Power Rankings Profile: Simeon Career Academy

Parker and Co. eye the top of our rankings

If you take a look at Simeon’s potential starting lineup, it’s tough to find any real holes. Jabari Parker is the undisputed star of the team, and may be the best recruit in the country, regardless of class. Steve Taylor, meanwhile, is a versatile forward who has already committed to Marquette and Kendrick Nunn will be one of the better three point shooters in the country. If it puts the right pieces together and a few more players step up, Simeon, who currently sits at No. 6 in our High School Power Rankings, could end the season as the best team in the nation.

Strength: Versatility

Enough has been made about Parker’s tremendous talent pretty much anywhere on the court. But Simeon is much more than the best recruit in the country. Taylor has an excellent perimeter game for a big guy, but can also rebound and contend inside. Nunn meanwhile can drive, shoot or pass, giving any defender a daunting task. Once you factor in Jaylen Tate’s impressive ability to run the offense, you’ll realize Simeon can beat you in a variety of ways.

Weakness: Interior presence

Parker will get his share of rebounds, but he’s undersized for a big man and will play a lot outside of the paint. The same goes for Taylor. In fact, no one on Simeon really jumps out as the guy who will sit inside, eat up rebounds, create second chances and block shots. Simeon is certainly a talented team, but someone else, preferably a true power forward or center, will need to step up on both ends of the court.

Schedule: Simeon faces its first big challenge on Dec. 23 when it plays watchlist team and in-state power Whitney Young. After that, things don’t get much easier, as the Wolverines travel to West Virginia in early January to play in the Cancer Research Classic. Their opponent? No. 10 Miller Grove. Then, just ten days later, Simeon will play one of the most anticipated games of the season when the Wolverines meet No. 2 Findlay Prep in the Hoop Hall Classic.

Next Up: Dec. 3 vs. Hillcrest