By Hayden Swope

Nakari Morrical-Palmer, a basketball athlete from Southeast of Saline, was chosen as the Commercial Tire Athlete of the Month. Last season, Morrical-Palmer received all-state and all-league recognition in both football and basketball.

“It’s special because I know there are many others who are performing very well and for me to be the one chosen is an honor,” Morrical-Palmer said.

Morrical-Palmer spent all offseason training in the gym, striving to advance his skills on and off the court. 

“I worked a lot on my game during the offseason, especially during the summer and during the fall sports season,” Morrical-Palmer said. “I really wanted to work on being more athletic and being more of a threat from the perimeter. My shooting took a dip towards the end of last season so I made it an emphasis to fix that part of my game.”

Hoping to improve his strengths this year, Morrical-Palmer is also focused on impacting the team and a few school records.  

“The major goal I’m focused on this season is winning state, which would be the school’s first basketball state championship,” Morrical-Palmer said. “Along with that, going undefeated and having the most wins in a season. Some personal statistical goals for me this season would be breaking the school record in rebounds, assists, and steals.”

While still contemplating on where to attend, Morrical-Palmer has already decided on what he would like to study. 

“I haven’t decided where I will attend college yet, but I do plan to study finance wherever that may be,” Morrical-Palmer said.