By the time Simereon Carter takes the court for Waukegan’s season opener in November, onlookers will see a different player than the one last observed in February.
Sure, Carter has been working to get better. But the 6-foot-3 junior wing also has a new mindset.
“I think I have a different motor where I’m playing at a different pace,” he said. “I want to be the best player out there, where nobody can guard me. I want to be better than everybody else and keep improving my game every day.”
Carter, who has an offer from Cal State Northridge, has been a pretty good player already in his first two years at Waukegan. He’s coming off a sophomore season during which he averaged 14.3 points while shooting 56.3% from the floor, 41.2% from the 3-point range and 73.7% from the free-throw line. He also averaged 8.0 rebounds and 2.3 steals and was named to the all-tournament team at Elgin.
Carter’s presence has coincided with the Bulldogs’ return to competitiveness. They won a total of four games in the two full seasons before Carter’s freshman year, when they went 12-17. Waukegan improved to 17-14 last season.
“His game means a lot to this team,” junior point guard Carter Newsome said. “He just puts everything together.
“He’s a freak athlete. He’s more athletic than almost anyone we play, so having him out there rebounding, blocking shots, knocking down shots is important.”
But Carter knows there are parts of his game that need to be enhanced.
“I think my ballhandling needs to get better, but it already has, even this summer,” he said. “Last summer, I really didn’t work on that.”
Carter’s increased comfort level with the ball is already evident to Newsome.
“He’s going to the rim harder, and he’s really just trying to dunk on people, being more aggressive,” Newsome said. “He’s hard to guard because you don’t want to close out too hard on him because with his quickness, he’ll go right by you. But if you don’t close out hard, he’ll shoot it right in your face.”
Waukegan coach Ron Ashlaw also has seen a difference in Carter when the ball is in his hands.
“He’s taken the step where when he catches the ball, he’s processing and analyzing what the best thing is to do,” Ashlaw said. “That’s a massive step in his overall growth. You can see his eyes scanning the floor and making the right decision almost all the time. It’s been really fun to see.”
Having Carter make better decisions in the half-court offense gives the Bulldogs an extra dimension, since they will get out in transition whenever possible. That’s when Carter can be what Ashlaw calls a “second-touch guy,” often after Newsome receives the first touch following a rebound or outlet pass.
“He’s the next guy that makes the catch, and that’s a really critical touch,” Ashlaw said. “It could mean another kick-ahead or driving it himself.”
Much of Carter’s progression could be attributed to maturation. One can see it on the court and also hear it in his words.
“I want everyone to see me be a good teammate,” Carter said. “They already know I can play basketball, but it’s also about my body language and what type of person I am off the court. I realize now that when you’re playing, it’s serious.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.
