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Pike Liberal Arts senior committed to play baseball at Shelton State Community College next spring. The senior announced his commitment on Friday.

Interest in the senior picked up as of late, but in the end Allen committed to Shelton State. Friday’s announcement was a weight lifted off Allen’s shoulders.

“I’m blessed to receive this opportunity to play at Shelton,” Allen said. “I’m excited for the opportunity.”

Allen has been in contact with Shelton State head coach Bobby Sprowl and he knew he wanted to be in Tuscaloosa.

“I have been in contact with coach Sprowl for a while, Allen said. “He gave me a call and offered me and I committed a little while after.”

Due the coronavirus, Allen hasn’t been able to take an official visit the campus, but his familiarity with the school and the campus made up for it.”

“I’ve been trying to take a visit there, but with the pandemic we haven’t been able to go up there,” Allen said. “I’ve been up there before and I played some games up there last summer. I have seen what they have and I have been talking with coach Sprowl and I like their coaching staff.”

Allen finished his shortened senior season batting .417 in 15 games. He had an on base percentage of .509 and he slugged .604. He finished with six extra base hits and nine RBI. Allen expects to play in the outfield for Shelton State next spring.

Allen won’t have the luxury of finishing out his senior year. Instead, he will work on his own to get ready for collegiate baseball.

“I am going to continue to get better every day,” Allen said. “I’m going to stay in the weight room and get stronger and faster.”

Allen will go from being a senior leader for the Patriots to a freshman newcomer at Shelton State.

“I want to be the best I can be and give 100 percent,” Allen said.