Public League Semi-Finals

Public League Semi-Finals

Simeon 74 – Morgan Park 72

(Fri, Feb. 19^th at the Quest Center)

A capacity crowd took in the rubber finale of these two public league Titans who happen to hail from the Red-South conference, you knew from the onset there would be some drama & suspense awaiting to unfold.  6-7 senior forward Ben Coupet got things started for Simeon immediately, nailing 4 treys finishing with 16 points in the opening period which had Simeon out-front 20-15.  The play was just about flawless as both teams competed fiercely, in talking points “to play in this type of game you’d have to be packaged with self-belief, mental toughness and a strong handle with the ball in your hands in any corridor of the floor”.  Morgan Park’s junior sharp-shooter Cam Irving took the Mustangs into intermission ahead 37-34.  Memphis recruit Charlie Moore a cold-blooded assassin got into a groove offensively, he wrapped-up the night with 26.  “I’ll tell you the kid can be breath-taking at times with his offensive arsenal”, Simeon counters with the slick junior south-paw Evan Gilyard a dazzling showman in his own right, he nor his mates could stop Moore for most of the second half.  The third period ended with Simeon ahead 56-53; Western Michigan recruit Jarron Randle opened the 4^th with a three-pointer after a flurry of made shots and lead changes at the 3:49 mark in the 4^th, Charlie Moore’s 3 pointer tied it at 68-68, Gonzaga recruit Zach Norvell responded with a huge three-pointer with 1:30 remaining to put Simeon up 73-70, then Moore’s pair of free-throws got them within one 73-72 with 1:24 remaining.  But then a bizarre occurrence illustrated just how stressful waning seconds or a minute left in a game could determine an outcome.  Gilyard was all poised to seal the game, muffed an open-lay-up and senior swing-guard Josh Thomas followed-up the miss with his own point-blank misfire.   Now Morgan Park’s Moore had an opportunity to win or tie the game, he raced down with five seconds left and missed a contested shot in the paint to end a wild finish.  This was the best game I saw all year thus far, it was compelling to what we foresee Chicago high-school hoops looking like most nights.  Simeon, the public league’s flagship program will take-on Kenwood in the city final where it-will pit one-time Simeon assistant coach Marlo Finner against his pal Rob Smith and the Simeon contingent.  This should be a cozy family affair, both programs will compete for the sophomore championship as well on Sunday (Feb 21^st) at Chicago State University. 

Kenwood 52 – Curie 51

(Fri, Feb. 19^th at Quest Center)

Unsigned senior Nick Robinson guided Kenwood to its first city final in recent memory.  Recording 12 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists as his Bronco’s slipped past Curie.  This opening semi-final contest was all about adrenalin and saw the Broncos jump out on Curie 13-4 in a up & down pace that bordered on levels of sloppy play, given the fact that the two red-central foes split their previous two rumbles.  Curie often plagued by slow starts was a replica of its self in this high-dramatic affair.  Junior guard Elijah Joiner is one of the quintet of possible division one players listed on Curie’s talented-laden roster.  Joiner was in attack-mode offensively from the start, he’s plagued by the tendencies of trying to do too much; he’s got a million moves, but lacks understanding of climate and when to activate his array of maneuvers.  Meanwhile, DePaul recruit Devin Gage was held in check with 2 points in the first half in which Kenwood lead 20-18.  Lincoln Park transfer Miles Curry’s five point spree in the third gave Kenwood a 27-23 advantage, but the Condors had an answer of its on when sophomore guard Allonte Pickens spear-headed a surge to put the Condors up 36-35 by the end of three.  Things see-sawed back and forth the final period.  Sophomore stand-out Landers Nolley converted a pair of foul shots to tie it 51-51 with 31 seconds remaining.  Kenwood’s Robinson split a pair of foul shots to make-it a 52-51 with seven seconds, then the suspense occurred when Gage going for the win with 5.2 seconds left lost the ball trying to split three defenders at mid-court.  He would finish with 15, Joiner managed 13, promising sophomore forward Treavon Martin had 8.  The Broncos received a huge performance from Curry 13 and junior postman Manny Patterson accounted for 12 points, he reminds us long-time observers of Phillip High alum Robert Byrd who went to win a national championship at Marquette.