Spent some time at a longtime historic Chicago Public League powerhouse last night. They are coached by a Tim Flowers in his second year as the Head Coach. He's a historic player at the school himself, a two time Class 2A State Champ and all-stater in his own right. Some say this is one of the least talented Simeon teams in recent memory. There's still a lot of talent in the gym, maybe not the uber talent they have had in the past, but still a threat. Here's some of that talent:
JULIEN DOYLE, Class of 2025 6'4" wing was on fire yesterday. He was hitting threes with a hand in his face, open threes, off the dribble, and off the catch scoring on mid range pull-up jumpers, and finishing at the basket. He was the best player in the gym last night and an under the radar talent. He played some good on the ball defense.
ANDRE TYLER, Class of 2026 6'5" combo guard was showing his athleticism with hanging finishes at the rim, hit a few long range jump shots, rebounded, pinned some shots on the glass. Hustled in the drills finishing first most of the time on end to end sprints. Showed leadership in talking and pumping up his teammates.
KAMARI HAMLIN, Class of 2026 6'1" shooting guard fills it up from three point range. Can hit them on the catch or off the bounce. Knows how to dribble into his shot and create space for it.
ISAIAH COLEMAN, Class of 2026 6'5" forward showed quick hands in the drills, knocking balls away from the ball handler. Hustled downcourt for rebound put backs, grabbed defensive rebounds and made some good outlet passes.
KASSIDY NELSON, Class of 2026 6'5" wing made some nice passes to cutters, and teammates on the perimeter. Showed some dribble moves to get space for his jump shots. He had a hand in the face of shooters, showed switchabaility on defense guarding any position on the court. Talks to teammates on defense and puts people in good defensive positions. Had multiple deflections and steals. He got out on the wing and made multiple hanging layups at the rim. Did hit a couple of threes and mid range jump shots.
LORENZO SHIELDS, Class of 2025 6'2" combo guard wasn't looking for his offense last night. He did showng his scoring ability when he did look for it. Made some good passes to cutters to the basket, and teammates at the three point line. Stepped it up on defense and locked down his matchup.
JAYDEN NEWELL, Class of 2027 5'10" point guard is a lefty who can score from three point range, and finishes at the rim. He pressured opposing point guards on the perimeter and made steals in passing lanes. He may carve a role on varsity as it needs a steady point guard. He will play some junior varsity too.
NICO WRIGHT, Class of 2026 6’6” wing is a transfer from Lane Tech College Prep (Chicago). He’s getting used to the offense and where he should be positioned. He hit a couple of corner threes, hit the glass on both ends, and got out on the wing for fast break layups.
CONCLUSION: Simeon Career Academy made a deep run to the Class 4A Sectional Final last year with a sophomore laden team and a first year Head Coach. Main players are now juniors with a year of varsity experience. A lot of mid sized players from 6'3" to 6'6" who are interchangeable. A serious threat to win the Chicago Public League title, one in a long list of titles for this nationally recognized power. If they can put together good team defense, shot selection, team rebounding, and play the Simeon way, no telling how far they can go. The open gym was a lot of running plays emblematic of the Simeon way.
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