CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas signed guard Payton Brown of Waldon (Ark.) High School to an NCAA letter of intent on Wednesday.

Brown is one of the state's top shooting guards, averaging 32 points during an All-State junior season for the Class 4A Bulldogs.

"Payton Brown is an elite shooter,' said UCA head coach Russ Pennell. "He is one of the best three-point shooters I've seen in a long, long while. We are excited to have him join our UCA family. His ability to stretch the floor with his range opens up so many avenues for the rest of the team.  

"Payton is motivated and confident, which I absolutely love. He fits our program and culture extremely well. I am thrilled to sign one of the best players in the state of Arkansas. He will be a welcomed and needed addition to our team.'

Brown, a 6-foot-4 guard, averaged 31.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists as a sophomore at Waldron, leading the state in scoring. He repeated that feat as a junior (32 ppg), while averaging 6.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists. He was named the Northwest Arkansas Newcomer of the Year in 2018 and the NWA Player of the Year in 2019. In two seasons for the Bulldogs, Brown has scored 1,844 points in 58 career games.