PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — Monday was a night for the seniors, but a freshman crashed the party. Lainey Allen (Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania) put up a career high 12 points and 14 rebounds to lead the University of Maryland Eastern Shore frontcourt in a 73-70 win against Morgan State.
It was one senior — Mya Thomas (Chesapeake, Virginia) — who led the backcourt along with junior Zamara Haynes (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) as they combined for 17 points in the decisive fourth quarter.
"Za made big play after big play and probably had the best game of the season for her," Hawks coach Fred Batchelor said. "I thought Mya hit the big shot when we needed the most and played consistently all the way through the fourth quarter. And then Lainey as a freshman just grew up real quick. She's really starting to show the player that we thought she could be. To do that against a team like Morgan State is big for her and its big for us."
Haynes scored 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting, dished out six assists with just four turnovers and converted 5-of-6 from the free throw line in 33 minutes. Thomas put up 16 points, with two steals, a couple assists and was 6-of-8 from the free throw line.
Coming into the game, Allen was averaging just 4.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 15 minutes per game for the season, but has started 16 of the 26 games she has played in this season. Her previous career high was nine points against Wagner and eight rebounds and 21 minutes versus Delaware State.
She has had her ups and downs this season like any freshman, but she's continued to battle through it, which has impressed the coaching staff. Along with Jála Bannerman (Baltimore, Maryland) she is one of two freshmen who have started consistently this year.
"I'm proud of her constitution as an individual that she is able to persevere through challenging times as a freshman and get to the point that she did today," Batchelor said. "I think that just shows her character and what we want to build our program with. We have character kids and there are others that don't get the opportunity that she has and continue to work. I think there is nobody happier in that locker room for her and for us than those kids who didn't play tonight.
"We have to continue to recognize that because they are a big part of what we do and we aren't the team we are if not for them. I hope they understand how much I appreciate them and how much we value them in this program."
Bannerman had nine points, two assists, a rebound, and was a strong presence in the backcourt in 30 minutes on the court despite her age.
Thomas was honored before the game along with Mahogany Lester (Virginia Beach, Virginia) and Makayla Adams (Bowie, Maryland). All three are graduating, but do have some eligibility remaining and their futures are undecided.
Lester had four points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Adams pulled down a pair of rebounds.
The Hawks (9-18, 5-8 MEAC) have now won four of their last five games and will travel to Delaware State on Thursday for a 5:30 p.m. matchup, which is part of a men's and women's doubleheader.
