There’s a certain edge that comes with a senior season—urgency, pride, and a deeper sense of purpose. For Sallisaw guard Hannah Palmer, that feeling shapes every practice, every possession, and every moment she steps onto the court. As she puts it, her focus this year is simple but demanding: “My personal goals are that I want to push myself to be more aggressive and consistent every game.”
Playing as a true unit is a major priority for the Lady Black Diamonds. “A big goal is to play more as one unit and not individually. We’re working on that by pushing the ball, sharing it, and being patient with our offense instead of rushing shots. I think another big goal for us is to be conference champs.” What holds them together, Palmer says, is their relentless intensity. “Our biggest strength is our hustle. We don’t quit on plays, and we play with a lot of energy even when things get tough. I think our defense holds us together.”
A 5’4 senior who plays both point guard and shooting guard, Palmer keeps things simple when analyzing opponents: “I look for open gaps, who’s helping on backside, and which teammates are open on kick-outs.” Her preparation mirrors her disciplined style: “I make sure I stay warm, stay hydrated, stretch, and also get shots up before every game so my body feels loose and ready.”
She hopes her legacy reflects that steady effort. “I want to be remembered as someone who played with heart and gave full effort every time I stepped on the court.”
Off the floor, she wants people to know the bond behind their success. “People might not realize how close we are outside of games. We joke around, we support each other, and we really do enjoy being together.”
Although she doesn’t have a specific pregame track, she says, “I enjoy listening to rap while warming up.”
Her favorite memory came with noise and pressure: “Homecoming last year… I dropped 23 points that game. I remember the student section going crazy after every three I made and it just felt surreal.”
Palmer—an 11.2 ppg scorer, multi-sport athlete, and member of NHS, FCCLA, and FCA—plans to continue her basketball career at South Arkansas College and pursue a degree in radiology.
