Coach BJ Donnell, “The Homecoming”
For first year Head Coach BJ Donnell, there's no greater opportunity to return to you alma mater. Coach Donnell was a star basketball player and graduated from Laney High School in 2008. After a stellar high school career, Donnell earned a scholarship and attended Fayetteville State University. For the past seven years, Coach Donnell has been an assistant coach at cross town rival New Hanover High School. In addition, Coach Donnell has done an outstanding job of developing and growing his 'WBC' travel basketball organization. (Wilmington Basketball Club) One thing has been crystal clear, Coach Donnell is and has always been about the young players in the Wilmington area. Dedicated toward giving young players an outlet and most importantly an opportunity to showcase their skills for scholarship opportunities. To put it simply, Coach BJ Donnell is what's good about youth basketball.
Last season, Laney High School finished with a 17-9 record, but there's optimism that Coach Donnell looks to make improvements and lead them into a state playoff run. Some would say that might be a tall task considering Laney lost six of their top seven scorers from last season. 6'6 Joseph Bachman and leading scorer (12.3 PPG) transferred to Greensboro Day while Chris Rodriquez (9.2 PPG), Connor Powe (6.5 PPG), Michael Milholland (6.2 PPG), Shea Corbett (4.0 PPG), and Amari Brown (4.0 PPG) have all graduated. Only 6'0 junior Josh Helms (11.2 PPG) and 6'7 senior Kayin Scott (2.2 PPG) are the only players that received significant minutes and playing time returning. With all coaching changes, rosters become somewhat more fluid and Coach BJ Donnell was able to pick 6'6 senior Jarrod Vaughn and 6'5 senior Khalil Genwright, who will be major contributors for Laney High School. What we immediately noticed was the depth of talent that was in the gym. Laney has the pieces to make a deep playoff run in the NCHSAA 4A State Tournament. Now, let’s take a closer look at their key players.
6’4 2023 Khalil Genwright
Genwright is a newcomer to Laney this season who will immediately make his presence felt. Last season at New Hanover, he averaged eight points per game. Genwright is a tough, athletic, versatile guard who impacts the game on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he excels getting downhill and finishing strong through contact. He constantly puts pressure on defenders with his ability to create paint touches. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions. He is active in the passing lanes turning defense to offense, and he is known to make highlight reel chase down blocks. He has a high motor and plays the game with a chip on his shoulder.
6’6 2023 Jarrod Vaughn
Vaughn is another newcomer that will help lead Laney this season. He was excellent in open gym. He is a strong, athletic wing who can play multiple positions on both ends of the floor. He is a mismatch with his ability to create off the bounce. He plays at his own pace and is never rushed. He has the ability to get into the paint. He embraces contact and finishes strong at the rim. Vaughn also showcased that he is capable from the perimeter when in rhythm. When he is making shots, it makes him that much more difficult to guard. Defensively, he will be able to guard 1-5 for the Buccaneers. He’s quick and athletic enough to guard opposing ball handlers, but also strong enough to guard post players and prevent them from getting deep post touches.
6’0 2024 Josh Helms
Helms is the Buccaneers leading returning scorer. He averaged 11 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 34% from behind the arc. Helms provides Laney with a serious deep threat. He has a smooth, quick release and can make shots with deep range. In addition, Helms has the ability to attack closeouts and make plays off the bounce.
6’7 2023 Kayin Scott
Scott is another returner from last year’s team who is expected to have a much more expanded role. He provides a valuable interior presence on both ends of the floor. He uses his length and size to anchor the paint, altar shots, and clean up the glass. Offensively, he can face up and is capable of catch and shoot from the midrange or able to drive from the elbows and mid-post.
5’10 2024 Jaylen Herring
Herring is another newcomer to this Laney team who will immediately make his presence felt with his ability to put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways. Despite his size, he is a quick, crafty guard who is an automatic paint touch. He is excellent in the open floor when he can utilize his speed and put pressure on opponents to get back. He can make shots off the catch and the bounce from the perimeter. He creates well off the bounce and can finish against size and length in the interior. Defensively, he is a scrappy guard who anticipates the passing lanes creating even more scoring opportunities.
5’10 2023 Aymery Pittman
Aymery Pittman is a returner who will have an expanded role this season. He is a leader and floor general. From the start of open gym until the end, Pittman was vocal and set the tone on both ends of the floor. He showcased his vision time and time again. He constantly puts pressure on the defense with his ability to create off the bounce and then kick to the open man. His head is always up. He pushes the ball in transition and finds open shooters.
Other Key Contributors
We mentioned earlier the depth of Laney this season. Players like 5’9 2023 Chris Pearce, 6’1 2023 Fig Newton, and 6’1 2024 Forrest Newton will be a key piece to their success this season. Pearce is a quick guard who can really create off the bounce for himself and others. Fig Newton is active on both ends, especially defensively. In addition, he is always around the ball. He has a knack for winning 50/50 balls. Forrest Newton is an athletic driver who finishes well the rim.
