Alderson was the freshman coach at Simeon for the past three seasons, and he had plenty of success. The freshman Wolverines advanced to the final four in Alderson's first year, then won back-to-back city titles the next two seasons.

"When I first accepted the Thornwood job I kind of felt some pressure," Alderson said. "It's top-notch program. But with everything I learned under coach Hambric and [current Simeon coach Robert] Smith I think I'm prepared for the job."

Alderson played at Simeon from 1979-82.

"One of those years was with [T.F. North coach Tim] Bankston," Alderson said. "It will be exciting to coach against him in the SICA East. He's done some great things with T.F. North the past few years."

Alderson replaces Bob Curran, who left after the season to take the job at Lincoln-Way North, a new school. Other candidates for the job included former South Shore coach Lloyd Batts and Thornton assistant Marcus Bates.