Palmer brothers are finishing their years at the valley strong
Josh McCart
Staff Writer
Sophomore twin brothers, John and Brandon Palmer, have pursued their basketball careers at Hudson Valley for the last two years.
Both have contributed to the men’s basketball team’s overall record of 13 wins and eight losses since their victory against SUNY Adirondack on Feb. 1.
“They are intense, hard working and very competitive good teammates who want to win. You always want guys like this on your team,” said the men’s basketball team’s head coach, Michael Long.
Individual studies major John Palmer plays guard for the Vikings, averaging just under ten points per game. John’s brother Brandon, a business administration major, plays forward and averages just under 14 points per game.
The Palmer twins started playing basketball in fifth grade at their local YMCA.
“We started playing Amateur Athletic Union basketball in ninth grade for the Raptors out of Troy,” said John.
They grew up in East Greenbush, N.Y. and attended Columbia High School where they played varsity basketball for two seasons.
“We went to the Sectional semi-finals at the Times Union Center and lost to Guilderland in five overtimes,” describing his best postseason memory from high school,” said Brandon.
Although the Palmer brothers were not recruited by Hudson Valley, they decided to further their education and athletic careers by staying local and close to home.
After losing four of their first five games, the Vikings have won seven out of their last nine games going back to last season’s Dec. 10 game.
“It started out slow but we’re getting back on track,” said Brandon about the current season.
The Viking’s most recent game against SUNY Adirondack ended with a 75-48 victory for the Vikings. During the game both brothers had five rebounds and three assists each, while John scored 14 points and Brandon added seven.
The Vikings have eight games remaining before Sub Regionals and Regionals start. The team looks to maintain their hot streak and chance for an NJCAA championship victory with the help of the Palmer twins.
After their Hudson Valley basketball careers are over, Brandon would like to continue his basketball and academic career at The College of Saint Rose while John is undecided.