Benjamin Wilson Jr. (March 18, 1967 - November 21, 1984) was an American high school basketball player from Chicago, Illinois. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has played a big role since the 1980s. People think we dont like each other, but that isnt the case. In that time hes guided Chicagos Wolverines to seven city championships and a state-record six state championships. Simeon Coaches' Directory. and made us make some other plays," Simeon coach Robert Smith said . Smith made his debut as Simeons coach in 2004, the same night Derrick Rose made his for Simeon. [Flowers] has the passion, Smith said. His twin brother, Miles, added 15 points, six rebounds and five blocks. He decided to return to Simeon instead and watched the Ramblers head to the Final Four. CENTRALIA, Ill. East St. Louis senior Macaleab Rich can be a little stubborn at times. What a breakout season its been for Marist basketball and Hynes. The Trevians are 27-4 heading into this weeks Central Suburban League regular-season finale with Niles North. 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. The Red Devils began the season unranked and have climbed into the top 10. Michigan State recruit Jeremy Fears Jr. fouled out in the final minutes. Simeon High School Basketball; Basketball Roster; Simeon Basketball Roster. Illinois High School Association records list him with 550 or 551 wins, against 145 losses. Carmel (Chicago, IL) by a score of 70-47. Simeon and Kenwood are both top contenders in the state playoffs. Simeon High School 8147 S. Vincennes (Google map, other maps) Chicago, IL 60620 Phone: 773-535-3200 Fax: 773-535-3465 School . Smith, who is Simeons athletic director, will hand the head-coaching job over to Flowers, Roses good friend and former teammate. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. Cheerleading and Dance Volleyball Wrestling Soccer Basketball Football. 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. College coaching is always something I wanted to do, Smith said. . (Ed Wagner, Jr., Chicago Tribune) . Smith, a Simeon graduate, nearly took an assistant job at Loyola under Porter Moser in 2017. 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 Role of the AAU. Simeon wins the city title. The Trevians, however, graduated four of five starters, including all-area performer Jackson Munro. Pocket. His team buckled down defensively in overtime, not allowing Kenwood a field goal. And since the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, another one ending with Simeon winning a state trophy, the retirement thoughts intensified. 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 The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. Rob carried himself with the highest level of professionalism and had the highest level of respect from so many different people, said Slaughter. The plan was to win city. "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. The most recent was the Class 4A crown in 2012-13 which was the fourth consecutive championship for the Wolverines. And I see a principal in that postgame crush pic.twitter.com/bV8P6il45f. He instilled discipline with his players and in how they played. While state tournament runs put together by their teams do matter, there are a number of Coach of the Year candidates throughout the area. There wasnt extra stress, Rubin said. 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 . All rights reserved. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. Collinsville played Chicago Simeon in the final game of the OFallon Shootout on Saturday February 8, 2020. For better or worse. 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. 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. For better or worse. 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 . Wilson, a Neal F. Simeon Vocational High School basketball player, was regarded as the top high school player in the U.S. by scouts and coaches attending the 1984 Athletes For Better Education basketball camp. Print. It probably will later. But thats what having a seasoned pro on the bench will do for you. Smith was always handing out compliments to the very few teams that did manage to beat his and to players that deserved it. We came out here and accomplished our goal. It keeps you working because you have to work for them. Smith said it's the trust of the parents to send their kids to Simeon that has allowed him to be so successful. "He used to have a saying, 'Come the fourth quarter, you'll see who can play.'". But with a legendary coach like Smith, its so much more than the immediate retirement or why hes calling it a career. MaxPreps is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Jabari Parker High School Basketball Highlights. 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. Mr. Hambric grew up on the South Side and played basketball at the old Parker High School. 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. Simeon coach Robert Smith cheers his team on against Curie in 2018. I wanted 500 wins, and hopefully I can get that next year. They are both playing basketball now, and I want to be able to give them my full attention. The list includes some familiar names and past winners, along with some under-appreciated coaches who are receiving their due. David Kvidahl is a columnist for STL High School Sports. Grayslake Central knocked off Lake Forest 46-33, and Marmion beat Burlington Central 71-58 to win its first sectional since 1976. On 2/22, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their neutral playoff game against Solorio (Chicago, IL) by a score of 97-32. Me and Coach Smith are like family, Irons said. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. Im baffled., Suspect charged in fatal shooting in downtown St. Louis, Former Sweetie Pies TV star Tim Norman gets two life sentences in nephews death, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol slams ump C.B. Crystal Lake South coach Gary Collins concurs. February 8, 2023 / 4:50 PM / CBS Chicago. HOME 3-7 AWAY 3-5 NEUTRAL 5-5. . Its a great friendship, Smith said. Simeon coach Robert Smith checks the clock as the Wolverines defeat New Trier at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. You have to be over the top. He made adjustments when needed, changing stylistically at times to even how he managed different rosters. He is always so stoic. Simeon coach Robert Smith watches as the Wolverines play Kenwood. On 2/3, the Simeon varsity basketball team won their home non-conference game against Clark (Chicago, IL) by a score of 78-41. Parker had his choice of schools across the country but chose Simeon. Over the next 18 years, Smith took the program to new heights. But there are teams, on paper, with more talent than Simeon, and Smith continues to always be able to navigate and right a ship just perfectly. How about 480 wins and just 92 losses and likely another 25-plus victories coming next year? Hinsdale Central, now 28-3 on the season, hasnt lost since mid-December and is riding a 20-game winning streak. Please enter valid email address to continue. Guards Sam Lewis and Jalen Griffith each scored 11. "I watched some other guys stick around too long. 