"The High Flying Two-Way Force Redefining Dominance"

Grady Payton

@gradypayton_

IG @gradypaytonn

6’9, Class of 2026

Capital City HS, MO

Grady is a force built to shake the basketball world, a silky smooth two-way dynamo with star-level talent and a game that jumps off the page in electric color. He moves like a big guard, gliding into scoring windows with fluid ease and punishing defenses from every level of the floor. His offensive package is a highlight reel waiting to happen. He can rise into a rainmaker from deep, explode off the bounce into a fierce middy, or finish at the rim with authority. When he scores, it looks effortless. When he elevates, he soars. His IQ is sharp, his feel for the game is next level, and his court vision drops sweet dimes right into the hands of teammates. Defensively, he is a dream eraser with the timing to block shots, the instincts to jump passing lanes, and the presence to clean the boards like Windex. Grady checks every box. He is a total-package talent, pushing himself toward national elite status.

His early-season run has been nothing short of explosive. In three dominant performances, Grady opened the season with 44 points, breaking the scoring record for most points in a single game, and added 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. He followed it with 25 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Then he capped it with 28 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and the title of Norm Stewart MVP. That is superstar production. That is a player who can overwhelm a defense in an instant. His biggest improvement has been stepping into more of a guard role and embracing his leadership responsibilities, showing comfort handling the rock, creating shots, directing action, and being the voice his team follows. This offseason, he wants to sharpen his post-game even more, giving himself the option to punish matchups inside and outside with equal force. His goal is to earn a D1 scholarship and keep rising.

Grady’s competitive fire shows up in who he wants to face. Helias Catholic in Jefferson City is the matchup he has circled, a rivalry that fuels him. When he steps on the court, coaches can expect a leader who plays to win in any way possible. Whether scoring, defending, rebounding, passing, or bringing raw energy, he is locked into one mission, to elevate his team. What excites him most about this season is facing high-level competition and battling for a district championship. His spark comes from getting multiple buckets in a row, the feeling of taking over a game, and knowing nobody can stop the run. When facing adversity, he pushes through and finds a solution. When the game speeds up, he reminds himself to just play basketball. And above all else, he is excited to build something special with his team this season.

Off the court, Grady loves hanging with friends and keeping life simple. On the recruiting side, he holds multiple offers, including D1 options, though he remains undecided as he continues rising and expanding his game.

Grady’s combination of length, scoring versatility, athletic pop, defensive impact, and guard-like skill creates a matchup nightmare for any college program. His ability to score from all three levels, elevate in transition, erase shots, and rebound with authority gives him immediate value. Programs wanting a dynamic weapon who changes a game on both ends will see his upside quickly.

Grady is evolving into something special. As he continues growing as a leader, elevating his post-game, and embracing his guard evolution, his ceiling grows higher by the month. Expect Grady Payton to become one of the most intriguing prospects in his class. He is fierce, explosive, determined, and just getting warmed up. Remember the name and get your popcorn ready. He is must-see TV.