robert Smith cheers his team on against Curie in 2018. And since the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, another one ending with Simeon winning a state trophy, the retirement thoughts intensified. "I love Simeon," Smith said. Richard Barron led St. Ignatius to 50-43 victory against Fenwick. Latest Updates. Simeon faces Curie Thursday night in the Public League semifinals as Smith chases his eighth city championship. He understands basketball and is good with the kids.. 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. 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. There wasnt extra stress, Rubin said. I wanted them to hear it from me and not read it somewhere.. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. 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. On 2/28, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against St. Laurence (Burbank, IL) by a score of 50-42. Simeons Wes Rubin celebrates after the Wolverines defeat Kenwood in the Public League championship game. Anderson is the sixth recipient of the Mr . I always tell people that [legendary Simeon coach Bob Hambric] could have stayed and coached those guys and won more titles himself. Most of the time, we worked on our weaknesses. 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 . On 2/3, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their home non-conference game against Clark (Chicago, IL) by a score of 78-41. This is the second title-game appearance for the Broncos, who lost to Simeon in 2016 as well. 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. "Just for that moment, to embrace them as players, and as people.". (Ed Wagner, Jr., Chicago Tribune) 1979-80. 50-42 (W) Simeon vs. St. Laurence On 2/28, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against St. Laurence (Burbank, IL) by a score of 50-42 . 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.. The plan was to win city. Smith said that out of the hundreds of varsity basketball players he has coached since 2004, just three or four didnt go to college. Smith said it's the trust of the parents to send their kids to Simeon that has allowed him to be so successful. 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. 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. 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. The address was changed from 8235 S. Vincennes Ave. to 8147 S. Vincennes Ave. (Ed Wagner, Jr., Chicago Tribune) . Leonard Thomas. The Wolverines could be the areas preseason No. Oswego East has been a fixture in the top 25 all season and settled in as the No. You have permission to edit this article. There is a reason Heidkamp is a two-time City/Suburban Hoops Report Coach of the Year winner. 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 . 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. Hes like a big brother to me.. Volunteer to be the statistician. Michael Gulledge, Special to STLhighschoolsports.com, Collinsville guard Cawhan Smith (left) dribbles downcourt as he is closely guarded by Simeon player Jaylen Drane. You started seeing the change across the city during [Smiths time]. There was a problem saving your notification. The Red Devils began the season unranked and have climbed into the top 10. a future NBA Most Valuable Player who made Simeon the first Chicago Public League School team to win back-to-back state championships. 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. 42 W. Madison StreetChicago, IL 60602773-553-1000, Chicago Public Schools Office of Sports Administration, 2651 W. Washington BoulevardChicago, IL 60612773-534-0700 | sportsad@cps.edu, Elementary Sports Registration Hard Copy (ENG / SPAN), Elementary CPS Concussion Information Form, High School Girls Flag Football Initiative, Prep Bowl: Catholic League vs. Public League, IHSA High School Transgender Student-Athlete Policy. Simeon High School . Knowing he'd hit another career milestone this season helped make the decision a little easier. Simeon lost in the state semifinals last year. 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. 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 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. Thank you : Master at his Craft: Longtime Collinsville Middle School girls basketball coach retires. Smith has been head coach at Simeon for over 19 years, succeeding the legendary Bob Hambric and has coached NBA stars such as Derrick Rose, Jabari Parker, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and more. Illinois high school football playoff brackets, schedule, computer rankings, statewide stat leaders and scores - live and final. Simeon's legendary coach who won 551 games in . Mr. Hambric, 69, died . Simeon Coaches' Directory. Along the way we at times forget about those leading them: the coaches. That's what makes it so special. Im sure Simeon will hire a quality replacement, said Slaugher. His team buckled down defensively in overtime, not allowing Kenwood a field goal. 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 . OVERALL 11-17 0.39 Win % CONFERENCE 3-5 6th in Conference. The Redwings will face Rockford Auburn on Monday in the NIU Supersectional, and the Broncos will face Downers Grove North at the UIC Supersectional. 