Lafayette boys basketball head coach Scott Allen has been awarded the Suburban West Coach of the Year award for the teams 7-1 Conference record. He is the co-recipient of this award with Nick Traxler of Oakville high school.

Allen started coaching as a Graduate Assistant at Lindenwood University after finishing his college playing career. He later became head coach of the university for one year before getting into high school teaching and coaching.

“The easy (nothing is easy) part is coaching your team.  I have a wonderful coaching staff and we have great kids here at Lafayette so just coming to weights, conditioning and practices or games and working with our student athletes is why we do it.  The hard part is the time away from my family,” said Allen.

 Allen is thankful, however, for his wife Donna’s support as she played basketball at a high-level and understands the commitment. He also commented that his kids love basketball as well and supporting the lancers at their games.

Allen’s support doesn’t stop at home. Junior point guard Joel Pennington said he was happy Allen is being recognized for his hard work.

“People don’t notice the little things he does to help us be successful. I can’t tell you how many extra hours he puts in to prepare us. I’m sure Coach Allen would want me to recognize Coach Landwehr and the rest of our coaching staff for their support also. Coach Allen puts his heart into this team and that’s why I love playing for him,” Pennington said.

Allen’s favorite part of coaching is within his team’s ability to work together.

Allen said, “It’s seeing the guys come together for a common goal and accomplish it.  Whether it’s a game plan or a Conference championship, seeing them commit to something and work to attain it is really neat.”

Allen is currently in baseball season, serving as the JV team’s head coach.