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.

Payne is almost a lock to be Brimmer’s leading scorer this season, and his development this year could potentially earn him some higher D1 looks than he’s currently getting. The 6-foot-2 lead guard is ridiculously athletic and has some really special finishing chops at the rim; he can convert with both hands, off of both feet, and with lots of contact. He also makes good decisions in the lane and is supremely unselfish. His ability to take on more playmaking this season will probably be the deciding factor in the final stages of his recruitment.

Payne, a lead guard out of the Brimmer & May School, checks in at #15 overall and #2 among the point guards. Payne is a guard that can really go in transition, as he’s incredibly fast with the basketball in his hands. He’s grown as a decision-maker, showing that he can slow the game down, particularly when operating out of ball screens. He’s got an elite first step, can make tough shots in isolations, and has good athletic burst as a finisher around the rim. Defensively, he’s one of the better perimeter defenders in this class, with the ability to keep opposing ball-handlers out of the paint while generating steals at a high rate.

I’ve seen Payne in high school and AAU, so it was super fun to see him in a streetball situation. The 6-foot-2 guard dominated, though, just as I expected. He’s the best athlete on the floor but also more controlled than everyone else; he knows when to elevate and throw it down but also when to slow down and throw the defense off with slow steps. Furthermore, Payne seems to have changed his jumper a bit, and his release point is as high as its ever been, which makes him incredibly difficult to contest from the mid range. Definite D1 player.

Payne continues to be one of my favorite players to watch in the region. The 6-foot-2 guard plays so unbelievably hard every possession and will have a huge role this season with Brimmer & May. At Babson, he was as aggressive looking for his mid range and driving to the hoop as I’ve ever seen him. He can sometimes tend to be overly unselfish, but he looks like he’s finally realizing how much better he can be when he’s constantly putting pressure on the defense. I love his communication, his attitude, and the effort he comes with every single day. He’s a D1 player that takes some time to fully understand his value.

LaDanion Payne LaDanion Payne 6'2" | CG Brimmer & May School | 2027 State New E is one smooth scorer. Confident with the ball, he was easily getting into his spots in the mid range and knocking down step back jumpers. He was finishing easily at the cup and also made some good steals on the defensive end.