C.J. Fair headed to prep school
While the City boys basketball team prepares to defend its Class 2A state championship, C.J. Fair is readying for a senior season in New England.
The Syracuse-bound small forward has decided to spend his final year of high school at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H.
Fair -- who missed his junior season with the Knights rehabbing a torn ACL -- is one of at least four Baltimore seniors with high-major college basketball futures that will attend prep school this year.
“It’s basically for basketball purposes,” Fair said of his decision. “It’s basically to get ready for college so I can focus more and get away and have no distractions.”
Fair will team up with another Baltimore native during his senior season at Brewster. Lake Clifton small forward Will Barton decided to attend the New Hampshire prep school earlier this summer.
“I told him [I was going to Brewster] and he was happy to know that I’m going up there with him,” Fair said.
Antonio Barton, Will’s younger brother, will spend his last year of high school at Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Mass. The Bartons, who committed to Memphis in June, spent their first two years at City before transferring to National Christian Academy in Fort Washington. The brothers led Lake Clifton to the 3A state title last spring. NCAA rules required both Bartons to spend their fifth years at prep schools.
“I mean it’ll be OK, but I’ll miss [Baltimore] a lot,” Antonio Barton said. “If I had a choice, I wish I would still [be able to attend Lake Clifton]. ... [But Notre Dame Prep] was a good place where I could get prepared for college. I just feel it fits me pretty well.”
Former Walbrook small forward Roscoe Smith will also spend his senior year away from Baltimore. The five-star prospect told Recruiting Report last month that he’ll suit up for Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va., this fall.
Fair said he consulted with former Owings Mills center Andrew Fitzgerald before making his decision. Fitzgerald, an Oklahoma commitment who spent last year at Brewster, gave the prep school a good recommendation.
While Fair said he’ll miss certain things about living in Baltimore, he’s comfortable with his choice.
“Everybody that really cares about me thinks it’s a good decision,” Fair said. “... Brewster’s got a lot to offer.”
Comments
All a bunch of Sell Outs. Abandoning their city and state college.
Posted by: Ryan | July 28, 2009 10:04 PM
Ryan -- I think that's a little strong. When Fair committed to Syracuse, the Terps were barely involved. The Bartons had to go to prep school this year, and UM offered Will but not Antonio. And Roscoe's high school, Walbrook, is closing. It's disappointing that so many Baltimore guys won't be playing in the city this year, but you can't fault them for doing what they think is best for their long-term development.
Posted by: Matt Bracken | July 29, 2009 9:13 AM
If you had the offer from a national top 20 program; and a second tier ACC squad... what would you choose? Go Orange! Top Ten in 2009-2010 .
Posted by: OrangeOpus | July 29, 2009 6:55 PM
From what I've heard, Brewster is a very well-respected boarding school. The son of a friend of mine is friendly with Drew Fitzgerald and he loved Brewster. The school has an excellent reputation academically, as well as athletically. The website is impressive and it isn't one of these 'prep' schools that pop up in the middle of the night. Although it would be nice to have all the talent in the city, you can't call these kids 'sell-outs' for taking advantage of the opportunity to be better prepared for success in college and life. Maybe these kids will return in the spring for postseason all-star action.
Posted by: Kramer | July 29, 2009 7:43 PM
So, OrangeOpus, a team who made it past the first round of the NCAA's for the first time in 5 years, and made their 1st appearance in 3 years, is supposed to impress? Whatever....
Posted by: Fort Liquordale | July 29, 2009 9:32 PM
Exactly WHO is paying for these kids to attend private schools?
Are they qualified academically as well as athletically? Or are shenanigans involved here?
Posted by: Gus Smegma | July 30, 2009 7:17 AM
Per the Brewster website, the school does not offer merit-based or athletic scholarships, but they do offer financial assistance based on demonstrated need.
Posted by: Kramer | July 30, 2009 7:39 PM
i play ball and im in the 9th grade and i wouldnt mind coming there at all ask will barton about me and i use to go to national christian academy.
Posted by: james kirksey | November 4, 2009 12:38 AM