March 17--In a way, order has been restored to the Class 4A boys basketball state tournament.
After two years away, Simeon is back in Peoria for the eighth time in Robert Smith's 12-year tenure.
The Wolverines (29-3) will try for their eighth state title and seventh under Smith beginning with a semifinal against Benet (30-3) at 8:15 p.m. Friday at Carver Arena.
Smith said his players, notably senior guard Zack Norvell, were motivated to avoid another loss before state. The 6-foot-5 Norvell, a Gonzaga recruit, is averaging about 16.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game for the city champions.
"They didn't want to feel that same way again," Smith said. "They just stepped up and the guys played really well. Zack has been playing really well, and he's the leader."
Although Norvell is one of the top players in the state, the Wolverines lack an NBA-ready player, which has come to define their program. There's no Derrick Rose or Jabari Parker on this season's roster, but the Wolverines' talented cast is capable of playing different tempos. Junior point guard Evan Gilyard and inside force Josh Thomas have been key contributors all season.
Smith said Benet's collection of shooters and ability to dictate tempo represents a tough challenge.
"They are well-coached and very disciplined," Smith said. "They make you play at their tempo."
Benet is making its second trip to the state semifinals in three seasons, but lack a true inside presence. In 2014, 6-9 Sean O'Mara led the Redwings to a runner-up finish against Jahlil Okafor and Young.
While Simeon makes plans to be in Peoria every year, Benet was not expected to have this much success this season. The Redwings gained steam, though, while winning 30 of their 33 games.
"I don't think there was much expectation for this team," Benet coach Gene Heidkamp said. "Coming into the year, we weren't a ranked team. I think people thought we would be competitive, based on some of the players we had coming back and a decent history the last few years, but I think this team has surpassed everybody's expectations."
The Redwings don't have a true go-to player, with James Dockery, Jason Malonga, Dan Sobolewski and Jack Nolan all averaging between 10.3 and 11.9 points per game. Benet is 13-3 in games decided by eight or fewer points.
"This team won't blow out anybody nor are we ever really out of the game," Heidkamp said. "That's been the key so far. We're battle-tested in close games."
Despite a storied city history, Curie earned its first trip to state by beating Notre Dame in the Evanston Supersectional. The Condors (26-5) will play Rockford Auburn (25-6) in Friday's 6:30 p.m. semifinal.
The Condors endured some rough patches in a rigorous schedule that included Simeon, Peoria Manual, Kenwood four times as well as games in California, Kentucky and Indiana. Curie coach Mike Oliver said his team's lack of state experience should not be a factor.
"I tell the guys to embrace the opportunity," he said. "It's new to all of us, so there is going to be an adjustment. They have to treat it like any other game. We've been in a lot of big events and tournaments, so our guys understand how to play in front of a huge crowd in front of a big stage."
Curie senior point guard Devin Gage, who averages 14.8 points and 3.2 assists per game, is a player to watch this weekend. The DePaul-bound Gage has a tendency, much to Oliver's chagrin, to start games slow before finishing with a flourish.
"I would like Devin to be more aggressive starting games," Oliver said. "It's very important that Devin starts off the game more aggressive and getting everybody involved and keep the team calm."
Auburn is making its third state appearance. The Knights finished third in 2012 led by current Wichita State guard Fred Van Vleet. This year's team is similarly small and quick, with Trayvon Tyler's 18.9 points and 5.1 assists leading the way.
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Class 4A tournament
Friday's semifinals
--Curie (26-5) vs. Rockford Auburn (25-6), 6:30 p.m.
--Benet (30-3) vs. Simeon (29-3), 8:15 p.m.
TV: CSN+.
Saturday's schedule
Third place, 6:30 p.m.
Championship, 8:15 p.m.
TV: CSN.
