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Illinois high school boys basketball team, coach penalized due to team trip to Hong Kong

IMG_8358by: Andy Villamarzo10/17/25Andy_Villamarzo
Syndication: Pontiac Daily Leader
Evan Reed of Bloomington gets pressured by Simeon's Lorenzo Shields as Simeon head coach Tim Flowers looks on in the opening round of the 93rd Pontiac Holiday Tournament.

According to a Chicago Sun-Times report, Simeon (Ill.) head boys basketball coach Tim Flowers has been suspended by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) for six games, stemming from a team trip to Hong Kong that took place in September.

The association cited Simeon for violating multiple bylaws, which included Flowers coaching the team in Hong Kong, which is not permitted in September under IHSA rules. Simeon also was reprimanded back in 2022 when the team took a trip to Africa, per the report.

“This time we made sure we did it the right way,” Flowers said via the Chicago Sun-Times report. “The trip was approved by Chicago Public Schools. Everything was given to [CPS], including an itinerary for the duration of the trip.”

Chicago Public Schools released this statement, according to the report.

CPS takes seriously the findings and recommendations from the IHSA and will continue to ensure our District policies and procedures support the highest ethical standards and that our employees act in the best interest of our students, the District and our city.”

Along with Flowers, two Simeon assistants were suspended for four games. Also in addition to the suspensions levied against the Wolverines’ coaching staff, Simeon isn’t allowed to practice for three days when every other school in the state of Illinois began back on Oct. 15 and is docked playing three less games, limiting them to 28 contests.

The high school boys basketball season begins on Nov. 3 in Illinois.

Simeon’s team trip to Hong Kong was paid for by GOAT Lab, a company former Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose runs clinics with. Rose and Flowers are close friends and played together at Simeon, the report stated.

“I cannot help that Derrick Rose is my friend and opportunities come because of that,” Flowers added via the report. “Am I being held accountable because I have a friend that made it to the NBA? I don’t think that is fair or right. That’s all this is. The trip came about because [Rose] knew people in Hong Kong that wanted to give opportunities to our young men to come and see the world. Why should I be held accountable for that?”

What was unusual was the IHSA’s decision to increase Simeon’s sanctions after the school appealed. The report goes on to state that initially, Flowers was to be handed a four-game suspension but after the appeal, was given six contests.

Simeon, according to the Massey Ratings, is the No. 12 ranked team in the state of Illinois heading into the 2025-26 season. The Wolverines finished the 2024-25 season with a 20-8 record.

How to Follow Illinois High School Boys Basketball

For Illinois high school boys basketball fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Prairie State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the high school hops action throughout the season. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the hardwood excitement across the state.