Prospect Spotlight: Alexander Payne (2018)
(Photo Credit: Josh Moore, Lexington Herald-Leader)
Alexander “Zan” Payne is a 6’5 forward from Lexington Catholic High School in Lexington, KY. Last season he helped lead the Knights to a 24-9 overall record and a trip to the 11th Region championship game, falling to Scott County 44-56. “The last high school season was good, I really enjoyed it. Some goals I accomplished that I worked hard for was earning all-city and all-region accolades,” said Payne of his junior campaign accomplishments.
Payne averaged 15.1 points and 9 rebounds per game. He also shot just under 50% from the field. At 6’5, Payne has a good face up game and (as proof in his rebounding per game statistics) can really rebound the basketball.
This summer Zan played AAU ball with Adidas Gauntlet gold circuit member the Louisville Magic. “Summer basketball was good, as well. I really had fun playing for Coach Ellis. He’s a really good guy and wants us to grow and become better players.” Ellis Myles, the Magic’s coach/director, played college basketball at the University of Louisville, where Payne’s father and associate head coach at the University of Kentucky Kenny Payne also played.
Playing for the Magic allowed Zan to been seen by many different programs college coaches. ” I would love to play for a D1 school and a with a team that’s a good fit for me.”
Throughout the summer, Payne worked on many different aspects of his game. “I have been working on my jump shot and ball handling. I’ve also really been focused on my conditioning so that I have really high motor.”
Looking forward to his senior season, Payne hopes that having a leadership role can allow him to be a good example day in and day out to his teammates to help in accomplishing their team goals. “Some goals I have are to become a better player. Also, to win the district and go back to region and get another chance to go to state.”