He was a key member of the Bad Boy back-to-back NBAchampion Detroit Pistons in 1989 and 1990. Thomas left asthe all-time leading scorer in U. of I history, and is the only mensbasketball player in the schools history to score over 2,000 points. but winning state championships is the ultimate goal of just about every high school boys' basketball team. Call it a generational version of Beatle-mania. I dont know. By Joe Henricksen Feb 2, 2021, 8:07am PDT The winningest high school basketball programs of the decade: No. *Records according to ihsa.org. A lot of people underestimated us. He was named an All-American in 1994before taking his talents to the NBA; that summer, the Washington Bullets madeHoward the fifth overall pick in the NBA Draft. 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. 11 pick by the Magic in 1989. Compiled by Quad Cities media veteran Steve Tappa (currently of MC22-TV and QCSportsNet; formerly of the Moline Dispatch/Rock Island Argus). St. Ignatius senior Richard Baron (23) takes the ball to the basket and scores a key basket in the second overtime of the Wolfpack's Supersectional . We can play like they play on the West Coast, we can play like they play on the East Coast, that is the difference between us and other cities. POINTS Hank Alvey, Glasford Illini Bluffs (6-9, Jr., F) 64 Kaden Augustine, Waterloo Gibault Catholic (6-1, Sr., G) 61 Thomas Hereau, Scales Mound (6-2, Jr., G) 57 Jordan Quinn, Tuscola (6-3, Jr., F) 50 Baylen Damhoff, Fulton (6-6, Jr., F) 50. After a stellar career at DePaul that included being named a first-team NCAAAll-American in 1982, Cummings was the second overall pick by the San DiegoClippers in 1982. (Gerald West / Chicago Tribune), The gravesite of Ben Wilson at Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago on Nov. 10, 2009. Ben Wilson was the nation's top-rated prep basketball player when he was slain near Simeon High School. He was a founder and commissioner of the ABA, andhelped bring the NBA back to Minnesota when the Timberwolves franchise wasborn. 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. Other Links > Basketball > Top Ranked Basketball Players by High School . They have the talent once again, and as always, will play an elite national schedule over the course of the season. HONORABLE MENTION (31 TOTAL; IN ORDER OF POINTS) Dylan Murphy, Columbia (6-7, Sr., F) 32; Owen Treat, Vienna (6-2, Jr., G) 31; Devon Peebles, Pana (6-3, Sr., G) 29; PJ Chambers, Chicago DePaul College Prep (6-2, Jr., G) 24; Isaac Hosman, Metropolis Massac County (6-0, Jr., PG) 24; Gavin Arthalony, Petersburg PORTA (6-2, Sr., G) 23; Mason Funk, Normal U-High (6-5, Sr., SG/SF) 23; Riley Weber, Pontiac (6-4, Jr., G/F) 23; Teegan Davis, Princeton (6-2, Sr., G) 22; Mac Resetich, Spring Valley Hall (6-0, Sr., G) 22; Christian Cummings, Rockford Christian (5-10, Soph., SG) 21; Caden Hawkins, Carterville (6-0, Sr., PG) 19; Cannon Leonard, Gilman Iroquois West (6-9, Sr., C) 19; Jaxson Provost, Kankakee Bishop McNamara (5-10, Sr., PG) 19; Tyler Heffren, Eureka (6-4, Jr., F) 17; Calvin Worsham, Chicago Christ The King (6-7, Jr., F) 16; Maurice Thomas, Chicago DePaul College Prep (6-0, Jr., G) 15; Grant Fridley, Trenton Wesclin (6-2, Sr., PG) 14; Paxton Giertz, Seneca (6-0, Soph., PG) 14; Adyn McGinley, Beecher (6-0, Jr., G) 14; Bennett Briles, Nashville (6-9, Sr., F/C) 13; Bryant Jenkins, Lawrenceville (6-3, Jr., F) 10; Cody Dickshot, Breese Central (5-10, Sr., G) 9; Docker Tedeschi, Benton (6-8, Soph., C) 9; Jacob Finley, Williamsville (6-9, Sr., C) 6; Karsen Konkel, Pinckneyville (6-6, Jr., C) 6; Cooper Loll, Robinson (6-5, Sr., G) 6; Connor Mowery, Johnston City (6-0, Sr., G) 6; Zach Powell, Pleasant Plains (6-5, Sr., F) 6; Wes Shats, Braidwood Reed-Custer (6-5, Sr., C) 6; James Stevenson Jr., Momence (6-7, Sr., G) 6. After playing basketball and graduating from Southern Illinois in 1976, he set out on a career in radioTV broadcasting. alias => "chicago\/\/remembering-thornridge-40-years-later", title => "Remembering Thornridge -- 40 years later", article_body => "