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. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. Chase Lewis picked a perfect time to cut loose. Were talking six state championships and four other top four finishes at state that earned state trophies. Boys Basketball. 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. PG Sr. 5' 10" 160 lbs. The Bob Hambric era begins in 1980 with the mid-season firing of Lamont Bryant . Heck, there is hardly any bravado at all from a coach who could have shown a lot 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. That's about as much as Robert Smith celebrates, he isn't the jumping around type. Wilson was regarded as the top high school player in the country by many coaches and scouts. Robert Smith swore there was a jump ball. Simeon High School 8147 S. Vincennes (Google map, other maps) Chicago, IL 60620 Phone: 773-535-3200 Fax: 773-535-3465 School . Carmel (Chicago, IL) by a score of 70-47. Playing for Smith and Simeon absolutely means something to the players in this program, both present and past. 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. There were a handful of teams with massive preseason expectations when the season began. Girls Cross Country Head Coach: TBA. He made adjustments when needed, changing stylistically at times to even how he managed different rosters. "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. 3 in 2013 and No. Senior Wes Rubin sealed it with a dunk and Simeon beat Kenwood 72-64 at Credit Union 1 Arena to win the city title. Those guys have been great, so humble. 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. [Smith] trusted his players, thats what was special about him, Parker said. Thats a rare combination. Sport *Dante Culbreath (head) Football *Dennis Butler . Simeon head coach Robert Smith looking on during the 2019 IHSA Class 4A Super-Sectional title game. But there is going to be a huge void in our sport, a huge void in city and high school basketball.. Me and Coach Smith are like family, Irons said. A rock solid senior group, which included four key players, departed. For better or worse. While he's still clearly on top of his game when it comes to coaching at a high level, he's decided this is his last season. 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. And thats because they had other plans, Smith said. MaxPreps is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Jabari Parker High School Basketball Highlights. 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. Slaughter, who says he and Smith were once vicious adversaries but became close friends over the years, saw the class he oozed. 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. Simeon coach Robert Smith watches as the Wolverines play Kenwood. Flipboard. Simeon was always a great reminder that keeping it simple and structured can lead to high-level success. Simeon and Kenwood are both top contenders in the state playoffs. Along the way we at times forget about those leading them: the coaches. In that scenario, with his high school teammate and best friend, Nick Anderson, at his side, Wilson surely would have flourished at that level. As a result, his basketball acumen and work ethic often went unnoticed. Parker had his choice of schools across the country but chose Simeon. 3 seed in the Bolingbrook Sectional. But what a job Velasquez has done this season in keeping the Wolves relevant and among the top teams in the area. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. On 2/24, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Englewood Stem (Chicago, IL) by a score of 70-33. Earlier today I was thinking about games I played in before and all the seasons Ive coached.. Twitter Water Polo: Schedule Water Polo: Roster Water Polo: News Basketball Basketball: Twitter Basketball: Schedule Basketball: . 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 Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. That resonated with his players and assistant coaches. Roundup of Missouri boys basketball postseason games based on stats reported by each team. Boys Basketball *William Buford. But with a legendary coach like Smith, its so much more than the immediate retirement or why hes calling it a career. Neal F. Simeon Career Academy (formerly known as Westcott Vocational High School, Neal F. Simeon Vocational High School, Neal F. Simeon Career Technical Academy), locally known simply as Simeon, is a public four-year vocational high school located in the Chatham area on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, United States.Simeon is a part of the Chicago Public Schools district. Children. February 8, 2023 / 7:41 PM As a father-figure coach, he is stern while offering endless support and instilling confidence when needed. 