The Allen Community College women’s basketball team defeated Bethel 54-46 in its final scrimmage of the preseason. Despite a strong first quarter, Allen trailed 26-19 at halftime. The two teams traded the lead until Allen finally pulled away in the third quarter, outsourcing Bethel 20-5 in the third.
The key for Allen’s success was much-improved shooting in the second half. The Lady Red Devils made six of 27 shots in the first half. In the second half, that number climbed to 11 of 28.Freshman Skyler Evans had 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead the way for Allen.
Allen’s Chloe Burns, Adjaratou Mbaye, and Alaysha Bayonne wait to come in the game.
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Allen’s Alaysha Bayonne looks down a defender
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Allen’s Naomi Smith prepares to put the ball in play
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Freshman Clara Romero, here from Spain, made all five of her free throws and had four assists. Adjaratou Mbaye had seven points and nine rebounds.
“We didn’t play as well tonight as we did last weekend,” said Allen Community College head coach Leslie Crane. “We played a little scared when we got down. The girls have got to learn how to play from behind. They have to keep fighting and going after the ball. They have to be aggressive for 40 minutes.”
Last season, Allen was 2-21. Crane was hired as the new head coach in June and is looking to turn her alma mater around after a few difficult seasons.
“We are trying to build a different culture,” Crane said. “We want to get a different mindset. Kids are fighting hard with it and learning new things. This was more game-like and this is what I wanted for them before we start on Tuesday. We have time to correct our mistakes and get better.”
The Lady Red Devils open the season Tuesday against St. Mary’s junior varsity.
