Payton’s productivity is starting to catch up her potential as I saw dramatic improvement from Palmer this Spring and Summer. I wasn’t the only one as Georgia Southern, Howard, and St. Johns joined Alabama A&M in extending scholarship offers. Payton is getting comfortable in her body after a pretty drastic growth spurt which saw her grow several inches in a short period of time. She utilized her length well and her natural athleticism is starting to show as well. Palmer has worked hard to improve on her shot from the midrange and behind the three-point line and that was clear watching Whitfield Academy play at GBCA Live and HER Elite numerous times this Summer. Palmer is getting more confident slashing the basket with the basketball and blocking shots defensively. I think she is nowhere near being as good as she will be even after a period of obvious growth on the court.

Payton played very well finishing as the game’s leading scorer with 11 points in a 59-29 win over Denmark on day two of the GBCA Live. Palmer shot the ball well from the perimeter knocking down a shot from three as well as multiple midrange jump shots while operating at the top of the key for a majority of the game. She also was able to hit the boards on the offensive end and score for her team with a quick put back on the fast break. Palmer has the size and skill to be a very good player and looks like those two things are coming together as she finishes the Summer before her second year of high school. She improves each time I see her play and this was no exception. She is far from the player she will become, but the future is very bright for Payton with the potential to be a high major player in three years.

Payton Palmer Payton Palmer 6'2" | SF/PF Whitefield Academy | 2029 State GA stood out the minute she stepped on the floor, and after a blocked shot and a few inside scores, she had sealed the deal. Palmer did a little of everything and showed a lot in a short time span. She played along with some talented teammates and didn’t get the headlines, but her versatility, effort, and production stood out. As a Freshman she averaged over 7 points and 5 rebounds per game, and from observing her on the court, she is going to be a problem. On one possession, Palmer caught the ball in transition, ripped to a midrange and hit nothing but nets.

Palmer has a knack for anticipating where a missed shot is going on offense, getting in the right spot, grabbing the rebound, and putting the ball back up and in quickly. She has very good size for a freshman. Payton is already a good shooter from the midrange and I expect that to become even more consistent and for her to extend her range behind the three point line, something she will develop with more time and experience. Palmer has a very high basketball IQ. That, along with her size and skill, gives her an excellent chance to rise up the rankings and quickly. She was a positive post presence for Whitefield all game long.