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Carlene Hightower doesn’t need a crystal ball to see life after her spring graduation from La Salle University.
In her mind, the image is quite clear. It’s one that still involves a basketball uniform, only she would get paid to play the game she loves. That’s right, this South Philly gal from 33rd and Reed streets plans on doing everything she can to get drafted into the WNBA in the coming months. She is one of some-200 prospects being considered by league executives.
"Hopefully, I do it," Hightower said of the draft via phone earlier this week. "If I don’t, there is always a chance I will get invited to some camp."
La Salle women’s basketball doesn’t draw national attention like top Division I programs Maryland, Connecticut, Rutgers and Tennessee. At the same time, the scenario of being at a smaller school is just fine with the confident Hightower.
"I feel as though dedicating yourself and working hard will get you to where you want to go," the 6-foot guard-forward said. "Sometimes you’ve got to be the big fish at a little school."
Hightower’s r�sum� continues to grow with an endless list of individual accolades. Her 16.9 points per game ranks fourth in the Atlantic 10, while her 1.89 steals per game are sixth-best and 6.2 rebounds per game are 16th overall. Nov. 19, she was named A-10 Co-Player of the Week. Earlier this month, Hightower received back-to-back Philadelphia Big 5 Player of the Week nods. The first of the two came Jan. 3 following a 28-point performance in a 75-70 overtime victory over Sacred Heart.
The speech language major credits hard work as the secret to her individual on-court success.
"Sometimes it takes awhile to see the results, but if you stick to it, you’ll see them," the Archbishop Prendergast grad said. "What you put in is what you’ll get out."
As a junior, she became just the third Explorer in school history to be named A-10 First Team All-Conference and the first to make the league’s All-Defensive team. Hightower also is one of only four La Salle women’s basketball players to score at least 500 points and 200 rebounds in the same season.
In December, the senior was named an official candidate for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS (Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School) Award, joining 29 other senior female college basketball players who exemplify the total student-athlete. The award — presented annually to the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete of the Year in eight sports — focuses on the "four C’s" of classroom, character, community and competition. The winner will be announced and presented with a trophy during the women’s NCAA Final Four weekend. Hightower and George Washington’s Sarah Jo Lawrence are the only two Atlantic 10 representatives to make the initial cut.
"I think it’s an honor just because my school is so small and we don’t get a lot of recognition for girls’ basketball," Hightower said.
A national media committee will select 10 finalists whose names will be placed on the ballot for the nationwide vote during the NCAA Tournament in March. Fan tallies are coupled with votes from coaches and the media to determine the recipient.
Hightower isn’t about to let the exciting news be a distraction, as helping her Explorers improve on their 1-4 league mark and 9-11 overall record takes top priority.
"Teamwise we are struggling," she said. "When you’re not winning, obviously it feels like you’re not being rewarded for the hard work you’re putting in.
"We want to play our best basketball in the second half. We have nine more games left in the A-10."
Hightower knows whoever the opposition, she is the target of double and triple teams. It comes with the territory of being one of the league’s leading scorers. Whether she finishes with double figures or struggles in the scoring column, the athlete is usually her toughest critic.
"I always think I can do more to get myself better and be a better player," she said.
By staying in Philly, Hightower always has plenty of support in the stands from her parents, three brothers, three sisters and four nephews. She is the baby of the group. They were there when she helped Our Lady of Angels win the Region Six Catholic Youth Organization title, as well as when she helped Prendie make the Catholic League playoffs.
"I think it was a good opportunity for me to play close to home," she said. "It’s always good to have your family around to cheer you on. They give me the strength to keep on going."
And maybe this summer, they’ll get to pack their bags for a WNBA road trip.
