As Cool as the Other Side of the Pillow” — Joe Badgett and the Rise of Queens Grant
Former ESPN anchor Stuart Scott had one of the most famous catchphrases in sports: “As cool as the other side of the pillow.” The phrase was used to describe someone exceptionally smooth, stylish, and impressive — a blend of hip-hop culture and sports that became synonymous with Scott’s charismatic personality before his death in 2015.
If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought Scott was talking about Queens Grant head coach Joe Badgett.
For high school basketball fans around Charlotte, Coach Badgett has long been regarded as one of the premier coaches in the area — but in our opinion, that reputation should extend far beyond state lines.
Still Mr. GQ
From his “Mr. GQ” days at Carmel Christian, Coach Badgett has evolved into a more relaxed style. While more casual, it remains unmistakably stylish — and his on-court demeanor is nothing short of remarkable. He’s simply the new GQ of the casual look.
More importantly, he is a true gentleman on and off the court. In an era where sideline antics often steal headlines, Coach Badgett has gone his entire head-coaching career without receiving a single technical foul — unheard of in today’s climate, and refreshingly so.
That doesn’t mean he lacks presence.
His ability to communicate displeasure with a call is second to none. He gets his point across clearly, calmly, and effectively. His famous “stare down” can pierce straight through heart and soul — and officials usually get the message.
Even more telling: his teams are disciplined, fundamentally sound, and exceptionally well-coached. He holds players accountable. If you don’t defend, you get familiar with the bench.
A Championship Pedigree
Coach Badgett’s résumé speaks for itself.
As an assistant coach:
- 4 State Championships
- 4 State Runner-Up finishes
As a head coach:
- 2 State Championships
- 2 State Runner-Up finishes
In addition, Coach Badgett owns an outstanding 218–38 career record as a head coach, an 85% winning percentage — a number that is virtually unheard of, especially while consistently playing one of the most competitive schedules in the region.
The Transition
After a highly successful run at Carmel Christian, Coach Badgett took over at Queens Grant — a small public charter school in Matthews, North Carolina — beginning in the early 2000s.
In the program’s 2024–25 return season, Queens Grant finished an impressive 27–8, falling only to eventual state champion Corvian in the NCHSAA 1A Western Regional Finals.
That team featured an incredibly young core:
- 6’8 Chase Smith — 12.9 PPG
- Bobby Montgomery III — 11.6 PPG
- Mekhi Allen — 10.0 PPG
Three of his top four players were freshmen.
As of this writing, Queens Grant is 17–3, ranked No. 1 in NCHSAA 2A and No. 5 overall in the MaxPreps state rankings, regardless of classification. They are currently riding a 13-game winning streak and recently upset perennial power West Charlotte at the Mike Gminski Classic over the Christmas holidays.
2025–26 Roster
A look at the current roster confirms one thing: Queens Grant is one of the best teams in the state — regardless of classification or affiliation.
Leading the way are:
- Chase Smith (So.) — 16.6 PPG
- Mekhi Allen (So.) — 14.9 PPG
- Bobby Montgomery III (So.) — 12.6 PPG
Anchoring the rest of the starting lineup:
- Preston Scott (Jr.) — 10.5 PPG
- Cannon DeBerry (Jr.) — 6.6 PPG
It’s a balanced, skilled, athletic group — and one built to last.
Running the Table
Looking ahead at Queens Grant’s remaining schedule, the one major challenge appears to be Butler on January 17th at the Carmel MLK event — another homecoming for the former Carmel Christian coach.
Even so, Queens Grant will be a heavy favorite the rest of the way and is widely expected to cut down the nets in the NCHSAA 2A classification.
National-Level Status
There is no secret that Coach Joe Badgett and Queens Grant are trending toward national relevance — provided the core stays together.
This sophomore group has a realistic shot at a three-peat. While roster continuity has become increasingly difficult in the NIL and transfer era, if anyone can manage it, it’s Joe Badgett.
As Stuart Scott would say:
“He’s as cool as the other side of the pillow.”