The Allen Community College Red Devils surged past Labette County Community College Tuesday night for a 78-63 victory.
“I give Labette credit, they came out ready to play and we started out flat,” Allen Coach Patrick Nee said. “We played solid in the second half, but to keep advancing we have to be much better and our guys understand that.”
The Red Devils face archrival Neosho County on Friday in the Plains District Tournament on a neutral court at Kansas City Kansas Community College. The Red Devils beat Neosho in overtime on Feb. 18.
In Wednesday’s action, the Red Devils survived an early salvo from the Labette County Cardinals, who jumped out to an early 8-0 lead.
Allen got back into contention on shots by freshman Clyde Davis Jr. and freshman center Sheen Saunders, but a dunk by sophomore guard Jayson Demcher seemed to liven the Red Devils and their home crowd.
A jumper by freshman guard Brayden Smith tied the contest 16-16, then freshman forward William Jordan II’s putback provided the final lead change of the evening, despite the Cardinals keeping the score relatively close all evening.
Leading by four late in the second half, a Saunders dunk sandwiched between a pair of 3-pointers by freshman Nyjah Noyes gave Allen a 10-point cushion, which they incrementally extended until ending the night with a 78-63 victory. Noyes came off the bench to finish second to Davis Jr. in scoring with 15 points, including three 3-pointers, and tied Demcher for second in rebounds with six boards each. Davis Jr. had a team-leading 18 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals.
“Nyjah was great versus Labette,” Nee said. “He is one of many freshmen we are very excited about building up this program to where we want it.”
With the win, the Red Devils improved their record to 17-11 overall. The only things records will count from here on out is for an at-large bid to the NJCAA National Tournament instead of a Plains District Tournament title.
If Allen advances Friday, then they will likely face undefeated Jayhawk Conference champion Johnson County Community College Cavaliers (29-0) in the title game. The Cavaliers face the Fort Scott Greyhounds (16-14) 1 p.m. Friday after having a first-round bye.
“Neosho in the semifinal game will be a lot of fun and I know Allen Nation will show up for us like they have all season,” Nee said. “Seeing anyone for a third time, when you won the first two in overtime is very difficult, but let’s just do it one more time.”
Tip-off for Friday’s game is at 7:30 p.m.
