Balance was the key for Allen Community College in Monday’s 78-59 win over Cottey College.
The Red Devil women had four players score 14 or more points and despite leading by only two at the half, were able to pull away in the second half thanks to their ball movement and unselfishness.
“Balance was everything; it always is,” Allen coach Todd Buchanan said. “Anytime you can share the basketball and get balance, you are going to be a much better basketball team.”
Freshman DaMonica Franklin led the charge with a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. She also had three steals and a pair of blocks.
The freshman’s growth this season has been a welcome sight for Buchanan.
“(Franklin) has been her own worst enemy at times but of late she’s really come back on,” Buchanan said. “We had a really, really good talk about two-and-a-half, three weeks ago and she’s really answered the bell. I’ve been really proud of her.”
In her development, Franklin has begun to embrace her role as the Red Devils’ point-forward. She frequently brings the ball up the floor to get Allen into good offense position.
“We did a really good job when we put her at small-ball, which we call it,” Buchanan said. “I thought that really spaced them out and made us a lot harder to guard.”
One of the primary benefactors of the stellar play from Franklin has been Allen sharp-shooter Haley Wilson. With Franklin’s ability into the lane, Wilson has found herself more and more open for 3-point shots.
“I know I can beat their post players off the dribble and that helps our guards out,” Franklin said.
Wilson hit 4-of-9 from three-point range on Monday on her way to a team-high 18 points. Wilson also played a team-high 38 minutes.
“(Wilson) was a major key,” Franklin said. “Her threes are what really sparked us in the second half.”
Allen sixth-man Ashley Sally finished with 16 points and five rebounds in her bench role for Allen.
“She’s obviously got high-octane offense at times,” Buchanan said of Sally. “She’s got that little step back down.”
Guard Ashley Washington rounded out the Red Devils who finished in double figures. The sophomore had 14 points in her 37 minutes of action.
