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Scoring has been ingrained in Jake Miles for as long as he can remember. Every which way there is to put the ball in the basket, Miles has practiced it countless times in the gym or with his father.

That paid big dividends this season.

Miles, who led Class 3A in scoring and was third overall in the state, was named The Tribune's 3A boys' basketball Most Valuable Player. The Morgan senior led the Trojans to the state championship over Bear River.

"My dad showed me a workout that focuses on all aspects of scoring," said Miles, who averaged 25 points per game along with three rebounds, three assists and three steals. "There's four ways to score — layups, foul shots, mid-range and 3-pointers. I've become good in all four aspects."

Combined with making 72 3-pointers and shooting 92 percent from the foul line on more than 200 attempts, Miles certainly can pull the trigger. After averaging five points per game as a sophomore on a senior-laden team, Miles' average jumped to 19 points per game as a junior and 25 as a senior.

"I was really skinny as a sophomore," Miles said. "I've mostly gotten stronger and learned how to draw fouls and get to the hole. I'm a good shooter, but I can also put the ball on the floor and score. I've become an all-around player."

Morgan coach Jim Wiscombe said Miles' increase in scoring came from his extra work in the gym.

"He's physically matured and gotten a lot stronger," Wiscombe said. "Other players have seen how hard he works at it and how much time he spends on it. He's a great shooter, but not a selfish player. We run plays for him, but he can hit the open guy. He elevates with a pure jump shot and a quick release."

Miles' scoring indeed was prolific at Morgan this season. He had six 30-point games, including a season- and career-high 39 against Tooele. The Trojans finished 23-2 overall — losing only to Desert Hills and Bonneville — and completed a perfect 12-0 journey through Region 11.

The state championship was Morgan's first in nearly 40 years.

"The whole community is behind us, and it felt good to finally bring one home," Miles said. "Morgan has played in four or five title games and come home empty. It felt awesome to come out on top. I couldn't ask for a better season. I'm so grateful to have played under such great coaches and with good teammates."

Miles intends to play college basketball following his LDS mission. He has offers from Utah State and Western Nebraska and also is considering Utah Valley University, Dixie State and Southern Utah University. —