Hiland sophomore McKenzie Miller had her coming out party last Saturday.
The Sandy Valley Cardinals were not happy guests.
The 5-foot-10 Miller had a career night, scoring 20 productive points as Hiland dumped Sandy valley 75-29 at the Perry Reese Jr. Community Center.
"She played like she practiced last week. She is really starting to gain confidence and she's turning into the type of player we thought she would," Hiland coach Dave Schlabach said. "We think she's on schedule to become a really good player."
Miller scored 20 points off 8 of 12 shooting, including 4 of 6 from 3-point range in 15 minutes of action. She added three rebounds, three assists and three steals to her incredible day.
Her previous scoring high was 17 points against Central Catholic on Dec. 17.
For a sophomore, Schlabach said Miller's skill set is significantly advanced.
"At her size, we think she can develop into a 1 or 2-guard," Schlabach said. "She has a big upside. She can shoot the 3, shoot the jumper. She can post-up a little bit, and she can also defend. She has the potential you want in those really good all-around type players that we've had in the past."
On the season, Miller is averaging 10.2 ppg with 3.9 rpg and 2.4 spg for Hiland, which improved to 9-0, 8-0 IVC with its blowout win over Sandy Valley.
Currently, Miller is the Lady Hawks' fourth-leading scorer with Noelle Yoder (20.0 ppg), Hilary Weaver (13.0 ppg) and Katelyn Stuckey (10.8 ppg) each checking in with higher averages. Schlabach said Miller needs to remain that consistent fourth scorer throughout the season.
"She should be a double-digit scorer every game for us. She's our lead underclassmen, and she needs to be consistent," the Hiland coach said.
Time and time again, Schlabach has stressed that in order to get back to Columbus, his underclassmen will need to step up. Miller has taken that to heart.
"She's struggled at times, but her confidence is now where it needs to be. I thought she had a great week... It came at just the right time," Schlabach said.
