Whitney Young (selective enrollment Chicago Public High School) opened their basketball season 5-0. The defending Illinois 4A (large school division) Champs are looking to repeat. They're led by Valpo commit Javon Freeman (Nephew of Marcus Liberty). Freeman, an athletic wing, has clearly been the team's most productive scorer so far this season. He's a legit Chicag-area Player of the Year contender and an Illinois Mr Basketball darkhorse contender.
The 1st annual Like Mike Invitation (Jordan Brand/Gatorade event) was held at Navy Pier's ballroom in downtown Chicago. Whitney Young faced Fenwick, an elite Catholic school from neighboring Oak Park, IL. Last season's 3A state runners-up, Fenwick started this season 3-1.
Fenwick is led by star-in-the-making 2020 DJ Steward. The crafty, long, lean wing has a scorer's mentality.
Freeman is surrounded by multiple future d1 players at Young like Xavier Castaneda (USF). Fenwick may not have the star power, but they are battle-tested.
In the end, Whitney Young eeked out a 74-73 victory over Fenwick. Javon Freeman finished with 35 points unofficially and DJ Steward scored 31 points.
It's still too early in the season to make any judgements but the debate will continue... Who's better at basketball? Public Schools or Private Schools?
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