Simeon, Orr advance to city title game
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Simeon guard Kejuan Clements knew the Wolverines’ victory against Young and Orr’s victory against Curie in the Public League semifinals Friday at Chicago State set up the matchup basketball fans have been waiting to see all season.
‘‘ It’s what the city wanted, the best of theWest [ Side] vs. the best of the South [ Side],’’ Clements said. ‘‘ We have to want it more.’’
The championship game will be at 4 p. m. Sunday at Chicago State.
No. 1 Simeon beat theNo. 4 Dolphins 64- 53. The Wolverines ( 24- 3) opened a 17- 4 lead before Young closed to three at the half. Simeon then dominated the third quarter.
Despite impressive talent on both teams, the play was sluggish. The teams were a combined 0- for- 17 from three- point range.
‘‘ It was the second- worst game we’ve played all year,’’ Wolverines coach Robert Smith said. ‘‘ It just was a terrible game on our end. I thought defensively we were good. Offensively we were terrible.’’
Messiah Jones led Simeon with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Talen HortonTucker added 16 points and nine rebounds.
‘‘ It’s just a wake- up call that everyone isn’t going to lay down for us,’’ HortonTucker said. ‘‘ We have to keep our composure and close everyone down. It is always a revenge game when you play Young. They beat us in the state championship game [ last season].’’
Javon Freeman led the Dolphins ( 22- 7) with 18 points. Sophomore Tyler Beard added 13.
No. 3 Orr dominated No. 2 Curie 71- 59 in the first semifinal. The Spartans played with intensity and precision in the first half, opening a 38- 24 lead.
‘‘ We knew that we had to throw the first punch,’’ Orr coach Lou Adams said. ‘‘ We played probably the best first half we’ve ever played, and we needed it.’’
Dannie Smith led the Spartans ( 23- 3) with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Raekwon Drake added 16 points and Chase Adams 14.
‘‘ We owed Curie,’’ Smith said. ‘‘ They beat us the second game of the season. As the leader, I got the team together. We came out, and we wanted to win. We want to be the first team in Orr history to win the city championship, and it is looking good right now.’’
Maurice Commander led the Condors ( 23- 4) with 16 points, and MarquiseWalker added 12.
Orr has wanted to play Simeon all season. The Wolverines have traveled around the country and have proved to be one of the best teams in the nation. They haven’t lost to an in- state opponent.
‘‘ We want to prove that we can be the No. 1 team in the country,’’ Smith said. ‘‘ We have some great players.’’
Horton- Tucker said it is business as usual for defending city champion Simeon.
‘‘ We keep to ourselves; we don’t talk much,’’ HortonTucker said. ‘‘ If they wanted us, then they got what they wanted.
‘‘ At Simeon, it is city and state championship or bust. Wewon city the last two years. I just want to win state.”