NORMAL — Geneva’s Leah Palmer played the role of superstar Friday night.
The junior guard/forward, taking court twice within a couple hours, received the green light for the Vikings during the Class 4A state third-place game at Illinois State’s CEFCU Arena.
She admitted hoisting up 23 shots against Hersey came at a small price.
“My shots were a little short because my legs were tired,” Palmer said. “I was exhausted.”
Tired? Yes. Terrific? That’s another yes.
The 5-foot-11 Palmer scored a game-high 25 points and picked up 11 rebounds to power Geneva to a 72-61 victory. She shot 9 of 23 from the floor, including 2 of 7 on 3-pointers.
On top of that, Palmer also had three assists in 29 minutes for Geneva (31-4).
After winning back-to-back state titles in 2017 and 2018, the Vikings added a third-place trophy thanks to Palmer’s scoring binge.
One of two non-senior starters, Palmer is in line for a bigger role in 2023-24.
She got a head start against Hersey, shooting from all angles. She repeatedly drove the lane while squaring up for perimeter jumpers and hunting down rebounds.
“I’m looking forward to adjusting,” Palmer said of next season. “I want to have another winning season. I’m excited to work with the upcoming juniors and sophomores, and hopefully, we can be great next year as well.”
Through three quarters Friday night, Palmer had attempted 21 of Geneva’s 45 shots.
She also welcomed a bounce-back shooting effort after making only four shots and scoring 13 points in the Vikings’ 50-48 loss to Benet in Friday’s earlier state semifinals.
Palmer said she was energized to win the game against Hersey for the seniors — in particular starters Rilee Hasegawa, Cassidy Arni and Lauren Slagle.
“We wanted to come out and do it for the seniors,” Palmer said. “End out on a win and a good note.”
Slagle, a Grand Valley State recruit, added a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Arni, a Wisconsin-Parkside commit, poured in 17 points with five rebounds.
Palmer’s big scoring performance against Hersey also included a memorable and unplanned scene at half-court that caused a celebration befitting a state title.
After Palmer sank the first of two free throws, putting her over 1,000 career points, the Vikings jumped around together at half-court. Several Geneva fans raised homemade signs.
“I had no idea, but I knew I was getting close and didn’t know that was the point,” Palmer said. “I guess I was kind of oblivious because everybody was talking on the bench and I had no idea. I’m very thankful for having such supportive parents, fans and teammates that made that really special for me.
“It was a storybook ending for us, to go out and win our last game of the year at state. It’s been a goal of mine.”
Geneva coach Sarah Meadows confirmed that Palmer was unaware of the milestone.
“Leah had no idea she needed one more point, so that was super fun to watch because she doesn’t pay attention to that,” Meadows said. “That was a really special moment for her to do it on this court.
“Next year, Leah is one of two returners to the starting lineup. She knows what she has to do to get better for Geneva basketball.”
Palmer’s 20th shot was a 3-pointer that bounced in to give the Vikings a 43-39 lead late in the third quarter.
Afterward, she said she’s motivated to improve in the offseason, especially since she still does not have a scholarship offer.
“I’m trying, but I hate recruiting,” Palmer said. “I’m holding out hope. I’m going to do my thing and keep showing people who I am. I’m looking forward to the summer and getting to talk to more coaches.”
Slagle said Palmer will be ready for an enhanced role next season.
“Leah is going to do amazing next year,” Slagle said. “We were so energized by Leah’s 1,000 points.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
