Payton Baney is Carnegie Mellon’s inside-out rising force
In the 2024-25 season, Payton Baney emerged as a true frontcourt impact player for Carnegie Mellon, earning UAA Rookie of the Year honors while giving the Tartans efficient scoring, rebounding, and rim protection. She averaged 7.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game on 57.4% shooting, and later delivered key postseason production with a team-high nine rebounds in CMU’s NCAA first-round win. Baney’s fit value is clear: she plays hard, finishes efficiently, and brings tough, complementary two-way forward play.
