Payne, a rising senior out of the Brimmer & May School in Massachusetts, showed the ability to take over games with the ball in his hands. Few prospects in the region can get to their spots off the bounce like Payne does. He’s a creative handler, elevates to finish over defenders in the mid-range, and has a whole bag of tricks as a finisher around the rim. His strength is an asset that allows him to play through contact, while he also shows an understanding of how to use screens to get open off the ball. He’s a D1 prospect that left the showcase with interest from Albany, Boston U, Hofstra, Holy Cross, Lehigh, and others.

Payne, a guard out of the Brimmer & May School in Massachusetts, comes in at #8 among the combo guards and #34 overall. The 6’2″ guard used this summer to show that he’s capable of filling whatever role is needed on the floor. A primary handler, creator, and scorer for Brimmer & May, he moved off the ball more with the Mass Rivals and took on a jack-of-all-trades role. He’s capable of scoring at multiple levels, particularly late in the clock, and has plenty of wiggle off the bounce with the ball in his hands. Defensively, he’s competitive on the ball and does a great job of moving his feet to stay in front of opposing ball-handler. Payne’s recruitment got a major bump this summer as he picked up offers from Albany, Stonehill, and UMBC.

Payne is a loud, downhill-thumping guard who has the ability to change the complexion of a game in a matter of seconds. His mid-range game is nearly automatic at times, as he consistently finds ways to convert touch shots and score efficiently inside the arc. He does an excellent job pressuring defenses by getting into the paint, where his physicality and aggressiveness make him difficult to contain. He was comfy scoring off the bounce. Payne is captivating with the ball in his hands and plays with a noticeable chip on his shoulder that fuels his competitive edge. I also like the swagger and confidence he brings to the floor, as it often energizes both his team and those watching. Defensively, Payne embraces the challenge of guarding opponents and applies relentless pressure that creates havoc and forces mistakes. Given his production, toughness, and two-way impact, he should be a priority target for mid-major programs and would represent tremendous value if he were to fall to the low-major level. 

Payne was on a major heater Friday. The 6-foot-2 combo-guard just continues to get better as an outside shooter and showcased his ability to make shots from all three levels this afternoon. His shot release is so high, so nobody can really contest his mid-range or three-point jumpers if he shoots them at the top of his jump. At the rim, he’s a fearless driver and takes contact extremely well off of both one and two feet. Defensively, Payne does all the little things and plays his behind off at all times. I sing Payne’s praises to any mid-major D1 coach I see, but we’ll see who’s lucky enough to get him.

Payne, a rising senior at the Brimmer & May School in Massachusetts, should have the chance to show off his full offensive arsenal this weekend after spending the spring proving to be a jack-of-all-trades with the Mass Rivals. The 6’2″ guard has an elite first step, plays with toughness as a driver, and does a nice job of playing off of two feet in the paint. He’s a good athlete that has some creativity and touch as a finisher and does a nice job of finding his teammates in scoring positions. He really shines on the other end of the floor, where he combines competitiveness with his physical tools to be a terrific point of attack defender. He’ll have plenty of scholarship level programs watching this weekend.

Payne continues to get better every single time I watch him. Though Brimmer went 0-2 this weekend, the 6-foot-2 combo-guard showcased that he can do everything offensively, both on and off the ball—it would’ve been a lot worse if he wasn’t playing. He’s a way better passer than people realize, but he also can shoot it more consistently from the paint and the perimeter than he has been able to in the past. Defensively, Payne always gives his best effort and is going to do what it takes to win. He continues to be one of the most under-recruited players in the region, and I think it’s because people don’t understand his work ethic and dedication to his craft—he will just keep getting better.

Love this kid!!!! On every possession he should get a touch. Turns corners quick, slices the defenses up like a machete with big strides. Continues to score tough, impossible shots consistently. Shots made today tear drops, off hand floaters, 3 ball (off the bounce, catch/shoot). He does a good job at probing, directing traffic like a QB. Crashes hard for rebounds. Gets the job done on other end, eyes in the back of his head as he tipped a ball with back turned to player dribbling towards free throw line from left wing as well because the guy he was guarding was at top of key moving towards right slot position which led to easy fastbreak layup. The way the play developed he guarded his guy tight the way I would have coached him up. He is fearless when it comes to driving against the bigs. His coach and I had a conversation before the game, we both agreed low D1 is in this kid’s future. He would also have a fantastic D2/D3 career.

Payne, a guard out of the Brimmer & May School, stood out with his quickness and playmaking instincts. A dynamic ball-handler, Payne repeatedly got wherever he wanted on the floor off the bounce. He changes speeds as a driver, has a deep finishing package around the rim, and can get into his perimeter jumper by creating space with the bounce. I also was impressed with his effort on the defensive end of the floor, where he played with great effort and intensity.

Payne had a vintage performance against Rivers on Friday night, showcasing his incredible ability to get downhill and make plays for himself and others. The 6-foot-2 guard can score from all three levels and has continuously improved his shooting stroke every time I’ve seen him in the past couple years. He’s a mid major division one player who continues to be under-recruited.

Payne is the engine of a Brimmer and May squad that should make some more noise in the NEBL than they did last season. The 6-foot-2 combo guard is playing with the rock in his hands a lot more this season, and he looks quite comfortable in those spots. He loves the kick ahead pass in transition and has really solid vision in the half court. But where he excels is as a rim attacker and mid range scorer. His speed and quickness forces defenders off of him, and his high release point makes him very difficult to contest from both the paint and the perimeter. He’s easily Brimmer’s best player and showcased the culmination of his skills on a buzzer beater against South Kent on Sunday. He should have high major schools checking him out—absolute dog.