Orange County Sports / The Preps : Girls’ Player of the Week : She’s a Hit With Her Shooting : Kathy Millat’s Hot Hand Leads Warriors to Wins

Kathy Millat isn’t sure why her shooting went from so-so to sensational last week.

But she, her coach and her teammates at Woodbridge High School would sure like to find out.

In four games before the Pacific Coast League opener last Tuesday, Millat, a senior forward, was shooting 25% from the field.

Last week, Millat shot 89% in two Pacific Coast League games, including a 74-33 victory over Costa Mesa Thursday night.

In that game, Millat, The Times’ player of the week, set a school single-game scoring record with 37 points. She also had 14 rebounds and 6 steals.

Tuesday night, Millat had 18 points, 12 rebounds and 7 steals in leading Woodbridge to a 57-29 victory over Trabuco Hills in the league opener.

Why the sudden surge?

“I’m not too sure,” said Millat, a senior forward. “Before last week, I had no idea my shooting (percentage) was that low until my coach told me. So, I guess that motivated me a little.

“And then we were going into league, so that might’ve done it.”

Millat’s final theory? A change in her supper menu.

“I used to eat roast beef sandwiches before every game,” she said. “I stopped a couple weeks ago, but then started eating them again before league (games).”

But Millat’s teammates point to a change in position--not diet--that has helped her game.

“I think Kathy started playing better as soon as our coach told us we needed a team leader last week,” said Michelle Banasiak, a Warrior guard.

“He told us he wanted someone out there on court to lead us, and Kathy’s taken that role. She hadn’t really done that before.

“Before, she didn’t really put in any extra practice. But lately she’s been staying after practice and taken all the time she can to improve.”

Tom Gorrell, Warrior assistant coach, said Millat’s play last week resulted from a sudden increase in confidence.

“Sometimes Kathy gets down on herself,” Gorrell said. “But this time she just took control of the game. Her confidence level was at an all-time high.

“It was truly an amazing performance. I kept looking at the stats build up. It was a real special performance . . . it was the first time we really saw her break loose.”

This season, Millat is averaging 17.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5 steals and 3 assists for Woodbridge (14-4, 2-0).

“I might not shoot 89% again,” Millat said. “But last week was a great confidence boost for me. Maybe I was in a slump before, but now I think I’ll play like I have nothing to lose.”