Morgan Academy sophomore Dione Allen still remembers when he first tried out for basketball as a seventh grader.

He made one of about 20 shots in the tryout and when it was over, he felt like he had missed a chance to make the team. Instead, Allen found out there’s more to basketball than just shooting and scoring. He made the team because of his hustle, a quality that doesn’t always show up in the box score.

This year, Allen is bringing that same mentality to the Senators. He transferred from Selma High School last season and in his first year at Morgan is already making a big difference on the court.

“I watch old players. I like Dennis Rodman, the way he hustled on the court,” Allen said.

“Little scrap points, the person who is going to dive out of bounds for the loose balls. I guess I’m that person. That’s what I like, I like hustle.”

Allen scored 11 points to lead all Senators in scoring in Monday’s win over Lowndes Academy. He’s been consistently scoring around 10 points per game all season, although it’s clear he’s not worried who scores the ball.

“I came to contribute to what is already a great program,” Allen said. “I came to be a part of it, to add to it. I’m not trying to do anything spectacular. I’m not trying to be flashy.”

Allen is a “slasher, with a great first step” according to head coach Lee Tate. He loves to drive the basketball, although his shooting has improved since he first tried out as a seventh grader.

He said the key for Morgan this year is to play hard. If the Senators do that, he said they can have a great season.

“Play as hard as possible when we are on the court,” Allen said.

“That’s the key. Every second of every minute we need to put everything we’ve got on the line. That’s the key to having a good season.”