Prospect Spotlight: Isaiah Simmons (2021)
When it comes to rebuilding a program, one of the first things you have to do is find players that fit you system, and for Steward Coach Curt Kassab he found the perfect guy to build with in Isaiah Simmons. In Steward’s win over rival Collegiate, Simmons played a huge role handling the basketball and making plays down the stretch.
The win was a showing of what the Steward squad hopes is how they can compete throughout the season moving forward. Simmons was happy just to make the mark so early.
“Coming in as the underdog feels great,” Simmons said. “We worked all summer for this and I told them we’re going to come in with all the confidence and get the W.”
It isn’t surprising that Simmons, who was a standout at Cosby High School as a freshman last year, feels so close to this team already. While teammate Efton Reid and himself were apart of the number one 15U team in the country this summer with Team Loaded, they were continuing to work with the Steward team and get better together.
According to Simmons, it was the freedom and encouragement that he received when he arrived that makes him enjoy this time so much.
“Day one when I came in they kept telling me ‘Do what I do,’” him said excitedly. That’s what I love about this team they don’t hold me back, we have great chemistry and they let me do what I do.”
The dynamic 5’8” guard works best when he’s able to create for others and make shots within the flow of the offense, and it works perfectly for him so far as a Spartan. He’s able to play fast at times but also in a structured system, and it works well for him and other guys who can make shots.
“The style of play is share the ball and get the shooters open! When it all goes down I have to go get the ball, I’m the point guard. We trust each other, we aren’t selfish and it’s all about having team chemistry.”
Playing on the best AAU team in the country can have its advantage, even at the young 15U age. Simmons already holds offers from Canisius and Drake, and while we have to see how he grows he definitely has the talent and mindset to be a recruit to keep an eye on moving forward.
As far as what he thinks he can do, there isn’t much of a limit.
“I can do anything the coach wants me to do. I can score the ball, pass the ball, hit my free throws, really anything.
When asked what he wants to do this season, like many of the best point guards it only matters if they can win basketball games.
“Of course, everyone wants to win a state championship. Basically we just want to win, win by win one at a time.”
Leading a long but talented group, Simmons has all of the talent and leadership to help make Steward a dark horse candidate in the VISAA D2 this year.