Ball State University Athletics
Photo by: BSU Photo Services
Sparks Newcomer of the Year and All-Conference in Blue Ribbon Yearbook
September 06, 2024 | Men's Basketball
Ball State men's basketball senior center Payton Sparks was picked to the All-Conference Team and as the Mid-American Conference Newcomer of the Year by the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook, the publication announced Friday afternoon.
Sparks is no stranger to Muncie after playing his first two collegiate seasons at Ball State before transferring to Indiana where he played the 2023-24 season. The 2022 MAC Freshman of the Year and two-time All-MAC selection enters his senior campaign with 880 points and 575 career rebounds.
Joining Sparks on the All-Conference team are Central Michigan guard Anthony Pritchard, Kent State forward VonCameron Davis, Ohio forward AJ Clayton and Toledo center Javan Simmons. Pritchard was picked as the MAC Player of the Year by Blue Ribbon.
The Cardinals are projected to finish sixth in the 12-team MAC by the publication.
Ball State's 2024-25 season officially opens on Nov. 4 at Georgia State in Atlanta for the MAC-SBC Challenge.
Sparks is no stranger to Muncie after playing his first two collegiate seasons at Ball State before transferring to Indiana where he played the 2023-24 season. The 2022 MAC Freshman of the Year and two-time All-MAC selection enters his senior campaign with 880 points and 575 career rebounds.
Joining Sparks on the All-Conference team are Central Michigan guard Anthony Pritchard, Kent State forward VonCameron Davis, Ohio forward AJ Clayton and Toledo center Javan Simmons. Pritchard was picked as the MAC Player of the Year by Blue Ribbon.
The Cardinals are projected to finish sixth in the 12-team MAC by the publication.
Ball State's 2024-25 season officially opens on Nov. 4 at Georgia State in Atlanta for the MAC-SBC Challenge.
MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE
BLUE RIBBON FORECAST
1. Ohio
2. Akron
3. Toledo
4. Kent State
5. Bowling Green
6. Ball State
7. Central Michigan
8. Miami
9. Northern Illinois
10. Western Michigan
11. Eastern Michigan
12. Buffalo
ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM
F-VonCameron Davis, SR, Kent State
F-AJ Clayton, SR, Ohio
C-Payton Sparks, SR, Ball State
C-Javan Simmons, SO, Toledo
G-Anthony Pritchard, SR, Central Michigan
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Anthony Pritchard, SR, Central Michigan
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
Payton Sparks, C, Ball State
Players Mentioned
C
/ Men's BasketballMonday, July 20
Thursday, July 16
Wednesday, July 15
Wednesday, June 17