Burke County boys star is Charlotte Observer basketball player of the week
Freedom High School’s James Freeman is the Charlotte Observer’s high school basketball player of the week.
This week’s winners were selected after playing in regional semifinal and regional championship games last week. Because the field of potential participants was reduced, the boys and girls awards were combined.
Freeman, a 6-4 senior, received nearly 10,000 votes to finish ahead of Freedom girls star Blaikley Crooks and Shelby’s Deshaun Christopher.
Freeman averaged 17.5 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game in two tight playoff wins over Hunter Huss and Weddington.
Freeman had 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists in a 67-64 3A state quarterfinal win over Weddington March 3.
Freeman finished the week with 19 points, including the game-winner with 41 seconds left, to go with nine rebounds and four assists in a 58-56 3A West Regional finals’ victory over Hunter Huss at Lenoir-Rhyne University March 7.
Freedom (29-1) was scheduled to play Westover High (30-0) in the 3A state championship game at Reynolds’ Coliseum at N.C. State Saturday, but the game was postponed due to concerns over the coronavirus.
This story was originally published March 8, 2020 at 6:36 PM.