Prospect Profile: Justin Allen (2020)

<p>104.</p> <p>That is number of match-ups set to kickoff Thursday evening across seven classes as teams begin the run to Lakeland for a Florida state basketball title. One of those teams, the <strong>Chaminade-Madonna Lions</strong>, look to take home a 3A championship after finishing the regular season with a 19-8 overall record and a 3A-Disctrict 13 title. The Lions currently sit 17th in the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) rankings while holding the 7th highest strength of schedule in the state.</p> <p>Chaminade-Madonna is well balanced, led by 2020 Richmond commit <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/andre-weir/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/andre-weir/">Andre Weir</a></a></strong> and 2020 American commit <strong>Johnny O'Neil</strong>. While the pair have highlighted the Lions success, 2020 guard <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/justin-allen/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/justin-allen/">Justin Allen</a></a></strong> has quietly put together one of the more successful individual seasons in Broward county. A <strong>Coral Springs Charter</strong> transfer, the 6-foot-3 senior has been a key asset for the Lions, who begin bracket play vs. Palmer Trinity on Thursday.</p> <p>"Growing up in Queens (NY), I first played soccer," said Allen. "I used to watch <strong>Allen Iverson</strong> and that is when I first started playing basketball. I started playing when I was about six or seven and began to play travel during my eight grade year."</p> <p>In two games I witnessed this season, Allen played well against big time competition. The senior finished with 19 points against <strong>Schoolhouse Prep</strong> and scored 21 points against <strong>Gulliver Prep</strong>. Both teams have combined for a 38-14 overall record and sit in the Top 35 of the FHSAA rankings. </p> <p>"I am a strong, aggressive player who likes to play defense and get to the rim," said Allen. Overall, I view myself as a play-maker. I love to create for my teammates."</p> <p>Currently, Allen has an offer from <strong>Albany State</strong> (GA) and <strong>Dean College</strong>. In addition, he is drawn interest from the <strong>Naval Academy</strong>. Despite the offers, he has no plans to make a decision until later this year. While Allen has played well in big moments, the senior is looking to polish out his game over the summer and impress more college scouts moving forward. A strong post-season showing would also carry a lot of momentum for Allen as he looks to continue his basketball career.</p> <p>"I want to wait and see what I can get," said Allen. "After this season, I will see if I need to play travel ball and go from there. I am just trying to find a program that fits me and my style of play."</p> <p>While Allen's playing style has put him on the radar in the area, the senior knows he has additional opportunities to prove himself to state competition in the coming weeks. Along with a plethora of strong back-court players, Weir and O'Neil have complemented in expanding Allen's game.</p> <p>"I am trying to work on my point guard skills since I have been playing with big front-court players," said Allen. At my old school we didn't really have that, so I would say creating for them and feeding the post is something I have been trying to work on. I have also been looking to improve my mid-range shot since everybody knows I like to get to the rim. I try to work on my pull-up a lot."</p> <p>While expanding on his game, Allen credits current NBA star <strong>Kyrie Irving </strong>and the aforementioned Iverson as two players he looks up too. Irving is currently a 6x NBA All-Star with the Nets while Iverson won a league MVP award with the 76ers in 2001. Nicknamed "The Answer", Iverson was well known for having superb ball-handling skills and a killer cross-over dribble over his 17-year NBA career. </p> <p>"I would say Allen Iverson the most," said Allen. "He is basically my height and we have a similar game in my eyes. We both play aggressive and hustle. I look up to him a lot."</p> <p>With 52 teams competing across 104 match-ups, the time to shine for players across the region will begin in a matter of hours. If this season has been any indication, Allen will surely open up a lot of eyes on the big stage.</p> <p>South Florida has already begun to take notice...</p> <p>This time...it will be the entire state that gets the memo. </p> <p><em><strong>For any South Florida hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines on Instagram @ Steins_23 or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>