AHSAA Mourns Death of SMC Coach John Allen

        The AHSAA is saddened to learn of the recent death of John Allen, head boys basketball coach at Shades Mountain Christian School in Hoover.
        Allen, 41, died July 23 after battling cancer. He led the Eagles to a 19-10 record last season and was named The Birmingham News Hoover area coach of the year. His funeral was Thursday afternoon.
        He led the Eagles to their first regional tournament appearance since 2007, falling in the Central Regional Class 1A semifinals to St. Jude 51-47.
        The Alabaster resident grew up in Pleasant Grove. He is survived by his wife Karri and son Jonathan, his mother Maureen Allen and brother Michael as well as many other friends and relatives.
        Allen also served as state director of the Youth Basketball of America.