"We're blessed to get a homegrown athlete of his caliber," HCC basketball coach Kenny Keyes said. "He could have gone to any junior college in the country."
Miner, 18, finished his high school career in 2004 as the all-time leading scorer in Washington County's public schools boys basketball with 1,815 points.
Keyes said Miner reminds him of former HCC star Dexter Boney, who played for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas more than 10 years ago.
"He's averaging 20 points a game and he leads the team in scoring and rebounds. He's also second in assists and he leads the team in steals." Keyes said. "We're going as far as David takes us."
The Hawks would not have benefited from Miner's abilities had he chosen to pursue a professional baseball career last summer. He was selected in the 48th round of June's amateur baseball draft by the San Diego Padres, but he said he didn't feel that he was mature enough to accept the draft offer.
So he stayed close to home and became one of the first members of his family to attend college.
"It feels good. My family is very proud of me," Miner said.
The only child said his grandmother, Margaret Lushbaugh, is one of his major sources of inspiration.
"I look up to my grandmother. She's always been there for me, no matter what. She tries to keep me straight and in line," he said.
At South Hagerstown, rumors about Miner were fueled by what some educators described as the public's insensitivity to his playing style. During games, he often showed emotions similar to professional ballplayers.
"Like (professional baseball player) Sammy Sosa, Miner would often tap his chest and salute the crowd after a score, which fans reacted strongly to. Some loved it, and some hated it," said Mike Shockey, who was principal at South Hagerstown while Miner was a student.
No matter how things turn out or what people say about him, Miner said, at the end of the day he realizes the importance of keeping a healthy mental outlook.
"I'm always trying to stay focused. I'm trying to make something out of my life," he said. "If people say bad things about me, I'm going to try and prove them wrong and do better."
Miner said he credits sports with keeping him off the streets and opening doors to opportunities he might otherwise not have had.
"I would recommend sports to any kid. It helps build your confidence," he said.
