1 prep player in the nation in 1984, the first from Illinois to earn that ranking. . -- NOTE: Also receiving a single vote (thus not receiving honorable mention): Adrian Agee, Rockford Auburn; Bristol Lewis, East Moline United. MOLINE, Ill. (AP) Here are the Illinois Associated Press Class 1A-4A All-State boys basketball teams as voted on by a statewide panel of newspaper sports writers/editors, TV/radio broadcasters, and internet-site editors/reporters. Afternoon Briefing: WXRT star Terri Hemmert recounts fatal New Orleans shooting, Quinn Schambow has more than a great arm to be Libertyvilles quarterback and catcher as a sophomore, Bill would allow 14-year-olds to serve alcohol in Wisconsin. Copyright University of Illinois Alumni Association , Alice Campbell Alumni Center Paver Program, University of Illinois Alumni Association Giving Program. 2 all-time in scoring behind Thomas, Chicago Westinghouse High School product stands fifth in assists and seventh in steals. Who would you choose to lead your team, Parker or Quinn Buckner? No. As acoach, he won the NBA Coach of the Year while with the Orlando Magic in 2000,and won an NBA championship as coach of the Boston Celtics in 2008. (James Mayo / Chicago Tribune), A teacher consoles Simeon High School students as they grieve for their schoolmate Ben Wilson on Nov. 21, 1984. Nazareth Glenn attends the honorary street sign dedication for Ben Wilson on Nov. 21, 2022, in Chicago. Mount Carmel H.S., Chicago - Alumni Gym; New Trier H.S. Senior guard Andre Battle, a future star at Loyola, teamed with Tony McCoy and Ivan Young to lead the "Big Blue Machine," as Simeon was often called, to a 20-0 start. It was the best team produced by legendary coach Morgan Wootten. PF 1119 PA 1294 STREAK 1L. He was a key member of the Bad Boy back-to-back NBAchampion Detroit Pistons in 1989 and 1990. High school: Du Sable College: West Texas A&M Career highlights: 4x NBA All-Star, 1983 NBA ChampionCheeks was one of the premier point guards in the NBA in the 1980s, named tothe NBA All-Defensive First Team four times and played in four NBA All-Star. (Michael Blackshire / Chicago Tribune), Nazareth Glenn attends the honorary street sign dedication for Ben Wilson on Nov. 21, 2022, in Chicago. He wrote his book on Thornridge while undergoing chemotherapy during the summer of 2009.<\/p>\n
"If ever a team was a worthy subject for a great book like this one, this is it--the greatest high school team I ever saw," said Mike Downey, former sports columnist for the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune who grew up in Chicago Heights and covered the Thornridge team for the Chicago Heights Star.<\/p>\n
Though his Lincoln team never had an opportunity to play against Thornridge in 1971-72, Lynn was always fascinated by the aura of coach Ron Ferguson's team and its dominant players--Quinn Buckner, Boyd Batts, Mike Bonczyk, Greg Rose and Ernie Dunn.<\/p>\n
Buckner was the national player of the year in 1972 and was recruited by John Wooden of UCLA and Bob Knight of Indiana. Nunn earned his roster spot with an impressive summer, and solidified his place in Miami's rotation with an impressive training camp and preseason. -- NOTE: Also receiving a single vote (thus not receiving honorable mention): Gannon Dodd, New Berlin; Brock Fearday, Effingham St. Anthony; Malachi Persinger, Peoria Christian; Myles Pryor, Centralia Christ Our Rock Lutheran. Inside the FAB 50: All about Alhambra - ESPN - ESPNHS Boys' Basketball High school: Westinghouse College: Bradley Career highlights: 1988 NCAA AP Player of the Year, 1991 NBA All-StarHawkins played four years at Bradley University, where he won back-to-backMissouri Valley Conference Player of the Year Awards and averaged an NCAADivision I-leading 36.3 points per game his senior year. I just dont think we get enough credit on what we do or how we play but it is what it is. He explains. The Hoosiers advanced to the Final Four in his freshmanyear, losing to UCLA, before posting back-to-back