Simeon center Russell Woods scored 15 points and pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds as the No. 1-ranked Wolverines cruised to a 74-50 victory over visiting Harlan on Thursday in the second round of the Public League playoffs.
After a tightly contested first quarter, Simeon used a 15-2 run to pull ahead 34-17 with 4:44 remaining before halftime. The half ended with the Wolverines leading 45-22 and Harlan never got any closer than 19 points the remainder of the game.
Despite the 24-point victory, coach Robert Smith was not pleased with his team's performance. "If we play like this on Sunday, we lose," said Smith. "We lost our focus and there was too much one-on-one play.
"Russell played well rebounding, blocking shots and getting those put-back baskets," Smith said.
Woods said he understands what his role is on the team.
"With so many scorers on our team, somebody has to do the dirty work," Woods said. "I will do anything to help our team win."
Jabari Parker and Jaylon Tate scored 14 points each for Simeon (21-2). Parker added 11 rebounds and Tate handed out nine assists.
Aquanis Connors led Harlan (11-14) with 14 points and Torian Pearson finished with 11.
"It is hard to beat them," Harlan coach Irvin Bryant said. "You can make all the adjustments you want, but in the end they just have the horses."
Tag(s): Top News Chicago Public Harlan Red South Simeon Top News
