The junior guard has received another local offer to add to his growing list of schools.
Watch Ryan Allen hit the game winning three pointer with the shot clock winding down to give DeMatha a victory over the Cadets, 59-57. (Jordan Smith for Synthesis/Koubaroulis LLC. / The Washington Post)
February 2, 2016 — The 2015-16 basketball season has treated Ryan Allen quite well. Last week the 6’2″ junior guard received his sixth offer to play at the next level, this time from George Mason University.
Emerging as one of the top players for Dematha Catholic High School this season, Allen has performed under the shadow of his senior teammate Markelle Fultz. Consistently flirting with 10 ppg this season, he has become a consistent threat for Dematha in the WCAC helping the team to the top of the conference.
The family-oriented Allen, appears to be following in the footsteps of his cousin, Terrell Allen, a freshman currently playing at Drexel University. Learning from him, Ryan is beginning to fill his cousin’s shoes at DeMatha but at the same time creating his own path out of Terrell’s shadow.
“They grew up like brothers and Ryan always looked up to [Terrell],” said Ryan’s grandmother Addie Allen. “Terrell always encouraged Ryan to do better and Ryan always looked up to him as a role model.”
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Allen’s increased playing time and offensive production from his sophomore season to this year has been a huge catalyst for his recent offers. However, priding himself on his defense has been his calling card while at the school.
“Ryan is growing into a complete basketball player. His improvement offensively coupled with his tough defensive presence have allowed him to ascend into one of the best guards in the WCAC.” said Dematha Coach Mike Jones. “Ryan has allowed the offers to continue to be motivation. It’s great to be wanted and it just makes him want it more”
The scholarship offer adds to an already expanding list for the junior with Towson, Mount Saint Mary’s, American, Manhattan, and the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB).
Allen never shies away from the competition and has know to perform his best when the most is at stake. Most recently he scored 7 points in DeMatha’s huge 66-62 victory over the Gonzaga Eagles on Sunday, but earlier in the season Allen scored 19 points against the same Eagles.
“I call him a little Justise [Winslow]. When Ryan is on the court that is who I see him as, ” said Addie Allen. “I love to see him improve and I love seeing him play defense. He loves basketball and is a team player… he is a great person to have play on a team.”
While he has plenty of time to decide on where he wants to play, Allen wants to make sure that his top school fulfills certain criteria. George Mason initially seems to fit the bill.
“It means a lot to have the opportunity to play close to home where I can play in front of my parents a lot” said Allen. When asked about factors that will influence his decision, Allen said,”location, family, a great fan base, and [having] a good relationship with the coaching staff.”