The end of basketball is always rough, but this year it seemed to hit everyone pretty hard.

At the end of this season we have to say goodbye to some great players who we have followed closely these last few months.

Like every team in the state they battled Covid and quarantine. But each time they came back stronger and as the season wore on you could see both teams improving and become a force to deal with in the playoffs.

The Lady Mustangs ended their season last Thursday with a loss to Strother. With that loss seniors Emily Sells, Emma Peay and Hannah Harris ended their high school career.

“We had a great group of dedicated seniors who loved playing basketball. Their dedication to the sport was exemplary and they loved their teammates,” said head coach Dottie Slabaugh.

“Emily and Hannah both reached double figures in nearly every game and Emma was able to give us great defensive minutes. They are all great kids with bright futures ahead of them.”

The Allen men ended their season with a heart breaking 2 point loss to eventual state tournament entrant Velma Alma. With that the high school careers of Chad Milne and Gage Holder came to an end.

“It’s hard to put into words what those two young men mean to me and this program. Both are quality guys that I am sure will accomplish big things in the future,” said head coach Greg Mills.

Mills said,“Gage came here last season and worked hard and certainly made an impact this season. He’s kind of a quiet kid, but he loves his teammates and they love him. I am glad he decided to make the move over here.”

“Chad Milne, one of my few freshmen to be a starter. You could tell at an early age that he was going to be a player and he has lived up to that reputation. Of course he is our schools all time leading scorer, but he is much more than that. A great team player, rebounder and passer. He always drew the other teams best defender and he usually came out on top.”

Both coaches also want to thank the parents and the passionate Allen fans for such a great season.