0:05. Crystal Lake South coach Gary Collins concurs. We are building something special over here, Irvin said. Mr. Hambric grew up on the South Side and played basketball at the old Parker High School. Theres no added pressure because that is always the focus. This has been a program that won 23 games in back-to-back seasons in 2013-14 and 2014-15 with regional tiles. I was able to tell the kids about my decision today. Junior Chris Riddle added 10 points off the bench. Simeon will face Hillcrest on Monday in the UIC Supersectional. Simeon coach Robert Smith coaches from the sidelines at far left. . The Metamora High School boys basketball team earned its first trip to the state finals in school history with a Class 3A super-sectional victory over Wheaton St. Francis on Monday night in Ottawa. Mr. Hambric, 69, died of cancer on Friday, said Marque Riley, Simeon athletic director. This retirement is about all that Smith has meant to the sport and, specifically, Public League basketball. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. But he wanted me to be successful, he wanted me to get off to a good start. Feb 28, 2023. 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. Coaches, ADs and staff who do not . Pocket. Tim Vizer/Special to STLhighschoolsports.com. Football *David Thornton. Hynes, a Marist graduate who was an assistant under former coach Gene Nolan from 2007-2018, has revitalized the program. After 19 years and 500 wins, legendary Simeon basketball coach aims to go out on top. Simeon High School basketball player Ben Wilson on Nov. 13, 1984. 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. He was set to have a successful NBA career, but that never happened because he was killed while he was in high school. Ben Wilson with Simeon coach Bob Hambric (left) in November of 1984. 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. The conversations with him over the past few years led you to believe he was taking it year by year. He went on to LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, where he was captain of the basketball team and an honors student. By Matt Zahn. On January 24, 2023, Simeon Coach Robert Smith made history, securing his 500th career win in boys high school basketball. 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. It was a statement win for Vashon (13-7) against nationally ranked Simeon (24-3). Smith has been head coach at Simeon for over 19 years, succeeding the legendary Bob Hambric and has coached NBA stars such as Derrick Rose, Jabari Parker, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and more. Simeon Career Academy773-535-3200. Its always good competing against him, though. By Joe Henricksen. But more than whats on paper or in the record books or who hes coached, Smith has earned a level of respect from everyone in the sport that so few are truly able to earn. On 2/11, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Kenwood (Chicago, IL) by a score of 72-64. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. Print. Contact. CHICAGO (CBS) - The most successful boys high school . The most unfamiliar coaching name on this short list is very much deserving of a whole lot of recognition. 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. Two teams playing in a packed house. During the early 1980s, the city of Chicago featured one of the best high school basketball players in the country. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Area college signings: NCAA Division I and II, Area college signings: NCAA Division III, NAIA, JUCO, 4 killed, 4 critically injured in crash at South Grand Boulevard and Forest Park Avenue, Parents push back on allegations against St. Louis transgender center. CHICAGO (CBS) The most successful boys high school basketball coach in Illinois history is getting set to step down. The list includes some familiar names and past winners, along with some under-appreciated coaches who are receiving their due. Watch online from home or on the go. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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Photos by @acphoto22. For better or worse. Hinsdale Central, now 28-3 on the season, hasnt lost since mid-December and is riding a 20-game winning streak. ''Out here, very few go on to play Division I basketball,'' he says. The Hawks are 25-3, emerged as the best team in the south suburbs and are a legitimate state threat in Class 3A. PF 1119 PA 1294 STREAK 1L. He looks after so many, both the high-profile ones and those looking for a small college opportunity. Did you hear his praise of Glenbard West over the past 12 months? The 2022-23 DePaul Blue Demons men's basketball team represents DePaul University during the 2022-23 NCAA Division I men's basketball season.They are led by second-year head coach Tony Stubblefield and play their home games at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois as members of the Big East Conference.. On January 10, 2023, DePaul defeated Villanova for the first time since 2008, snapping a . This is what it is about, everyone supporting these kids. Just four high school coaches are in the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame. . Ive completed my goals, Smith said. Here's an overview of the eight contenders. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. 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. Stats are entered by the coach or designated team statistician in the admin. 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 . We were always synchronized and organized.. "That hug from Derrick in the last state championship and that hug from Jabari that last state championship, those meant a lot," Smith said.