Success is surprising for some people, and for some high school teams, it’s not even expected. Not here. Never will you hear low expectations here Allen. The best is not only desired it is something expected here. After the boy’s basketball team’s huge success the standards have again been raised.

After making it to the final four the past year in the state tournament, the men’s varsity team looks to continue that success, while trying to fill some spots left unattended due to graduated seniors.

“[We] entered the season ranked 14^th in the state, which is the first time that has happened for Allen ball in a long time.” Says Coach Jeff McCullough, Allen’s head boys basketball coach.

“The expectations have certainty been raised.” He goes on to say,

There was some scrutiny especially since Allen had been a top four team at the end of the season, but McCullough says “They kinda got insulted by the number 14 ranking, so I think this makes them more hungry.

Losing star players is always tough, even in high school when players come and go every year.

“Every team is different every year.” Coach McCullough says.

Last year, height was the advantage for this varsity squad, the imposing Jamuni McNeace(6’9”) was able to effectively post up on just about anyone in the state. “Those guys are tough to replace” McCullough admits.

This year the team will be centered on guards Olin Carter and Nick Rutherford, two players returning from the Cinderella season last year. Joining them also is Blake Eldredge, who also was apart of last season’s varsity squad.

With not as many veteran players as previous years, McCullough smiles and says “We’re gonna have to throw some guys into the fire a little quicker.”

Instead of nine preseason games and 3 tournaments like last year, the team will be limited to 3 preseason games and two tournaments. McCullough has been in the program for three years, the impact has already been clearly visibe.

“[I’ve] hung my hat on things like playing hard, being disciplined, playing together, and the team being more important than the individuals.”

Whatever he’s doing, it’s working, and these Eagles will continue to be looking to soar far above the rim, and any expectations laid out for them.