The Allen Red Devils came just short of ruining the record of the top-ranked, undefeated Johnson County Community College Cavaliers Wednesday.
Leading at 11-4 in the early going, the Red Devils could not maintain their momentum in the penultimate Jayhawk Conference contest, falling 75-70.
“We know we can beat Johnson if we see them again, but it will take a lot of work to get that opportunity,” said Allen coach Patrick Nee, hinting at another encounter with the Cavaliers in the upcoming postseason tournament.
Freshman guard Clyde Davis Jr. and freshman center Sheen Saunders served as a 1-2 punch for the Red Devils throughout the game. The pair were responsible for giving Allen an early lead and continued to be productive as JCCC pulled away. Saunders cut the Cavaliers’ lead to a single possession late in the second half off a dunk and drive to the basket, but a pair of JCCC putbacks in the finals minute was too much to overcome.
“Sheen has been playing great lately,” Coach Nee said. “It’s nice to think most of this team is coming back next year. We’re building something here.”
Davis Jr. had a team-leading 23 points, followed by Saunders’ 11. Freshman guard Logan Shockley had nine. Davis also led Allen in rebounds with seven, followed by sophomore guard Jayson Demcher with six. Demcher led the Red Devils in steals with three.
With the loss, Allen’s record fell to 16-10 overall and 7-4 in the conference. Regardless of Saturday’s outcome against conference foe Highland (18-11, 5-6), the Red Devils will finish second in the conference standings behind JCCC (29-0, 12-0).
Nee said generating momentum for the postseason is important. They host Labette in Monday’s regional opener and Nee remains on guard for the Larks despite defeating them twice this season.
“We’re focusing on Highland, but a quick turnaround in the first round Monday against Labette will be tough,” Coach Nee said.
Tip-off for Saturday’s game is at 3 p.m.
