The 2014-15 Manhattan High boys won’t have their leading scorer and rebounder from a season ago. Payton Stephens, who averaged nearly 14 points and six rebounds per game as a junior, is transferring from MHS.
Stephens is a 6-foot-4 forward who has been a three-year varsity player for the Indians and was expected to be a force once again.
New Manhattan High head coach Benji George was “blindsided” by the decision and still hasn’t spoken directly with Stephens.
“I was around Payton almost every day this summer,” George said. “My relationship with him couldn’t have been better.”
George first became aware of the situation when he was informed that Stephens hadn’t attended the first three days of school earlier this week. Stephens is believed to be headed to McPherson High School to play for head coach Kurt Kinnamon.