Sarah Nakamura Miller is one of Arizona’s finest young basketball players. Sarah plays for Xavier College Prep and currently holds a 4.25 gpa. Sarah is currently a top-rated sophomore prospect, who was inspired by Kevin Mayweather, to pick up a basketball and learn the game of basketball. Sarah plays the small forward and shooting guard positions.
“It started off by chance, my parents got me into the game of basketball, and today, I just love to play," said Miller. "Basketball gives me a great feeling, not just about winning, but it teaches me how to challenge myself in everyday life.”
Sarah also thanks her mother, Yuka, who motivates her daily to be the best she can be in life and on the court. Sarah grew up in within the Japanese culture, which plays a huge role in how she approaches her life. Sarah credits her leadership ability and her communication on the basketball court to her Japanese culture.
“The Japanese culture helps brings everyone together, and I try to model that example with my team on the court, and I try to incorporate the same mentality on our team," said Miller.
Sarah was a captain for Xavier College Prep as a sophomore. She was also recognized on the Arizona Republic’s 2022 All-Arizona Girls High School Basketball Team with averages of 20.4 points, 5 rebounds, 2,6 steals and 2 assists per/game. Sarah was also selected as the Arizona 6A Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year.
During the offseason, Sarah plays for the Sports Academy Swish club program.
Sarah has huge aspirations. She has plans to study Sports Medicine in college. If that does not work out, she plans to become a nutritionist or an athletic trainer. Sarah is very involved within her community. She volunteers at St. Vincent DePaul, and loves helping those less fortunate.
Sarah’s favorite basketball players are Kobe Bryant and Russell Westbrook.
“I love how skilled Kobe was and how smooth he approached the game, while I love Russell Westbrook’s aggressiveness," said Miller.
Sarah feels that the strongest part of her game is her leadership, and how she brings out the best in her teammates. Sarah is very physical and attacks the basket very well. Some areas that Sarah would like to improve in is her “shooting” and “dribbling.”
What does Sarah love to do away from basketball and school?
“Most people don’t know I really love reading and I love going to the library,” said Miller.
Sarah already has offers from the University of San Diego, Fresno State University, Long Island University, Cal State Bakersfield and University of Memphis.
