by Brian Crownover
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Some top young talent from the region was on display this past weekend at the Philly Invitational at Dowingtown West High School.  CAA Insider was on hand Saturday afternoon.  Here is a look at some of the top players.

Karron Johnson

Karron Johnson (2009, 6-8 SF/PF) 
Having a premier national caliber player from North Carolina was certainly pleasant surprise. Karron is a fantastic player who was absolutely dominant for Juice. Very few players possesses the length and athleticism of this gifted forward. He plays above the rim and is also super quick. He worked a lot in low block in this one. He used quick spin moves with his back to the basket to get to the rim with ease. Karron hit on a deep turn around post jumper too.

When he really got going was when he started displaying his athletic ability late in the first half and early in the 2nd half. Karron ended the half with a dynamic high flying block. He had only just begun though. A fellow scout said he didn't think that play could be topped. I said, "I don't know Karron hasn't shown his dunking ability yet." He did just that in the second half. Karron got out and ran the floor and threw down several alley oops that wowed the crowd. We haven't always seen him play hard, but when he does few can match this explosive forward.

Latrail McCoy (2009, 6-2 SG)
Latrail is a well built guard with solid all around skills. He showed the ability to shoot from deep. He knocked down three from beyond the arc by our count. Latrail can also handle the ball and drive into the lane. He can attack in either direction. He also had an alley oop assist in this strong performance.

Isaiah Morton (2011, 5-8 PG)
This play making young guard struggled with his jumper the first two times we saw him. In this one, he buried no fewer than 4 three pointers. He actually scored most of his points in that fashion and opted not to utilize his quickness as much as we saw the first two times around. Isaiah didn't struggle with turnovers like he had in the past. He played a solid game for Juice.

Daquan Brown (2009, 6-9 210 PF/C)
This big man made most of his impact on the boards. He grabbed rebound after rebound. He scored around the basket on a couple follow up plays. He didn't touch the ball a lot in half court sets.

Team Philly

Tony Chennault (2010, 6-2 PG/SG)
Tony put together a nice game. He did a good job of attacking to the left off the dribble. He finished and drew some fouls. He also ran the floor and scored in transition. Tony hit a three pointer as well.

Willis Nicholson (2010, 5-10 PG)
Willis is a very quick ball handling guard. He had several fantastic change of direction plays. He used a crossover move to freeze the defense and draw a foul. Willis also had a beautiful drive, spin move and finish. He hit a runner in the lane as well.

Jerrod Johnson (2010, 6-3 SG)
Jerrod made some nice plays in this one. He had a follow up basket, hit a pull up mid range jumper and another turnaround jumper. Jerrod also pulled down a couple boards.

Jaleel Mack (2010, 5-10 PG)
Jaleel didn't have a big game, but he was a solid role player. He showed a good outside shot with a pair of three pointers.

New Heights 16s

Devon Collier (2010, 6-7 PF)
Devon was incredibly efficient. He scored time and time again around the rim. He finished nearly everything with soft touch and good positioning. Devon can score with either hand. He often played with his back to the basket and showed he can pass out and repost for better positioning. Devon scored on a couple cuts and scoop finishes. He can handle the ball some too, although he tends to dribble a bit high. He also had a strong game rebounding and blocked a shot too. Devon had a nice pass to a cutter as well. He'll be at St. Anthony's next season and should help keep them a national power.

Xavier Pollard (2010, 5-11 PG/SG)
Xavier played well in the win. He's a physical guard who can drive to the hoop. He put together a strong game on the boards too. He badly missed on a three pointer and didn't take too many other outside shots. Xavier did show a solid skill set though.

Tyrone Turner (2010, 6-4 SF)
Tyrone had a strong game.  The wing scored on a nice runner.  He finished well around the hoop, whether driving off the dribble or cutting to the rim.  He handles the ball well.  Tyrone also used a spin move in the post to free himself on the inside.  He had a strong game rebounding and played both inside and outside.  Tyrone is a solid player. 

New Heights 15s (A)

Shamell Williams (2011, 6-4 SF)
Shamell is a left handed wing player who can score. He hit a nice short jump shot. He can put the ball on the floor and attack off the dribble. He had a nice reverse finish in traffic. Shamell has great hands and used that to grab quite a few rebounds. The Rice Raiders will be losing a lot of firepower, but Shamell looks like he'll help fill some of that in.

Joey Del La Rosa (2011, 6-9 C)
Joey is a young big man with some potential. He is a very long armed post. He did a lot of damage on the inside grabbing numerous rebounds. Joey had a nice pass out the post too.

Team Phenom

Juan'ya Green (2011, 6-3 SG)
It was a tough day for the host team as they lost with only 5 players taking the court. That didn't stop Juan'ya from showing his talent. The youngster is very smooth and fluid with the ball in his hands. Donning a #8 jersey, Juan'ya showed several Kobe like moves, including a beautiful spin move that is very tough to stop. The talented guard has great hands and can change directions off the bounce. Juan'ya was at his best going at the rim. He hit a runner, had a finger roll finish and a scoop finish. He did seem to like to shoot from the perimeter as well, but really struggled to knock down the outside jumper. It was easy to see why Juan'ya is one of the best freshmen in the Philadelphia area.

Aaron Brown (2011, 6-5 PF)
Aaron had a fantastic game. The forward is very physical and so productive. He's a terrific finisher around the hoop with good touch and a strong feel around the rim. The lefty rebounded well throughout. Aaron can handle the ball in the open court too. He isn't the most fluid dribbling, but still effective. That's an area he can work to improve upon. Aaron also hit a free throw line jumper on another play. Right now, the big question will be whether he grows and remains a post player at the next level or whether he'll need to develop more wing skills. Either way, there is no question that Aaron is already a talented player.

Joey Gripper (2011, 6-0 PG)
Joey is yet another gifted player for this loaded team. The lead guard has a lightning quick handle. He has the ability to change directions in a hurry, including a nice crossover move. Joey didn't score much, opting instead to setup his teammates. He had several nice assists throughout the game and typically he'll throw crisp passes. Joey is another player with a strong future.

Playaz 15s

Myles Davis (2011, 6-0 PG/SG)
Myles is a very aggressive guard who likes to attack off the bounce. He had several drives to the hoop and conversions. He showed a beautiful crossover move and assist after starting off dribbling to the left. Myles showed a little bit of everything, including the ability to hit a three pointer. He is a superb talent.

Keith Lumpkin (2011, 6-8 C)
Keith is a bid bodied post player. He was a monster on the glass, grabbing rebound after rebound. He possesses good hands that allow him to grab the ball. Keith had a lay-in as well as short post turn around jumper. His touches were limited on the offensive end though. He had a nice pass out and repost. He also got an assist after an offensive rebound. Keith has a bright future ahead of him. He'll just have to make sure to watch his weight as he moves forward.

New Heights 15s (B)

Sidiki Johnson (2011, 6-6 PF)
Sidiki is a long forward. He had a put back and lay-in on the inside. He grabbed a number of rebounds. Sidiki showed he can handle the ball some too. He's a talented young player.