8. Simeon (Chicago)Head coach: Robert Smith
2010-11 record: 30-2, Illinois Class 4A state champions
Players to watch: Jelani Neely (5-10, 160, Sr., G),
Kendrick Nunn (6-1, 175, Jr., G),
Jabari Parker (6-8, 225, Jr., G/F),
Kendall Pollard (6-4, 190, Jr., G/F),
Jaylon Tate (6-1, 170, Jr., G),
Steve Taylor (6-7, 200, Sr., F, Marquette verbal commitment)
Wolverines scouting report: The Wolverines have captured back-to-back 4A state titles and won 37 of their last 39 games overall. Youth and out-of-state experience are about the only question marks for a team that may feature one of the top young talents in the world in Parker.
While speaking of Parker's talent on a global scale may sound like hyperbole, he is at least one of the best in the Western Hemisphere after earning MVP honors and leading the United States to a gold medal at the FIBA Americas U16 Championship over the summer. Parker led Simeon in scoring as a sophomore at 15.3 points per game to go along with 5.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
Senior Taylor (9.7 points per game last season) and junior Nunn (8.3) are both Top 100 selections in their respective classes. Neely, Pollard and senior guards Reginald Norris and Dwaun Stewart should also find a spot in the rotation.
Simeon's first big test will come Dec. 17 at Cameron Indoor Stadium – home of the Duke Blue Devils – as it faces No. 5
Huntington Prep (Huntington, W.Va.).
Miller Grove (Lithonia, Ga.) and
Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) dot the schedule following the New Year.
Simeon celebrated back-to-back state titles last March.
Photo by Greg Behrens