undefeated regular seasons. I asked coach Smith to reflect on last seasons team as they were also ranked as one of the top ranked public schools in the country. Ervin Small caught an elbow in the King loss and missed nearly a full quarter. A lot of people underestimated us. There was no set starting lineup as the core of the 1984 state-championship team Ben Wilson, Tim Bankston, Rodney Hull, Bobby Tribble and Kenny Allen were getting their varsity feet wet. The gravesite of Ben Wilson at Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago on Nov. 10, 2009. We do not get enough recognition as we probably should. Chicago Simeon High School product starred for the Flyin' Illini, averaging 18 points his junior season. In 1996, Walker led UK to the NCAAChampionship before turning pro. In a few cases, records found in Tribune archives varied slightly. He captained Indiana's unbeaten 1976 NCAA championship team, the 1976 U.S. Olympic team and one of the Boston Celtics' NBA championship teams.<\/p>\n
"Quinn Buckner was the most mature high school athlete I ever saw, both physically and mentally. High school: St. JosephCollege: Indiana UniversityCareer highlights: 2x NBAchampion, 12x NBA All-Star, NCAA Champion One of the most decorated point guards of the last 40 years, Thomas led theHoosiers to the 1981 National Championship and was named the Most OutstandingPlayer of that years Final Four before going pro. He was considered among the best prep centers in thecountry, and opted to play at Wisconsin. The 1979-80 record is from Tribune archives. Simeon's 2011-12 basketball team has stirred up considerable excitement. 1 Simeon The Sun-Times is counting down the 50 high school basketball programs with the most wins during the decade. Tab has attended NHL, MLB, NBA, and NFL playoff games in Chicago, as well as the NCAA tournament, the Rose Bowl, and the 2009 NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field. High school: Lyons Township College: Iowa State University Career highlights: 1992 NBA All-Star Hornacek starred at suburban Lyons Township before playing at Iowa State. So author Scott Lynn thinks it is time to remind today's hip-hoppers and slam-jammers and crossover dribblers that, 40 years ago, Thornridge's 1971-72 team created every bit as much hoopla as Simeon. The author, Scott Lynn (real name: Scott Betzelberger), has an interesting background in Illinois high school basketball. Benjamin Wilson, a 6-7 forward of Simeon High School, was deemed the best high school basketball player in the country. Prospect: PG Ahamad Bynum. Before building Chicago's premier . During his NBA career, Hornacek played in the 1992 NBAAll-Star Game and won the three-point contest twice. Thomas and guard Cody Butler had big seasons as the Wolverines won their first 28 games to set up the final and possibly most hyped meeting of this stretch with 28-1 King and its junior phenoms Jamie Brandon and Johnny Selvie. High school: St. JosephCollege: Ohio State UniversityCareer highlights: Big TenConference Player of the Year, NCAA Player of the Year Turner, like Isiah Thomas, graduated from St. Joseph High School in suburbanWestchester and took his talents to Ohio State. "I was in shop class and it was a four-period class and somebody said, 'Hey man, Ben just got shot' and I said, 'What? I play to win. Jabari Parker and Derrick Rose face off tonight in Chicago, where they both attended Simeon Career Academy. (Val Mazzenga / Chicago Tribune), Dora B. Jones sings "Keep Looking Up" for Mary Wilson, right, mother of slain basketball star Ben Wilson, at the second anniversary vigil for her son on Nov. 20, 1986. Simeon High School . One of the leaders of the 2005 NCAA runners-up, the point guard from Dallas went from Illinois to a starring role in the NBA. That is what kind of took us over the top, with those guys. The 53-year-old says he knew Wilson and Melvin Nunn in high school but was even more proud to see Kendrick Nunn succeed. High school basketball: Simeon