simeon vs. evanston supersectional matchup

All season coach Robert Smith reminds his team, fans and the media that if his team (Simeon) doesn't play better as a group, they will not win anything. This was the case again, as the Wolverines (31-1) knocked off Evanston (21-11), 59-34, in the Class 4A Chicago State Supersectional at Chicago State University. "We didn't play very good at all," Smith said. "We didn't play Simeon basketball — too much individual play. We're not going to win if we don't play better and we just rely on Jabari to make baskets. We've got to do some stuff in our offense. When you get down there, you have to execute." Junior phenom Jabari Parker got the memo, especially in the second half, where he stepped up and finished with a double, 19 points, 11 boards, plus 5 blocks. Coach Smith shared after the game that "I got on him and Steve (Taylor) a little at halftime and let them know they have to carry us all the way through like they have all season." Evanston didn't stop fighting, especially early as they were able to trim the dominance of Simeon and the score down to three, but went cold and couldn't match up. "Taking care of the basketball was the difference in the game," Ellis said. "That is a big credit to Simeon's defense. We couldn't keep pace with their scoring. That is a team that can guard you as well as anyone — not just 'Ooh' and 'Ahh' you on the offensive end." Junior Kendrick Nunn scored 13 points including a first quarter monster dunk that brought everyone to their feet even Evanston fans, and the Marquette-bound Taylor added nine and seven rebounds for Simeon. Josh Irving led the way for the Wildkits with 10 points, followed by teammate, Randy Ollie, who added 8 points. Simeon is two victories away from its third consecutive state championship. Up next, is the intense defensive play of the Southland champs, Bloom. The semifinal game will be play at 8:15 at Carver Arena in Peoria.

Any pictures taken at the game can be found in our photo gallery - click here!

At face value, this is looks like an easy game for the Wolverines, but as the old clique goes, 'that's why you play the game!' Two-time defending state champion Simeon has been the best team in the state all season and one of the best in the country. There only blemish came from out-of-state play, where they lost to Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nevada) in January. The Wolverines are led by Jabari Parker and several other Division I-ready players, including Marquette-bound Steve Taylor. See you guys at the baseline....

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