Simeon’s freshman phenom: AJ Casey’s bucket in OT beats Brother Rice

AJ Casey arrived at Simeon this year with massive expectations on his back. The 6-8 forward wasn’t just an eighth grade superstar. His invite to USA Basketball’s prestigious summer camp amped things up a notch. And then he began the season as a starter, joining an elite group of players to start as a freshman for the Wolverines.

Casey has had his ups and downs throughout the season. He made the game-winning free throw earlier this season against Homewood-Flossmoor but also had some games where he wasn’t able to make a major impact.

No one knows exactly what the future holds for Casey. A high-major college scholarship seems nearly guaranteed and even the NBA is possible. One thing that is now certain is his story will begin with an instantly-legendary rebound and put back at the buzzer in overtime to give Simeon a 75-73 win against Brother Rice in a Class 4A regional final.

Casey elevated for the rebound of a missed free throw. All in one motion he caught the ball and shot it back in, breaking the hearts of the Crusader Crazies and the rest of Brother Rice’s sold-out gym on Friday.

“He won the game for us,” Simeon senior Antonio Reeves said. “I just gave him a big hug. I almost gave him a kiss.”

PHOTO GALLERY

Brother Rice’s Conor Glennon (3) sets up his team’s offense against Simeon, Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

1 of 20

Brother Rice’s Conor Glennon (3) does a no look pass against Simeon, Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

2 of 20

Brother Rice’s Marquise Kennedy (24) pushes past Simeon’s Sincere Callwood (4), Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

3 of 20

Simeon’s Kejuan Clements (0) grabs a rebound against Brother Rice, Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

4 of 20

Brother Rice’s Marquise Kennedy (24) tries to slide around Simeon’s Kejuan Clements (0), Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

5 of 20

Brother Rice’s Marquise Kennedy (24) against Simeon’s Sincere Callwood (4) (4), Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

6 of 20

Brother Rice’s Deandre Hagan (10) pulls up a jump shot in the corner against SimeoFriday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

7 of 20

Brother Rice’s Marquise Kennedy (24) tries to keep the ball away from Simeon’s Antonio Reeves (3) and Simeon’s Ahamad Byunm (12), Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

8 of 20

Brother Rice’s Jimmy Gaven (5) takes a three point shot over Simeon’s Antonio Reeves (3), Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

9 of 20

Simeon’s Antonio Reeves (3) gets up high for two points, Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

10 of 20

Simeon’s Antonio Reeves (3) slices between Brother Rice’s Jalen Rheams (10) and Brother Rice’s Anthony Arquilla (23), Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

11 of 20

Brother Rice’s Marquise Kennedy (24) hauls in a rebound against Simeon, Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

12 of 20

Simeon’s Ahamad Bynum (12) switches direction against Brother Rice’s Marquise Kennedy (24), Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

13 of 20

Simeon’s Sincere Callwood (4) makes a move toward the basket, Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

14 of 20

Simeon’s Kejuan Clements (0) passes the ball away against Brother Rice, Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

15 of 20

Simeon’s Kejuan Clements (0) gets fouled going to the basket against Brother Rice, Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

16 of 20

Simeon’s Andre Casey Jr. (23) gets pushed out of the air going for the ball, Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

17 of 20

Simeon’s Ahamad Bynum (12) was on fire in the first half from the three point line, Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

18 of 20

Brother Rice’s Marquise Kennedy (24) tries to put a shot up over Simeon’s Andre Casey Jr. (23), Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

19 of 20

Brother Rice’s Deandre Hagan (10) reaches out for a rebound against Simeon, (10)Friday 03-01-19. Worsom Robinson/For Sun-Times

20 of 20

Reeves scored 26 and grabbed seven rebounds for the Wolverines (18-14). Casey had eight points and 11 boards. Senior Kejuan Clements added 15.

“I just had to go up and get it,” Casey said. “[The seniors] don’t want to lose. It is their last year and we have to do everything for them. Everyone wants to go out with a ring.”

Sophomore Ahamad Bynum, who missed most of the season with an injury, scored 20 for the Wolverines, 14 in the second half.

“[Bynum, Reeves and Clements] did a great job of taking turns getting baskets and making plays,” Simeon coach Robert Smith said. “It was one of the best high school games I’ve been involved in.”

Brother Rice (22-9) led 36-30 at halftime. Simeon seemed to adjust to the lively crowd and the cramped gym in the third quarter. The Wolverines also ramped up the defensive intensity.

“[The atmosphere] was actually incredible,” Casey said. “The fans were so into it and there was so much hype. It gave me an energy boost.”

Crusaders senior Marquise Kennedy displayed all the abilities that made him a Sun-Times All-City first team selection. The Loyola recruit finished with 27 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks. He made a three-pointer with 55 seconds left in regulation to pull Brother Rice within one point and then made a long three to tie the game with 18 seconds left in regulation.

“He just hit three after three and we couldn’t do much about it,” Reeves said. “We were contesting them. We just had to keep coming back.”

Junior Deandre Hagan scored 18 for Brother Rice and senior Jimmy Gavin added 15.

“They put so much energy and so many hours into this and then it just ends,” Brother Rice coach Bobby Frasor said. “It is not a fun feeling. I told them how much of a fun ride it was and how much I loved coaching them. Hopefully they have good memories of it for the rest of their lives.”

Simeon will face Marian Catholic in the Eisenhower Sectional semifinal on Wednesday.