5 Takeaways: Simeon vs Mt. Carmel
In this article:
So many games to choose from on Friday night! I took in the Simeon vs Mt. Carmel game where a pair of city powers went out to the suburbs for the right to move on to the super sectionals. It…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSo many games to choose from on Friday night! I took in the Simeon vs Mt. Carmel game where a pair of city powers went out to the suburbs for the right to move on to the super sectionals. It was Simeon to jumped out early and despite a few runs from the Caravan never really was in too much trouble as they won 70-47. We break it down in our 5 Takeaways: Simeon vs Mt. Carmel!
Simeon’s Defense Sets Tone
The game was dictated early on by Simeon’s defense. They would not let Mt. Carmel run their stuff. When they did the Rubins were there to swat it. Wolverines picked off steals getting in passing lanes. Ball pressure on Craig. The first quarter they made a statement that they were the best team in 3A.
Rubin and Lewis Shine on Both Ends
Loyola signee Miles Rubin Miles Rubin 6'7" | PF Homewood Flossmoor | 2023 State #243 Nation IL was an absolute force on the defensive end in this game. He swatted shots over and over again. His quickness and instincts as a post defender are excellent as he knows how to use his length both laterally and vertically to make impactful plays. Also rebounded well including offensively where he got on the offensive glass for put backs. Rubin also displayed his quick post moves on hook shots and high/low finishes from his brother. He is the ideal mid-major post as he had 19 points in the win. Toledo commit Sam Lewis Sam Lewis 6'5" | SF Oak Park River Forest | 2023 State IL had his most complete game we have seen from him in a Simeon uniform. The wing was tremendous defensively against Mt. Carmel’s go to wing scorer holding him to single digits. Offensively he knocked in threes, got out in transition, and won off the bounce for 18 points.
Wolverines Depth of Veterans
All six of Simeon’s contributing seniors scored in the first quarter. That was a sign of just how deep this team is. Recent Jacksonville commit Jalen Griffith Jalen Griffith 5'9" | PG Simeon | 2023 State IL was an absolute wizard with the basketball in his hands. Some of the passes and dribbling moves he made were amazing. Such a high IQ guard that finished with 7 points and numerous assists. Northern Iowa signee Wesley Rubin Wesley Rubin 6'7" | PF Homewood Flossmoor | 2023 State IL showed off his skilled offensive game with seals in the post, euro steps, hook shot, and a corner three en route to 12 points. Stony Brook commit Kaiden Space Kaiden Space 6'2" | SG St.Rita | 2023 State IL capped off the first quarter with a triple while finishing with 7 points. The uncommitted and unheralded senior is Michael Ratliff Michael Ratliff 6'2" | SG Simeon | 2023 State IL . He was very good giving Craig everything he could handle with his pressure defense while on the offensive end netting 7 points on and-1 and tip ins.
Craig Keeps Attacking in Comeback Attempt
Denver signee DeAndre Craig DeAndre Craig 5'11" | PG Mt. Carmel | 2023 State IL kept attacking over and over again trying to keep his team in the game. The highly ranked senior gave it everything he had consistently getting to the foul line as he had 13 points. Top 20 2024 Angelo Ciaravino Angelo Ciaravino 6'6" | SF Mt. Carmel | 2024 State #160 Nation IL had a quiet game but still managed 7 points on a steal/dunk, three off the catch, and reverse layup. Small colleges who need a shooter should take a look at Anthony Ciaravino Anthony Ciaravino 6'1" | SG Mt. Carmel | 2023 State IL . The 2023 sharp shooter drained three triples for 11 points.
Unranked 2025 Emerges for Mt. Carmel
When these two teams stepped on the floor almost everyone on the floor was ranked except for 2025 Mt. Carmel shooting guard Grant Best Grant Best 6'3" | SG Mt. Carmel | 2025 State IL . The 6’1” two guard made a name for himself with an outstanding game. Solid catch and shoot guy that also scored on a spinning layup and a put back for 9 points. Worth monitoring this spring.