The Queens Grant men’s basketball team is coming off a 22-6 season in their 2015-16 campaign. Coach Jay Forsythe fully expects his team to compete for the Uwharrie 1A Athletic Conference Championship.
The Stallions stiffest competition will come from both North Stanly High School and Albemarle High School. The team has 4 starters returning who are experienced and talented.
Terron Dixon, senior All-Conference player who is a 6’3” guard averaged 18ppg and 7rpg. He has scored 941 points with the Stallions and is expected to add significantly to his total. He scored 450 points last season as a junior.
Daymaun Harvey, a 6’4” senior who is a versatile guard and forward averaged 10ppg and 5rpg in 2015-16. He was also an All-Conference player and is expected to have a big year.
JahQuez Sanders, a 6’ 2” sophomore point guard averaged 8ppg, 4rpg, 4apg started every game as a freshman. Coach Forsythe expects only good things from this youngster as he matures.
Christian Owens, 5’10” senior versatile guard who can also play point and shoot the 3-point shot with consistency. He is also a solid defender and always hustles on the court. Teammates call Christian “Ace” for a reason.
Other key players who are expected to make a contribution are:
Khalil Chapman, a 6’5” junior guard/forward can shoot and rebound and is expected to make a solid contribution. He is a steady player with good basketball intelligence.
Jeremiah Murphy, a 6’4” freshman who can shoot inside and up to the 3-point range. He shows a lot of promise and can rebound well and plays good defense. Also, he is a smart kid in the classroom and has a good basketball IQ.
Overall, the Stallions feature very strong guard play and experience. They are quick and have a deep bench of players who can be used in different situations by Coach Forsythe. There weakness is not having a big sized player in the post position. With the graduation of Patrick Tape’ at 6’9” who is playing for Columbia University in New York City this will put some pressure on the Stallions to fill his loss.
It will take a complete team effort with extra hustle, discipline and good smart basketball as the formula for success. Other roster players include Andre Cooper, junior forward, Xavier Westbrook, sophomore forward, freshman forwards Cooper Williams and Joe Morgan, sophomore guards Josh Suggs and Josh Williams.
The team is scheduled to play in three tournaments starting locally with the Queen City Clash on 12/21-23 at Charlotte Country Day. Other tournaments include the Western North Carolina Classic in Asheville, and the Bulldog Classic at Wake Christian Academy in Raleigh.
The Stallions will open up their season against Bradford Preparatory School Thursday November 10th at 6:00 pm in a non-conference away game.
