EASTERN - On a night when seniors and head coach Johnny Martin were honored, Allen Central took care of business against a determined Magoffin County team. After dropping back-to-back games to Belfry and Pikeville, Allen Central returned to the win column on Friday night. The Rebels held on and defeated visiting Magoffin County 68-62.

With the win, Allen Central improved to 20-7.

Allen Central is the first Floyd County Conference/58th District team to win 20 games since the 2001-02 season. South Floyd finished the 2001-02 campaign 21-10.

In addition to Allen Central’s senior boys’ basketball players being honored, tribute was also paid to Martin, Allen Central’s legendary head coach. Several former players were in attendance and a postgame banquet was held in honor of the longtime Rebel head coach.

“It was a very special night for me,” said Allen Central Coach Johnny Martin. “It was one of the best nights of my coaching life. As I saw those guys who had played for more in previous years and heard their names called, the years flashed before my eyes.”

On the court, Allen Central jumped out in front and led Magoffin County at the end of every quarter. The Rebels outscored the Hornets 18-7 in the opening quarter and took a 36-23 lead into halftime.

Seniors Ryan Martin and Ryan Collins led Allen Central with 16 points apiece. Tyler Slone and junior Alex Hammonds followed with nine points each. Josh Prater chipped in eight points and Farley Joseph followed with seven for Allen Central. J.R. Robinson rounded out the Allen Central scoring with three points.

Magoffin County played without senior Devin Rice, a player who went down with an injury during a game against Prestonsburg earlier in the week.

Eric Arnett led Magoffin County with a game-high 21 points.

Magoffin County made its strongest runs in the second half. Host Allen Central led 52-47 at the end of the third quarter. The Hornets hit six three-pointers in the regular-season finale. Magoffin County slipped to 13-15 after the loss.

The Rebels hit their free throws down the stretch. Allen Central finished 10-for-18 from the free throw line.

No. 1 seed Allen Central was playing host South Floyd, the No. 4 seed, Tuesday evening in the opening round of the 58th District Tournament. The game ended too late to make this edition.