Guards passing the torch of state titles Royals looking for another crown with Mingo at point

Bob Fortuna, The Plain Dealer, November 27, 2009 8:07 a.m.

First impressions can be strong, so it wasn’t surprising Tay’ler Mingo didn’t know what to expect when she saw Regina assistant girls basketball coach Keesha Allen for the first time in 2006.

“She looked tough,” said the lightning-quick Mingo, an Akron resident who will play for Florida State next fall.

Mingo, then a 5-3, 90-pound freshman point guard, soon discovered that under Allen’s rough-edged exterior was a caring person giving back what was given to her a decade earlier when she played for Regina coach Pat Diulus as a freshman point guard at Trinity.

As six-time state champion Regina prepares for its final year as the 2009-10 season tips off statewide today — the all-girls parochial school in South Euclid is scheduled to close in June — Mingo and Allen, 27, continue their bond despite being opposite in a number of ways.

“Keesha was a better rebounder than Tay’ler because she’s so strong,” said Diulus.

“She was a more vocal leader, but Tay’ler has pleasantly taken over the leadership role. Tay’ler’s in possession of this team because Keesha’s been a huge part of that.”

Mingo, now 5-7 and 135 pounds, is one of five siblings; Allen is an only child, but both relate well to the younger players.

Allen is Mingo’s mentor, just like Mingo has become to Royals sophomore DaVonna Bradford.

Take the advice given, then pass it down when it’s your turn, Mingo and Allen say.

Allen, who spent a year at Cincinnati on a basketball scholarship before playing and graduating from Case Western Reserve, was a senior point guard in 2000 when the Royals won the first of six Division III state titles.

It was Diulus’ second season after taking Trinity to three state championships in 13 years.

It wasn’t easy at first for Allen or Mingo.

Allen, a Cleveland native who resides in Cleveland Heights, played backup to former Tennessee/WNBA standout Semeka Randall when she was a rookie on Trinity’s varsity squad.

“I watched and learned a lot that year,” recalled Allen, who transferred to Regina as a junior when Diulus made the move.

Mingo, last year’s Plain Dealer Player of the Year, learned the Royals’ system as a freshman while playing behind Carla Jacobs, now a Cincinnati point guard.

Mingo and Allen are known for being shutdown defenders. They know defense is the top priority if you’re to become a four- or three-year starter for Diulus.

Mingo is reminded of that every day with Allen constantly in her ear at practice, and the two mix it up during occasional 1-on-1 games.

“I throw ‘Tay’ around a little bit because she needs to get stronger,” said Allen, following a two-hour practice. “Tay’ler’s come a long way and will do anything to win.”

Not that Mingo and the Royals need an incentive.

“When I come home from college next year, I won’t be able to go back and visit my high school because it won’t be there,” said Mingo. “That why it’s so important we go out not as just winners, as state champs.”

GETTING TO KNOW . . .

Keesha Allen

At Trinity Freshman (1996-97): 1.8 ppg, 1.3 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.5 rpg (Trojans were Division II regional finalists).

Sophomore (1997-98): 5.6 ppg, 2.6 apg, 1.8 spg, 2.6 rpg (Trojans were Division II regional semifinalists).

At Regina Junior (1998-99): 7.7 ppg, 5.3 apg, 2.6 spg, 4.8 rpg (Royals were Division III regional finalists).

Senior (1999-2000): 9.6 ppg, 6.2 apg, 3.2 spg, 7.6 rpg (Royals won first Division III state championship).

After high school: After spending a season at Cincinnati, Allen returned home because her mother developed multiple sclerosis. Played at Case and earned a bachelor's degree in religion. Involved in social work a couple of years. Serves as an assistant coach at Regina and plans on going back to school to get a masters in education. Would like to attend law school. Plans on waiting to see what Regina head coach Pat Diulus does after Regina closes in June and possibly follow him if he decides to coach elsewhere.

Tay'ler Mingo

At Regina Freshman (2006-07): 7.2 ppg, 2.6 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.5 rpg (Royals were Division III regional finalists).

Sophomore (2007-08): 10.8 ppg, 5.8 apg, 2.2 spg, 2.9 rpg (Royals were Division III state semifinalists).

Junior (2008-09): 12.7 ppg, 7.6 apg, 2.5 spg, 3.7 rpg (Royals won Division III state championship).

After high school: Mingo will attend Florida State on a basketball scholarship and is leaning toward majoring in business.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

bfortuna@plaind.com, 216-999-4665