Winchester's Payton Sparks (2021) committed to Ball State. The Cardinals were one of the first D1 programs to recruit Sparks, and it paid off for the MAC school. (Photo via Payton's Twitter)

Despite no club basketball, Sparks saw his recruitment explode this spring and summer. During that timeframe, he added offers from Purdue-Fort Wayne, Robert Morris, Florida Gulf Coast, Elon, Milwuakee, Hofstra, Valpo, and SIU-Edwardsville. Prior to that, he also had offers from Miami of Ohio and Toledo.

Sparks is big lefty that has seen his vertical athleticism take a step in the last year. He has always had a soft touch in the lane out to 15 feet. If his shooting continues to develop, Sparks will be a problem in the MAC.

Indiana Basketball Source first noted his hands and touch in December 2018. LINK: NO SLUMP FOR SOPHOMORE CLASS

Last July, he played 17U with IE-All In. While playing up, Sparks showed his ability to run the floor and finish. More from last year. 

Sparks is Ball State's first recruit in the 2021 class. It is shaping up to be a big class for the Cardinals.