"Speed, Swagger, and a Scorer’s Fire: A Relentless Rise Built for Big Moments"

Payton Rollins

@PaytonRollins6

IG: @Payton.rollinss

5'9", 140lbs, Class of 2027

South-Doyle High School (TN)

Payton is a fierce, three-level scoring weapon with an explosive first step, a devastating step-back three, and a fearless mindset that puts defenders on skates. Whether she’s blowing by defenders with her speed, slicing through lanes with her handle, or pulling up with a cold-blooded rainmaker from deep, she mixes it up on the boards. Payton brings a fierce, relentless energy that instantly changes the game’s momentum. Her ability to create off the dribble while staying aggressive and efficient makes her a matchup nightmare at the guard spot. Peyton is a force on the boards, drops dazzling dimes, and is a nasty defender. But what separates her even more is the work ethic and fire she carries, the desire to attack every possession, challenge herself to be better, and light up the scoreboard while making her teammates better around her. When the competition gets tougher, Payton's intensity rises higher. She isn't just playing to win, she’s playing to dominate.

This past season was a breakout masterpiece for Payton. Averaging 17.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, she powered South-Doyle to the region semifinals, the farthest the program had gone in over a decade. Her stat sheet sparkled with 541 total points, 144 rebounds, 98 assists, and 71 steals, building a resume that screams future star. Over her young career, she’s already stacked 965 career points, 291 rebounds, 197 assists, and 155 steals and she’s not even close to finished. Heading into next season, she’s just 35 points away from crossing the 1,000-point milestone, with sights set on pushing for 1,500 before her sophomore season ends. Her biggest improvement defensively this year was transforming into a true two-way force and pulling down critical rebounds to help lead her squad deep into the postseason.

Playing AAU for Tennessee Flight E40 under Vez Smith, Payton’s focus is evolving even more. She is working on creating opportunities off the ball, attacking from the 2 or 3 spots, and continuing to round out her already electric scoring arsenal. Her ultimate goal is simple but powerful: keep rising, keep improving, and keep making noise on every stage she touches.

Faith, drive, and a fearless love for competition are at the center of everything Payton does. What fuels her fire most is the heat of battle, competing head-to-head against top talent, pushing herself to the limit, and thriving when the spotlight is brightest. When facing adversity, Payton leans into her "next play" mentality, refusing to let setbacks define her and instead attacking the next opportunity with an even greater purpose. The best coaching advice she's ever received was, "Give everything you have to the game and never take a second of it for granted." That pours out of her in every practice, every possession, and every pressure moment. With awards like 1st Team All-District, All-District Tournament Team, All-Region Tournament Team, Miss Basketball Candidate, 4x PrepXtra Player of the Week (9-time nominee), 5Star Preps Player of the Week, 1st Team All-Knox County, and a BlueStar 30 selection, Payton isn’t just making waves, she’s building a legacy. Already ranked Top 10 in Tennessee’s 2027 class, with a Division 1 and Division 2 offer, Payton is just getting started, and the future is blindingly bright.

I assess that Payton’s blend of speed, dynamic three-level scoring, defensive toughness, and unshakable competitive fire makes her an absolute game-changer for any program. Her ability to control games, shift momentum, and elevate the players around her will immediately raise the ceiling of every team she touches.

As Payton continues improving her off-ball movement and expands her scoring arsenal, she’s on a collision course with stardom. Expect her to not just meet milestones but smash them, emerging as a go-to playmaker and a relentless leader at every level she climbs. The best chapters of her story are still to come. Stay tuned.