By: Kyle Sellers
Ball State Sports Link
Payton Sparks is a left-handed post player with a great touch out to 15 feet. The incoming freshman is from nearby Winchester, Indiana, and his high school team had improved every season he had been in school. Winchester had improved from seven wins to 17 wins as Sparks had developed and improved.
Following a freshman season where Sparks averaged five points and six rebounds per game, he showed significant improvement in the seasons since. Sparks nearly tripled his scoring average (16.6 points) and nearly doubled his rebounds per game (11.3) as a sophomore. Sparks averaged a double-double in both his sophomore and junior years, including 21.9 points and 12.4 rebounds as a junior.
Sparks made the 1,000 point club at Winchester High School. He was also named small school all-state and conference player of the year. He played for Midwest Basketball Club on the AAU circuit and also lettered in tennis.
Payton’s Favorites:
Favorite Hobbies: Ping Pong and Video Games
Favorite TV Show: Stranger Things or Drake & Josh
Favorite Movies: Any Marvel Movie
Favorite Food: Pizza or Barbecue
Favorite Music: Pop & Rap Music
Favorite Basketball Memory: First dunk in the 9th grade/ when Winchester won the county three years straight
Favorite Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Favorite Player: LeBron James