After being completely dominated by Simeon in all phases, down 22 points early in the fourth quarter, the Broncos dialed up a three quarter court zone trap and comes all the way back to force overtime. Simeon survived to win the City Championship 72-64.
No full piece on the game this time, just not enough time.
But I did have an interesting exchange with Simeon’s coach Robert Smith after the game. When asked why he did not take a time out after getting a chance for a game winning shot with 39 seconds left in regulation, legendary Simeon Wolverines head coach Robert Smith said:
“I was thinking about Curie [referring to Thursday’s quadruple overtime victory over Curie in the City Championship semi-final last Thursday.] Every time [Curie] had the ball in overtime they called a time out to let us set up our defense. [Kenwood] could have switched and put a better defensive player on the floor. I didn’t want to them to have that opportunity. Plus I didn’t know if I had any time outs left. I had seniors on the court, someone to make a play. We had the ball. We were to hit the last shot or go to overtime and see what happens.”
That says a lot about Smith and coaching in general. That was an education in the game right there worth the price of admission. He trusted his seniors. The worst that could happen was overtime.
As for the photos, this was the largest crowd of photographers that I have seen at any game. I had to work at getting my favorite spots on the floor.
CPS Athletics did an outstanding job with the event and frankly the whole season. The branding and marketing is first rate, truly professional. From a media view point, the organization was outstanding. It’s easy and reliable. Everyone is friendly and helpful. From the a fan standpoint, UIC is a great venue for this parking is close and not overpriced. The seating and sight lines are great. The food is expensive but this isn’t the Masters or something. Food is expensive everywhere one goes.
The light at UIC Credit One Arena is not as good as it is at Wintrust but its not bad. It’s a pretty cool light, just not quite as much of it as I would like but definitely manageable.
I hope the photos are half as good as was the game and the whole experience.
