Payton was a stock riser during her junior season at GRCC, and that continued during the travel season for Dream Loudly. Payton demonstrated more to her game than spotting up beyond the arc to provide a perimeter scoring threat. Her physicality, resolve, footwork, strong finishing, and touch around the basket specifically stood out as a junior and on the travel circuit. Payton defended posts well in the paint, held her ground, and showed she can handle the demands of playing a versatile inside/outside forward role, turning in multiple Top Performer showings on the PGH Circuit. Payton’s face-up downhill drives, size, and proficiency from three off the hop left a great impression on PGH Scout Jeremy Brooks at the Nike Championships. She’ll be continuing her career at Grand Valley State following graduation.

“If you are looking for a lengthy Forward at 6’0, that can spread the floor and hit shots from distance off the catch whenever she has time to set her feet, than look no further than Payton Fellows of Hoop Nerd Elite 17U EYCL. Fellows has demonstrated today that she is a willing attacker of the basket but if the defense wants to just sit under the basket than she can step out to hit a shot to keep them honest. In the first half we have seen some impactful moments from Fellows as a whole to keep her group in the contest and that’s been noticeable from afar.”

Payton looked confident on the court for Dream Loudly Basketball EYCL 17U at the PGH MI College Tour. She finished layups effectively inside off two feet and was dialed in from beyond the arc, draining threes from the wing and the corner. Her perimeter accuracy, length, physical strength, and ability to score inside with either hand provide versatility to the lineup. Payton moves to open space and puts the ball in the basket.

Head Coach Nichol Fellows had some great points to share about Payton’s season, stating, “Payton has emerged as a tremendous junior leader for the Cougars, playing a major role in guiding our team to an impressive 18–4 in the regular season. Payton’s leadership as a junior has been invaluable. She competes, spaces the floor, rebounds, and brings energy that lifts everyone around her.” Payton averaged 14 points and five rebounds per game. Coach Fellows shared that Payton consistently delivers in big moments. She was recognized as an MVP at the Aquinas Showcase and Cornerstone Showcase. A few standout performances include 19 points and six rebounds with five threes vs. Rockford; 22 points vs. Greenville; 23 points vs. Grand Rapids Christian; and 17 points vs. Pewamo-Westphalia. In my observations of Payton this season, the greatest growth I’ve seen in her game has been an increased impact on the defensive end, rebounding presence, aggressiveness driving to the basket, and shooting efficiency.

Payton delivered a complete performance for Catholic Central at the Cornerstone Tournament, earning MVP honors with an all-around showing that stood out from start to finish. She found her rhythm early from beyond the arc, knocking down shots with confidence, then mixed in strong finishes at the basket to keep defenses on their heels. On the defensive end, Payton was a constant presence, turning away shots and making her impact felt throughout the game. It was the kind of performance that made it clear she was the top player on the floor that day.

Payton is off to a hot start for Catholic Central. She buried five three-pointers against Rockford to earn Co-MVP honors at the West Michigan Hoop Summit and won another MVP at the Cornerstone Holiday Tournament. Her slashing ability off the dribble, finishing touch in traffic, shot-blocking, and rebounding have caught our attention during the season. Payton looks physically and fundamentally ready to play basketball at the college level.

Payton was on fire from beyond the arc for Catholic Central at the West Michigan Hoop Summit. She ripped the net with three deep moonshots from the wing and drained a game-high five three-pointers off the hop. She kept her hands active inside and racked up four blocks on the defensive end. Payton used good footwork to create space with a pivot to drive and reached around a defender to force a foul. She drained both shots at the charity stripe. Payton led the Cougars with 19 points and earned Co-MVP honors.

“A second-year Varsity returner. A versatile player with length who can score both inside and out. A confident shooter with deep range. Her ability to play multiple positions and impact the game in different ways makes her a key piece on both ends of the court. She will be a key player.”-Coach Fellows

Payton showcased her versatility for Catholic Central at the MBA Fall League, proving she can impact the game from anywhere on the floor. As an inside-out threat, she stretched the defense by knocking down back-to-back three-pointers, showing confidence and smooth shooting form. Moments later, she made her presence felt on the defensive end with a huge block that energized her team and shifted momentum. Her ability to influence the game on both ends — spacing the floor offensively and protecting the paint defensively — highlighted just how valuable and well-rounded she is as a player.

Payton impressed with her versatility and impact on both ends of the floor. She’s a long, skilled player who can stretch the defense with her shooting touch from deep or take advantage of mismatches inside. Around the basket, she battles hard for rebounds and isn’t afraid to mix it up in traffic to secure extra possessions. Her ability to step out and knock down perimeter shots while still being a strong presence on the glass makes her a tough matchup and a key contributor for her team.