Land has been making a name for himself with his strength, competitiveness and versatility. He plays with a relentless motor, battling for every rebound and using his length and physicality to control the paint. Defensively he is able to guard multiple positions and switch seamlessly across the floor without missing a beat. On the offensive end Land is efficient and confident, showing the ability to score from all areas with accuracy and touch. Whether it’s finishing through contact, knocking down shots, or making key plays on defense, he finds ways to impact winning. Land’s toughness, versatility and consistency make him a player firmly earning his spot in the rankings

Payson Land Payson Land 6'6" | SF Mountain Vista | 2026 State CO is an all-around asset to have on your team. Confusing defenders is Land’s specialty, and a fine-tuned jumpshot means the 6’6′ forward can’t be stopped with the ball in his hands. Opportunities come easy for Land, who makes sure his teammates are involved and thriving. A high energy hooper who loves the game, Land will enjoy a massive volume increase this season.

Land brings a rare combination of versatility and consistency, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor. He’s shown significant growth in his offensive game, particularly as a shooter, where his improved perimeter touch forces defenses to respect him beyond the arc. Inside, his size and strength give him the edge to finish plays around the rim with reliability. On defense his activity level and physical tools allow him to match up with multiple positions, from wings to frontcourt players. His disciplined approach and ability to anticipate make him a steady presence. Land has the ability to impact the game in multiple ways from stretching the floor, finishing inside, and guarding across positions. He is poised to be a nightly difference maker and one of the most dependable players for his team this season

Elevation Flyers was a team that continued to stand out this weekend, as they have seemingly every elite big man in the state. They use their size as an inside and out attack, are overbearing down low and with Land on the floor have a stretch big that opens up the floor for them. Land was one of those elite bigs as he is long and mobile. He was much more aggressive on Day 2 as he made his mark on both ends of the floor. Defensively, I was impressed as he had a few blocks, slid into help side defense, and had active hands for steals. He ran the floor after the block, finished well around the basket on cuts, and makes good reads off the ball. 

Payson Land Payson Land 6'6" | SF Mountain Vista | 2026 State CO is an intimidating matchup for any defense at 6’5. Land has developed his shooting capabilities and remains a polished finisher inside the paint. Land is a scoring machine and will only improve over time.

Land has made strides as a perimeter shooter and passer, recognizing the open man early for the extra pass. Capable of playing the wing or frontcourt positions for this Mountain Vista roster, he is a versatile defensive option whose activity lets him stay on the floor in a variety of lineups. His size adds to a Mountain Vista program that is especially disciplined on the defensive end, adding to an already well coached group. 

Land looks to be an impactful name within Mountain Vista’s rotation, bringing the size and strength to support this group on the glass. He found success in a wide variety of areas, although his post entry passes were especially dependable, setting up his option deep in the paint. The recipient of multiple blocks in this outing, he is a dependable held defender. In minutes with frontcourt teammates sit, his size will be essential to maintaining a positive defense with Mountain Vista. 

Similar to many of the names on this list, Land has made strides with his perimeter jumper, allowing himself to slow within different positions due to his floor spacing. Still a dependable rebounder and interior defender, the forward has a shot to be a key rotation player with Mountain Vista. 

Payson is a force with his back to the basket, excelling in post play. His defensive presence is notable, changing shots at the rim. Offensively, he gets downhill quickly, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Land has taken major strides as a perimeter shooter, capable of relocating for shot attempts on the pop or out of flare screens. Bringing good size at roughly 6’4/6’5, the forward is molding himself into more of a wing, developing the handle and perimeter shot. This is all alongside the smart off-ball decision making, actively putting pressure on the basket through backdoor cuts after reacting to the defense. His instincts transfer over on the defensive end, quick to stunt driving lanes, often forcing errant shots or kick out passes.