Payton Cunningham Payton Cunningham 6'0" | PF/C MO never runs from a challenge; she disrupts opposing zones with ease and has the confidence to create huge plays when her team needs them. Payton never once appeared intimidated, no matter what the opposing defense threw at her. During the middle stretch of the match, the opposing team settled into a nice zone defense with the hopes of slowing down the offense. Payton immediately recognized the opportunity; she attacked the gaps without hesitation and continuously force the defense to shift out of position, creating several scoring opportunities for her team.

Now let’s talk about Payton’s fabulous movement without the ball. One of the most important aspects of the game is creating many opportunities even without touching the ball, and Payton shined in that area in particular. She repeatedly bolted through the defence as a decoy, drawing the defenders away from the play and creating several open lanes for her teammates. Throughout the entire match, Payton carried herself with enormous confidence, never once hesitating to attack, communicate, or talke responsibility during important possessions. Her confidence and willingness to challenge the defense making her a crucial member of her team.

A 6’0″ 2028 forward who was playing up a year with the 16U team and she held her own. She handles the ball well for her size. She would grab the rebound and push the ball on the break, give it up and run directly to the low post to get position for a touch. I liked that. We will be definitely following her progression.