Several of the top teams in the region convened in Bel Air over the weekend for the R1A Classic as Mount Zion Prep dropped their first game to IMG Academy. For four-star guard Malachi Palmer, a 6-foot-5, 185-pound guard, he attacked the Ascenders inside and out and challenged their size at the rim. The next day, Palmer led Mount Zion to a 85-83 win over Scotland Campus after posting 32 points and 11 rebounds. The offensive versatility that Palmer carries in his game is the reason why he’s confident in himself as the alpha dog on the roster and with half of his junior season remaining, he’s taking pride in his development.
“I feel like it’s gone pretty well. I love my team. I love the school I’m at, so I’m enjoying it,” Palmer told IBG. “My leadership, my aggressiveness. I feel like got a lot stronger, so my all-around game I feel like it improved a lot. I’m just staying consistent, keeping my jumpshot consistent and just keeping my motor running the whole game.”
The top-80 prospect has enjoyed a long list of schools in pursuit with offers from LSU, Penn State, Pitt, Kansas, Texas Tech and Seton Hall among others. “I’m enjoying talking to different coaches, seeing different schools what they have to offer and enjoying the process time with parents.” Maryland is among the schools prioritizing Palmer and was most recently on campus for the home win over Ohio State.
“I’ve been to I think three or four games this year. It was awesome. I love the atmosphere. Both schools are recruiting me, so it was a fun game to get to. I love how fast they play, it’s a fun style of basketball. They play that fullcourt defensive game and getting on transitions so it’s a playstyle I can see myself fitting into.”
Assistant Tony Skinn is leading Palmer’s recruitment. “That’s my guy. He just tells me about the campus, tells me about the team and how I fit in. The minutes he feels like I can earn and play.” Head coach Kevin Willard has also chipped in so far in his recruitment. “I enjoy coach Willard a lot. He’s a great person, a great coach. I love his coaching style.”
Still, Palmer is staying patient with where his recruitment stands as Pitt, Mississippi State, Maryland and Kansas are in consistent contact. “I’m trying to focus on high school season right now, but I’ll probably take, some visits after high school season is over.”
Palmer is rated a four-star prospect and a 92 overall by On3, sitting as the 79th-best prospect in the country and the sixth-best combo guard.
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