basketball coach Robert Smith will High school: Archbishop Quigley Preparatory SeminaryCollege: DePaulCareer highlights: Inducted intoHall of Fame in 1959, five-time NBA Champion Mikan was one of the first great big men in the NBA, and his incredible list ofaccolades attests to his dominance. Sweet shooter, who beat Magic Johnson and Michigan State in 1979, spent 17 years in the NBA. Future streetball legend Carl Harris spent most of the season in Hambric's doghouse. OVERALL 11-17 0.39 Win % CONFERENCE 3-5 6th in Conference. Simeon assistant coach Maurice Jones, left, helps with a framed portrait of Ben Wilson during a ceremony where the basketball team was being honored for their fourth consecutive Class 4A IHSA championship at Simeon High School in Chicago on March 20, 2013. So for my son to come back to Chitown, him and [Atlanta Hawks forward] Jabari Parker, they're just keeping that Simeon tradition alive.". 25 in Wilson's honor. Miles Rubin added 12 points and seven rebounds. Had a long NBA career, playing in the Finals three times. Students hold a candlelight vigil on Nov. 26, 1984, on the South Side, where Simeon High School basketball star Ben Wilson was slain the week before. Afteran exceptional career at Fresno State, he was selected by the LA Clippers withthe twelfth overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. (Heather Charles / Chicago Tribune), Simeon assistant coach Maurice Jones, left, helps with a framed portrait of Ben Wilson during a ceremony where the basketball team was being honored for their fourth consecutive Class 4A IHSA championship at Simeon High School in Chicago on March 20, 2013. We are one of the few schools in the state that has been on top since the 70s. Coach Smith says regarding the culture and history behind Simeon High School. Wilson was listed in critical condition. Friends, family and supporters celebrate as an honorary street sign is revealed and dedicated to Benji Wilson on Nov. 21, 2022, in Chicago. CLASS 2A FIRST TEAM NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) 11 overall pick by the Orlando Magic (the first pick in that franchise's history) in 1989. Afterthree seasons with Michigan State, Brown was selected in the first round of the2006 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Simeon High School basketball player Ben Wilson on Nov. 13, 1984. Wilson was listed in critical condition. His 1,690career points still ranks No. Simeon beat Carver and Tim Hardaway 65-54 to repeat as city champs before falling 52-48 to Springfield Lanphier and Mr. Basketball Ed Horton in the state quarterfinals. Anderson lived up to the hype by becoming the first of Simeon's four Mr. Basketball winners, but the city championship streak ended at two with a 49-46 loss to King and Anderson's future Illinois teammate Marcus Liberty in the final. The previous spring, he had led Simeon to the first state championship in . He captained Indiana's unbeaten 1976 NCAA championship team, the 1976 U.S. Olympic team and one of the Boston Celtics' NBA championship teams. Phone: (773) 535-3200 Fax: (773) 535-3465. Tony Pruitt was the featured player. (21 PTS) led Chicago Simeon to 64-60 FOUR Overtime win vs Chicago Curie to advance to the City Championship . Alice Campbell Alumni Center He won five titles with the MinneapolisLakers in the 1950s, was a four-time NBA All-Star (including the All-Star GameMVP in 1953), was named first team All-NBA six times, led the NBA in scoring three times and led the league in rebounding once. High school: Carver College: University of Texas at El Paso Career highlights: 5x NBA All-Star Hardaway was selected with the No. POINTS Andrew Scharnowski, Burlington Central (6-9, Sr., F) 73 Zack Hawkinson, Springfield Heart-Griffin (6-5, Sr., G/F) 71 Asa Thomas, Lake Forest (6-7, Sr., G) 64 Cooper Koch, Peoria Notre Dame (6-8, Jr., F) 57 Miles Rubin, Chicago Simeon (6-10, Sr., F/C) 56. Hewent on to have one of the finest careers in the history of the FightingIllini, averaging 18 points per game over his four-year career. No Illinois team before or since has ever done it better. 