The Allen Red Devils secured a thrilling 85-82 overtime victory against local rival Neosho Community College on March 13, 2024. Freshman guard Clyde Davis delivered the decisive moment with a three-pointer just as the clock expired, completing a series sweep of the Panthers. This victory marked Allen’s fourth consecutive win as they gear up for a critical matchup against the top-ranked, undefeated Johnson County Community College (JCCC).
Trailing by double digits at halftime, Allen faced an uphill battle. The Red Devils entered the locker room down 46-31 but staged a remarkable comeback with a 42-27 run in the second half to force overtime. Key contributions from freshman guard Moses Stephenson and forward Derrick Cooper helped narrow the gap, while a three-pointer from Jayson Demcher tied the game at 61-61 as the teams exchanged leads in a tightly contested fourth quarter.
Momentum Shifts in Overtime
In overtime, Allen continued to battle neck-and-neck with Neosho. The Red Devils took a brief lead at 82-77 before the Panthers launched a 5-0 run, putting the game on edge. With just 1.8 seconds remaining, the Panthers mistakenly turned the ball over, giving Allen a final opportunity. Davis seized the moment, securing the win with his last-second shot.
Davis finished the game as the leading scorer for Allen, contributing 19 points, five assists, and three steals. Demcher also had a standout performance, achieving a double-double with 18 points and a team-high 10 rebounds. Freshman forward William Jordan made significant contributions off the bench, joining Demcher and Saunders in scoring double digits.
Head coach Patrick Nee expressed pride in his team’s growth, noting that the players are beginning to gel as the season progresses. “We’re really starting to grow as a team,” he said. “The ball is moving a little better, and guys are pushing more in transition, which leads to exciting plays.” He remains optimistic about their chances in the concluding games of the season.
Looking Ahead to JCCC Showdown
With this win, the Red Devils improved their record to 16-9 overall and 6-3 in the Jayhawk Conference, positioning themselves for a strong finish. Although mathematically unable to catch JCCC, who boasts a perfect record of 27-0 and 10-0 in conference play, holding onto the No. 2 spot is crucial for regional tournament seeding.
As Allen prepares for Wednesday’s matchup, Coach Nee is hopeful for a robust turnout from fans during the Sophomore Night festivities. “Thanks to all the fans and students that came out. It was an amazing atmosphere, and I feel like it really helped our team late in regulation and overtime,” he remarked.
The upcoming game against JCCC is poised to be a pivotal moment for the Red Devils as they look to maintain their momentum heading into the postseason.
