One of the more improved class of 2026 prospects in the state, Ayite-Atayi was exceptional Tuesday in the loss to Middleton. The bouncy wing scored 32 points, hit two huge three-point shots late and came within an eyelash of swishing a game-winning three-pointer in overtime. The NAIA recruit for Indiana-Purdue-Columbus has been on a tear of late for the Wildcats and his strong play is a major reason Verona is ranked among the top 10 Division 1 teams in the state. Ayite-Atayi is quick off the feet, has a soft shooting touch near the basket and uses his speed, quickness and competitiveness to get around defenders, soar for rebounds and defend with effectiveness.

A vastly improved player in all aspects of the game, the Verona senior guard can defend and get to the basket both in transition and off the dribble in the half court. He also can get off his feet for rebounds. In a 69-59 loss to Sanford Sports North Dakota White, Ayite Atayi finished with 14 points, several steals and a couple of assists. His ability to defend and rebound will help him get more playing time for Verona next winter after he was a reserve for the Wildcats as a junior.

Owen packs a lot of length and athleticism into his 6’3 frame. He just has a nose for the rim, and once there he can elevate to finish over the top of defenders. Owen created high percentage looks by cutting hard off the ball, constantly sprinting the floor in transition, and crashing the offensive glass hard. He had an endless supply of energy as he was making those extra effort plays, and then going back the other way playing tough defense. Owen showed he can move his feet to defend smaller guards, or get up in passing lanes with his long wingspan.

An intriguing prospect with good size, strength and length, Ayite Atayi is a good on-ball defender and he can probe defenses off the dribble to either score at the rim or find a teammate with his strong court vision. He appears to be a player with his best basketball still ahead of him as he continues to hone his skills. He can develop into a defensive stopper in the backcourt and figures to push for big minutes at Verona in 2025-26 after coming off the bench for a team that went 20-7 a year ago. Ayite Atayi had a couple of big outings as a junior, scoring 14 points in a win over Stoughton and 10 in a triumph over Janesville Parker.