By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – For the second straight year, Bedford North Lawrence’s Jeff Allen has been named to coach the girls Indiana All-Stars for the June series with Kentucky.
Last year, Allen was selected but did not get a chance to guide the Hoosiers when the All-Star scrimmages and games were cancelled as the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic spread across the nation.
“I was joking around, they’re having me back because I was undefeated last year,” Allen said. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to do it. It was exciting to be named last year, and disappointing – not only for me, but for the other coaches and players – when it got cancelled. So we’re all excited to have opportunity do it again with a different groups of kids.”
Allen, who owns an impressive 155-34 record in seven years with the Stars, was the third BNL coach to be chosen for the All-Star spot. Pete Pritchett coached the Indiana girls in 1985, leading the Hoosiers to a sweep of Kentucky. Dan Bush led the Indiana boys to a pair of wins in 1990. Bedford’s Paul Lostutter coached the Indiana boys to a 41-40 win in 1942.
Allen took over the BNL program after Kurt Godlevske and Damon Bailey took the Stars to back-to-back state championships. He has won seven sectionals and two regionals. BNL went 22-3 and won its 10th consecutive sectional title this season.
Indiana leads the series, which started in 1976, by a 50-38 count. His assistants with the All-Stars will again include Donna Buckley of Noblesville and Doug Springer of Northridge.
The Indiana roster will be announced later this month.
“We’ve got some really talented players,” Allen said after watching the Top 60 workout on Sunday. “It will be a challenge, playing Kentucky, but I’m looking forward to it. It’s quite an honor and I’m glad they decided to have us back and have the chance to actually coach.
“This year’s team has some high-level kids, some athletic guards and some big kids to get stuff done inside. There’s the potential to be really good. It’s our job to make sure they play together well. If they do, there’s enough talent to be really good.”
Allen is already familiar with the experience. His daughters Jenna (2015) and Jorie (Miss Basketball in 2019) were members of the All-Stars.
The Indiana All-Stars will play a girls-boys doubleheader against the Kentucky on June 11 (in Kentucky) and June 12 (at Southport).