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. 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. Smith was a student . 773-535-3465/3236. Earlier today I was thinking about games I played in before and all the seasons Ive coached.. 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. Were talking six state championships and four other top four finishes at state that earned state trophies. Won two gold medals with USA Basketball. Latorre has led this senior-dominated group to the best season the program has had in 25 years. Deon Thomas, who did not play organized basketball until high school, became No. CHICAGO (CBS) - The most successful boys high school . 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 . "Just for that moment, to embrace them as players, and as people.". Membership Options Live Broadcasts Current Stats Media requests Photo Galleries SmugMug Photos Athletic Director Podcasts Basketball Podcast with Coach Noszka Coach's Corner Podcast . We are building something special over here, Irvin said. Upload it here. Service information was not immediately available. Stephen Edelson. "I love Simeon," Smith said. But this was positive. Here's an overview of the eight contenders. 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Rubin led Simeon with 21 points and six rebounds. Smith would always provide perspective after losses. 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. Girls Cross Country Head Coach: TBA. Ames led Kenwood with 22 points and Isaiah Green scored 11 in the fourth quarter to spearhead the comeback. Hes eager and wants to learn. 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. 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. Boys Basketball *Corey Bradford. 1 and just recently capped off the regular season with a city championship. Smith has stressed that this season is about the kids, not his farewell tour. By Matt Zahn. Feb 21, 2023, 9:26am PST. 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. Rose and . The new mayor has the power to physically remake the city or large portions of it. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. The Red Devils have nearly always been competitive under Latorre. 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. (Ed Wagner, Jr., Chicago Tribune) 1979-80. This was his last one, and he had to go out with a win.. Simeon will face Hillcrest on Monday in the UIC Supersectional. "I want to spend more time with my kids. Mr. Hambric's wife, Phyllis Hambric, preceded him in death. Simeon High School Basketball; Simeon Girls Basketball. No. Simeon coach Robert Smith coaches from the sidelines at far left. Among those teams, however, there was one that lived up to the hype over three months of basketball better than any. The Wolverines had led by 20 to start the fourth quarter, but the city championship was going to overtime. Hes probably the only person that has a winning record against me, Smith said with a smile. The veteran coach has had a solid decade-plus run at Hinsdale Central. 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 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. Smiths program produced multiple NBA players: Rose, Jabari Parker, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and more. All of us just wanted to win. We knew what we had to do, and weve known since day one. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Hes like a big brother to me.. The best teams are analyzed and the top players are talked about all season long. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. And beat the likes of Joliet West, Kenwood and others along the way? The 2021-22 DePaul Blue Demons women's basketball team represented DePaul University during the 2021-22 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. He led the program to new heights, beginning with to back-to-back Class AA state championships led by Rose in 2006 and 2007. 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. And while he won and won bigger than anyone he never, ever was full of himself or took himself too seriously. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. Smiths early success at Simeon attracted the citys best players. Simeon coach Robert Smith and Derrick Rose embrace after Roses final high school game, the 2007 state championship. . His name was Ben Wilson, and he attended Simeon High School in Chicago. 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. Players (14) Staff (9) Do you have a team photo? February 8, 2023 / 7:41 PM Vashon made it moot as it pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 56-46 win over Simeon in the OFallon Shootout on Saturday at the Panther Dome on the campus of OFallon High. Led the Tigers to a 28-5 record heading into the Class 4A sectional final. 1. Its been great the two times.. 3: Michael Ratliff. The Class B Oklahoma high school boys basketball state tournament is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at State Fair Arena. 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. "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. Rankings from AP poll. 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. There were a handful of teams with massive preseason expectations when the season began. And thats because they had other plans, Smith said. 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. 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. Lawmakers and others should not seek to undo laws meant to protect people from gun violence. Simeon coach Robert Smith coaches from the sidelines at far left. . Simeon coach Robert Smith watches as the Wolverines play Kenwood. {{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. Simeon and other top Chicago basketball powers don't produce all of that talent alone. 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. In the 1990s, Mr. Hambric put together a stretch of 10 straight 20-win seasons. 2 Benet squeaked past Geneva 35-34, and Kenwood beat Brother Rice 72-67. MaxPreps is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. 2023 IHSA Boys Basketball State Championships (Illinois) Class 3A, Photos: Simeon vs. Vashon (Bank of O'Fallon Shootout). Simeon faces Curie Thursday night in the Public League semifinals as Smith chases his eighth city championship. And thats not even because of all the wins and titles which are obvious. 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. 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)