WESSON — There was no “easing the player in” period for freshman point guard Keyana Miller.

Miller, a Natchez High School product, was thrust into a starting role at Copiah-Lincoln Community College when the season began. At 5-4, the Lady Wolves are currently on a break for several weeks for the holidays, but Miller said she thinks the best is yet to come.

“We still have more to learn, and we have to grow and develop as a team,” Miller said. “Things aren’t going at their best, but it’s going to get better.”

As the team’s starting point guard, Miller said she understands how much the coaches have entrusted her with, especially since it’s her freshman year.

“Coach (Gywn Young) just called on me, so I couldn’t tell him no,” Miller said. “To me, it’s the same as (not starting). You’re going to play anyway, but you just have a bigger role, and you have to get out there and help the team get off to a good start in the game.”

At the same time, Miller said if you make a mistake, you won’t be able to get away with it as much as you could in high school.

“In college, they capitalize on things they didn’t capitalize on in high school, like if we don’t set screens,” Miller said. “It’s harder, because all of the players are more developed in college.”

Miller also said she’s adjusting t life as a college student, which allows her to get a few more hours of sleep each night, among other things.

“I think it’s better,” she said. “You live at home in high school, so you have to get up an hour and a half earlier. I don’t really have to get up that early.”

With former NHS teammate Ashley Minor serving as her roommate, Miller hasn’t completely cut ties with her high school life, however.

“I’m happy she’s around with me,” Miller said of Minor, who plays guard for the Lady Wolves. “I wouldn’t have picked anyone else (for a roommate). She’s goofy and sweet, and she’ll do anything for anyone if you ask her.”

In her spare time, Miller said she’s been able to make two NHS girls games this fall. So far, Miller said she’s been impressed with the Lady Bulldogs’ fast start to the season.

“The post players are really dominant, and Coach (Alphaka) Moore does a very good job distributing playing time and rotating the post players and guards in and out,” Miller said.

For now, Miller said she’s trying to stay in shape so she isn’t behind when the Lady Wolves get back from their Christmas break.

“I’m just running and going to the high school gym to practice,” she said. “Anything I can to stay active.”

Miller is the daughter of Kay Abraham.