Dec. 5, 2012 —
Kentucky Christian University women’s basketball coach Ron Arnett has recruited Ashland Blazer players through the years, but said he was never lucky enough to sign one.
Until now.
Versatile senior Allie Slone made it official Monday afternoon at the Blazer cafeteria.
“She’s our first one in my 22 years,” Arnett told a group including several of Slone’s basketball and soccer teammates, as well as coaches, family and friends. “Allie’s a good one. I think she will fit in perfectly.”
Arnett, who was inducted into the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association Hall of Fame in June, has guided Kentucky Christian to six consecutive national championships and 14 overall.
“Allie has good size (5-foot-8) for a wing,” Arnett said. “She goes from end to end and has that motor that a lot of kids don’t have.”
Highly respected as a defender, Slone has filled several roles during her high school career. Last March, she helped Ashland win the 16th Region title and was named to the All-Tournament team.
Slone blocked two shots in the fourth quarter of the championship game against Boyd County. In the semifinals, she drew a pivotal blocking foul as the Kittens beat Rowan County.
Ashland head coach Bill Bradley said assistant Phil Wittich called Slone the perfect utility player.
“In all the years I’ve coached, nobody has a nose for the ball quite like her,” Bradley said. “Allie will make a steal, get a key offensive rebound or block a shot. Stamina-wise, she doesn’t get tired.”
Slone opened the season at the No. 3 spot for the Kittens, who went 29-7 last season and have won five consecutive district titles. She’s also the backup at point guard to Alexis Robinson.
As a junior, Slone averaged six points and four rebounds while playing a sixth-man role. She had six points, six rebounds and a steal in Ashland’s State Tournament loss to Magoffin County.
Arnett said Slone has the potential to be the best defensive player he has recruited since Boyd County product Jennifer Swann.
“I like rebounding and my main favorite is defense,” Slone said. “It’s always there for me, no matter what.”
The soft-spoken player is known for her unselfish approach and team-first mentality.
“She likes to pass the ball and she likes to play defense,” Arnett said. “That’s what we like to do at Kentucky Christian. The team aspect is always difficult to coach. If they’ve got it when they get here they are way ahead, and Allie’s way ahead.”
Along with basketball, Slone has been a key player on Ashland’s soccer team that won district and region championships this season.
University of Pikeville made Slone an offer for soccer, but she wanted to play basketball instead. She carries a 3.8 grade point average and is excited about KCU’s nursing program.
Slone becomes the Kittens’ fourth college signee in 10 months. Mykal Farris and Julia Heaberlin are freshmen at Georgetown College and Rio Grande, respectively. Current Ashland guard Kaylyn Gambill signed with Rio Grande last month.
“Allie set the precedent with KCU,” Bradley said. “Now maybe other girls will want to go out there.”
KCU Sports
Related Photos
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Allie Slone signs her letter of intent to attend KCU and play women's basketball. Pictured are her parents, Jeffrey and Angela Slone, KCU Head Coach Ron Arnett, and Ashland Blazer Head Coach Bill Bradley.
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