Big Reds’ Taylor Miller taking the big shots in 2019-20

Comeback season continues for PHS?sophomore

PARKERSBURG -- Was Parkersburg High sophomore Taylor Miller ready for this? As far as she had come this season, would this be too much? The biggest moment of her high school career, so far, had arrived.

And it was a game-changing one to boot.

Seconds remained on the clock of a tie game between Parkersburg High and South Charleston. Her freshman teammate Sierra Mason had just made a steal from Black Eagle Myra Cuffee and found Miller on the way out of bounds. Miller then was fouled, which triggered a one-and-one scenario.

The time left on the clock was really 15.4 seconds, but the Big Reds' press greatly affected their hosts in the second half. Eagle players inbounding then moving the ball up the floor in time for a shot would be difficult.

Each of these shots, essentially, determined the outcome of the contest.

Sink just one and SC could steal the win. But, sink both and the Eagles needed a three for the win or just one short basket for overtime

The entire Big Reds' team supported her, of course. She even strolled to the line moments later with head coach Scott Cozzens encouragement ringing in her head.

This faith backed up by her high conversion percentage from the charity stripe.

None of this changed what she had to do, but it did make it easier. "It meant a a lot to me," said Miller, who noted the adrenaline flowed freely. But, she was focused on the task at hand.

Little surprise would be reflected on the faces of the fans and coaches had both gone in.

PHS finding magic when they needed it the most the last two seasons became a common occurence.

But this fact remained: Much had already gone right for Miller on this evening at the Charleston Community Center. Her huge 3-pointer two quarters earlier tied up a defensively charged game. Then her strong defense helped make this opportunity possible.

Could she conjure up two more gut punches?

It would help if she could get some oxygen.

"I just couldn't breathe," she said after the game.

It is possible her shortness of breath was caused by a scenario she never experienced during her freshman season.

It also was fitting she would be in this spot as part of her introduction or re-introduction tour this season. Finding a spot on last year's team wasn't easy.

"It was a generational group and we plugged in pieces and kind of just kept running. She came in and at some point there was a time where she was just done and she didn't understand," said Cozzens.

"It got so bad I didn't know if I wanted to come back," said Miller of last season's hardships. "But I knew last year wasn't how I played and I knew that wasn't me. "

This was just another moment to prove to herself she belonged. Her place, after she couldn't find it all of last season, was on the floor in crunch time.

"She just has a lot more confidence this year. We knew she had a lot of ability but it can be hard for freshman making the adjustment from middle school. She is more comfortable on the floor now. She fits in more. And she has had to do a lot more. She is a lockdown defender on defense and her whole game is just starting to round into form," said Cozzens on why he put her on the floor in the closing moments.

So, what about those free throws?

She found her breath, then made them, of course.

PHS then held on to win the game.

Everything is looking up for Miller this season.

Contact Joe Albright at jalbright@newsandsentinel.com.