Sophomore duo lifts Simeon past Robeson

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With a top scorer out, Simeon coach Robert Smith needed some of his young and emerging weapons to strut their stuff.

Tywon Pinckney and Darrin Walker answered the call.

The two sophomores combined for 20 points to help power the No. 16 Wolverines past Robeson 61-43 Friday night in first round play of the Public League Holiday Classic at Attack Athletics.

Simeon junior star forward Brandon Spearman rested a foot he injured in the quarterfinals against Curie at Pontiac on Wednesday.

"He's going to play [at DePaul Saturday in the quarterfinals] for sure, we just wanted to rest him and give him another day to get better," Smith said.

Coming off strong performances against Lockport and Peoria Manual at Pontiac, Walker started quickly. He scored seven first-quarter points to help Simeon run out to an 18-9 lead after the first period.

Point guard Pinckney played one of his strongest games of the year. He registered 11 points, eight steals and four assists.

"Our young kids are starting to step up and show us some things out there," Smith said. "We just need to get more production from our [center position] and we'll be fine."

Simeon (6-6) won a season-best third straight game.

Jeremy Jones was, as usual, quietly spectacular. He scored a team-best 15 points. He scored two quick baskets in transition to start the third to push the Wolverines out to a 33-15 advantage.

In the fourth quarter, Jones showed off his athleticism, scoring twice on twisting drives and punctuating his run by throwing down a vicious dunk on the break.

Junior guard Lashane Purdy scored 17 points for the Raiders.