Hightower selected as SCAC Character & Community Male 'Student-Athlete of the Week'

SUWANEE, Ga. - BRAETON HIGHTOWER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS, a sophomore guard on the men's basketball team, has been selected the SCAC Character & Community Male Student-Athlete-of-the-Week for the week ending January 15, 2012.

Hightower is known for his 3-point shooting on the court as a member of the men's basketball team; meanwhile, off the court, he often shows his range for helping others.

As a freshman in 2010-2011, Hightower made an immediate impact on the hardwood for the Crusaders. Hailing from Owasso, Okla., the sharp-shooting Hightower immediately began splashing in 3-pointers, as he went 7-of-11 from 3-point land in his debut as a Crusader, on his way to a 30-point effort. 

Hightower went on to average 10.2 points-per-game, hitting 41 shots from behind the arc and making a stellar 92-percent of his free-throw attempted, leading the Crusaders in scoring for six games. 

His freshman season was capped with an 'Honorable Mention' selection to the 2010-2011 Association of Division III Independent's (AD3I) All-Independent Team. 

His sophomore campaign has seen him start all 10 games for the Crusaders thus far, and average 10.2 points-per-game as well.

Though small in stature at 5-foot-9 and 140-pounds, Hightower excels with energetic play, plenty of heart and a confident shooting touch. He shows he cares off the court as well, helping his local communities in innovative ways.

During summer 2011, Hightower assisted a friend's organization, entitled "Reach Clothing," which employs the buy-one, donate-one concept first seen with Tom's Shoes.

Hightower created promotional videos for the organization, creating three YouTube videos, wherein he provided information, event summaries and a highlight video of the "donation drop." Held at the Owasso Community Resource Center, Reach Clothing handed out t-shirts in what Hightower describes as "an unforgettable experience." 

While at school in Irving, Texas, Hightower continues to give to others, participating in the "Big Read" program with the men's basketball team for two years in an effort to help promote literacy. In the past, Hightower has also volunteered at a Red Cross event in Tulsa, Okla.

Hightower gives his all and makes things happen, as is the case from wherever he is on the basketball court.

Click here, for a complete list of the 2011-12 SCAC Character & Community Honorees.