The Atlantic City High School boys basketball team used to be compared to the Boston Red Sox or the Chicago Cubs.
The Vikings were famed for their heartbreaking postseason defeats.
But under coach Gene Allen, Atlantic City has become the New York Yankees (Note: Allen is a huge Yankees fan).
Few teams can match Atlantic City’s postseason success since Allen took over in 2004. Before Allen became the coach, Atlantic City had won just four S.J., titles and no state championships.
The Vikings (24-5) will meet Elizabeth (22-6) for the state title 5 p.m. Sunday at the Rutgers University Athletic Center in Piscataway.
Atlantic City has won four South Jersey and one state title, under Allen. The Vikings are 192-67 in Allen’s nine seasons.
Here’s a rundown of how the Vikings have done during Allen’s tenure:
2003-04: 18-7. Lost to Lenape 66-51 in South Jersey Group IV final.
2004-05: 28-3. Won state Group IV title. Lost to Seton Hall Prep 74-37 in Tournament of Champions semifinal.
2005-06: 25-6. Won South Jersey Group IV title. Lost to Linden 64-39 in state final.
2006-07: 23-7. Lost to Winslow Township 87-74 in South Jersey Group IV semifinals.
2007-08: 20-10. Won South Jersey Group IV championship. Lost to Rancocas Valley 64-43 in state semifinal.
2008-09: 21-7. Lost to Washington Township 56-55 in South Jersey Group IV semifinals.
2009-10: 18-9. Lost to Shawnee 72-57 in South Jersey Group IV semifinals.
2010-11: 14-12. Lost to Williamstown 56-43 in South Jersey Group IV quarterfinals.
2011-12. 24-5. Won South Jersey Group IV title. Will play Elizabeth for state title Sunday at Rutgers University.
