2023-24 Harlem Village Academies High Player Profiles
Harlem Village Academies is distinguished as the only charter school in New York that features both Montessori as well as the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for all. The IB Diploma Program courses are recognized as the gold standard for secondary instruction by leading universities worldwide. As the name implies, it is located in the heart of Harlem at West 124 Street.
It’s boys varsity basketball team, the Vipers, competes in PSAL Division A, Manhattan III conference. The team is led by a very experienced coach, Derrick Lawson. Lawson’s resume includes a stint at the college level at Hunter College. Below are the profiles of his key players for the 2023-24 season.
Kwabena Brew (2024) 6’1 wing - This senior star is a shifty forward that can bully you on his way to the basket. With a reliable jump shot, you can’t leave him open. Kwabena size enables him to create defensive mismatches, in which he takes advantage and converts. On the fastbreak, he provides versatility with the ability to pass or go up for an acrobatic layup. Kwabena has a killer instinct, in the crunch he makes stops and vital shots to win the game. He is a player that is going to give you problems on the court.
Dion Robinson (2024) 5’10 guard - Robinson is a quick guard with a lethal crossover. He excels at the rim and is even better when finishing through contact. He is the epitome of heart over height. He can get whatever he wants on the court, as he has both a strong right and left handed game. He is a team player with excellent court vision and IQ. He makes scoring for his teammates much easier, simply because his presence on the court, is a problem for the defense.
Karamo Kaba (2024) 6’3 wing - Kaba is a relentless finisher who can finish through strong contact. He has a phenomenal mid range jumper and can shoot well from the three as well. Kaba is able to crash the glass and battle on every possession for the board. His defensive presence and ability to guard players much bigger than he is an reflection of his determination to win.
Courage Dodji (2024) 6’3 wing - This senior is a proficient scorer in transition and fast breaks. Dodji uses his body to get into the paint and create contact on bigger defenders and finish at the rim. He knows how to run the wing and create excellent shot selection. Dodji has improved his three point shooting ability and his shots will prove crucial to the Vipers success this year.
Aaron Collins (2025) 5’11 guard - Collins has a passion for the game not many have. His three point shot making is outstanding. He also brings a huge defensive presence to the court. Collins dives for every loose ball, and has a knack for defensive pokes that create steals and fast break at the other end. He is also strong at converting on fastbreaks in transition.
Jason Spencer (2024) 5’9 guard - Spencer is the team’s sixth man. He is efficient off the bench, forcing turnovers and grabbing loose ball possessions for easy points on the other end. He has a sweet shot from the corner and uses his size to his advantage to draw contact on basket drives. He has improved his upper body strength and his quickness, making his inside game more effective.