In a key conference match-up the Queens Grant Stallions (12-9) overall, (7-3) in conference competition defeated Union Academy (13-10) overall, (5-5) in conference while on the road. The 66-61 win seals the Stallions with the number 2 seed for the upcoming Uwharrie Athletic Conference Tournament.
The Stallions were without their all-time scoring leader Terron Dixon who was not available for the game. Therefore, other players had to step up and they sure did big time. Christian “Ace” Owens swished important 3 pointers.  Just when the Stallions needed some breathing room swish another shot went through the net.  Senior Daymaun Harvey and teammate Jah’Quez Sanders who had double-doubles were outstanding. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Murphy played stellar defensively holding Dillon Harrison who has been averaging over 25 points per game to 14 for the night.
In the first period the Stallions played tough defensively, however, they were not hitting their shots.  As the period came to a close at the buzzer Daymaun Harvey hit a 3-pointer to put the Stallions up 14-12.
In the second period the teams continued to pound it out with some aggressive and physical play on both sides of the court. The Stallions maintained their narrow lead 23-22 at the intermission.
In the third period Christian “Ace” Owens started his amazing second half 19 point run. He scored 10 points in the period hitting two key 3-pointers keeping the Stallions in the game with a slim 44-42 margin.
The fourth period the tempo picked up another notch and “Ace” hit two more 3-pointers as the teams exchanged the lead four times. Both Harvey and Sanders were now dominating the boards and the Stallions began to win the transition game. The coaches exchanged key time outs trying to gain an edge and prepare mentally. Coach Forsythe would shuffle in and out an offensive player and a defensive player to obtain the best match-ups. This strategy worked to perfection as the “Running Stallions” pulled ahead taking advantage of the Cardinals who were in foul trouble being over their limit putting the Stallions on the foul line with a 1 and 1 situation in the last 1:30 seconds of the game to seal the victory.
The Stallions Christian “Ace” Owens lead all scorers with 21 points passing his previous season high of 20. Daymaun Harvey 14 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, Jah’Quez Sanders 14 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, Murphy 6, Chapman 6, Suggs 2, Westbrook 1. For the Cardinals Dillon Harrison 14 points, Johnny Anderson 13, Boggs 9, Young 8, Phoneburg 7, Davidson 5, Stanly 3, Ellierman 2.
The Stallions will be playing their next game during the Uwharrie Athletic Conference Tournament at Gray Stone Academy the week of February 14-17.
