Simeon cruises past West Aurora in Pontiac semifinal

PONTIAC, Ill — Simeon was reeling heading into the Pontiac Holiday Tournament.

Well, as reeling as the Wolverines ever really are. They had just lost to No. 3 St. Rita. No shame in that, but they had wanted an undefeated season.

Over the past three days, No. 4 Simeon seems to have found its rhythm. Robert Smith’s biggest complaint is his second unit. They sort of let West Aurora back in the game a bit early in the fourth quarter of Simeon’s 59-43 win Wednesday in the semifinals. A basket by Matt Dunn cut Simeon’s lead to 46-34 with 6:17 to play.

“That was not acceptable at all,” Smith said. “The bench has to come to play when they come in with the lead.”

The Wolverines totally shut down West Aurora’s best player, Roland Griffin. The Illinois State recruit managed just six points and one rebound. He had 24 points and 18 rebounds in a quarterfinal win against Oak Park-River Forest.

The Blackhawks (8-5) only made five field goals in the first half.

“We did a good job in the first half, the second half was a little stagnant,” Smith said.

Edward Morrow led Simeon (8-1) with 15 points and 11 rebounds. D.J. Williams scored 14 and Zack Norvell added 12 points and seven rebounds.

Marquis Howard led West Aurora with 13 points and sophomore Luis Motola added nine with seven rebounds.

Simeon will face Benet in the title game Wednesday night.