HJC coach, star don't like view from sideline

March 19, 1997

By BOB DeVINNEY

Staff Correspondent

Hosting the NJCAA Women's Division II National Basketball Tournament doesn't compare to actually having the chance to play in it, but it's the next best thing.

For Hagerstown Junior College basketball coach Marlys Palmer and the Lady Hawks program, the dream is "to be continued."

Despite the obvious talent of the 12 teams visiting HJC for the next four days, something will be missing.

Or should we say someone.

Heather Aleshire, the most prolific scorer in HJC history, and the second leading scorer in all of Division II this year with just under 26 points per game, competed her junior college basketball career 10 days ago.

A hearbreaking loss to Region XX champion Frederick Community College ended one saga, but has spawned the opportunity to continue the college basketball odyssey at the next level.

Aleshire finished her two-year junior college career with 1,216 points, but she will be remembered for more than just her scoring. She also holds Lady Hawks records for free throw attempts, steals and defensive turnovers caused.

"There may be someone quicker out there," said Palmer. "Or someone taller, or someone with other different attributes, but it'll be a long time before we see another player that has the total package like Heather. Game in and game out she played both ends of the floor incredibly well. She was a rugged, rugged player that gave up her body every night. Player's like that don't come around that often."

Aleshire is visiting the University of Richmond this week, while she also contemplates offers from the University of Maryland and the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Wherever she goes, the outstanding student-athlete will not be forgotten.

The Lady Hawks won the Region XX title in 1983, earning their only trip to the national tournament.

HJC has hosted the Women's Division II tournament for the last four years.

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