The storyline was to send Simeon Coach Robert Smith out with a final title which would have been his seventh. Metamora had other ideas as they controlled the tempo and beat Simeon for a second straight year in State Finals.
Metamora 46 Simeon Career Academy (Chicago) 42 Overtime:
Metamora controlled the tempo and took their time and got shots that they wanted. Fell behind at half for second straight game. This time it was 23-14 Simeon. Metamora made a 11-2 run to start the third quarter to tie it at 25, but was still down 27-26 at end of third quarter. Fourth quarter was possession by possession and Metamora spread them out looking for layups and fouls. They turned it over twice in the last minute with lead 34-32. Senior Jalen Griffith hit a basket on first turnover to tie it at 34. They had the ball last but Metamora had 4 fouls to give. They used them till Simeon had the ball with 1.8 seconds left. Senior Sam Lewis (6'6") had a last second shot in the corner that missed. Metamora got the lead for good on a basket from senior Tyson Swanson (6'2" guard) with 2:23 left in overtime. Swanson hit two free throws with a second left to put it away. He ended up with 20 points and 3 rebounds. He says he's done with basketball and won't play in college. He also said it is not etched in stone. Junior point guard Tyler Mason (6'1") had 18 points 6 rebounds and 4 assists and had a huge layup in overtime to go up 4.
Metamora wins their 32nd straight game and ends at 34-2 and a championship. Simeon Career Academy (Chicago) ends season at 31-4 and runners-up.
Comments