Ursuline has a team with a bunch of young talent, but their senior duo of Payne and Geno Lucente Geno Lucente 6'2" | SF Ursuline | 2024 OH made big plays all game to push their team to the next round. Lucente makes hustle plays all over the court and knocked down a couple open jumpers as well. Combine that with Payne’s ability to finish in the paint with either hand and overpower smaller opposition, the Irish were tough to stop offensively. These seniors not only scored efficiently but also created extra possessions for their team with their hustle. Ursuline will be back next year as a contender but they’ll miss what this pair of seniors bring to their team.

Another one of the top prospects coming into the event and a teammate of King’s with OBC on the UA Rise circuit this grassroots season, Payne showed a variety of skills that show why we think so highly of him. His motor really stands out in showcase events as his energy levels never go down. Showed finishing ability with either hand at the rim, going over smaller defenders on the block. To cap off an impressive victory by his team, Payne threw down an impressive dunk right before the final buzzer. Another prospect for college programs at a variety of levels to check out.

Payne is another big capable of playing either the four or the five at the next level and I’ve been impressed with his activity around the basket this spring. One of the more productive players from the Youngstown area last season, Payne will lead a new look Ursuline squad with some talented freshmen in the fold for the 2023-24 season. Expect Payne to put up big-time numbers in 2023-24 as Ursuline looks to win a district title.

OBC has found success by using a size advantage against most teams they face this spring and this duo is tough to keep off the offensive glass.

Payne was one of the bigger and athletic prospects at the event and used his size and athleticism to finish around the rim often. Despite being a lefty, Payne prefers to use his right hand around the basket to finish. Payne also knocked down a few jumpers, showing his natural touch on jump-shots. Still a work in progress but Payne has the physical tools and desire to improve which makes me believe he will be a scholarship prospect when it’s all said and done.

Payne was another name that impressed our scouts on Saturday. Undersized at 6’4, Payne was a workhorse on the glass and low blocks offensively. Keeps the ball at chin level and squares up powering through contact. Showed promise with an over-the-shoulder style of play as well. Payne has tremendous upside, especially if he continues to grow. Could be a serious scholarship athlete.

Payne has some unteachables to him. His wingspan stands out immediately. He is scratching his shins when he runs. His athletic ability is all the way there. My favorite part about his game is he uses all this on the defensive end. He played in a tight game and down the stretch he was always trying to guard the ball handler and he was clamps. They either didn’t get a shot up or the shot was affected, even blocked. Love the pride he took on that end.

Payne is another athletic forward who has the size, athleticism and length to be a difference maker around the basket. Payne is figuring out things on the offensive end but his touch is something that stands out to me around the basket and from the free throw line. Ursuline is projected to be one of the top teams in the Youngstown area and Payne is a key piece of that squad.