Allen Community College’s basketball team made great strides in 2013-14, improving its win total by 10 games in head coach Andy Shaw’s third full year at the helm.
The Red Devils have brought in a large crop of newcomers to help maintain the upward arc. They’ll be counted on to play significant roles, because the Red Devils return only two players who saw significant action last season, Josh Sweet and Courtney Stockard.
Assistant coach Ryan Mahoney announced the signees earlier this month, and spoke about each.
The newcomers:
— Darnell Jones-Bowie, a 5-11 point guard, averaged 19 points and 8 assists as a senior at Chicago Harper High School. He earned third-team all-state honors in Illinois, leading his team to a 13-5 record.
“He’s a stocky built lead guard,” Mahoney said. “He’s a tough kid who grew up on the south side of Chicago. He’s got a good feel for the game, and he has great vision. He’s a great passer who’s already faced a lot of tough competition. We’re ecstatic to get him.”
— Jordan Nanton is a sophomore transfer from Williston State Junior College out of North Dakota, where he averaged 4.7 points, 2.7 assists and 2 rebounds per game. His squad qualified for the national tournament.
“Jordan is a point guard with great strength,” Mahoney said. “He’s got a college-ready body. He had a good year of experience we hope will be a springboard for a great sophomore year. He’s a good playmaker with the ball in his hands.”
Nanton grew up in the Bronx, N.Y.
— Daniel Southworth, a 6-1 guard out of Goddard-Eisenhower High School, averaged 7 points, 6 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game as a senior, where his team compiled a 21-2 record.
He earned all-league honorable mention and was named to the KBCA Academy all-state team.
“Daniel’s a tough, smart basketball player willing to do whatever it takes to help the team,” Mahoney said.
For example, as a guard, he frequently was called on to guard opposing post players in high school.
“You can’t top his work ethic in the gym,” Mahoney said. “He has an amazing understanding of the game from an IQ standpoint.”
— Ayinde Starling is a 6-3 wing player out of Catholic Mission HIgh School in a suburban Milwaukee, Wisc.
He averaged 12.7 points and 5.4 rebounds for his 7-17 squad. He earned honorable mention, all-league recognition.