Simeon's 2011-12 basketball team has stirred up considerable excitement. Ben Wilson Sr. arrives at St. Bernard Hospital on Nov. 20, 1984, in Chicago after his son Ben Wilson was shot in the chest during his lunch hour near Simeon High School. Homegrown talent: Chicago's all-time greatest basketball players By Joe Henricksen. This website uses cookies to ensure the best experience, which you consent to by clicking Got It. Learn more about how we handle your personal data and rights by reviewing our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Simeon High School (Chicago, IL) Girls Varsity Basketball - MaxPreps.com So for my son to come back to Chitown, him and [Atlanta Hawks forward] Jabari Parker, they're just keeping that Simeon tradition alive.". He is a nine-time NBA All-Star and, in2006, was named the Sportsman of the Year by both the Sporting News and SportsIllustrated. The team had a 71-game winning streak.<\/p>\n

De Matha, the team that snapped Power Memorial's 71-game winning streak was led by Bob Whitmore, Sid Catlett, Bernard Williams Mickie Wiles and Ernie Austin. 8147 S Vincennes Chicago, IL 60620-1761. (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. 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. Simeon High School basketball player Ben Wilson on Nov. 13, 1984. In November 1984, the 6-foot-8 Wilson was on top of the prep basketball world, as "Benji" captures in gripping detail. When he graduated in 2001, Wardle ranked thirdall-time in Marquette history in scoring after averaging 14.4 points per gamein 117 contests. School: Chicago (Ill.) Simeon. Copyright University of Illinois Alumni Association , Alice Campbell Alumni Center Paver Program, University of Illinois Alumni Association Giving Program. Players (14) Staff (9) Do you have a team photo? (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune). Last Day of School Show Calendar . He was selectedwith the fourth overall pick by his hometown Chicago Bulls in the 2001 NBADraft. "It was normal to me," Nunn said. S 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. Upload it here. 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: A look back on the legacy of Simeon basketball Thornridge's toughest opponents were south suburban rivals Bloom and Thornton and perennial Downstate power Peoria Manual.<\/p>\n

In a 33-0 season, Thornridge never allowed an opponent to come within 14 points. Hambric's first full season ended with a 59-58 loss to Westinghouse in the Public League semifinals. During his playing career, Rivers was an All-Starin 1988 and finished in the top five in the league in assists twice. 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. In the 1970s, Illinois schools were restricted by travel limitations. 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. High school: Proviso EastCollege: MarquetteCareer highlights: NBA All-Star, NBACoach of the Year, 2008 NBA Champion (coach) Rivers was a McDonalds All-American at Proviso East in 1980 before playing atMarquette. Bynum has served as a mentor for Nunn in trying to keep him on the right track. During his NBA career, Hornacek played in the 1992 NBAAll-Star Game and won the three-point contest twice. Afterthree seasons with Michigan State, Brown was selected in the first round of the2006 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. 105-34 (L) Simeon @ Kenwood. Joining them soon will be Simeon alum and Duke star Jabari Parker, who's projected as one of the top picks in the June 26 NBA draft. 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. Print. 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. Wilson, affectionately known as Benji, was a top high school basketball prospect at Simeon High School when he was murdered during his senior year in 1984. "The situations that played out, these were things that we talked about specifically," said Bynum, who trained with Nunn in Los Angeles this summer. "That's huge man. Named All-American and won three national awards. The Top Ranked Basketball Players of All-Time from Illinois High Schools By visiting ChooseChicago.com, you are consenting to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. After his sophomore year, Richardson was the No. The Benjamin Wilson Story | HuffPost Teen All media members covering high school basketball in the state were eligible to nominate and vote for players. CLASS 1A FIRST TEAM NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) Melvin was a sophomore teammate of Wilson's as he . -The old Joliet Catholic High School . He was considered among the best prep centers in thecountry, and opted to play at Wisconsin. Our guard play was second to none, they were really really good. Never charged by the NCAA in the Bruce Pearl/Jimmy Collins . Simeon in the '80s | The all-decade team - Chicago Tribune He was the second overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Hambric told the Tribune in February he didn't think Simeon was getting the attention it deserved. pic.twitter.com/mB3fP6rCBy. 