Walls and Payne West Rookies of the Year

Walls and Payne West Rookies of the Year
February 26, 2026

Two PSUAC West Division Rookies of the Year Headline Breakout 2025–26 Season

The 2025–26 season marked a major milestone for our program as two first-year standouts earned West Division Rookie of the Year honors in the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC).

From dominant frontcourt play to dynamic backcourt leadership, these freshmen made an immediate and lasting impact.

Savannah Walls | Forward

Fairview, WV | North Marion High School

Savannah Walls wasted no time establishing herself as one of the premier forwards in the PSUAC West. Starting all 22 games as a freshman, she became the cornerstone of our inside presence on both ends of the floor.

Season Averages:

  • 15.8 points per game

  • 10.8 rebounds per game

  • 42.4% field goal shooting

  • 28.0% from three-point range

  • 2.1 assists per game

Walls recorded 347 total points and an impressive 237 total rebounds, including 88 offensive boards that created crucial second-chance opportunities. In conference play, she elevated her minutes (33.6 per game) while maintaining her double-double level production.

Her physicality, consistency, and relentless motor made her a matchup problem all season long. Add in 28 steals and 14 blocks, and it's clear her impact extended far beyond the stat sheet. As a first-year player, Savannah performed like a veteran — and her Rookie of the Year honor reflects it.

Noah Payne | Guard

Saint Marys, Ohio | Northeastern High School

Noah Payne brought poise, pace, and playmaking ability to the backcourt in his first collegiate season. Appearing in 18 games with 10 starts, Payne quickly became a steady offensive contributor and one of the team's most efficient decision-makers.

Season Averages:

  • 9.8 points per game

  • 45.5% field goal shooting

  • 77.1% free throw shooting

  • 3.6 rebounds per game

  • 2.7 assists per game

Payne totaled 177 points, 48 assists, and 21 steals on the year, finishing with a strong 2.0 assist-to-turnover ratio. In conference play, he elevated his scoring to 10.7 points per game and improved his assist-to-turnover ratio to 2.3, showcasing his growth and command of the offense.

Whether pushing tempo, attacking the rim, or creating opportunities for teammates, Payne's composure and efficiency stood out all season long.