Junior guard Macie Miller helps keep Old Fort girls basketball running
There might be no stopping Macie Miller.
At the very least, the Old Fort junior is unlikely to need a break. She advanced to state for cross country the last two years, and in both distance races for track as a sophomore.
She led the Sandusky Bay Conference River Division at 19.4 points per game last season. She's added a change of pace and more misdirection, which would seem ominous for the rest of the league.
"I did shooting and worked with the team to become a more rounded athlete, I push to get stronger and faster," she said. "I was in the weight room. Speed ladders, working on explosive. I can endure for days. I worked on my agility, quicker hands and feet."
Miller, who is 5-foot-4, averaged 4.3 rebounds and 3.7 steals last season. She canned 46 3-pointers.
She was second in the SBC River Divison at 17.4 points as a freshman. She added 3.5 steals per game.
She scored 779 combined points her first two years.
"I try not to think about it," she said of 1,000. "I don't want to get in my head. I'm hoping for a good, healthy season and to achieve that at some point this year. I'd love to be right around the leading scorer. It's hard saying, I don't do the math.
"I want to finish with a bunch of wins and make a run."
Junior Addy Gillmor is the other returning starter. Senior Kennedy Guth and sophomore Mackenzie Fortney are new starters.
Sophomore St. Joseph Central Catholic transfer Ryen Smith, who canned 48 3-pointers last season, is the other starter.
"We've had girls step up to fill spots we've lost [to graduation]," Miller said. "We're not as deep. Everyone is willing to step up. Mackenzie is physical in the post. Addy is more confident. I love all the girls. They make the atmosphere fun and without them it wouldn't be the same.
"Being surrounded by that team is as good as it gets encouraging each other and making the sport fun. It makes me want to be there every day."
Junior Alexis Ward is the backup point guard and will help get Miller off the ball at times. Senior Cam Cleveland is a post.
"Since I was a freshman in this program, high intensity is stressed," Miller said. "We're pushing the pace on ofense to kick out and run in a controlled way. They sell out and they're willing to work with high intensity at practice to make each other better.
"You can tell they want to be there."
Juniors Trinity Quaintance and Ryanne Benner, and sophomore Lexi Bowman are in the mix.
Old Fort split the conference crown with New Riegel last season. The Stockaders were the only team to beat New Riegel in the regular season.
"Winning the league is always a goal," Miller said. "Last year motivates us. The chemistry last year was amazing and hopefully it carries over. It's been amazing this year as well and we work together."
Old Fort likely wants another bite at Woodmore, after losing to the Wildcats in a district semifinal two years ago and sectional final last season. A district crown would be fulfilling either way.
"The goal is to make it further than last year and as far as we can," Miller said. "When it's time for the tournament, we want to make a good run."
Running is right in Miller's wheel house, and we know she won't stop. She hopes to continue her career as a runner, or basketball runner, in college.
mhorn@gannett.com
419-307-4892
Twitter: @MatthewHornNH
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Old Fort girls basketball defends conference crown with new group
