Jaylohn Allen guides Wayne Memorial to second straight quarterfinals

Mr. Basketball finalist scores 24 points, dishes 7 assists in 71-47 regional final win over River Rouge

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Wayne Memorial senior Jaylohn Allen, a Hal Schram Mr. Basketball Award finalist, led his team to a 71-47 victory over River Rouge in a Michigan high school boys basketball Division 1 regional final. Allen scored a game-high 24 points and dished out 7 assists to pace the Zebras, who have now won 15 straight games since their last loss in mid-January.

Why it matters

Wayne Memorial's dominant win over River Rouge secures the team's second straight trip to the state quarterfinals, continuing the program's recent success under coach Steve Brooks. Allen's standout performance highlights his credentials as a top contender for the prestigious Mr. Basketball award.

The details

Allen got off to a hot start, scoring 5 of the game's first 7 points and finishing the opening quarter with 3 straight assists. Wayne led 18-9 after the first period and then broke the game open with an 11-0 run early in the second quarter, during which Allen scored 2 contested layups and found a teammate with a no-look pass. The Zebras led 38-19 at halftime and pushed the lead to 21 points entering the fourth quarter, though they missed 15 free throws. Wayne was motivated after a River Rouge player had said the Panthers would "get belt" other teams, and the Wayne students spent the second half smacking leather belts on the hardwood near the court.

  • On Thursday, March 5, Wayne Memorial defeated River Rouge 71-47 in a Division 1 regional final.
  • Wayne Memorial has now won 15 straight games since their last loss in mid-January.

The players

Jaylohn Allen

A senior at Wayne Memorial High School and a Hal Schram Mr. Basketball Award finalist who scored a game-high 24 points and dished out 7 assists in the regional final win.

Steve Brooks

The head coach of the Wayne Memorial Zebras, who has guided the team to the state quarterfinals for the second straight year.

Roy Johnson

A Wayne Memorial backcourt player who has stepped up as a playmaker and defender next to Jaylohn Allen after transferring from Alabama.

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What they’re saying

“I had a rhythm when I woke up. Walking into the gym and seeing the environment, it was a great environment. It wasn't like last year's regional championship [against U-D Jesuit], but it was somewhere close. I love games like this.”

— Jaylohn Allen, Wayne Memorial Senior (freep.com)

“Jaylohn Allen is Mr. Basketball. I don't care who they give it to. His IQ is off the charts. His decision-making, he's always making the right pass. He's going to be very successful at the next level because all of those passes will be assists.”

— Steve Brooks, Wayne Memorial Head Coach (freep.com)

“I am adjusting quick. My new family has taught me a lot as far as basketball. They are a big part of my family.”

— Roy Johnson, Wayne Memorial Backcourt Player (freep.com)

What’s next

Wayne Memorial will face Birmingham Brother Rice in the state quarterfinals at Calihan Hall on Tuesday. With a win, the Zebras will advance to the Breslin Center for the state semifinals, just as they did last year.

The takeaway

Jaylohn Allen's dominant performance in the regional final showcases his credentials as a top contender for the prestigious Mr. Basketball award, while also highlighting the continued success of the Wayne Memorial program under coach Steve Brooks. The Zebras' ability to overcome adversity and make a deep playoff run for the second straight season demonstrates the team's strong culture and year-round commitment to improvement.