It can be a daunting task to take the role of senior leader on a team filled with seniors, but that is just what Isaiah Payne brought to the table all season long for the Pine Prairie Panthers.
And, for that reason, Payne has earned the honor of being named the Most Valuable Player in Evangeline Parish for the 2018-19 season.
Payne, the MVP for District 5-3A, averaged 27 points per game, eight rebounds per game and four assists per game in helping lead the senior heavy Panthers to their first home playoff game in 10 years.
Despite being one of five senior starters on the floor, Payne’s presence was felt throughout the season. It seemed that every time Payne was not on the floor, the Panther offense struggled to produce.
However important his scoring ability was to Pine Prairie, Payne knew his role was much more than just a point producing machine.
“I knew that in order for us to be successful this year, I had to become more than just a scorer,” stated Payne. “I understood that I had to become a better passer and better defender if our team was going to do well. We did not have a lot of depth this year, so all of us being on the floor was important. I had to make sure that I stayed out of foul trouble. We all did. I had all the confidence in the world, that if I had a bad night, my teammates would step it up and make things happen.”
Payne, as just about all great play
Payne proved that leadership is still worth something these days
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TRACEY JAGNEAUX Sports Editor