25 retro Wilson high school jersey was David Moore, Chicago 17th Ward Alderman who is also a member of the Simeon class of 1984. Famous alumni include Derrick Rose, Kendrick Nunn, Jabari Parker, Bobby Simmons, Talen Horton-Tucker, and others. In 2006 he was a member of the NBA Champion MiamiHeat. 105-34 (L) Simeon @ Kenwood. Simeon Career Academy, Chicago (IL) Basketball Players - RealGM Kendrick Nunn helped lead the Miami Heat to a 116-108 victory with 21 points. A player must have been named on two ballots to receive honorable mention. Simeon High School (Chicago, IL) Varsity Basketball - MaxPreps.com High school: Proviso East College: University of Illinois Career highlights: 2005 Big Ten Player of the Year Brown was named Mr. Basketball in Illinois and won the Gatorade Player of theYear award in 2002. imeon's 2011-12 basketball team has stirred up considerable excitement. High school: CarverCollege: University of MichiganCareer highlights: 1970 NBA Champion,1972 NBA All-Star, U. of Michigan Athletic Hall of Fame Russell was a two-time NCAA All-American at the University of Michigan and wasnamed the Player of the Year in 1966 before the New York Knicks made him thefirst overall pick in that summers NBA Draft. Other Links > Basketball > Top Ranked Basketball Players by High School . Win a second straight state title.". He represented Philadelphia in the 1991All-Star Game. I think we have a really good shot of winning a city and state championship. He is the Heats all-timeleading scorer, was named the 2006 NBA Finals MVP, the 2010 NBA All-Star GameMVP and won the 2009 NBA scoring title. HONORABLE MENTION (21 TOTAL; IN ORDER OF POINTS) Jurrell Baldwin, Chicago Hyde Park (6-6, Jr., F) 37; Tyler Mason, Metamora (6-1, Jr., G) 30; Wesley Rubin, Chicago Simeon (6-8, Sr., G/F) 30; Darrion Baker, Hillcrest (6-8, Sr., F) 25; Jake Hamilton, Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin (6-4, Sr., G) 22; Artavious Smith, Peoria Richwoods (6-1, Jr., G) 15; Cooper LePage, Crystal Lake South (6-1, Sr., G) 14; Christian Benning, Streator (6-2, Jr., PG) 12; Samuel Lewis, Chicago Simeon (6-6, Sr., G) 12; Cruz Harlan, Centralia (5-9, Jr., G) 11; Troyer Carlson, Maple Park Kaneland (6-3, Jr., SG) 8; Anthony Jabe Haith, Aurora Marmion (6-3, Sr., PG) 8; Lyncoln Koester, Mount Zion (6-3, Soph., PG) 8; Bryce Tillery, Hillcrest (5-10, Sr., G) 8; Larenz Walters, Kankakee (6-1, Jr., G) 8; Matas Castillo, Lemont (6-0, Sr., PG) 6; Rokas Castillo, Lemont (6-0, Sr., SG) 6; Andre Klaver, Sterling (6-3, Jr., G) 6; Navontae Nesbit Jr., Mt. . "If ever a team was a worthy subject for a great book like this one, this is it--the greatest high school team I ever saw," said Mike Downey, former sports columnist for the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune who grew up in Chicago Heights and covered the Thornridge team for the Chicago Heights Star. Since retiring,he has served as the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and the 76ers. The LAClippers selected Hawkins sixth overall in the 1988 NBA Draft, but his rightswere immediately traded to the 76ers. 1 team in the nation. Share your memories by posting photos or stories, or find out about your next class reunion! Curtis Glenn, oldest brother of Ben Wilson, cries while holding his granddaughters Bella Robinson, 8, left, and Chloe Robinson, 10, during a street sign dedication for Benji Wilson on Nov. 21, 2022, in Chicago. Could Thornridge make the transition to today's fast-paced style? He left Duke early and was the No. 11y . Wilson was a top basketball prospect at Simeon High School when he was murdered during his senior year in 1984. 