Vanessa Miller

Steve Virgen

There’s something about Vanessa Miller that’s different than what’s

been shown in her past two varsity years on the Newport Harbor High

girls basketball team.

Her coach says it’s a matter of her coming out of her shell. But

this is not a story of a high school girl who overcomes shyness and

becomes a social butterfly. This is a story of a Newport Harbor

junior who has been taking advantage of the opportunities that have

come before her.

In her third varsity year, Miller has worked her way into the

starting lineup. Before she would hesitate when she found an opening,

but now she is not holding back, Newport Coach Jen Thompson said.

“She has become a lot more confident, which is great to see,”

Thompson said. “She’s not afraid to shoot the ball. Before she would

hold back.”

Thompson began coaching the Sailors two years ago when Miller was

a freshman. Miller has been typical of the program, rising from the

previous year and improving throughout. Last week, she produced the

results of her ability to step up and answer the call.

Against Back Bay rival Corona del Mar, Miller, the Daily Pilot

Athlete of the Week, scored 11 points, all in the first half, leading

the Sailors to a commanding 33-17 lead at the break.

The junior guard, who also plays forward, went 2 for 3 from behind

the three-point line and was 3 of 9 from the field. She also grabbed

three rebounds, as the Sailors defeated the Sea Kings, 60-34, Dec. 5.

“I’m just trying to use my head more in the game,” said Miller,

who played point guard during the off-season with her club team.

“Instead of using tunnel vision, I’m opening up and I’m just playing

more basketball and not thinking too much.”

The day after defeating the Sea Kings, Miller stepped up once

again, this time scoring a team-high 17 points to go with seven

rebounds in a 52-45 win over Newport-Mesa District foe Estancia in

the first round of the University tournament. Miller said she favored

the victory over the Eagles more than the win over CdM.

For starters, Newport overcame a 10-point halftime deficit and the

win provided more confidence for the Sailors, who had been a bit

intimidated by the Eagles in the past, Miller said.

While confidence has been a key for Miller, Thompson said the

Newport junior’s passion to compete and her willingness to do what

she has been told has also been essential in her maturation.

Miller, who is 5-foot-6, said she would play point guard if need

be. She competed at that position during the off-season and it helped

her to see the floor better. She would also play center.

“I would do it,” Miller said. “I would play any position,

honestly. I like playing guard better, just because if I do play in

college that’s what I’ll be playing. But I also like playing forward

because I like playing against the big girls and just seeing what I

can do.”