NEOSHO — Allen Community College’s return to the victory column was anything but routine, head coach Andy Shaw said.
The Red Devils, on the road at nearby rival, Neosho County, saw 11 lead changes through the night, including four in the final 30 seconds.
Guard Josh Sweet drove the length of the floor, laying the ball in with .7 seconds remaining of an 81-80 victory.
“It was all that you could expect between rival schools,” Shaw said, with tempers occasionally flaring. (Neosho County was whistled for three technical fouls on the night).
A pair of Panther free throws with 7 seconds remaining set up Sweet’s final drive to victory.
Neosho County set up a full-court pass after Sweet scored, but time ran out before the Panthers could get off a shot.
“Allen stepped up and made big plays throughout the game,” Shaw said. “It was a total team effort.”
Allen used hot shooting early to take a 45-43 lead into halftime, while Neosho struggled from the perimeter. Allen hit six 3-pointers before intermission, compared to Neosho’s two for the entire night.
“It was a physical game and both teams really battled,” Shaw said.
Raheem Tyner led Allen with 19 points, followed by Sweet with 18. Tray Fountain chipped in with 14 points and three assists.
IN WOMEN’S action, the Red Devils stayed close with their hosts, but still came up short, 65-51.
Kylie Molisee led the way with 17 points and 13 rebounds. O’ceonna followed with 14 and Rebecca Fisher had 12.
The Red Devil men travel to the Ottawa junior varsity Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Both squads return to action Saturday at Labette. The women’s game at Ottawa has been postponed.
Women
Allen (30-21—51)
