Payton Bauer
Payton Bauer
About Payton
Expert Analysis
Austin Kingsley | Prep Dig Scout
South Central NE’s changes and lineup shuffles have also shown us a new layer of Bauer’s game. In previous seasons, we’ve seen Bauer’s multi-dimensional impact as a middle-opposite hybrid player. However, because of this year’s roster circumstances, we’ve seen Bauer log increasing reps on the left side. The Deshler junior has thrived under increased pressure and has also flexed her backcourt versatility. 17 Black needed its players to adapt and evolve this season, and Bauer has embodied this mindset perfectly.
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Read EvaluationAustin Kingsley | Prep Dig Scout
Here’s one for the South Central NE crew. We’ve repeatedly touted Bauer’s ability to play any position across the front row, particularly for her 16 Black club team. This Deshler standout has earned multiple years of valuable experience on the GJNC stage, preparing Bauer for whatever this year’s junior season could bring. Her two kills per set last season could be the springboard for even more success in 2024.
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Read EvaluationAustin Kingsley | Prep Dig Scout
Here’s a shoutout for South Central NE 16 Black’s do-everything athlete. Bauer plays a middle-opposite hybrid role that’s largely dependent on who is in the frontcourt with her. It might be easy to get lost in all this chaos, but Bauer provides a steady influence that takes 16 Black to the next level. She can be a force in front of the setter or behind, giving opposing blockers a lot to think about. Bauer also hits with excellent range and can disguise which zone she’s targeting. Deshler High School is firmly on the map thanks to Bauer’s emergence on the national stage.
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Read EvaluationAustin Kingsley | Prep Dig Scout
South Central NE 16 Black has constantly redefined ‘versatility’ while maintaining its multi-year hot streak. Bauer adds to this adaptability by adding depth at middle blocker and right-side hitter. Her primary role with 16 Black has been at opposite, but Bauer has also been a dominant force in the middle at Desher High School. Even as South Central NE shuffles its lineups from match to match, Bauer and her team are finding new ways to claim the spotlight. GJNC is the brightest spotlight of all, and this group already knows how to perform under this pressure.
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Read EvaluationAustin Kingsley | Prep Dig Scout
Here’s a chance to expand on Bauer’s emergence with South Central NE 16 Black. This multi-talented attacker can play just about any position across the 16 Black frontcourt. Her recent reps at Show Me were primarily at opposite, where Bauer showcased her quick arm on the right side. Getting Bauer in a rhythm was a big part of South Central’s runner-up effort, and we’ll get to see how it translates to Nationals this summer.
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Read EvaluationAustin Kingsley | Prep Dig Scout
Bauer is another one of those versatile pin hitters that lifted South Central NE to a bid-earning breakthrough in Kansas City. The best work we’ve seen from Bauer has been in n the right pin, and that ought to be the case once again in Chicago.
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