Jimsie Simmons clearly understands the challenge of accepting his new coaching position.
After serving as a girls basketball assistant at Zion-Benton the past two seasons, Simmons has been named head coach. Simmons, a Zion-Benton graduate, takes over for Tanya Johnson, who’s one of the most celebrated coaches in Illinois high school sports history.
Johnson compiled an overall record of 766-292 over 36 years. She won two state titles at Loyola and also coached the West team in the 2012 McDonald’s All-American Game. Johnson, a member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, stepped down after 11 seasons at Zion-Benton.
“Those are some huge footsteps to follow,” Simmons said. “She took the team out of nowhere to state, coached in the McDonald’s game. Filling Tanya’s shoes is going to be hard. She left a big legacy at Zion and started a winning tradition.
“We’ve lost some great players the last two years. We have to retool and develop.”
Simmons brings a strong background to the position, including in the community. He has AAU ties and has had a role in developing numerous Zee-Bees players. He has helped Johnson, on and off, since 2012.
“I’m going to hit the ground floor running,” he said. “I focused on the defensive end a lot. I plan on bringing in somebody to help coach that’s more offensive-oriented. I want our teams to be athletic but also fundamentally sound.
“I also want to bring back some former players to help run the feeder program as volunteer coaches. I have strong ties to this community. I live in the middle of it. I can reach out to people I have watched grow up and train for help.”
Banker commits: Without throwing a varsity pitch, Carmel junior left-hander Brady Banker committed to Illinois on Wednesday.
Banker celebrated his decision by calling his older brother, Brandon.
“Brandon has always been a big part of my life,” Banker said. “He taught me to compete and survive and strive to be the best I can possibly be, whether it’s basketball, school or playing baseball.
“He has always been there to motivate me and help me grow as an individual, on and off the field. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today.”
As a freshman, Banker pitched on the lower levels, and then his sophomore season was wiped out due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He picked the Illini over Bradley, Illinois State and North Alabama.
“It’s a little weird, but I wanted to commit early,” Banker said. “If the right opportunity came, I told myself I would take it. Illinois has great education and baseball, and I love the campus.
“It’s exciting but also a relief to commit. Everybody dreams of playing college baseball. It’s crazy to think I’m going to play college baseball.”
More Top Picks Best Shower Head And Valve Sets
Tidbits: Grayslake Central senior guard MK Drevline received an offer from Denison on Sept. 27. She also picked up an offer from Dubuque on Sept. 17. … Lake Forest senior punter Shelby Pruett received offers from South Dakota and Butler in September.