ED ALLEN could wind up playing his college basketball at Holy Family, then getting a job in law enforcement.
Hmm, that sounds familiar. Maybe we should have saved this story for Father's Day.
Allen is a 6-6, 175-pound senior center for happy-again Cardinal O'Hara, which yesterday topped visiting Father Judge, 59-54, to claim a Catholic League playoff spot for the first time since 2001. His dad, also named Ed, played for North Catholic and HF and is now a Philadelphia policeman.
"That's why I want to major in criminal justice, so I can do the same thing as my father," Ed the Son said. "He really hasn't told me any cool [TV-worthy police stories], but I've overheard some of the things he has told his friends.
"I see his work ethic and the way he carries himself, and the way he treats everybody, and it makes me want to be like him."
Ed the Dad was a classic late bloomer and Part II is following in those footsteps. In the last year, he has added about 1 1/2 inches and 10 pounds while also improving his agility.
In this one, despite foul trouble that kept him nailed to the bench for roughly a quarter, he accumulated 20 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks as the Lions earned a home game (vs. Conwell-Egan, 7 p.m.) in Wednesday's preliminary round.
Allen shot 9-for-12 from the floor. Admittedly, some of his field goals were borderline gimmes because all he had to do was plant himself on the blocks, or pop into the lane, and await a crisp entry pass from the likes of Pat Hagenbach (six assists) or Mike Louden (five).
The Lions must watch many Sixers games. Fifteen of their 23 field goals came off dishes. Did someone say dishes? Allen is now one of these eat-like-crazy guys.
"Pasta and pizza. A lot more of that," Allen said. "It's kind of hard to get to the gym [for weightlifting], but at least I'm getting a little heavier."
At times, This Ed bangs bodies with That Ed.
"He likes to show me different things. He's always trying to help me get better," Allen said. "I work on how to do things, like getting the ball and then turning and facing. My dad is stronger than I am, but I go against guys that are taller and heavier.
"I work hard every day to get better and better. I know this team needs me."
He also knows not to beg to re-enter when foul trouble renders him inactive.
