The Allen Community College men’s basketball team wrapped up its preseason with a 75-71 win over Independence. Allen led 46-32 at halftime but Independence rallied to tie the scrimmage late. Both teams were very physical, with a combined 46 fouls.
Allen’s Ed Wright had 24 points and six rebounds. Wright did not commit a turnover in his 32-plus minutes in the scrimmage.
Cedric Rollerson played a little over 26 minutes and had 13 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Allen’s Cedric Rollerson stares down an Independence defender.
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Allen’s Xavier Evans runs down the court to go on defense.
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Allen’s Zabriel Boozer sets up for a pass.
Photo by Reese Becker
“It was a great tune-up for us,” said Allen head coach Andy Shaw. “Next week the games start counting for real. We tried to treat today as much like a real game as possible. I hope that gives us a little experience. I know our sophomores like Ed and Cedric have experience from last year. That was the most realistic scrimmage we have had.”
The crowd at Allen was white-hot for the entire game, making it hard for Independence to communicate.“The scrimmage was beneficial for some of these freshmen who have not seen an atmosphere like this,” Shaw said. “Hopefully, it will get the jitters out for some of those freshmen who are getting their first action.”
One of the freshmen Shaw expects to contribute is Xavier Evans from Arlington, Va.
Evans had three points and two rebounds in just under eight minutes of play.
“He is doing well,” Shaw said of the 6’6” freshman. “He made a big shot today. He is a guy that can stretch the floor. Xavier is strong and physical and is still learning the college game but is making strides. We have had him in the starting lineup and coming in off the bench.”
Last season, Allen lost in the first round of the Region VI playoffs with a 16-15 record. The Red Devils open the season next Tuesday against Bethany College’s junior varsity team.
