(Geronimo) – Marion boys basketball coach Jon Allen collected the 500th win of his head coaching career on Friday when the Bulldogs cruised past Luling 68-26 in the third game of the Panther Classic at Navarro High School.
Allen has spent the bulk of his career in Marion, where he became the head boys basketball coach in 2007. He credits the student-athletes who have played for him over the years for reaching the 500-win mark.
“For me, it’s about kids who buy into what I’m doing,” Allen said. “I don’t say that what I’m doing is the greatest, I’m not the greatest coach in the world, but what makes what I do good is kids buy into what we’re doing, and everywhere I’ve been, that’s what I’ve had. I’ve had good kids listen, and be coachable, and the success is what comes from that.”
Kadeem Blyden scored 14 points to lead the Bulldogs in the win over Luling. Lane Pawelek added 11, Dominic Castellanos and Richard Rayos nine apiece, Jon Padron and Ryken Autry eight apiece, Dillon Sanchez four, Justin Clough three, and Joseph Rodriguez two.
Marion went 4-1 in the tournament with wins over Seguin, the Judson JV, Davenport, and Luling, and a 64-59 overtime loss to Seguin in Saturday’s championship game.
The Bulldogs (11-2) host Yoakum on Tuesday at 8 p.m.