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. Afteran exceptional career at Fresno State, he was selected by the LA Clippers withthe twelfth overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. "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. He plans on retiring after this upcoming high school season and I had the chance to speak with him regarding that, history of the program, Chicago basketball, and more. 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. . Mount Carmel H.S., Chicago - Alumni Gym; New Trier H.S. High school basketball: Breaking down the Class 3A state finals Photos: Street sign dedication ceremony for slain 1984 Simeon High Tony Pruitt was the featured player. During his collegiate career, Rivers was named the MVP of the FIBAWorld Championship in 1982. Prospect: PG Ahamad Bynum. Calvin Brock (basketball) - Wikipedia Vitals: 6-foot-3, 175 pounds. SI All-American Candidate Ahamad Bynum Highlights and Evaluation He is a collector of elite sports memorabilia and a cigar connoisseur. 1 prep prospect before his life was cut short. He was the No. Players received five points for a first-team vote and three points for a second-team vote. The NBA has become a global game. 25, the number Ben Wilson wore while he played for the team. Submit a Class Note, suggest story ideas, update your mailing address or write a letter to the editor of Illinois Alumni magazine. In 2004,he was named to the Illini All-Century Team. Who would you choose to lead your team, Parker or Quinn Buckner? 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. 1 team in the nation. With Anderson ineligible until the second semester, David Knight emerged as the leader. High school: Fenwick College: Duke University Career highlights:McDonalds All-America Maggette was anAll-American at Fenwick before spending only one year with the Duke BlueDevils. The closest any other state champion came was La Grange and Ted Caiazza in 1953, which went 29-0 without allowing any opponent to come within nine points. 1 Evanston for the first of Simeon's Illinois record six state championships. 1 team in the nation. Their business was winning. 2 all-time in scoring behind Thomas, Chicago Westinghouse High School product stands fifth in assists and seventh in steals. Murder of Ben Wilson - Wikipedia Latest Updates. Will Simeon or any state champion ever measure up to Thornridge's gold-standard performance over Quincy (104-69) in the 1972 state final?<\/p>\n

Simeon supporters argue, justifiably, that Thornridge didn't play the challenging national schedule that awaits the Wolverines. (Michael Blackshire / Chicago Tribune), 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. All media members covering high school basketball in the state were eligible to nominate and vote for players. I play to win. Well I mean of course New York always says they are the mecca, but we feel like we are the mecca of basketball. De Matha, the team that snapped Power Memorial's 71-game winning streak was led by Bob Whitmore, Sid Catlett, Bernard Williams Mickie Wiles and Ernie Austin. The Canton, Ohio, native had two of the highest-scoring seasons in program history, averaging better than 20 twice. Thomas won Mr. Basketball, but King won the game 67-57 for its third city title in four years. 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. 601 S. Lincoln Avenue Win a second straight state title.". On Friday, 35 years later, Melvin's son Kendrick Nunn would make his hometown debut against the Chicago Bulls. In the 1970s, Illinois schools were restricted by travel limitations. When theChicago Bulls won the 2008 NBA Draft Lottery, there was no question who wouldbe the top overall pick. The 1975-76 Hoosier squad remains the last team to complete an undefeatedseason with a championship. Point guard from Quincy, Ill., could score. He entered the draft early and was No. Inside the FAB 50: All about Alhambra - ESPN - ESPNHS Boys' Basketball He was captain of Lincoln's 1971-72 team that was rated behind Thornridge for much of the regular season. Their business was winning. He was the No. Kevin Garnett, while a graduate of Farragut Academy, only lived in Chicago for a little over a year. High school: Hirsch Metro College: University of Michigan Career highlights: NCAA All-American, NBA All-StarGreen was named a first-team All-American at Michigan in 1977, and was selectedin the first round of the NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors that summer. 