Guard Nigel Allen becomes third Gold Rush signee

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana has signed Nigel Allen of Port Allen, La., Port Allen High School and Western Texas College to an athletic scholarship in men's basketball.
     
With approximately 25 family members and friends in attendance, Allen signed with the Gold Rush at his home Friday afternoon.
     
Allen, a 6-foot-2 guard, averaged 9.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists the past two seasons at Western Texas and shot 43.4 percent from the floor, 34.6 percent from 3-point range and 85.7 percent on free throws. He led the Westerners in made 3-pointers both seasons, including 44 as a freshman.
     
Allen helped Port Allen reach the quarterfinals of the state playoffs three consecutive years. He was all-district his final two seasons and earned honorable mention on the Class 3A all-state team as a senior after averaging 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and four steals per game. His high game was 36 points at West Feliciana as a senior.
     
"Nigel is an experienced guard who will provide leadership on and off the floor for us," said XULA associate head coach Tyrone Mitchell, who attended the signing. "He's a solid young man with good academics, and he comes from a great family. He's a long, rangy combo guard who can get others involved and create his own shot. He can help us win ballgames."
     
Allen will major in business administration at XULA.
     
Port Allen is in West Baton Rouge Parish. Western Texas is in Snyder, approximately 85 miles southeast of Lubbock.
     
Allen is the third Gold Rush signee for next season. The other newcomers are guards TJ Jones of Opelousas, La., and Lafayette Christian Academy, who signed in November, andCameron Wells of Murphy, Texas, and Wylie High School, who signed during the spring.
     
XULA was 18-14 this past season and reached the semifinals of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament.

2019-20 XULA Men's Basketball Signees
Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Yr.*	Hometown	High School (Previous College)
Nigel Allen	G	6-2	165	Jr.	Port Allen, La.	Port Allen (Western Texas JC)
TJ Jones	G	5-8	165	Fr.	Opelousas, La.	Lafayette Christian Academy
Cameron Wells	G	6-1	185	Fr.	Murphy, Texas	Wylie
* XULA athletic classification in 2019-20

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletics Director for Communications
Department of Athletics & Recreation
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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