ACC women’s basketball continued its winning ways Friday night, defeating Kansas Wesleyan’s junior varsity team 65-46.
Allen started fast but Kansas Wesleyan was able to stay in the game by getting to the free-throw line early.
The teams were evenly matched in size but Allen proved the better in performance setting up shots and seeing them fall. Allen led 20-9 after the first quarter.
Allen began to turn the heat up and pull away in the second quarter, dominating inside the three-point line. At halftime, ACC led 34-17.
Both teams came out of the half sluggish. Still, Allen managed to hold a double-digit lead and by the fourth quarter, the Red Devils led 52-33. Wesleyan was no match for Allen’s intensity both on and off the court as players were visibly shaken during free throws, perhaps rattled by the noise of the crowd inside the arena.“We did not shoot free throws worth a darn,” Allen Community College head coach Leslie Crane said. “All that is, is a lack of concentration and repetition. Our kids had already checked out and got complacent the last three to four minutes of the game. I feel like we rebounded well and did some good things defensively.”
Adjaratou Mbaye led the Red Devils with 13 points. Mbaye also had two rebounds and was the bright spot at the free-throw line, making all seven of her attempts.
“Adj has a lot of potential,” Crane added. “She has come 1,000 miles and still has 1,000 miles to go as they all do. They are all learning so many new things, sometimes it’s a learning overload. Everyone is working hard with everything and we executed well when we needed to tonight and rebounded well.”
Allen head coach Leslie Crane watches her team play against Ottawa
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Allen’s Naomi Smith is introduces prior to the game against Ottawa
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Allen’s Alayjha Bayonne dribble up the floor
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Allen’s Naomi Smith and Tristian Martin prepare to play defense
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Allen’s Hallie Reed plays defense against Ottawa
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Allen’s Melody Wilfong, Chloe Burns, and Clara Romero walk to the free-throw line
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Clara Romero and Tristian Martin both had 12 points. Romero also had eight rebounds. Naomi Smith had seven rebounds and three assists.
Allen is 2-0 and under Crane has already surpassed its win total from last season.
“They are excited and know they are learning a lot of new things,” Crane said of the players that stayed after last season’s 1-21 record. “They are enjoying winning because they know they are working hard, they know they are learning to make them better. It’s something they didn’t have last year. They feel good about everything and come every day with a great attitude. That helps bring the freshmen along.”
Allen will travel to Dennison, Texas for the Grayson College Classic this weekend. Friday, the Lady Red Devils will face Paul Quinn College. Saturday, Allen will face Trinity Valley Community College.
