The Queens Grant High School Stallions lost an important game on their schedule to Pine Lake Preparatory on the road 53-47 last Tuesday night prior to the snow storm.

The Stallions played without their standout Junior Guard Jah’Quez Sanders who was home sick and unable to dress to play in the game.  Also, A J Gallagher had surgery on Monday and will not be available for another six weeks at minimum.  This meant certain starters and bench players had to step up and they did, however, not enough to turn the tide on the Pride who continue to win close games.

In the first period the Stallions jumped out to a 10-5 lead in what seemed like a defensive battle and low scoring affair.  However, the teams settled down exchanging baskets with Queens Grant having a 23-20 advantage at the intermission.

Pine Lake picked up the pace in the third period outscoring the Stallions for the first time in the contest 15-10 giving them a slim lead 35-33 after three.  Josh Barnette and D’Marco Small started to hit their shots more consistently to turn the tide.

Meanwhile, Sophomore Forward Jeremiah Murphy was carrying the heavy load for the Stallions with support from teammates LB Boyette and Khalil Chapman for the Stallions keeping the game close.

In the fourth period the Stallions were outscored 18-14 by the home team sinking some key baskets down the stretch to ice the victory for the Pride by six points in a well played game by both teams who fought to the final buzzer.

Jeremiah Murphy led all scorers netting 18 points with 13 rebounds for the double-double and added 3 assists, while LB Boyette contributed 12 points and 5 rebounds for the Stallions.  The Pride leaders were Josh Barnette 17 points and D’Marco Small added 11 points for the home team.

The Stallions are now 5-10 overall, and 2-4 in Conference competition.  Their next game will be against Bradford Preparatory away on Tuesday, January 23rd at 6:00 PM.  The Stallions should be heavy favorites.