6 Simeon (Chicago) and No . He played nine NBA seasons and won a championship ring as a member ofthe 1992-93 Chicago Bulls. They have the talent once again, and as always, will play an elite national schedule over the course of the season. Last years squad was a good team. There were no unanimous selections (players named on every ballot). High school: Thornton College: Fresno State Career highlights: 2x WAC Player of the year, 2007 NBA ChampionEly was the center on the nationally-ranked Thornton team that also includedfuture NFL players at point guard (Randle-El) and power forward (Harris). Mr. Simeon married Helen and to this union was born daughter Sharon A. Simeon. Anderson scored ateam-record 50 points for the Magic in April 1993, and played in the 1995 NBAFinals. Ben Wilson with Simeon coach Bob Hambric (left) in November of 1984. POINTS Jeremy Fears Jr., Joliet West (6-0, Sr., PG) 105 Owen Freeman, Moline (6-11, Sr., F) 102 Darrin Dai Dai Ames, Chicago Kenwood (6-2, Sr., PG) 100 Morez Johnson, Chicago St. Rita (6-9, Jr., F) 75 Cameron Christie, Rolling Meadows (6-6, Sr., G) 73, SECOND TEAM NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) The vigil was held at the Benjamin E. Mayo and Elmer L. Fowler Historic Gallery in Chicago. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune). Kerr was the firstcoach in the history of the Chicago Bulls (1966-67), and was a joy to listen toas a broadcaster for decades. Winningest high school basketball programs of the decade: No. 1 Simeon 25, the number Ben Wilson wore while he played for the team. Curtis Glenn, Ben Wilson's oldest brother, center, accepts a framed team jersey from members of the Simeon High School boys basketball team on Nov. 14, 2009. . Those guys have been on varsity for years now. High School Basketball Sports Columnists The GOAT retires: A look back at the legacy of Simeon basketball coach Robert Smith This retirement is about all that Robert Smith has meant to the sport and, specifically, Public League basketball. Vernon (5-11, Jr., PG) 6; Craig Niko Newsome, Bloomington (6-5, Jr., F/G) 6; x-Tyler Swanson, Metamora 6. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune), Curtis Glenn, Ben Wilson's oldest brother, center, accepts a framed team jersey from members of the Simeon High School boys basketball team on Nov. 14, 2009. In one national poll of the top 25 high school teams of all time, Thornridge 1972 was rated No. HONORABLE MENTION (23 TOTAL; IN ORDER OF POINTS) Ross Robertson, South Beloit (6-8, Soph., C) 48; Wyatt Thompson, Dwight (6-7, Sr., F/C) 40; Logan Fleener, Louisville North Clay (6-2, Sr., G) 36; Aidan Dodson, Farina South Central (5-10, Sr., SG) 33; Justin Durham, Wayne City (6-6, Sr., C) 33; Sebastian Hill, Decatur Lutheran (LSA) (6-3, Jr., G) 32; JuJuan Cozark, Chicago Marshall (6-5, Sr., F) 27; Parker Boehne, Centralia Christ Our Rock Lutheran (6-0, Jr., G) 19; QiAndre Washington, Chicago Manley (6-0, Sr., G) 18; Mason Robinson, Altamont (6-3, Sr., G/F) 17; Korbin Gann, Pecatonica (6-5, Sr., G/F) 16; Ben Lothery, Elgin Harvest Christian (6-1, Sr., G) 12; Camden Figgins, Serena (5-11, Sr., PG) 11; Martin Ledbetter, Hinckley Big-Rock (6-5, Soph., F) 11; Alec Thomas, Lexington (6-2, Sr., F) 9; Zack Evans, Winchester West Central (6-1, Jr., G) 8; Avery Jahraus, Altamont (6-2, Sr., G) 8; Austin Wittenberg, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg (6-3, Sr., G) 8; Elijah Aumann, Nokomis (6-2, Sr., G) 6; John Kveck, Grant Park (6-6, Sr., C) 6; Nick Moore, Camp Point Central (6-1, Jr., G) 6; Lucas Simpson, Sterling Newman Central Catholic (6-2, Jr., F) 6; Michael Wilson, Jacksonville Routt (6-5, Sr., F) 6. It is the Falcons' unprecedented record of achievement that Simeon is chasing this season. (John Dziekan / Chicago Tribune), Friends and family mourn slain Simeon High School basketball star Ben Wilson during a brief graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery on Nov. 24, 1984. Wisch: What If Ben Wilson Had Lived - And Become A Flyin' Illini? With that out of the way, we proudly present Chicagos all-time greatest basketball players. A teacher consoles Simeon High School students as they grieve for their schoolmate Ben Wilson on Nov. 21, 1984. Named All-American and won three national awards. