By: Daniel Poneman
Photos by Mike Kosman: websportschicago.com
 
January 21st, 2009 

North Lawndale junior power forward Jermaine Winfield is recovering in his west side home after being shot in the leg following a win over ACT Charter at Collins High School on Tuesday. Winfield was shot while trying to help a teammate that was getting jumped by three students who were waiting outside Collins following the game. I’ve known Jermaine for years and he is one of the nicest kids I know, someone who always seems to have a smile on his face. It is unfortunate that this would happen to such an undeserving victim, and this instance is very telling as to the disastrous level the violence in our city has gotten to. This comes just 2 weeks after 5 were injured in a drive by shooting that took place at Dunbar High School during their game against John Hope.

“You know how our team is just like a family,” said North Lawndale assistant Terry Johnson, “Jermaine is a great kid and he was just helping his brother. You know how good of a kid Jermaine is, Dan,” he continued, “He is such a hard worker and such a valuable asset to our program.”

Winfield has been having a big time breakout season for 16-4 North Lawndale Phoenix. Despite being undersized for the power forward position at 6’3 he has proven he is one of the best in the state with his strong play this season. He was the MVP of the CPS Holiday Invitational, scoring 24 points and 16 rebounds in the championship game win over Foreman, including scoring 19 of the Phoenix’s first 27 points.  He scored 12 points against ACT Charter before obtaining the bullet wound. The timetable for his return is unknown, but one thing that is known is how important he is to Coach Lewis Thorpe’s Phoenix’s success.

“We are definitely not going to rush him back, we are going to take our time with this,” continued Johnson. “What’s most important is Jermaine’s health and that he is feeling alright. First we want him to start going to school again, then he will start practicing, and eventually he will be playing in games. He is so important to our team; we don’t want to rush him back.”

Other players around the city have got wind of the incident and everyone, even bitter rivals, have thrown their full support behind Winfield and his family.

“Yeah I heard what happened, it’s really too bad,” stated Whitney Young guard Chris Colvin. “I hope he can recover fast because I know how important he is to (North Lawndale) winning, and we want to see them in the city finals.”

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