Simeon makes big statement
No. 2Wolverines show they’re a team to be reckoned with
Simeon isn’t stocked with high major seniors this season, but the Wolverines appeared to be something better Saturday in the Chicago Elite Classic at UIC: a cohesive, fast team that is more than the sum of its parts.
The No. 2 Wolverines beat Gonzaga of Washington, D. C., the fourth- ranked team in the country by USA Today, 73- 58. Evan Gilyard, Kezo Brown and Kejuan Clements handled the ball and pushed the tempo. Messiah Jones did the dirty work, blocking shots and grabbing rebounds.
‘‘ This style of play fits us very well,’’ Gilyard said. ‘‘ We get up and down. We find each other. We get open shots.’’
Simeon more than lived up to its No. 23 ranking in USA Today.
Meanwhile, No. 1 Curie knocked off defending Class 3A champion Belleville Althoff at the Marshall County Shootout in Benton, Kentucky. That’s one of the most prestigious national events of the season, so it’s possible the Condors will find themselves in the national rankings this week.
There has been a lot of talk about howthe individual talent level is down across the state. That’s true, but the first two weeks have revealed there are some exceptional teams. It’s still early, but it looks like the top five teams in the Super 25 are capable of hanging with the best teams in the country.
Top performances
Talen-Horton- Tucker, Simeon: The junior looked like a high school version of LeBron James on Saturday. He finished with 26 points, 14 rebounds and four assists.
Teyvion Kirk, Joliet West: The senior point guard simply broke down a talented North Lawndale squad to lead the Tigers to their biggest victory in ages. He had 27 points and nine rebounds and missed only one shot.
Elijah Joiner, Curie: Put his name in the Player of the Year conversation. Joiner hasn’t been a big scorer in his career, but he turned it on Saturday. The Tulsa recruit had 31 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in the victory against Althoff.
Coreyoun Rushin, Westinghouse: The Warriors are a team to keep an eye on, and he’s the reason. The senior had 31 points, 14 rebounds and eight blocks in a victory Tuesday against King.
Antwone Lampkin, Wells: There is talent all over the city, not just in the Red Division. Raiders coach Michael Horton referred to Lampkin as the ‘‘ Charlie Moore of the Blue’’ during the preseason. Lampkin lived up to the hype Thursday. He scored 32 points, including some clutch free throws, to seal an overtime victory against Clemente. He was 8- for- 11 from three- point range.
Thisweek’s top games
Fremd at Conant, Friday: The Cougars have received all the hype in the Mid- Suburban League, but the Vikings are off to a great start and earned a spot in the Super 25 this week. Always a jam- packed rivalry game, this one will have an extra spark.
Marian Catholic vs. Orr at Moraine Valley, Sunday: The Spartans need a victory to stay in the rankings. Orr has a big week ahead, with a road game Wednesday at Young before this one.
Morgan Park at Bogan, Tuesday: Always one of the wildest games of the season. The Bengals have a lot to prove, and you can bet they would love to do it against their biggest rivals.