2020 Player Spotlight: Payton Schmidt
A rising Senior from Dundee-Crown High School, Payton Schmidt really made a name for herself Junior year. The 5’6’’ Combo Guard was named to her All-Conference team and recognized by several media outlets for her impressive season. When asked about…
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Continue ReadingA rising Senior from Dundee-Crown High School, Payton Schmidt really made a name for herself Junior year. The 5’6’’ Combo Guard was named to her All-Conference team and recognized by several media outlets for her impressive season.
When asked about her Junior season, Payton said “My season went pretty well. We had a shot at both the Conference and Regional Championships, but ended up taking second in both. Personally, I did pretty well! I averaged 10.2 PPG and about 2 steals.”
Payton is a shifty Guard that can play on or off the ball and have success. She is right-hand dominant and has an array of moves to maneuver around defenders.
When I asked Payton what she saw as her own strengths, she said “I would say my greatest strengths are my ability to be a versatile leader with both a good inside game and ability to get to the basket and with my range for shooting. I also am a vocal player on the court when it comes to leading and helping my teammates. I also would say that I am good at doing the little things on the court such as taking charges and diving on loose balls.”
Leadership and effort are two things that are very hard to teach, so it is very valuable that Payton already possesses those traits. She has an athletic frame and quick feet that allow her to slip by defenders and get to the hoop. When she does get to the basket, she has the ability to absorb contact and finish with a bit of craftiness, even with the left hand. In addition, she also has a consistently smooth shot from beyond the arc.
Discussing what things Payton is looking to improve on before her Senior season, she said “My overall body strength, a quicker first step to beat my defender off the dribble, and a better mid-range game.”
What’s going on in recruiting?
“I do not have any offers yet, but I am communicating with some schools that are showing interest. I have been in contact with Tiffin University, Truman State, Clarke University, Elmhurst College, Benedictine, Graceland University, and Austin College-Texas.”
Its good to see several D2 and D3 schools take notice after Payton’s solid Junior year. I think that she can definitely contribute to any of these programs as a lead guard or in the two spot. Her ability to handle the ball, have success in the lane, and knock down shots from deep will all be appealing to many coaches at the next level.