LINCOLN - Two-time York News-Times Female Athlete of the Year Megan Allison was playing basketball with the best the state has to offer at Lincoln North Star Monday night.
The Cross County graduate was one of only 24 girls to compete in the Nebraska Coaches Association all-star game. During her senior campaign Allison averaged 25.7 points and 10.3 rebounds for Cross County to earn a spot on the roster. She enjoyed the opportunity to play with the best players in the state.
“This was just awesome,” Allison said after the game. “You see them play and you read about them, but to get to play with the best of the best is pretty awesome.”
Allison was a member of the Red squad, and her team got off to a slow start. During the first half, six girls from each team get to play each quarter and Allison was part of the group playing in the second quarter. Before her group even saw the floor, the Red All-stars were already in a hole, down 22-9 after one quarter.
In the second quarter Allison’s group came in and outscored the Blue squad 23-22 to end the half down 44-32. In the second half the Blue All-stars ran away with the game, outscoring the Red All-stars by 18 points and walking away with a 91-61 victory.
Allison drained a three from the corner in the second quarter for her only points of the game. She added seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block for the Red All-stars. But the memories the 2008 graduate will take with her won’t come merely from the basketball game.
“Spending time with the other girls was so much fun, we had a blast,” Allison said. “A bunch of us play together or have played against each other so we knew each other coming in. Getting to hang out with really cool girls that are into the same thing you are for three days is really cool.”
Monday night’s game was the last high school sporting event for an athlete who has received countless honors and awards. Knowing that this was the end of the road as far as high school sports go, it brought back memories for Allison.
“I was bringing back memories of two-a-days and all that,” she said. “It’s kind of sad but I’m ready to move on. Everyone’s hungry for that next level.”
Allison’s plans have changed as she will now be attending the University of Nebraska-Omaha this fall. She is unsure whether or not she will play basketball, but one thing is clear - the Mavericks would be lucky to have her.
Score by Quarter
Blue All-stars 22 22 22 25 - 91
Red All-stars 9 23 14 15 - 61
