Whose vault is that? Simeon’s
Simeon has as many detractors around the state as it does admirers. That’s what happens after two decades of extreme success.
There’s always a chorus of cheers when the Wolverines drop out of the Super 25, which was unthinkable for years but has become fairly commonplace the last two seasons.
It was a statement week for Simeon. The Wolverines have vaulted back up to No. 13 after knocking off Morgan Park (on the road) and Notre Dame.
Simeon doesn’t have a superloaded team, but the group is full of potential. St. Laurence transfer Jeremiah Williams seems to have found his stride the last two weeks, and some of the young players have picked up valuable experience throughout the season.
The Wolverines were in a similar spot at this point last season: middling record, general public unconvinced. Then they won a Class 4A sectional and lost to Curie on a buzzer-beater in the Northwestern Supersectional.
Not missing a beat
Lincoln Park’s recent run without coach Pat Gordon has been rather remarkable.
The Lions have knocked off Lane, Marshall, Joliet West, Payton, Galesburg, Farragut and a team from Michigan without Gordon.
Junior Ismail Habib, who has been a dominant force in the Public League the last two seasons, has led the way.
Gordon hasn’t received an update recently on his situation. He was suspended in early January. The CPS Office of Student Protections is investigating claims that a student had sex in Detroit, social media may be involved and Gordon knew about it. Gordon is not being accused of improper contact with a student and says he was not aware of any incident.
Super 25 new additions
Fenwick (18-4): This was a bit of a no-brainer after the Simeon win. The Friars are very young, so they will continue to be up and down most likely, but the talent is certainly there.
York (21-3): The Dukes are a significant threat. Nate Shockey is hard to stop, and the team defense is exceptional.
Dropping out
St. Charles North (14-5): The North Stars have hit a rough patch, losing to Wheaton-Warrenville South and Libertyville.
Niles North (19-4): Lost to Clark on Sunday but could be back soon.
The week ahead
Thornton at Bloom, Tuesday: The rematch has arrived. The Blazing Trojans fell short at the buzzer against Evanston on Saturday and desperately need a big win to get their mojo back. Bloom is the state’s most talented team but hasn’t proved it so far. Thornton is a defensive monster with incredible chemistry and is still playing with a chip on its shoulder.
Loyola at Evanston, Tuesday: The Ramblers have a showy record but haven’t assembled the résumé to really climb the rankings. That could change with a win here. It will be interesting to see how Tom Livatino’s defensiveminded team tries to slow down the Wildkits.
Tinley Park at Oak Forest, Friday: The area’s hoop junkies enjoyed the junior showdown of Max Christie vs. Bryce Hopkins on Saturday at Glenbard East. This is the sophomore version. Tinley Park’s AJ Casey and Oak Forest’s Robbie Avila are good friends and former junior high teammates. The south suburbs have been buzzing about this matchup all season.