Centennial’s Todd Allen resigns after seven seasons
Centennial boys basketball coach Todd Allen has resigned after seven seasons to move back to his hometown of Chicago.
Allen, who will be leaving next week after spending 25 years in the Las Vegas Valley, told his players and staff on Wednesday that he would not be returning.
“There’s a great opportunity for my family and for my wife,” said Allen, 45. “We couldn’t pass it up. I have a seven-year-old daughter, and it was something we really sat down and talked about. It was a family decision.”
In his tenure, Allen led the Bulldogs to four league titles and compiled a 156-43 record.
“Something we’re really proud of is we did things the right way,” Allen said. “My coaching staff has been great. That’s one thing I’m going to miss — the relationships and all the kids who have come through here. This program is in a really good spot. …
”I want to thank my staff and the administration for always backing me, and Mr. (Trent) Day and Mark Gums at Lawrence Middle School. (Gums) gave me the opportunity to get going in the district. That was huge for me. And Mr. Day brought me on board (at Centennial). It’s been a really good journey. I’m excited for a new chapter.”
Centennial finished as the state runner-up to Bishop Gorman in 2013, and was a playoff participant in six of Allen’s seven seasons. Last season, the Bulldogs fell to Gorman 71-69 in the Sunset Region final.
“When I took this job, I poured my heart and soul into it,” Allen said. “It’s always on my mind 24/7. That’s just how I do things. But I’m only as good as my staff. Greg Bohls has been a great guy to have on staff and all of my other assistants. They all bought in and we became one of the top teams in town.”
Allen, who will work as a Sports Recreation Manager in Chicago, said the Bulldogs are still in a good position for next season. Troy Brown, the No. 28 player overall in the class of 2017 on ESPN.com, will be joined by Division I recruits Isaiah Banks and Darian Scott.
“They’ve got an opportunity to break through,” he said. “If they can embrace what they have in front of them and stay together — we were only one shot away from getting to (state). It’s right there if they put the work in and come in with a good attitude.”
A replacement at Centennial has yet to be announced.
