Over the past 5 years, Voyager Academy has made quite a name for itself throughout the state. Finishing with one state championship and having put numerous players in college at the D1, D2 and D3 levels. Coach Mike Huff stepped down after last year and passed the reigns off to Anthony Simmons.
Simmons overtakes a roster filled with talent, which should come as no surprise. Last season Voyager finished 22-7 and made a run to the third round of the NCHSAA playoffs, but the program graduated its top 3 scorers. This year the state should continue to look out, there is talent, size, guard play and toughness throughout this roster. Voyager has built themselves into a program that simply re-loads each year.
The Intrigue
6’9″ 2020 Jonas Aidoo is quite simply one of the most intriguing prospects in North Carolina. Standing at 6’9, Aidoo carries has a 7’2″+ wing span. He is a natural shot blocker, with great timing and ability to use both hands around the rim. Aidoo has ball skills and the ability to shoot beyond the arc. He is still young for his grade and developing physically (does not look like he is done growing). College coaches, there is huge upside here, and you should watch closely as he continues to develop. Size, skill set and rim protection are en vogue now, he carries all of that.
The Producer
While Aidoo may be the best prospect on the team, it is 6′ Basil Edwards who will most likely lead the team in both scoring and rebounding. Edwards is a tough strong framed guard who is lock down at the point of attack and plays so high above the rim. He is so far above the rim in fact, he actually hit the top of his head on the rim on a dunk attempt. Edwards will look to dunk on everyone in games and plays very loudly. D2s should be all over him, there is no denying the production his has with his dogged nature and incredibly exciting explosion.
The Workhorse
The Buchannon name is one that Voyager fans are familiar with. 6’6″ 2020 Holden Buchannon’s brother Blake graduated last season and turned down multiple D2 and D3 offers to accept a preferred walk-on position at Wake Forest. Holden Buchannon played on the varsity last year, as a sophomore, where the post averaged 2 points and 2 rebounds per game. Look for those numbers to widely expand. Buchannon is a sneaky athlete with impeccable footwork, hands and touch from 15 feet and in. He has range extended to 3 in pick and pop situations and is able to use his body and frame around the basket. He will have numerous double/doubles this year and will challenge Edwards for the leading scorer and rebounder position.
The Future
While this team possesses great size, their class of 2021 guards are off the charts. None may be better than 6′ Dwayne Anderson. The stocky guard has a natural feel for the game. Possessing a sturdy build and good length, Anderson threw a number of pin-point passes both in transition and in the half court. He has a quick first step and is crafty around the basket. Anderson still has a young frame, and is one to watch as he continues to mature he already has the IQ and size of a D1 point guard. Coaches should start to familiarize now.