Recently the Queens Grant High School Annual Sports Banquet was held at Elevation Church.  Athletic Direct Dan Kerr led the festivities in front of a packed ballroom of student athletes, coaches and parents who were in attendance.

Queens Grant is a charter school with 460 students located on Idlewild Road in the Mint Hill-Matthews area.  As a small high school they have been competing in the Uwharrie Athletic Conference against larger school athletic programs.  They field eleven teams covering both men’s and women’s sports.  Some of their athletes have been selected to the all conference teams which is a real honor when one considers some of their competition.

Many of the Stallions athletes are good solid students as well.  To provide an example the highest grade point averages by team is the following.  Women’s Tennis 3.91, Men’s Cross Country 3.88, Men’s Tennis 3.87, Cheerleading 3.77, Women’s Soccer 3.72, Women’s Track and Field 3.55.

The two most successful team’s for the 2016-2017 season was Men’s Soccer setting a new a school record of 18-5-2 led by Coach Mark Guercio.  Also, Men’s  Varsity Basketball had a 13-11 winning season under Coach Jay Forsythe who played games outside their division against some 2A and 4A programs.

Many awards were given out during the evening and the award nominations to the student athletes who had outstanding performances were honored.

Freshman of the Year – This award goes to a freshman athlete who has gone above and beyond their expectations as a varsity athlete.  For the Men Micah Parker (Soccer), Nick Kuebler (Baseball), Ryan Carpenter (Tennis).  For the Women Esther Jesalva (Cross Country, Track), Ashleigh Aberly (Volleyball, Basketball, Softball), Sara Beatty (Cheer, Soccer, Track).

Outstanding Performance of the Year – This honor is awarded to the athlete who’s single game or match performance was one not to be forgotten.  The top male athletes selected are Jose Durate (Soccer), who had 15 saves in a 2-2 tie with East Mecklenburg a 4A school, Jake Brasswell (Tennis), won a big time tie breaker in a doubleheader with division rival North Stanly, Lucas Brown (Cross Country), set a school record of 17:13 at the 1A Regional.  Lucas became the first QGHS male to qualify for the state championship meet.

For the women the 4 x 100 Relay Track Team includes Deja Malone, Kumba Gumanch, Adrienne Dobbins, McKenzie Scott, crushed the old school record by 2 full seconds at the Olympic Invitational.  While Hayden Pacheco scored a goal with 5 assists in a 6-0 victory over Bradford Prep.

Senior Athletes of the Year Honors –  This award goes to the senior who has shown leadership on and off the field in their senior campaign.  The Men selected were Joe Piacesi (Soccer), Kevin Corley (Baseball).  For the Women Janiya Mills (Cheerleading), Lydia Miller (Tennis), Anna Daniel (Soccer), McKenzie Scott (Track), Avianna Hopkins (Track).

Stallion Excellence Award –  This award is made to the all-around student athlete.  The student sets an outstanding example inside and outside the classroom for their teammates and classmates.

For the male athletes Luke Braswell (Soccer, Tennis), Sam Brooks (Cross Country, Track), For the lady athletes Kearia Green (Cheerleading), Grace Uko (Cheerleading, Track), Lydia Miller (Tennis).

Career Achievement Award –  This award goes to the student athlete who has earned 8 or more varsity letters throughout their high school career at Queens Grant High School.  For the Men Wes Joyner (4 Soccer, 4 Wrestling).  For the Women Sharmetria Richardson (3 Cross Country, 3 Track, 1 basketball, 1 Volleyball).

This was a great night with a lot of fun and electricity in the air.  The participants enjoyed some good food and an exciting evening for the young student athletes with their family and friends.