Senior guard Nathan Palmer has emerged as a key player for the Geneva Vikings, showcasing his talent during the early stages of the season. In just four games, Palmer has averaged 14.7 points per game, earning the title of MVP at the Bob Schick Thanksgiving Tournament. His performance has helped elevate Geneva to a solid start, currently boasting a record of 4-0.
Palmer’s journey to this point has been marked by dedication and hard work. Over the past offseason, he focused on improving his physical strength and shot accuracy. “I was in the weight room a lot this past offseason,” said Palmer. “I just worked on my game a lot, practicing to make sure I got my shot right. I knew my time was coming. I just had to be patient with the work.”
Building on his momentum, Palmer continued to impress on December 2, 2025, scoring a game-high 14 points in just over half a game during a 50-34 nonconference victory against Bartlett. His contributions went beyond scoring; he also recorded three rebounds, three steals, and three assists, underscoring his all-around gameplay.
Team Effort and Strategic Play
Palmer’s performance reflects a broader team strategy emphasized by head coach Scott Hennig. “That’s what I’m trying to do,” Palmer explained. “I want to be an all-around player. Helping out with rebounding has been a big emphasis. Coach Hennig has been telling everyone, ‘Just go in and crash the boards.’ On steals, I just try to be aggressive.”
The Vikings took control of the game early with a decisive 14-0 run, transforming a narrow 5-3 lead into a commanding 19-3 advantage. Junior guard Joey Cwik led the struggling Hawks with 10 points, but they were unable to match Geneva’s intensity on the court.
Palmer’s vision on the court was also evident in his assists, two of which set up Kyle Suger for impressive dunks. “Coach always says strength to the basket and he’s right,” Suger said. “I’m 6-7. If I’m open, I’ll shoot it, but my strength is going to the basket to get some dunks. It’s great, gets the crowd into it.”
A Family Legacy and Future Aspirations
Palmer’s athletic background is rooted in a family of college athletes. His father, Shaun, pitched for Troy University‘s baseball team, while his mother, Melissa, played soccer at Northern Illinois University. His older sister, Kate, played four years of basketball at Illinois Wesleyan, and his sister, Leah, is a redshirt freshman at Lewis University. “They were a big influence on me,” Palmer reflected. “They both excelled at Geneva.”
Palmer opted to focus on basketball after giving up baseball in eighth grade, joining the Mercury Elite for AAU basketball. He aims to continue his basketball journey at the collegiate level, stating, “It’s what I want to do; we’ll see what comes.”
His teammate Suger has observed Palmer’s growth firsthand. “We’ve played together since fourth grade,” Suger noted. “I remember back in the day, he was always the shortest guy on the team, but it never held him back. His height now helps him get more shots over people and helps with his defense, so I’m not shocked it’s happening for Nate.”
As Geneva looks to build on its successful start, Palmer’s role becomes increasingly significant. The Vikings, who finished last season with an impressive 29-5 record, feature three senior starters alongside Palmer. Coach Hennig emphasized Palmer’s evolution: “He was our eighth or ninth guy last year. He’s just a basketball guy. He works and works and works, and he’s gotten taller and stronger. Skill-wise, he’s fantastic. He does what he’s asked.”
With Palmer leading the charge, the Geneva Vikings are poised for a promising season ahead, combining individual talent with cohesive teamwork.
