Three years ago, Andrew’s Kaleb Simms began teaching himself how to play the piano.

If the senior shooting guard instinctively knows what it means to be a performer, he still remains reluctant to let that side of him play out before a big crowd.

“I am not sure I am ready for a recital part just yet,” Simms said. “I’m still learning how to get to that point. Basketball is still where I can show myself the best.”

Well, Simms orchestrated an superb all-around game Friday night with 17 points, leading the red-hot Thunderbolts to 56-25 nonconference victory at Oak Forest.

Like a pianist, Simms showed the ability to play in different registers, adding five rebounds, three assists and three steals for Andrew (10-1).

Grantas Sakenis, a 6-foot-10 senior center, led the Thunderbolts with 19 points and nine rebounds. Junior point guard Athan Berchos added nine points and five assists.

Senior guard Deshawn Nolan paced Oak Forest (4-4) with six points.

Simms scored 13 points in the second half to turn the game into a rout.

In his second season as a starter, Simms has displayed an expanded game for the Thunderbolts — attacking the rim, scoring off the dribble and converting outside shots.

“Last season, we had two seniors who ended up playing in college,” Simms said. “I was more of a facilitator, and I sacrificed my game.

“Now, I am asked to score more. I think of myself as very versatile and I can do a little of everything, but most importantly, help my team score.”

Despite a coaching change, Simms has been a crucial connective thread.

Justin Stirn, in his first season as Andrew’s head coach, is the program’s former sophomore coach. He was Simms’ coach on the lower levels during Simms’ sophomore year.

“Kaleb does a great job,” Stirn said. “He has the ability to really score in spurts. That is one of the positives about having him on the floor, especially at times when we struggle to put the ball in the basket.

“He’s a kid who can get you seven points in 60 seconds.”

While Simms is the beneficiary of collapsing defenses looking to contain Sakenis, his own physical transformation underscores his growth and development.

“During his sophomore season, I think Kaleb struggled with confidence,” Stirn said. “But I think the big part of his game now is he has just grown.

“When I had him as a sophomore, he was 5-foot-9 or 5-10. Now, he’s 6-3. With those extra four or five inches, he’s able to see over people and see the floor so much better.”

Simms, an excellent cutter who is dynamic off the ball, has superb instincts with the ball in his hands.

“Kaleb is a big part of this team,” Berchos said. “He has improved tremendously from last year.”

Daily Southtown

Twice-weekly

News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday

Last summer, Simms played a lot of point guard for his AAU travel team. But with Berchos at the point, Simms can showcase the different facets of his game.

He’s now free and open to score. He also used to divide his time between playing football and basketball.

An injury at the start of his sophomore football season shifted his focus exclusively to basketball.

With an easy, outgoing personality, Simms has proved to be a player for all seasons, whether it’s at the piano or pulling up for the 3-pointer.

He loves the thrill of the moment.

“(Friday) was a great crowd, and I just love playing in front of everybody,” he said. “The most important thing is making sure I do whatever is possible to make my team win.’

Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.