Brandon Palmer

Brandon Palmer has shown leadership on the junior varsity baseball squad and has played solid in the outfield this spring.

“Brandon was recently pulled up for his first varsity game where he hit his first career varsity hit in his first varsity at bat,” Coach Randy Heath reported.

In recognition of his strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Brandon is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Palmer File

Name: Brandon Palmer

Year in School: Sophomore

Town: Naples

Parents: Peter Palmer, Cheryl Palmer

Sports you play: Baseball, basketball

School organizations: Varsity Club

School honors: Honors student

Q. Best piece of advice you have received? BP. Humbleness. Since I was very young, my dad always stressed the point of letting my play do the talking and everything else will take care of itself.

Q. Who is your biggest fan? BP. My dad is my biggest fan, as well as my biggest critic. He’d be the first to congratulate me on a great hit in baseball or a good move in basketball, but when I struggle, he’s always there to make me better.

Q. I know I have had a good sports day when…BP. I leave the field or court with a smile on my face, knowing that I played well, my teammates played well and we got the win.

Q. What is your favorite sport? BP. Basketball because it’s a year-round sport and my team is like another family. A brotherhood, I’d call it.

Q. If I could change one thing about myself as an athlete, I would change… BP. Skill. Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard. Regardless of my athletic ability, I look to get better every day under any circumstance.

Q. What qualities make for a good teammate and whom do you consider a good teammate? BP. A good teammate is someone who always has your back during the season, as well as in the off-season. Alex Langadas is a superb teammate and a best friend.

Q. What do you believe you bring to your team? BP. Humbleness and leadership. I can definitely joke around but when things get serious, I’m the first one to focus on the task at hand.

Q. What characteristics do you feel make for a good coach? BP. A coach that is willing to listen when you have a concern. One that will give you constructive criticism when it’s needed. Any team will take the identity of its coach so a mature, knowledgeable coach is crucial.