Catching up with Marshall Payne: Basketball player at Marvin Ridge High School
WAXHAW, N.C. — Marshall Payne, a junior at Marvin Ridge High School, has been competing on the varsity basketball team for three years and dreams of one day being an all-conference player at the high school level. He began playing basketball thirteen years ago, and in addition to playing for MRHS has also competed with Team Griggs and Charlotte Sparks. He made the varsity team as a freshman and was nominated as a sophomore and junior Phenom Standout Elite 60 Player to Watch. He loves the competitiveness that comes with the sport, and is grateful to have gotten to play with some great teammates and coaches. When asked what the best piece of advice he ever received was, he said it was to outwork everyone, stay humble, and let your grades and game open the doors to your future.
Do you have a pregame ritual?
Marshall Payne: My pregame ritual consists of stretching and getting warmed up. While also making sure to have a quiet time where I can talk to God one on one.
What is something challenging about your sport, and what do you do to manage it?
Payne: My biggest challenge with my sport is my confidence, and my teammates and the people around me help me stay level-headed and positive.
What do you like to do outside of your sport?
Payne: I like to play the guitar, hang with friends, and do LEGO鈥檚.
What鈥檚 your favorite book?
Payne: Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven.
What is something that a coach has said that inspired you?
Payne: 鈥淐ontrol what you can, your effort, attitude, and preparation because those are the keys to success.鈥�
What鈥檚 your dream job?
Payne: “I have no idea what my ‘dream’ job is. I just hope to be a good provider for my future family and enjoy what I get to do in my profession daily.”
If you could switch places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
Payne: I would switch places with Stephen Curry and see what it would be like to live a life as an NBA player.
What has being a member of a team taught you?
Payne: The value of trust, communication, putting the group success above my own, and leadership skills.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.