By Matt Browning

Payton Graham of Valley Center was a first team all-league pitcher and honorable mention all-state in 2019. He recently won VYPE’s preseason baseball player of the year poll.

“To win the Wichita Large School Preseason Player of the Year means a lot to me,” Graham said. “Opening up the poll on that first day and seeing lots of big names like Fahnestock, O’Toole, and Jorey Faber, I knew it would have been tough. Playing with those kids, I know they’re solid. But winning for me just means I have to come through this season and compete.”

In 2019 Graham threw back-to-back no-hitters on his way to a 1.17 ERA and 31 strikeouts. This season, Graham is working on his strength and command.

“This season and offseason I’ve really been focusing on the weight room, as well as my command up on the mound,” Graham said. “As a team, we’re just focusing on consistency and competing with teams.”

Graham is undecided on what he wants to do next year, but would like to study business management.