Payton Burgess Payton Burgess 5'11" | PF Menifee County | 2026 State KY averaged 16.8 points and 15.2 rebounds per game (4th in the state), leading Menifee County to back-to-back 61st District championships. She earned tournament MVP honors after a dominant 20-point, 20-rebound performance, showcasing her ability to take over on the biggest stage. Burgess also reached the 1,000-career rebound milestone. She will continue her academic and athletic career at Transylvania University, where she will compete in both basketball and track and field over the next four years.

Payton Burgess Payton Burgess 5'11" | PF Menifee County | 2026 State KY put together an incredible all-around performance in a double-overtime thriller, helping lead Menifee County to a 74–69 victory over Prestonsburg. She finished with 28 points, 21 rebounds, nine assists, seven blocks, and three steals, while also reaching the 1,000-career-rebound milestone.

Dynamic, versatile, and relentless, Payton Burgess Payton Burgess 5'11" | PF Menifee County | 2026 State KY is one of the most complete prospects in the 16th Region. She averaged 13.3 points and 13.5 rebounds, thriving whether the game gets physical or turns into a high tempo battle. Payton can score off the drive or with her back to the basket, and her motor fuels her ability to defend every position on the floor. As Menifee County looks to defend its 61st District championship, Payton will once again be at the center of everything they do.

One of the most prolific rebounders in Kentucky, Payton averaged nearly 14 rebounds per game last season in addition to 13 points per game. Burgess is not giant at only 5’11 but rebounding is about want to moreso than technique or skill. Beyond her ability to rebound at a high level, Payton is highly effective around the bucket and becoming more consistent as a shooter from range. Don’t overlook Payton when mentioning scholarship level prospects.

Payton Burgess Payton Burgess 5'11" | PF Menifee County | 2026 State KY dominated the paint and controlled the boards to power Menifee County past Boyd County 58-47 in the opening round of the 16th Region Tournament. Burgess was a force inside, finishing with 17 points and an impressive 21 rebounds to lead the Lady Cats to victory, but also making history for the 4th most rebounds in a single-game in the 16th region tournament. Menifee County moves on to the semifinals, where they will go head-to-head against Russell on Friday.

Payton Burgess Payton Burgess 5'11" | PF Menifee County | 2026 State KY debut at no. 67 on the list. She is off to a terrific start in her junior season. She is averaging 15.8 points along with a team-leading 14.2 rebounds per game. Her performance against Bath County last week will be talked about for a very long time. She dropped 23 points and piled up 24 rebounds, which matched the all-time rebounding record at Menifee County. Payton has good size, length, and mobility. She scores at high rate in the paint, knows how to time blocks well, and is relentless on the glass. Her contribution has been key to the Lady Cats undefeated start.