Prospect Spotlight: Patyon Verhulst (2021)
Prep Hoops Girls takes an in-depth look at the #1 ranked player for the class of 2021, Payton Verhulst. A 6’1, junior guard/forward for defending Class 4A State Champion Bishop Meige High School, and also a member of as Next…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Girls takes an in-depth look at the #1 ranked player for the class of 2021, Payton Verhulst. A 6’1, junior guard/forward for defending Class 4A State Champion Bishop Meige High School, and also a member of as Next Level Eclipse Bluestar.
In life, the love for certain things such as sports can be grown and even at times inherited. For Payton, she was able to find her own reasons to fall in love with the game, yet had some close influences along the way. With both parents being players and basketball fans over the years it’s pretty hard not to share the same love. I asked her what exactly made her fall in love with the game and who exactly where her biggest influences.
” I fell in love with basketball at a pretty young age. My parents both played and I have 3 older siblings that all played as well, so I was always around the game and I think I grew up knowing this would be a big thing in life. My biggest influences are my parents. My mom was a super great high school basketball player and went on to play at Duke University. My dad set some high school records (that are still at Aquinas) and played at Rockhurst University. They both set great examples for me and set the bar really high. This makes me always work my hardest and give my all no matter what.”
Photo Cred:247 SportsPayton started playing basketball at an early age and has yet to stop. She’s been gaining experience and skill by playing a high level since her younger years. This past summer all of her hard work would allow her to showcase her skills on a plateau meant for the world best as member 2019 USA 16U National Team. On a team full of other great athletes and standouts she’d propel as one of the team and worlds best by earning Most Valuable Player for Fiba 16U Championships. With achievements like these, I was curious to know who were some of her biggest influences.
P, a selfless leader that displays a total package on the court. She has great length that gives added advantages to already strong areas. A fundamentally sound ball-handler and finisher in both directions. Consistent mid-range game and stretches it to beyond the arc. A great facilitator with a very high IQ.
I was curious to know some goals Payton has for her junior year and also some areas she wanted to continue make improvements so I asked and in reply,
” A really big goal I have for myself for this year is to try and average a triple double in points, rebounds and assist. A part of my game I can work on is my defense. I am lucky I am so lengthy that I can usually get by with not being a defender, but I’ve been working on keeping my player in front of me and contending without fouling.
You an find Payton and the Lady Stags in action at home, Tuesday January 7th, 2019 and 7pm.