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. POINTS Jase Whiteman, Rockridge (6-1, Sr., G) 56 Caleb Siemer, Teutopolis (6-6, Sr., F/C) 45 Walt Hill Jr., Rockford Lutheran (6-1, Sr., G) 44 Jaheim Savage, Chicago Phillips (6-4, Sr., PG/SG) 41 JaKeem Cole, Chicago Perspectives-Leadership (6-1, Sr., SG) 39. High school: Perspectives Charter School College: University of Kentucky Career highlights: 2011-12 NCAA Player of the Year (AP, Naismith, JohnWooden Award), Final Four M.O.P. We bring back a lot of people, we bring back a lot of guys, and that was the big thing. Simeon Career Academy - Wikipedia Those guys have been on varsity for years now. Could Simeon break Thornridge's suffocating 1-2-1-1 zone press that devastated every opponent? High school: Proviso East College: University of Wisconsin Career highlights: 2007 NBA Champion, two-time NBA All-StarFinley was a member of the famous Three Amigos team at Proviso East withfuture NBA players Donnie Boyce and Sherrell Ford. Simeon coach Robert Smith holds a framed poster of Ben Wilson during a ceremony honoring his basketball team for their four consecutive state championships at Simeon High School in Chicago on March 20, 2013. Only 16 years after heappeared in his only NBA All-Star Game, Howard finally won an NBA Championshipin 2012 with the Miami Heat. High school: King College: University of Wisconsin Career highlights: 1993 Illinois Mr. BasketballGriffith was half of the Twin Towers at King in the early 1990s, starringnext to Thomas Hamilton. Hambric, whose sophomore teams routinely outperformed the varsity, coached both teams the rest of the season. And business was good," said former Chicago Bulls announcer Jim Durham. 6 Simeon (Chicago) and No . A force on the glass, his 11.3 rebounds-per-game is a school record. HOME 3-7 AWAY 3-5 NEUTRAL 5-5. Chicago Simeon High School product starred for the Flyin' Illini, averaging 18 points his junior season. Urbana, IL 61801 He died the next day. Dunbar boasted three NBA first-round picks in the 1987 draft--Reggie Williams, Muggsy Bogues and Reggie Lewis. The school retired No. His 1,690career points still ranks No. Robert Smith has been the head coach at Simeon for 19 years and has had an incredible run in building the dynasty at the Chicago powerhouse school. The mission was clear: 33-0. By Joe Henricksen May 12, 2022, 3:51pm PDT Pocket Flipboard The school retired No. "I was in class and somebody woke me up, because I was sleep," Melvin Nunn told ESPN during halftime, while reflecting on Wilson's death. Hisnumber was retired by Iowa State, where he is still the all-time leader inassists and steals. 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. Simeon in the '80s | A year by year breakdown - Chicago Tribune Mar 9, 2023, 7:49am PDT. 2023 Choose Chicago. After playing basketball and graduating from Southern Illinois in 1976, he set out on a career in radioTV broadcasting. He was the sixth overall pick in the 1996Draft by the Boston Celtics, with whom he played for seven years and appearedin three NBA All-Star Games. Register as an alumni from Simeon High School and reunite with old friends and classmates. The Wolverines extended their Red South winning streak to 46 before a loss to South Shore on Feb. 18. Nunn earned his roster spot with an impressive summer, and solidified his place in Miami's rotation with an impressive training camp and preseason. With that out of the way, we proudly present Chicagos all-time greatest basketball players. Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources CPS Non-Discrimination Statement Simeon Career Academy Simeon Career Academy. Wisch: What If Ben Wilson Had Lived - And Become A Flyin' Illini? In 2011, he won the NBAs Most Valuable Player Award. The meeting was over. Simeon High School students Jamari Williams, Kentrell McNeal killed in Watch on ESPN+. 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. Buckner, whose mother was a teacher in the district and whose sister later became superintendent of the district, and Batts were among the first African-Americans to attend the Dolton school.<\/p>\n

Lynn focuses on other fascinating human-interest stories that played out beyond the basketball courthow Ferguson was able to maintain discipline among his players, how Greg Rose had to work nights as a musician to support his family, Ferguson confessed that he rarely slept because he was worried that he would make a mistake that would cause his once-in-a-lifetime team to lose a game.<\/p>\n

