PONTIAC — Simeon’s offense could have been the object of coach Robert Smith’s scorn Tuesday after a tough 56-43, opening-round victory against Schaumburg at Pontiac Holiday Tournament
Not so.
“We’ve just got to do a better job defensively,” Smith said after the Wolverines scored a season-low. “We sucked today defensively.”
The No. 1 Wolverines (6-0) had 12 days off after dominating Gary Lew Wallace in a nationally televised game.
“That took a toll on us,” Smith said. “Offensively, we did what we had to.”
That involved playing without Jabari Parker for much of the first half after the sophomore picked up two quick fouls. Parker had 10 of his 18 points in five minutes of floor time in the half and Simeon broke from an 11-all tie to lead 32-21 at the break.
Schaumburg (4-6) turned the ball over 24 times but had a chance to make it a two-possession game with 2 minutes, 16 seconds left and Simeon ahead 48-40. Christian Spandiary missed two free throws, part of a 3-for-10 game at the line for the Saxons.
“Three-of-10 at the free-throw line and 0-for-4 on late chances,” Schaumburg coach Matt Walsh said. “By no means are we excited or happy. We expected to win.
“We understand we played a nationally ranked team, a top 10 team. We understand if we match up individually we don’t have the talent, size and athleticism they do. But playing together, we were focused.”
“I give them a lot of credit,” Smith said. “They did an excellent job of running their offense, spreading us out and getting good shots. Their coaching staff did a great job of scouting us.”
Schaumburg sophomore center Jimmy Lundquist scored 13 of his game-high 19 before halftime.
Player of the game:
Jabari Parker, Simeon, 18 points.
Key performers:
Simeon — Kevin Hunter, 10 points; Schaumburg — Jimmy Lundquist, 19 points.
