Walter Miller spent his summer under the hot sun of Kentucky, grinding his way through boot camp. When the Richmond High School senior wasn't on the shooting range or running an obstacle course, he was learning the ins and outs of chemical warfare or hand grenades.
So trying to nail a few 3-pointers in front of thousands of fans at the Augusta Civic Center isn't going to rattle Miller one bit.
"I learned the stuff that helps you and your teammates," Miller, who is serving in the Army Reserves until he begins full active service later this year, said.
All season long, 6-foot-10 center Marc Zaharchuk and point guard Brandon Lancaster have been considered Richmond's go-to offensive players. But as opponents in the Western D tournament learned, Miller and fellow senior Sam Carter headline a Bobcats supporting cast that can jump into a leading role with ease.
"What Walter and Sammy do is give us third and fourth scoring options, along with Eric Murrin," Richmond coach Paul Lancaster said. "They've stepped up in the tournament because of their senior leadership."
Carter scored a team-high 23 points in Richmond's 61-57 win over Valley in the regional final, this after scoring just three points in two tournament games leading up to the Western D championship game. Miller has been more of a scoring threat, averaging about nine points per game in the regular season. In the tournament he averaged 11 points per game, hitting nine 3-pointers over the Bobcats' three games, including four in the final against the Cavaliers.
"They're hard workers in practice," Coach Lancaster said. "Now I see the confidence this year has really grown in both of those kids."
"Paul said it could be my last game. Brandon and Marc were getting double-teamed, and I was wide open, so I might as well shoot," Carter said following the regional final.
Miller and Carter consider themselves defensive players first, with any offensive production a bonus. Miller averaged five rebounds per game in the regular season, while Carter averaged two steals per game.
"I get more of a thrill rejecting somebody than making a three," Miller said. "I still enjoy playing defense all year."
"They hit some big shots and got some big rebounds. They do all the intangibles people don't see," Coach Lancaster said. "Certainly, they're both unselfish. Fortunately, both have played big in the tournament."
Travis Lazarczyk -- 861-9242
tlazarczyk@centralmaine.com
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