Jefferson Hagen, MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – Two member of the powerhouse Magrath Zeniths high school basketball program are joining the MacEwan Griffins in the fall.

Hailing from the basketball hotbed just south of Lethbridge, Taylor Cook and Sam Payne will make the trip north to don Griffins' silks for the 2020-21 Canada West men's basketball season, head coach Mike Connolly announced on Tuesday.

Both were a big part of the Zeniths winning back-to-back 4A South Zone titles in Grade 11 and 12, while leading Magrath to a third-place finish at 4A high school provincials in their final season.

Possessing a strong finishing touch, a solid three-point shot and quickness, Cook averaged 22.6 points a game with the Zeniths in his senior year and was named to the South Zone 4A first all-star team.

"Taylor is a great student who brings a work ethic that will allow him to play at the next level," said Connolly of Cook, who will enter MacEwan's Bachelor of Science program. "He is a competitor and those are the type of student-athletes we want at MacEwan University playing for the Griffins."

As the South Zone Tier 1 football MVP in his senior year as well, the 6-foot-4 player brings a physical skill-set that will allow him to play inside or outside with the Griffins.

"I see Taylor as a versatile forward who could play both the power forward and small forward positions for the Griffins. We are very excited to add a quality person like Taylor to our program." 

Taylor Cook averaged 22.6 points per game during his senior season with the Magrath Zeniths.

Payne, also 6-foot-4, is a 2-3 guard, who can shoot the ball with the best of them. He averaged 14.6 points per game in his senior year and was named a South Zone second team all-star.

"Samuel follows in the general characteristic of a 'Southern Alberta Basketball Player,' " said Connolly of Payne, who will also enter MacEwan's Bachelor Science program. "He can shoot and score the basketball. 

"Samuel is another Magrath product who will be able to play the scoring guard position but will also be able to play point guard. I think Samuel can run the point position for us in the future. Another great competitor, Samuel will have a great career in U SPORTS and we are lucky to have him as a Griffin moving forward."

Sam Payne is a natural shooter, who will give the Griffins another top threat from the guard position.