Featured Athlete /// Grady Payton, Capital City HS


Post- season play is underway for the fall sports, while practice has started  School, boys basketball coach Ryan Fick begins his third year with the  


     inside and go strong to the rim but also to step back and knock down a three from the perimeter.


“His ability to shoot the ball from three-point range makes him a unique  he has the ability to drive with the ball as well,” said Fick. 


%% from beyond the arc. Fick says Payton has a tremendous basketball IQ. “He is a basketball junkie spending a lot of time watching and studying the game at all levels.” During his junior season, Payton received several awards, including


   Those numbers and awards don’t come without hard work. “My athlet- ic success comes from working hard and unseen hours in the gym,” said  Payton says sports have taught him how to be a leader and teammate. 


 A Hardwood LEADER


Story By: Kevin Kelly Photography By: Jefferson City School District / Adyson Bray


20 /// November 2025 on the


cult and challenging.”  team are not lost on Fick. “He sets the tone for everything we do as a team, whether it’s in the weight room or on the court, guys respond to the example he sets,” said Fick. “Skill-wise, he has the ability to score in multiple ways in the paint and on the perimeter. He also handles the ball well for his size.” Payton enjoys the competition that comes with playing high school basketball. “The drive to compete for me is knowing that there is still a lot left out on the table for me to accomplish and achieve. Sports have taught me that even   


 


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