-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Jackson Palmer of St. Edmond

Back in middle school, Jackson Palmer started to foster friendships with those that he would spend his high school career competing against.

Palmer, a St. Edmond senior, recently put a final cap on his run as a Gael basketball player.

Over the course of his three seasons on varsity, Palmer would go head-to-head with the same opponents from Algona, Humboldt, Webster City, Manson Northwest Webster and several other schools year after year and night after night.

“It has been fun,” he said. “You play these guys all of your high school career and you begin to learn their strengths and weaknesses, and they learn the same about you. So when it comes time to competing with each other, it gets more competitive I feel.

“For example, I have been playing against the Algona seniors since I was in middle school. We have made great relationships with each other and become really good friends.

“It is always super competitive when we play each other because we have for so long.”

During his time in a St. Edmond basketball uniform, Palmer played in 65 games, scoring 762 points with 97 made 3-pointers. He finished this year with 381 points and 42 triples.

“Some of my fondest memories of high school are Senior Night, and bus rides back from games with my team,” he said. “Also, beating Southeast Valley my junior year.”

Palmer grew up watching the legends of the past compete for the Gaels.

“I was always excited to get to that age where I could play on the high school basketball team,” he said. “So it means a lot to get to follow in their footsteps.”

He credits his parents with “teaching me how to be a good person and never give up on anything no matter how bad I want to or how bad it is.”

“They have taught me to deal with my problems head on instead of running away from them,” Palmer said. “My mom has taught me most of all don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot do something. My dad taught me most of all that nothing in life is given to you. If you want something, you have to work your butt off to get it.

“That’s why I hope to be remembered as a good personal. As someone who could have a good time and make jokes, but also have a serious conversation about life if need be. And as someone who was easy to talk to if there was something bothering you.”

Along with basketball, Palmer is also involved in baseball for the Gaels and was part of the All Iowa Attack basketball program.

Palmer plans to attend Iowa Central in the fall to continue his basketball career while working towards a business degree. He hopes to open his own clothing line in the future.

Vacation destination: Jamaica.

People I would like to have dinner with: Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson.

My sports role model: Kyrie Irving.

My everyday role model: my dad.

I can’t go a day without: Hot Cheetos and Mountain Dew Voltage.

Nickname: Jackie Boy.

Most heated rivalry: Manson NW.

What are you listening to right now? Global by Lil Baby.

What is your go to song?

Favorites…

Team: Boston Celtics.

Class: Strength and Conditioning.

Movie: Now You See Me 2.

Something you binge watch:

Book or Magazine: The Miracle of St. Anthony.

Phone app: Instagram.