JHS's PALMER TO CONTINUE BASKETBALL CAREER AT MAC

Jackson High basketball standout Melissa Palmer will continue her career at the next level as she recently signed a letter of intent with Mineral Area College in Park Hills.

A three-year letterwinner, Palmer averaged 14 points and five rebounds per game during her senior season and was named to the Class 4A All-State second team. Jackson lost to St. Joseph's Academy in the sectional round.

At 5-feet-9, Palmer is a bit shorter than most centers, but Jackson coach Ron Cook said she compensates with her strength.

"Strength is her biggest asset," Cook said. "She had to go up against bigger and taller girls. She's small for a center, but I feel she can play on the junior college level."

Cook added that he believes Palmer will contribute immediately for Mineral Area.

"She can go in and play right from the start there," he said. "She'll be a big plus for them. She has some potential."

Palmer will be the latest in a long line of Jackson players to have competed for Mineral Area. And Kia Kamp, Mineral Area's first-year head coach, is certainly familiar with the kind of players Cook has produced because Kamp is a Jackson High graduate who played under Cook and later also played for Mineral Area.

"We're excited to have Melissa," Kamp said. "She's a natural leader and she has played in some really good, hard-fought games, which helps her."