Simeon Wins CPS Hoops Title
Photo credit: Steve Stearns
Simeon star Jabari Parker had one of the best seats in the house during Friday’s Public League basketball championship game last night at Chicago State. Parker was on the bench for most of the first half after picking up two quick fouls in the title game against Curie (24-2).
Simeon overcame the foul situation thanks to the fine play of junior Kendrick Nunn and senior Steve Taylor who is headed to Marquette.
The Wolverines (25-1) won the CPS basketball championship for the sixth time in school history 53-49 as Nunn scored 15 points and Taylor added 11 points and 15 rebounds.
“We pulled it out and that’s all that matters,” said Parker after the win. “It was frustrating but at the same time, we had the lead so I had to calm down. I give my teammates all their credit.”
“The difference between this team and other teams it’s not one-dimensional,” said Simeon head coach Robert Smith, who won his 322nd game. “Some guys dug deep and was able to play defense. I’m never concerned about losing. Anytime we step out here we expect to win.”
“They are champions,” Curie head coach Mike Oliver said after the defeat. “They have two state championships. They have three (high school) All-Americans. They are a good basketball team. They know how to win.”
Parker, who averages 26 ppg, rarely gets into foul trouble as Simeon beat Curie for the second time this season.
Simeon was protecting an early 9-7 lead when Parker was called his second foul with 3:34 left in the opening quarter.
The Wolverines took care of business without its superstar. Simeon eventually built a 10-point lead at halftime without Parker by limiting Curie to only three points in the second quarter. Nunn and Taylor combined for 16 points in the first half.
Curie struggled against Simeon’s man-to-man defense missing 12-of-17 shots.
Curie sophomore Cliff Alexander was never a factor in this contest. Alexander was held to only one basket and four points by Taylor after picking up two fouls in the opening quarter.
Devin Foster led the Condors with 19 points while Malcom Hill-Bey came off the bench to score 11 points.
Curie was making its first ever appearance in the Public League championship while Simeon entered Chicago State with five state titles and five CPS basketball championships.
“We have set a goal (of winning city and state),” said Smith. “They want to make history. I make history. We all make history together.”
Parker made his presence felt in the second half scoring nine points as Simeon built a 17-point advantage in the final quarter.
The Condors rallied behind Bey and Foster who combined to score 17 points in the fourth quarter as Curie cut the lead to 51-47 with 9.8 seconds left.
Simeon has its eyes set on winning the state title for the sixth time, but the Wolverines must now prepare to face De La Salle(15-5)tonight at Proviso West.
Simeon could also see Curie for a third time in the state playoffs.
The road back to Peoria won’t be easy for Simeon.
Where are the game photos? Here and on our Facebook page.
Related posts:
- Simeon wins back-to-back state titles
- Simeon advances to title game
- Simeon goes to finals again. Wins 56-53 over Glenbard East
- Simeon tops Mather in CPS quarterfinals
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