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources CPS Non-Discrimination Statement Simeon Career Academy Simeon Career Academy. High school: Simeon Career AcademyCollege: DePaulCareer highlights: 2005 NBA MostImproved Player Simmons joined Quentin Richardson at DePaul and played three strong seasons forthe Blue Demons, averaging 16.7 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in his junior(and final) season. Like I tell people, the difference between us, is that we can play any style of basketball. In 2011, he won the NBAs Most Valuable Player Award. 1 team in the nation. Call it a generational version of Beatle-mania.<\/p>\n
Coach Robert Smith's Wolverines, heavily favored to win their third state championship in a row and fifth in seven years, are being touted as the No. He has also road tripped to see the Cubs, White Sox, Bears and Blackhawks in eight different states, and attended the 2011 NHL Awards in Las Vegas. High school: Hinsdale CentralCollege: MarquetteCareer highlights: Wardle led suburban Hinsdale Central to two down-state appearances beforetaking his talents to Marquette. Could Simeon break Thornridge's suffocating 1-2-1-1 zone press that devastated every opponent? Nunn scored 13 points in the first quarter before deferring to Jimmy Butler in the fourth quarter with Miami losing a 22-point lead, but he still had a solid game overall, going 8-for-14 from the field. HONORABLE MENTION (19 TOTAL; IN ORDER OF POINTS) Jordan Pickett, Belleville East (6-3, Sr., PG/SG) 21; Jack Stanton, Downers Grove North (6-2, Jr., G) 21; Nojus Indrusaitis, Chicago St. Rita (6-5, Jr., G/F) 15; James Brown, Chicago St. Rita (6-10, Jr., C) 14; Daniel Johnson, Chicago Whitney Young (6-7, Sr., F) 14; Stefan Cicic, Riverside-Brookfield (6-11, Jr., C) 11; Dalen Davis, Chicago Whitney Young (6-0, Sr., G) 11; Brayden Fagbemi, Lisle Benet (6-0, Sr., G) 11; Mekhi Cooper, Bolingbrook (6-0, Sr., G) 9; Brady Kunka, Lisle Benet (6-4, Sr., PF) 9; Mekhi Lowery, Oswego East High (6-7, Sr., G) 9; Niklas Polonowski, LaGrange Lyons Township (6-6, Sr., SG/SF) 9; Ryan Cohen, Glenbrook North (6-3, Sr., SG) 6; Jeremiah Fears, Joliet West (6-0, Soph., G) 6; Connor May, Palatine (6-7, Jr., G) 6; Braylen Meredith, Wheaton Warrenville South (6-6, Sr., F) 6; Jaheem Webber, Normal Community (6-9, Jr., C) 6; Luke Williams, Naperville North (6-1, Jr., G) 6; Koby Wilmoth, OFallon (6-7, Sr., F) 6. Frame: Lean frame with room . By Joe Henricksen Sept 10, 2021, 7:43am PDT Simeon's expanding NBA legacy Pocket Deon Thomas, 6-9, C, 1989. The Top Ranked Basketball Players of All-Time from Illinois High Schools High school: ProvisoEast College: Michigan State University Career highlights: 2x NBA champion Shannon, no relation to Dee, was named Mr. Basketball in Illinois in 2003 andalso starred at a Big Ten university, taking his talents to East Lansing. The Throne National Championship Field of Teams Announced. Rose won the 2009 NBA Rookie of the year and hasplayed in three All-Star Games. 18 overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft by the LA Clippers. Win the regional. His family was from New Orleans; his father, a cigar maker. High school: Simeon Career Academy College: University of Illinois Career highlights: Key member of the "Flyin' Illini" Final Four team Anderson was named Mr. Basketball in 1986 and led the University of Illinois to the Final Four in 1989. The Canton, Ohio, native had two of the highest-scoring seasons in program history, averaging better than 20 twice. He died Nov. 21, 1984, a day after he was shot near Simeon High School. All media members covering high school basketball in the state were eligible to nominate and vote for players. Farragut Career Academy - Wikipedia (Ovie Carter / Chicago Tribune), An overflow crowd stands outside Operation PUSH headquarters where the funeral services were held for slain Simeon High School basketball player Ben Wilson on Nov. 24, 1984.
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