By Dan Ruane
Yourseason.com
Among the crowd at Simeons home opener against Red-South opponent Carver were several college coaches. They got to see the top-ranked Wolverines dismantle the Challengers for a 79-23 victory in a game that was never close.
Representatives from Georgetown, Missouri State, Michigan State and Illinois along with head coaches Johnny Dawkins from Stanford, Buzz Williams of Marquette and Roy Williams of North Carolina came to see uncommitted juniors Jabari Parker, Kendrick Nunn and Jaylon Tate.
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The Wolverines did not disappoint in storming out to a 27-2 first-quarter lead playing its trademark ball-sharing offense along with its suffocating defense.
Theyre a fantastic team, Roy Williams said. They play so hard and so well together. Theyre a very unselfish team and I obviously like to see that.
Simeon also knows how to get the ball to the guy with the hot hand.
Marquette-bound Steve Taylor scored 13 of his 15 points in the first quarter, all while the Wolverines (4-0, 1-0) were forcing Carver (0-7, 0-1) into 14 first-quarter turnovers.
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They are a true Number 1 team, Carver coach Johnnail Evans said. They are going to run through the Red-South this year. People do not have the talent to match up against them.
The only mystery in the game was how long Simeon coach Robert Smith would play his regulars. Smith used his bench extensively but also allowed his starters enough time to display their wares for the would-be college suitors.
Its a tribute to our program that so many high, major programs are looking at our kids, Smith said. I got into Kendrick at halftime. With all of these college coaches here, he came out in second half and made gold.
Nunn scored 13 of his 16 points in the third quarter including converting three treys. Jabari Parker played a strong all-around game with 13 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Tate came off the bench to score 15 points. Taylor recorded four blocks while Parker had five.
Michael Howell led Carver with 12 points.