Arkansas high school sports media pioneer Kevin Miller dies at 43
SEARCY, Ark. – The Arkansas state basketball tournament is taking place, but a well-known face has sadly checked out of the game far too soon.
Kevin Miller passed away at the age of 43 on Tuesday. According to family, his death was caused by a heart attack.
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Miller was the founder of BM Sports Report. The mission of his platform was to bring college exposure to high school athletes all over the state.
At the 5A state tournament in Searcy, even with his Maumelle Hornets focused on their round one state tournament game, head coach Michael Shook was moved to speak on the legacy of Kevin Miller.
Shook said Miller’s “memory will last forever,” and that he “always had the kids’ best interest at heart.”
With the passion to help kids gain notoriety, Miller would end up impacting coaches, their programs and their families.
“He just wanted to get your name out there to get you on the map. That’s what he cared about the most,” Maumelle sophomore guard Jacob Lanier said. “Arkansas needs people like him.”
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“I’m sure if you go through his phone and look at his college contact list, I’m sure it’s just ongoing,” Shook said.
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Shook said Miller’s impact not only helped the kids but basketball programs.
“Having their resource and a person that can help you connect with people to put out word for your kids and fight for them and help them, it’s a tremendous asset,” Shook said.
Stretching beyond the court, Miller also impacted other media personnel.
Kayla Fletcher is a basketball statistician. She says Kevin called her the day before he passed away to see if she needed anything prior to the state tournament.
“It’s going to be really weird to go on without him around,” Fletcher said.
Fletcher said she was working game two of day 1 of the 5A state tournament in Searcy when she received the news.
She said was overwhelmed with emotion when she found out about Miller’s death, but she’s thankful to speak with him one last time.
“I’m so thankful for that phone call. Sometimes we don’t answer because we’re busy, but I am just so glad that I took the time because we just don’t ever know,” she said.
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“For us to lose such a great influence on basketball, it’s just devastating for all of us,” Shook said.
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