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Simmons has high hopes for East hoops
YOUNGSTOWN
As a standout guard on the Chaney High basketball team in the late 1990’s, Dennis Simmons wondered about the future.
A 1999 graduate, Simmons wouldn’t go on to play collegiality, but he knew he had a desire to coach basketball.
He actually may have been able to land a job as a psychic, palm reader or fortune teller.
“Back in the day we thought we had a good team and that we were talented at Chaney,” Simmons said. “But we would always say how dominant we could’ve been if all the city schools merged into one.
“We never thought that it would come to this.”
For better or worse, the Cowboys’ dream has come true. With Rayen and Wilson closing in 2007 and Chaney’s athletic programs merging with East High’s in 2010, Youngstown is now represented by one team — the Panthers.
And Simmons is here to lead them.
He was hired by the Youngstown City Schools in late May and the first-year head coach has guided East to an 8-1 record with its most recent win coming on Dec. 29, 55-52, over West Middlesex to win the Dresch-McCluskey Tournament in Farrell, Pa..
The Panthers average 67.6 points per game and their only loss is a 55-53 defeat to Cardinal Mooney.
“Having seen the team play last year I know we have potential,” Simmons said. “Soon, we’ll be a ‘target’ team around the area and the state. I really am confident that we can play with a lot of teams. We’re doing the small things; executing and we’re disciplined.
“But I know, and the kids know, potential doesn’t mean anything until you act on it.”
Simmons coached the former professional Youngstown Swish during their inaugural exhibition season in 2009 and was an assistant at Sharon for the past two years.
“Sometimes I forget I’m the head coach; the one in charge,” he said, laughing. “I’ll look to see what’s next, then realize I’m the one in charge. It is what I expected, though. Coaching in the city has a lot of responsibility to go with it.”
In four of the last five seasons, East has posted a winning record. Last year, it went 15-7 before falling to Warren Harding in the district semifinal. Mark Cherol compiled a 59-43 record in five seasons as head coach.
“Coach Cherol did a fantastic job the past few seasons,” Simmons said. “I inherited a really talented core.”
Deontay Scott paces the Panthers with over 18 points and 14 rebounds per game.
“Deontay is a tremendous kid on and off the court,” Simmons said. “He leaves it on the floor and is becoming a good leader with the guys he’s around.”
Jamir Humphrey and Taylor Johnson are both senior starters, too. They each average over seven points per game.
“Taylor was accustomed to me and the system pretty fast,” Simmons said. “Jamir is a great athlete who is starting to be more vocal because he has an idea of where we’re going what it takes to get there. You would think he’s a coach out there.”
In 1985, Rayen won a state basketball championship. Ursuline won a title in 1994. Simmons feels another one for the city won’t be far off.
“I’m here to put Youngstown basketball on the map,” he said. “I want to help build a team that is recognized around the state.”