One incident tells you all you need to know about the Thornridge team: During a team meeting prior to the start of the season, Ferguson was listing his team's goals on a chalkboard. 11 overall pick by the OrlandoMagic (the first pick in that franchises history) in 1989. Could Thornridge make the transition to today's fast-paced style? Simeon basketball star Ben Wilson, right, with his coach, Bob Hambric, at Simeon in 1984. Hardaway created thekiller crossover and was among the most lethal guards in the NBA over his13-year career. Unfortunately. Jeffrey Wilson, center, talks to friends and family during a street sign dedication ceremony for his older brother, Ben Wilson, on Nov. 21, 2022, in Chicago. That is what kind of took us over the top, with those guys. Jeffrey Wilson, center, talks to friends and family during a street sign dedication ceremony for his older brother, Ben Wilson, on Nov. 21, 2022, in Chicago. Call it a generational version of Beatle-mania. The 2012 ESPN 30 for 30 documentary titled "Benji" introduced Wilson's story to a new generation of Chicago ballers, such as Nunn, who ultimately took it and ran with it. One incident tells you all you need to know about the Thornridge team: During a team meeting prior to the start of the season, Ferguson was listing his team's goals on a chalkboard. The Wolverines are expected to be ranked in the preseason top-25 national rankings and public school rankings coming into the 2022-2023 high school season. 25, the number Ben Wilson wore while he played for the team. You know, I do not think anybody expected us to get where we got last season. High school: Carver College: University of Texas at El Paso Career highlights: 5x NBA All-Star Hardaway was selected with the No. In a 33-0 season, Thornridge never allowed an opponent to come within 14 points. Home - Neal F. Simeon Bio. - Simeon Career Academy The author, Scott Lynn (real name: Scott Betzelberger), has an interesting background in Illinois high school basketball. He is the only Chicago area athlete in history to be named Player of the Year in football and basketball. 25 in Wilson's honor. (Ernie Cox Jr. / Chicago Tribune), Stunned friends and classmates break down upon viewing Ben Wilson's body at the wake held in Simeon High School's gymnasium on Nov. 23, 1984. 11y . He is the schools career leader in steals and assists. Mr. Basketball Eric Anderson got the better of Thomas, and St. Francis De Sales rallied from an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Simeon 60-57 in overtime in the state Elite Eight. 12 overall pick in the 1983 NBADraft. The most important season in school history began with the No. High school: King College Prep High School College: University of Illinois Career highlights:McDonalds All-America, Parade Playerof the Year In 1987, Parade named Liberty the high schoolPlayer of the Year and McDonalds named him an All-American after he had ledKing to the 1986 state championship and a runner-up finish in 1987; Liberty set a state record with 143 points in the 1987 tournament. Chicago has an incredibly rich history on the hardwood. It was really a tough group. But not all high schools are created equal, and most of them are lucky to have a single player make it to the NBA. Wilson died after being shot near the school. He led Tilden to the 1950 Chicago Pubic League championship, helped theFighting Illini advance to the Final Four in 1952, and, in his rookie season,won an NBA championship with the Syracuse Nationals in 1955. Had a long NBA career, playing in the Finals three times. He was named first-team All Conference USA in 2001. High school: CorlissCollege: ArkansasCareer highlights: 1993 NBAChampion, 1984 NBA All-Rookie team In three years at Arkansas, Walker averaged nearly 15 points per game beforethe New York Knicks made him the No. Thornridge's toughest opponents were south suburban rivals Bloom and Thornton and perennial Downstate power Peoria Manual. The University of Michigan honored Green with a place in their AthleticHall of Honor in 1994. gym. He is the only Chicago area athlete in history to be named Player of the Year in football and basketball. Though Simeon captured the Mayor's Trophy by winning the city holiday tournament, Hambric deemed it a rebuilding year. High school: Simeon Career AcademyCollege: MemphisCareer highlights: 2009 NBA Rookieof the Year, 2011 NBA MVP, 3x NBA All-Star Rose was the top point guard in the country coming out of Simeon, and ledMemphis to the NCAA Championship Game in his only collegiate season.