By: Ball State Athletics
Ball State basketball bolstered both its frontcourt and backcourt in the early signing period, adding 6-9 Payton Sparks and 6-4 Jaylin Sellers. Both will suit up for the Cardinals in 2021."I'm thrilled to be adding two really talented and high-character people to the program in our fall signing class," head coach James Whitford said. "Jaylin and Payton have already accomplished great things in their high school and AAU careers, and have big upsides going forward. I believe will they both develop into outstanding players during their time at Ball State."
Sparks is a left-handed post player from nearby Winchester, Indiana, and his high school team has improved every season he's been in school. Winchester has improved from seven wins to 17 wins as Sparks has developed and improved. He averaged a double-double in both his sophomore and junior years, including 21.9 points and 12.4 rebounds as a junior. He was named small school all-state and conference player of the year. He played for Midwest Basketball Club on the AAU circuit and also lettered in tennis.
"Payton is a very skilled big man that grew up in the heart of the Indiana basketball country," Whitford said. "In addition to his size, he has great hands and can shoot it to the 3-pt line. His most impressive skill, however, is probably his ability to pass." Whitford compared Sparks to recent alum Trey Moses, who is currently playing professionally in Portugal.
"Similar to Trey, Payton is a playmaker from the '5' spot," the coach said. "He can create shots for himself and his teammates, and has a terrific basketball IQ and feel for the game. He can score in bunches, while also making those around him better. He will add great value to our frontcourt for years to come."
"I really love the academics they have here and they have the major I want," Sparks said. "I love the coaching staff too - they are good dudes - and it's a beautiful campus."
Whitford added: "Payton comes from a great family and is a very high character young man. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Ball State family."
Signed ? @BallStateMBB pic.twitter.com/eTM0ykVvj8
— Payton Sparks (@PaytonSparks6) November 11, 2020
Sellers is a combo guard from Columbus, Georgia, who was a two-time all-state honoree in Georgia before going to Carver Montgomery High School in Montgomery, Alabama. He was his team's MVP as a sophomore and All-Tri City Player of the Year last year as a junior. He played on the AAU circuit with Team Carrol Premier.
"Jaylin is an explosive athlete with a deep passion to become a great player," Whitford said. "He has great quickness and length, which makes him disruptive at both ends of the court. He shoots it to the 3-pt line, and can make plays both with the ball and without. His greatest asset, however, is his work ethic. Jaylin loves the game and is a true gym rat. That, combined with his physical gifts and his youth, gives him a chance to be a special player during his time in Muncie.
"We are thrilled to have him with us and believe he will add great value to our backcourt for years to come. Jaylin also comes from an outstanding family, is an excellent student, and plays for one of the premier high school programs in the state of Alabama," Whitford said.
Sparks and Sellers are joining a program that has won the MAC West Division three of the last five years.
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November 12, 2020 at 02:50AM
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Ball State Hoops Signs 2 Standouts For 2021 - BallStateSports.com
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