Allen’s women’s basketball team fell to the top-ranked Cavaliers of Johnson County on Monday, 59-43.
Allen came out flat, and was hesitant to shoot for much of the first half while the Cavaliers established a 13-6 lead early. When Allen did shoot, the Red Devils didn’t have much luck, shots weren’t falling and Allen couldn’t get to the paint.
Johnson County limited Adji Mbaye near the rim, negating a big part of the Red Devil offense.
Late in the first half, Chloe Burns left the game after colliding with a Johnson County player near the baseline. It was unclear what Burns’ injury was, but she did not return to the game. A Melody Wilfong three towards the end of the half sent the teams to the locker room with Johnson County ahead 25-13.
Allen came out of the locker room on fire, closing the lead down to 27-21 after going on an 8-2 run to begin the half. A three from Johnson County turned the momentum back in the Cavs’ favor though, and soon, the Cavaliers had a 50-37 advantage.
Johnson County was more physical at the basket and forced fouls that allowed the Cavs to get to the free throw line.
Johnson County did a great job of handling what Allen does well. Thursday, when the teams meet again, Allen will need to come out with a different game plan.
“It’s tough. Our kids fought until the very end,” said head coach Leslie Crane. “They never gave up. There is no give up on this team. That’s what I love about these kids. We just weren’t aggressive enough in the first half. We need to make sure we are aggressive on offense for two halves.”
Clara Romero led the way with 16 points. Mbaye had 10. Naomi Smith had eight.
Allen is 10-14 this season with the Region VI tournament next week
