He’s Back

Froid/Lake’s Miller Hopes For Big Post Season After Recovering From Injury

Although the Froid/ Lake Red Hawks have gone through this boys’ basketball season undefeated, the path has been anything but easy for senior Bode Miller.

The two-time All-Conference player wasn’t even able to play in a contest this campaign until Jan. 22, because of a shoulder injury.

Originally, he dislocated his left shoulder twice during an American Legion baseball game in Watford City.

“I got taken to the ER,” Miller remembered.

After going through physical therapy for six weeks, Miller was looking forward to this football season with the defending state champion Red Hawks. Unfortunately, he was able to play in only one contest. During the next week of practice, he suffered a dislocated shoulder again.

“It was worse that time because it was out until I got all the way to Sidney,” Miller said.

He underwent surgery in Billings and was told he couldn’t play sports for at least three months and perhaps as many as six months.

“It kind of hurt me a little bit. I’ve been playing high school basketball since the eighth grade,” Miller said of the news.

With the encouragement of his father and coaches, Miller was determined to get back to the court. “I started to do push-ups every night,” Miller said of his rehab.

He began to fine tune his basketball skills about two and a half months after the surgery. “I was fairly confident,” Miller said of coming back. “I was trying my best.”

His return came during a home game on Jan. 22, against the Frazer Bearcubs.

“I was a little nervous,” Miller admitted. “I really just wanted to be out there playing with them.”

His playing time gradually increased and Miller played a key role in the Red Hawks’ district tournament victories.

“My left arm is actually stronger now than my right one,” Miller said.

He said the highlights of the season so far have included beating Fairview in the district championship game and defeating Plentywood during the last week of the regular season.

The team has goals yet to achieve though including advancing to the state tournament for the second straight year.

“I feel like we’ve been working hard,” Miller said. “We’re going to get better and better.”

If the Red Hawks reach their goals, Miller will certainly treasure the rewards after the challenges that he encountered this season.

“It was a long process, that’s for sure,” the senior said. “I never felt like giving up.”