Boulder – Pierre Allen intimidates opposing players simply by appearing in Thomas Jefferson’s starting five.
The dominant force in Class 4A for two seasons, the 6-foot-5 Spartans’ strongman was at it again Thursday evening as defending Colorado champion TJ will play for a second consecutive title.
Allen led a balanced attack that got contributions from multiple players as TJ downed Broomfield 56-44 in 4A’s Final Four at the Coors Events Center. It set up a rematch Saturday night for programs at TJ and Harrison that met in the 2005 final and split two games during the 2005-06 regular season.
Never mind Allen shot only 4-of-12 from the field. The Spartans (18-9) are back in the title game because Allen wanted it
that way.
“Without a doubt,” TJ coach Grant Laman said. “Obviously, everyone tries to shut him down, and for him to stand up
and deliver it’s not just points. The fact is, he makes a huge difference.”
Said Allen: “I noticed today that I had two blocks (early), then (the Eagles) didn’t want no part of me.”
Statistically, Allen, bound for Nebraska to play football, scored 13 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, blocked four shots and
forced re-evaluation of about a dozen others. In reality, he discouraged the Eagles (20-7) from trying anything near the basket and willed his team to victory.
“Rebounds, blocked shots he’s just a big presence,” TJ guard Ryan Atherton said.
And the Spartans fed off Allen. David Holt led the way with 15 points, and Atherton and Ian Kane had nine each. Plus, TJ could extend its defense with Allen guarding the paint. The Spartans have grown considerably as the season progressed in terms of protecting the ball, knocking down free throws and playing smarter basketball. They also owned the backboards.
TJ had chances to run away and hide from the Eagles, who went scoreless for more than six minutes in the second quarter, yet were pesky enough to hang around. After losing Geoff Tice to an ankle injury in the first half, Adam Nigon led a
surge that got Broomfield within two points with less than five minutes to play.
However, repeated follow-up chances by TJ and costly turnovers and missed shots by the Eagles never quite allowed
them to take the lead late.
“We could never get over the hump every time we got close,” Eagles coach Kevin Boley said.
Atherton had two big drives on the break for layups down the stretch, and Holt added a 3-pointer and four free throws.
In addition, Lawon Benford was steady out front for TJ.
Now, Allen and the Spartans, who gave the school its first title in nearly three decades last season, can give them another in less than a year.
“I’m really excited to be back,” Allen said. “I’m ready for Saturday night.”
