La Salle University senior forward Carlene Hightower, 33rd and Reed streets, has been named one of 10 finalists for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS (Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School) Award, it was announced Feb. 8. The award is presented annually to an NCAA Division I senior women’s basketball player who exemplifies being the total student-athlete.
The nationwide voting concludes March 21. Fan balloting is available at www.seniorclassaward.com and will be combined with votes from coaches, media and sponsors to determine the recipient. Fans may vote daily for up to three players on the ballot.
Lowe’s, a corporate partner of the NCAA, will award the winners with trophies during the respective men’s and women’s NCAA Final Four weekends. The award was conceived by sportscaster Dick Enberg, who serves as honorary chairman.
Hightower, a preseason Atlantic 10 First Team and All-Defensive team selection, is averaging 16.5 points per game, which ranks fourth-best in the A-10.
College signings
Edward Bok Tech senior offensive lineman Ryan Murray, 6-foot-6, 315 pounds, was one of 26 student-athletes to sign a National Letter of Intent with Temple University Feb. 6. The athlete, who resides in North Philadelphia, helped lead the 2007 Wildcats to an 11-1 record with the only defeat coming against Washington in the Public League championship match. He was named to the Associated Press Pennsylvania Class AAA All-State team, as well as First Team All-Public and All-Southeastern Pennsylvania. Murray has been selected to play in this spring’s City All-Star game. He is attending the alma mater of Bok football coach Tom DeFelice, who played quarterback for the Owls from 1965-67.
"Ryan is a young man in a huge body," Temple’s head football coach Al Golden said on www.owlsports.com. "He is an offensive tackle from the city that has the best years of football ahead of him. He is a very good athlete for being 6-foot-6 and over 300 pounds, and has the chance to develop into a dominant offensive lineman."
West Catholic senior Pre’Andre Watson of 24th and Christian streets signed with The Citadel. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound defensive lineman is one of 25 players in this year’s recruiting class.
Watson, who previously played for Southern and Neumann-Goretti, was a key contributor in helping his West Catholic Burrs win a second-straight Catholic League Blue crown. On defense, he made 61 tackles, including 42 solo.
Before heading to South Carolina, Watson will have the opportunity to showcase his talents as a high school athlete one more time since he was selected for the June 21 Pennsylvania State Football Coaches Association East-West All-Star Game in Altoona. He also garnered First Team All-State, All-City and All-Catholic honors his senior season. SPR
–By Bill Gelman
