As a matter of fact, he scored 15 of his team’s first 17 points in the team’s seventh win of the season. “It felt real good against them as they were looking down at us before the game,” Payne said. “I hit a couple and then just got real hot.”

Walsh Jesuit is now starting three sophomores, but the one who gives the crowd the “wow” factor is Payne.

 

Evan and his family moved to the Akron area eight years ago as the family made an economic move. “Mom and Dad sent me to WJ for education purposes; it had nothing to do with athletics,” Payne said.

 

Well, Ulonda and Kent are getting much more than that as Evan is turning heads on the court.

 

“He works hard and has a tremendous amount of talent, and now he is starting to control his emotions, which have made him a much better player,” said Warrior coach John Norris.

 

For the season Payne is averaging 20 points per game and 5 assists per contest. “I like the ball in my hands,” Payne said. He missed a lot of the season last year with an injury, but he has come to join the rest of the talented sophomore class that has many Warrior faithful starting to believe again.

 

“We have all played together since seventh grade, so we know each other real well,” Payne said.

 

“Against Hoban Evan was real good, but he did not get caught up in the game,” said Norris.

 

“He had the game of his life; he is very talented,” said Hoban coach T.K. Griffith.

 

Payne is just 16 but he certainly knows what he wants. “I want a state title, and to become an engineer,” said Payne.

 

Before Evan Payne’s days are through at Walsh Jesuit, in talking to this young man, you have the feeling there will be a few coaches who will feel the “Payne” of his talents for coach Norris.

 

Walsh Jesuit  

Hobbies:  Hanging with friends and playing video games

TV:  NBA Today

Food:  Mexican. “I love Tacos.”

IPod:  “On to the Next One”  -- Jay Z