When you’re Simeon, winners of three straight state championships, preseason ranked No. 1 in the state again, topping the charts of national rankings and boasting the likes of Jabari Parker and over a dozen-plus Division I prospects in the program, it’s plausible.
It’s plausible that Simeon is, for a lack of a better word, unveiling the next product off this basketball assembly line. Simeon is kicking off the season Friday night with a madness of its own, something you would see in a college program, but typically not in the prep ranks. It’s going to be a night of celebration for a team and program that has dominated of late but also brings a rich and memorable basketball history and tradition dating back three decades.
Wolverine Madness, which will be held from 7-9 p.m. at the high school, will include both a sophomore and varsity scrimmage and various contests during the night.
Prior to the Wolverine Madness, Simeon will have a tribute to Ben Wilson. The recent “30 for 30” documentary presentation by ESPN on Wilson’s talents and young life brought one of the more tragic and iconic stories in Chicago history back to life.
At 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium there will be a showing of the 1984 state semifinal game between Simeon and the Kenny Battle-led West Aurora team. Following the showing of that game, there will be an official dedication in honoring the late Ben Wilson with a plaque that will be unveiled in officially naming the gym “Benjamin Wilson, Jr. Gymnasium”.
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