[LANSING, MI] — The National High School Basketball Coaches Association has teamed with the John Wooden family to present an annual John Wooden Legacy Award to a boys and girls coach in each state. The recognition seeks to honor scholastic basketball coaches around the country who are educators and have achieved excellence on the floor, in the classroom, and in the community that further embody the characteristics and legacy of Coach John Wooden. The criteria for this award are rooted in the ideals of Education, Longevity, Character, Service, and Excellence. The Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (BCAM) has selected Don Palmer as the girls’ coach recipient of this distinguished honor for the State of Michigan. Palmer has dedicated more than four decades to high school basketball in Michigan, serving as head coach of the girls’ basketball programs at Milford High School and later Hartland High School. Over his remarkable career, Palmer has guided his teams to consistent success, earning numerous conference, district, and regional championships and establishing both programs as state contenders. With more than 1,000 combined career wins between boys and girls basketball, Palmer is recognized as one of Michigan’s all-time winningest coaches. He has been honored with multiple Coach of the Year awards and is widely admired for his ability to build competitive teams while shaping the character and lives of his student-athletes. Known for his deep commitment to fundamentals, discipline, and mentorship, Palmer’s influence has reached far beyond the court. Don Palmer will receive this award at the BCAM Hall of Fame Banquet on Sunday, October 5th, 2025, at the Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac in Pontiac, Michigan, This was taken from the corresponding BCAM Press Release. You can always congratulate Don in person at a home football or basketball game as he has stayed involved as an event worker for Hartland athletics.