P.O. Male Athlete of the Week: Quintin Miller

At the beginning of the 2014-15 boys basketball season, Quintin Miller didn't even start for McConnellsburg's JV team.

He worked his way up through the ranks to become a varsity starter by end of the year, and this year, he has picked up right where he left off.

Miller is the Public Opinion Male Athlete of the Week.

"I always try to tell our younger guys, 'Don't tell me it can't happen,'" Spartan coach Dane Pollock said. "He worked his way up with hard work. We needed somebody to get rebounds, and we preached that whoever was going after rebounds was getting playing time. Quintin went after them, and so he got playing time."

After averaging just 4.4 points per game last year, Miller is off to a fine start this season. Despite having just three points in the Spartans' first game, Miller's average so far is 11.75 ppg. This week, he nearly posted back-to-back doubles.

In a victory against Cumberland Valley Christian, Miller had 12 points and 11 rebounds. He then earned a 9-point, 9-rebound performance against Hyndman the next night.

"I usually try to keep myself maintained in the post," Miller said. "I don't travel too far out of there. (This week), I was just able to get open for a lot of rebounds. I was getting good position to get them."

Miller's highlight of the week came against Hyndman when McConnellsburg missed a pair of fastbreak layups, but Miller was there to grab both rebounds and score two putbacks.

"That just shows a lot of heart and hustle," Pollock said. "The biggest thing with Quintin is he knows his role on the team. He doesn't get out of position. He's not a floater, as we call them - he doesn't go to places where he's not supposed to go. He's a post player, and that's where he's getting his points."

It's definitely working so far.

Quintin Miller, McConnellsburg

Sport: Boys basketball

Grade: Senior

Height: 6-2

Parents: Gary and Teresa Miller

Position: Forward

Other interests: Quintin also plays baseball for the Spartans and enjoys hanging out with friends.

Surprising fact: Although he plays in the post, Miller says he can still jump.

Favorite team: Los Angeles Clippers

Athlete most admired: Blake Griffin

Statistics: Miller had a hand in back-to-back victories last week for McConnellsburg, which remained undefeated through Sunday ... He earned a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds against Cumberland Valley Christian ... Then he nearly repeated the feat with a 9-point, 9-board performance versus Hyndman.