Throughout his entire basketball career, Toriek Miller has worked to achieve one dream: play college basketball.

Monday, that goal has come to fruition.

Miller, a senior at Seymour, recently signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan.

“It has always been a goal of mine,” Miller said. “It shows that all the hard work I’ve put in has paid off, and (shows) the passion I have for this game.”

Madonna, located on the western perimeter of metropolitan Detroit, is an NAIA school that plays in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.

Miller will join a young team, that’s graduating three seniors this Spring.

“It’s a special day for Toriek and our program,” Owls coach Kyle Clough said. “I think that showcasing a guy like him, who has put in a lot of hard work to play at the next level, says our program is trending in the right direction. I’m really proud and happy for him.”

Clough said Miller brings a lot of skill to the Crusaders’ program.

“(Miller) can really handle the basketball and has a knack to score. His quickness and ability to handle the basketball will translate to the next level,” Clough said. “I think that when he gets to the next level and he has guys who can really shoot and score, he is going to take his game to the next level and create for his teammates.”

In the final game of his career at the Class 4A Seymour Sectional, Miller joined the list of 1,000 points scorers at SHS.

The Crusaders finished their season at 17-14 with a pair of wins over nationally-ranked teams.

With a competitive roster, Miller knows he will have to work for time on the court.

“You want to start, but things don’t always go as planned,” he said. “If that doesn’t happen, I’m willing to climb my way up the ladder to get minutes. I will do whatever it takes — getting loose balls and playing defense.

“College basketball is a different level. I need to get stronger and finish better through contact at the rim.”

Clough said that Miller could see time if he works hard leading up to his freshman season.

“(Miller) is going to have to go up there and earn whatever he gets,” he said. “He knows that if he’s going to get on the floor he’s going to have to work. I think he will go up there and challenge for minutes. With the things he has done for us — the way he plays and practices — it will be hard to keep him off the court.”

Owls assistant coach Brent Jameson introduced Miller to Madonna, and the SHS senior felt that the school was a great match after visiting and seeing the team.

“I liked the campus. It wasn’t too small or big,” Miller said. “I think it will be a good place to get an education and play basketball. I think I want to get into physical therapy or athletic training.”

[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”At a glance” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]

Name: Toriek Miller

Parents: Juanita Brownlow and Andre Miller

Siblings: Jakmarrick, Semesio and Mykale

Sports: basketball 4 years

Athletics highlights: All-Hoosier Hills Conference, All-Distrit

Organizations: student athletic board

Favorite food: seafood

Favorite TV Show: Martin

Favorite musician: J. Cole

Favorite movie: Boyz n the Hood

Favorite team: Michigan State

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