Athlete Q&A: Payton Wefel

030520.S.PJ.AthleteQ&AASF_PaytonWefel.jpg — Esko senior Payton Wefel has averaged more than 22 points a game and three assists and has the Eskomos poised for another run at the state tournament. Jamey Malcomb/Pine Journal

By Pine Journal and Jamey Malcomb

March 04, 2020 at 10:00 AM

NAME: Payton Wefel

AGE: 17

HEIGHT: 6 feet, 1 inch

YEAR: Senior

TEAM: Esko basketball

STATISTICS: Wefel leads the Eskomos with 22 points, three assists and six rebounds per game.

What college or professional athlete inspires you and why?

Devin Booker. I like that at Kentucky he came off the bench and was actually the sixth man. It shows how you can impact a game coming off the bench. His game is just so smooth, he scores effortlessly — there’s just something about him.

What is one of your most memorable moments as an athlete?

I think one of my most memorable moments was scoring my 1,000th career point a few weeks ago. It was just an experience I won’t forget. That was hanging over me for a long time. It’s one of the goals I’ve had since I was a kid and when I first got to varsity. It was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.

What is your favorite activity/hobby outside of sports and why?

One of my favorite activities is playing video games with my friends. I like it because you can escape the real world and be a different character. Playing with friends and connecting with them from your own home is cool, and I really enjoy that.

Describe your dream vacation.

I’d say my dream vacation is going somewhere warmer than Minnesota, but I think going to Jamaica would be fun. It’s different, I’ve never been there and I’ve heard only good things about it.

Coach says:

“We knew that (Trevor Spindler and Wefel) were going to be our one-two punch, and they were going to get a lot of attention,” Esko coach Derek Anderson said. “When Trevor went down, Payton stepped up his game ... I think a lot of it has to do with how much he puts in in the offseason. He spends a lot of time in the gym. He does the strength training and shows up to almost every activity that we have, plus some on his own time. That really pays off when the season starts. On the court, he never really panics. He always seems to be calm and smooth with the basketball. He knows he can get his shot, but he always wants to find an open teammate.”