Boys Basketball: Simeon finally puts away Farragut
Updated: December 9, 2011 10:36PM
Simeon coach Robert Smith smiled and didn’t deny that his team probably doesn’t hit the boards too hard after Jabari Parker shoots.
‘‘It’s because they think it’s going in, that’s all,’’ said Smith.
Friday against Farragut, Parker’s smooth jumper didn’t fall quite as often as usual and it helped keep the No. 21 Admirals in the game until a fourth-quarter run gave the top-ranked Wolverines a 50-43 win at North Park. It was the 200th career victory for Smith, who is 200-36 in his eighth season at Simeon.
Parker finished with 17 points and nine rebounds and shot 8-for-19 from the field, but only two of those makes were jumpers.
The game was tied at the half and Simeon (3-0) led by three after three quarters. The Wolverines held Farragut to one basket in the final 2:16, during which Kendrick Nunn and Reggie Norris each scored key baskets for Simeon. Up until that point, the Wolverines relied on Parker and Steve Taylor (15 points, 14 rebounds) for almost all of the scoring.
“That’s their role,” Smith said of Taylor and Parker. “But other guys have to step up.”
Farragut senior Rashaun Stimage was a force with 14 points, seven rebounds and three blocks.
“Stimage is one of the best players in the state, by far,” Smith said.
Lavell Boyd scored 11 for Farragut (2-3), and David Scott scored six points and grabbed nine rebounds while doing a nice job defending Taylor and Parker in the paint.
Farragut point guard John Carter was the primary reason the Admirals were able to keep pace with the nation’s top-ranked team. He handled Simeon’s pressure with poise and used his speed to keep them off-balance.
“I tried my best,” Stimage said. “It wasn’t enough. We played a good game. I lost in the supersectional to them last year and wanted my revenge.”
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