6’5 Clarence Payia Clarence Payia 6'6" | SG Beaumont United | 2024 State TX was another fresh face for me and he is a baller. Although they lost a tight game to Stony Point he was the best performer on the court. He recorded 27 points and does a little of everything. Listed as a SF his position at the next level is a big guard. He displayed some shooting, elite ball handling, finishing and defensive versatility with perimeter and post play. He shredded Stony Points defense single handedly and is a good model for youngers players on how to use your length to operate on the court.

Clarence Payia Clarence Payia 6'6" | SG Beaumont United | 2024 State TX showcased his proficiency as a knockdown three-point shooter and a mid-range assassin, especially when finding spots near the elbow. Elevating with precision, he consistently secured clean looks over contesting hands. Payia’s elite ability to convert contested jumpers from all three levels suggests a skill set that is highly translatable to the next level.

Clarence Payia Clarence Payia 6'6" | SG Beaumont United | 2024 State TX was a big time key scorer in Beaumont United’s first round dominating victory over Dobie at Dayton High School. He was almost unstoppable scoring the ball at the basket this game, driving through defenders left and right to get easy buckets and keep his team out front. The 6’5 Class of 2024 forward possesses a long wingspan and uses his reach to come down with rebounds under the rim and play the passing lanes on defense. Clarence has shown that he can also shoot the ball extremely well from outside, but due to the large lead did not really have to use that part of his skillset this contest. He has one of those versatile skillsets that a coach at every level covets: being able to score from all three levels, playing fundamental defense, and also is a great hustle player. Payia is currently committed to LA Tech and joins a class there along with AJ Bates from Seven Lakes.

Clarence Payia Clarence Payia 6'6" | SG Beaumont United | 2024 State TX was a fluid basketball player showcasing impeccable next-level athleticism. Payia dominated players with his athletic capabilities, swatting shots in the lane on end of the floor and charging downhill like a freight train on the other. His high-flying abilities shined bright as he took flight both inside and outside the lane, effortlessly throwing down dunks and alley-oops. Payia’s skill set extended well beyond leaping, displaying a shooting prowess with mid-range pull-ups off the dribble and spot-up three-pointers.

Clarence Payia Clarence Payia 6'6" | SG Beaumont United | 2024 State TX went off in the morning game on Saturday against Episcopal, raining down jumpers from everywhere on the floor and it didn’t matter if the defense contested or not, the shot was going in. Clarence is looking to make a strong case after recently opening back up his recruitment and did so in this game by electrifying the audience and making coaches take notice. Payia displays a high level versatile skill set and size that allows him to score from all levels of the floor and knock down open shots even with a hand in his face. he had several and one finishes at the basket and threw down a few dunks as well. Clarence is the perfect blend of size, speed, and on court IQ needed at the collegiate level for a winning team.

Clarence has come up big in the month of April for his JL3 EYBL squad, proving that he can work magic on both ends of the floor. Payia is a versatile post athlete who is adept at driving to the basket and finishing, but he also possesses a game that can move out to the perimeter as his jumpshot has proven to be highly consistent from beyond the arc. Clarence has been continuing his momentum into grassroots season since Beaumont United concluded the regular season as the state championship runner up this year. Clarence is always a willing playmaker as well, never afraid to make the extra pass. One thing that really sticks out to me about Payia is his hustle for loose balls, he is always the first one on the floor securing possession and this is a factor that will make a major difference for him this summer.