The QGHS Stallions varsity basketball team lost a key conference match-up with Albemarle High School on the road.  These two teams are as evenly matched as any this reporter has covered this season.  Both games were defensive battles and both teams won on their home courts. They are on a collision course for a possible third and final showdown in the upcoming Uwharrie Conference tournament championship.

The first period was dominated by the Bulldogs from Albemarle who took a hard fought 16-9 lead.  The Bulldogs applied a full course press which was very affective causing turnovers leading to six unanswered points.

In the second period the teams exchanged baskets and played tough defense with a lot of activity under the boards by both squads.  Albemarle maintained the lead with a 24-18 advantage.

In the third period with all-time school scoring leader Terron Dixon in early foul trouble getting his fourth foul three minutes into the period he became a spectator and watched the action from the bench.  Also, seniors Daymaun Harvey and Christian Owens were pulled by coach Forsythe.  Harvey is still recovering from an ankle injury and played like a warrior while Owens appeared frustrated.   The third period ended with Albemarle maintaining a slim 4 point lead 37-33.

In the fourth period Albemarle outscored the Stallions 16-15 to win by 5 points 53-48.  Jah’Quez Sanders led the Running Stallions with 12 points, Daymaun Harvey 9, Khalil Chapman 6, Dixon 6, Suggs 5, Murphy 4, Owens 4, and Westbrook 4.  While the Bulldogs Josh Willis lead all scorers with 20 points, and Nobel Washington contributed a solid 19 for the victors.

The Stallions are now 11-9 overall, and 6-3 in conference competition have an away conference game on Friday night at Union Academy.  The Stallions need to take care of business as Albemarle who is also 6-3 in conference play will be taking on division powerhouse North Stanly who is currently undefeated in the conference.