Tyler Miller isn’t afraid to think about situations from a long-term perspective.
Take last year’s district semifinal basketball game when Hopedale lost to Sutton, ending Miller’s junior season and eliminating any hope of the Blue Raiders advancing to the state tourney. The setback for Miller, whose role was providing a spark as the team’s sixth man, provided him with incentive to improve.
And, that’s the priority Miller emphasized going forward. He played summer league basketball, then turned to fall-league play. His six-year history competing in AAU ball didn’t hurt. He worked on his skills, his rebounding and post moves. And, he strived to develop a better scoring touch.
Fast forward to the current season and it’s obvious how much the 6-foot-3, 160-pound forward has improved. Miller is a tri-captain averaging 14.6 points, 9 rebounds and almost 3 blocks a game.
“Tyler’s improvement over last year has been dramatic,’’ said Hopedale coach Tony Cordani. “He’s aggressive on the boards, especially his offensive rebounding. His post moves have improved and his outside shot is much better. He’s worked extremely hard and his teammates feed off his approach.’’
Miller started briefly last year but a dislocated kneed forced him to miss four games. When he returned, he became the sixth man and averaged 6 points and 5 rebounds. But, when Hopedale’s season ended, he knew what needed to be done if he was to be a key component as a senior.
“I knew we had talented players returning,’’ Miller noted. “And, I knew we could be very good. I thought long-term and if I was to become a key part of the nucleus, I knew I had to improve my overall game. My desire was to get better.’’
Playing mostly as the quick forward, Miller relies on a style he labels “calmly aggressive.’’ He’s quick, got long arms and has a high basketball IQ. “I’m aggressive as a rebounder but I rely on finesse as a shooter,’’ he said. “My ability to jump helps on the boards and the area I’m still trying to sharpen is my shooting. Developing a three-point shot helps us stretch the floor.’’
Miller’s goals this season are for Hopedale to win the Dual Valley Conference title, capture the Clark Tourney crown and become district champs. So far, the Blue Raiders are in contention for all three with an overall record of 11-1 at Local Town Pages deadline. “All those goals are realistic because of our talent and team chemistry,’’ said Miller, who is secretary of the National Honor Society. “My personal objectives are to finish as a double-digit rebounder, maintain strong defensive skills and become a DVC all-star.’’
A captain who leads by example, Miller admires Hopedale’s other captains — Brian Espanet and Mitch Siefring. “Brian is a power forward who can shoot and has good low post moves,’’ Miller said. “Mitch is our point guard who controls the pace, drives well and plays solid defense. Another quality player is center Matt Luchini, who can rebound and score.’’
Miller also rates Cordani as a big plus. He labels his coach “smart, motivating and strategic.’’ And, Millier likes his coach’s demeanor. “He’s is easy to talk with,’’ Miller said. “The players like competing for him.’’
Miller points to Hopedale’s loss to Shepherd Hill this season as his best game and one that had significance for the entire team. “I had 22 points and 11 rebounds,’’ he recalled. “We led most of the way but couldn’t close it out. That game taught us a lesson. We learned to finish games.’’
Miller’s top thrill so far was winning the DVC title last year. “That gave us a high seed in the districts and it proved that hard work pays off,’’ he said. “I want to repeat it and that means beating out Sutton. They have talent, but Nipmuc is strong, too.’’
Miller has a down-to-earth athletic philosophy that focuses on competing hard to win and having some enjoyment. “The key is to always give your best,’’ he emphasized. “That usually leads to success and having fun.’’
Miller plans to study structural engineering after graduation. He’s been accepted at a variety of colleges and is leaning towards Penn State where he would play intramural basketball.
The life lessons he’s learned from athletics have not gone unnoticed. His dislocated knee last season and fractured jaw as a 13-year-old in track and field taught him how to overcome adversity. “Sports teach you to bounce back,’’ he said. “They also sharpen your ability as a leader and they foster cooperation. They also teach you to focus long-term.’’
That’s what has made Miller a valuable competitor. He was convinced last year to go all out and sharpen his skills. He thought long-term.
And now, the weeks ahead will soon reveal what dividends are in Miller’s future. The Uxbridge native, who chose to attend Hopedale High although he still resides in Uxbridge, would like to end his basketball days with some championship laurels. Whatever is in store, Miller has enjoyed his days at Hopedale, both in academics and in athletics.
“There’ll be a new chapter ahead but it’ll be sad leaving Hopedale and all the good people I know,’’ he said.
DVC, Clark and District championships would no doubt add lots of joy to Tyler Miller’s high school memories.
Issue Date:
February, 2017
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