Snapshots, Part 3

Ron Bailey, Publisher

July 7, 2007 - In yet another installment of our Snapshot Series, four more student athletes are presented, based upon their play during the 2007 AAU/travel team period’s early season.

Karron Johnson – 6’8”, 220lb junior forward – Hailing from Richmond, VA, and attending Mt. Zion Academy (NC), Johnson has long been known in hoops circles as an explosive, physical player, and remains so. He has now focused himself to develop his perimeter skills, primarily under the tutelage of his AAU coach, the Richmond Squire’s Kent Greenway.

Having attended the NBAPA Top 100 Camp as a sophomore last year, Karron had hoped he would do the same this year, but despite the invitation received was unable to attend. Nonetheless, Johnson has proven every step of the way he is a player to be accounted for, at all times: Sleep and he will put the ball down on your head.

Many schools are interested in Karron, including Georgetown, Maryland, Memphis and Virginia. Who did he like the most, earlier in this AAU/travel team period? “I’m most fond of Memphis and UVA” was his answer to the question.

Max Huc - 6’2”, 190lb senior point guard – Huc likes to get up and down the court, as a point guard. In the right situation, he could be a combo guard in college.

Attending The Hill School in Pottstown, PA last year, and Brewster Academy (NH) for his senior campaign, Huc shared he has received looks from “Mid-majors and Ivies”.

The son of a coach - his father Regi Huc directs his son’s Cuttino Mobley/Studz team - he also provided a honest self-critique. “My strengths are getting up and down the floor, passing and defense” he shared, while his point of necessary improvement is “The consistency of my shot”.

Mike Lewis – 5’9”, 160lb post grad prep school guard – According to Lewis’ dad, Mike Lewis, Sr., ‘Lil Mike’ has recently chosen Liberty University as his college home. Coppin State had previously offered, and the Lewis family had also received some interest from Old Dominion.

Attending Charis Prep (NC) last season, Mike shared “I played more of a true point guard role”. Additionally, he felt “My position defense has improved too”. Based upon his work in the Weber D.C. Shootout and the Southern Invitational - both places with the Greenville Grizzlies, that assessment was on point (pun intended). Lewis has transformed himself from a lead guard who wanted to score, to a point guard who can put up score numbers.

Devon Branch – 6’4”, 165lb junior guard/forward – Branch may be the best kept secret in the Baltimore area. Hailing from Aberdeen and attending the town’s namesake high school, Branch is very explosive, can hit jumpers, slash to the cup, and plays defense. Add all around hustle player, and one can see not only his potential, but present capability.

Having not played AAU/travel team ball last year, Branch is unknown nationally, despite possessing the talent to be recognized by many schools and fans. When asked about playing national level AAU hoops at April’s Southern Invitational with the Baltimore Stars, Devon was low key, only responding “I feel alright about it”: A true understatement by Branch, who wants to play shooting guard in college.