Meet you neighbor – Ashley Allen

By Lora Scripps

Leeds Middle School’s Ashley Allen recently took over what has been considered one of the top high school basketball programs in the state and there is no doubt that he has some large shoes to fill as they defend their first state championship title. However, he believes he is up for the challenge.

Allen grew up in Thomasville, Ala. where he graduated high school in 1999. He went on to attend junior college at Faulkner State and later transferred to Alabama State where he received his degree.

Allen taught business technology at the St. Jude Educational Institute in Montgomery for three years before finding his way to Leeds Middle School. While he was there, he also coached baseball, volleyball and basketball.

At LMS, he teaches technology and keyboarding and he is also the tech assistant for the city.

Allen said taking on the challenge of Leeds High School varsity basketball coach seemed a little far fetched at first, knowing that they only had one returning starter. He said after seeing the talent he had, he knew it was going to be a lot of young guys. “I’m starting two seniors, two juniors and two freshmen,” he said. “These guys are pretty much brand new to the varsity system.” He said that in his opinion they are doing a real good job already and that they have tacked two wins to their season since starting a little over a week ago.

“Most of the time, I take each game one by one and try not to look too far in the future,” said Allen. “I’m a Southern guy and don’t know a lot of these Northern teams, so I take every game just as serious as the first one.”

He credited previous coach and LMS principal Mike Turner as a mentor not only in the classroom, but also on the court. “I just want to the do the best that I can,” he said. “I want everybody to feel like I came and I did exactly what they wanted me to do and hopefully I exceed their means a little more.”

Allen is not married, but is very close to his family. He recently lost his mother after a long battle with cancer. However, his grandparents are down in south Alabama always rooting him on.

When he is not working, Allen said he likes to stay fit and active in sports. He also likes video games.

Allen said he lives by the quote, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” He said if everyone lived by the Golden Rule, this world would be a much better place. He added he always looks up to people who fight through adversity. It is the same type of adversity that the Green Wave will face this year. “There are a lot people doubting us and to a certain extent I like that,” he said. “I don’t want everybody to have big expectations for us, especially if we don’t make it. I tell the boys, keep up the good work, keep striving and don’t let all the adversities we have to deal with bother you. I’m very proud of them.”

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