SUPERSTITION AND PREGAME RITUALS ARE FAR FROM UNCOMMON IN SPORTS.
Everyone needs that little “extra” to get their minds ready to compete, and Elkins’ senior Braylon Payne is no exception.“I have these stuffed animals – 10 of them to be exact,” he laughed.
“I clip them onto the net before each game for good luck, and I touch them before I go up to bat. The one I started off with was a lion, and after that I can’t tell you since there are so many. It might be a little out of the ordinary, but hey, it’s helped me to get this far.”
As one of the most prolific players in Texas, the Fort Bend Elkins outfielder has become an animal on the field in his own right. His blazing speed, versatile athleticism and exceptional understanding of the five tools has made him a hot commodity in the world of high school recruiting.
While Payne has been pursued by college programs around the country, he won’t have to travel too far next season.
“The University of Houston has always been my dream school to go to, ever since I was a little kid,” said Payne. “I’ve been there so many times and I love the environment. It just made sense to me when I was given the chance to play there.”
The opportunities don’t just end there for the six-foot-one, left-handed hitter.According to Perfect Game, Payne is listed as a 10-grade athlete, which indicates that he is expected to be a high draft pick in the upcoming MLB Draft this July.
Despite the possibility of going professional, Payne maintains an unwavering attention to his game.
“I’m just going to let it pan out,” he said. “If I work hard like I’ve been doing my whole life, then everything will go the way I hope it will. At this moment, all I can do is focus on getting better, day by day, and the rest is out of my hands.”
Payne enters his final season with the Knights, which experienced a somewhat down year in 2023. Regardless, he hasn’t shied away from his role as a leader for the program and what they’re capable of in the ensuing campaign.
“I definitely love the leadership opportunity I’ve been given at Elkins,” Payne said. “A lot of people follow in my footsteps, asking questions, and if they need anything, they come up to me. It feels great to be looked up to, and I don’t take it lightly. I’m just glad that I can be there for my teammates.
“I know it’s probably going to be difficult once our last game comes around. It hasn’t quite set in yet that this is likely the last time I’ll be playing with the guys I’ve grown up with. I have a feeling it’ll be emotional. Until then, we’re going to give it our all this season.”
Elkins competes in a brutal district. However, with a likely future pro like Payne on the field, the Knights have the potential to shock opponents in 2024.
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There is so much fun to be had at a VYPE Media Days!
From team and individual pictures, social media shout-outs and video interviews, it is all there for the student-athletes to feel like a superstar. VYPE had its Goose Creek CISD 2024 Spring Media Day recently.
Check out the Baytown Sterling Spring Media Day behind-the-scenes hype video below!
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DFW Battle for State: Frisco Liberty and Mansfield Timberview go head to head for UIL Class 5A State Title
01 Mar, 2024
It an all-DFW battle for the UIL Class 5A State Title as Frisco Liberty and Mansfield Timberview prepare to go head-to-head on Saturday, March 2nd. Both teams have worked hard to make it this far and have no plans on slowing down when it comes to the state championship game. VYPE DFW takes a look at what fans can expect from these two prolific programs.
Frisco Liberty Lady Redhawks (32-7)
The Lady Redhawks showcased an incredible season this year. With a 32-7 overall record, the team continues to utilize every opportunity that is afforded to them. Coming into the state tournament as the reigning champions might have been something that put a target on Frisco Liberty's back, but the squad showed no signs of hesitation as it took on Richmond Randle in a semifinal showdown. Led by head coach Ross Reedy and assistant coaches Mykaela Alfred, Jayci Morton, and Taylor Ruesch, Frisco Liberty entered their sixth tournament appearance with a dominating 66-37 victory over Randle. Looking to go back-to-back and secure what would be their fourth state title, this team is ready to get the job done against Mansfield Timberview.
Mansfield Timberview Lady Wolves (39-1)
The Lady Wolves have had a prolific season so far-- dropping only a single game the entire year. Led by head coach Kit Kyle Martin and assistant coaches Gabe Hicks, Karen Lee, Jeremy Walker, and Barbara Weary, this squad has remained nearly unblemished from the start. Also entering their sixth tournament appearance, this squad is looking to secure the program's second title-- first in over a decade when the team won it all in 2010. Posting a huge victory (67-45) over Cedar Park in the semifinal match, this team is ready to take on any challenge that may come their way against Frisco Liberty on Saturday.
What To Expect
Keyera Roseby, Aaliyah Williams, Judith Aluga, Natalia Soto, Kathryn Murphy, and others are prepared to go the distance for Frisco Liberty in the state title pairing. Lady Redhawks fans can expect a fast-paced team entering the court with the drive and determination to finish their season strong. On the other end of the ball, though, stands the likes of Tamaiya Mims, Kamryn Wilson, Faith McClellan, Jada James, Kyndal Underwood, and more ready to put in the same fire for the Lady Wolves These teams have both shown their ability to remain consistent through every play making this game one of the matches in the UIL Girls Basketball State Tournament no high school basketball lover is going to want to miss.
Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 2nd at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas!
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