Throughout the course of the high school season, it became increasingly clear that Queens Grant was arguably the top public-school team in North Carolina across all classifications. Not even six months removed from their championship victory, and it appears as if this group is going to roll to yet another title. Between Coach Joe Badgett and their incredibly talented roster (now one year older and more experienced), it’s difficult to envision any other scenario unfolding. It’s important to remember the Stallions went 35-3 with literally no seniors on the roster. Now, with basically the same roster one year older and better, they will look to run it back. Let’s take a look at their main pieces…
So much of this team’s success lies within Chase Smith and everything he provides as a strong, polished inside-out big man. He can score with touch on the block, faceup to hit jumpers, attack off the bounce, or space the floor from beyond the arc. Smith utilizes his strong frame to bounce off opponents when driving, carve out space on the block, and outmuscle opponents on the glass. He’s a physical interior defender who positions himself well to block/alter shots around the basket. Smith is a quality passer, particularly for his size, with a willingness to set up others whenever possible. He also runs the floor well in transition. Smith will remain a valuable leader for this group.
His frontcourt mate, Cannon DeBerry, enters his senior season as someone who should definitely appeal to scholarship-level programs. He’s an incredibly tough, physical, explosive big man with terrific length and fluidity. DeBerry excels at doing the dirty work and knows exactly how to impact the game within his role on both ends of the floor. He consistently rebounds, blocks shots, and runs the floor hard in transition. DeBerry is a quality lob threat who moves well without the ball and operates effectively in the dunker spot. He also lurks to capitalize on putbacks and second-chance opportunities. DeBerry’s low-maintenance game is pivotal to their success.
It’s no secret that Mekhi Allen has as much appeal as any prospect in the state, and it’s scary to consider him taking another step forward in his progression this season. He’s an incredibly talented shot-maker with the athleticism and positional size to be a real matchup problem for all types of opponents. Allen is capable of filling it up in a healthy variety of ways from all levels, but is at his best when allowing the game to come to him and knocking down shots at a high rate. He knows how to attack closeouts and finish, set up others, or pull-up within a few dribbles. Allen regularly puts pressure on the basket and plays above the rim as well. His instincts and physical tools allow him to force turnovers and make his presence felt defensively. Still overflowing with upside, it’ll be very exciting to monitor Allen’s growth this season.
The guard tandem of Preston Scott and Bobby Montgomery each bring undeniable value to this squad. Scott is an incredibly quick, heady floor general who does a phenomenal job of setting the tone through his playmaking and rugged defense at the point of attack. He’s a sharp passer who utilizes his tight handle and first step to effortlessly break down opponents, touch the paint, and make plays for himself and others. Scott rebounds extremely well for his size/position and regularly dusts opponents with his open-floor speed. He’s a suffocating on-ball defender who forces turnovers with relative ease. Meanwhile, Montgomery is an incredible marksman who can initiate the offense or fill it up from beyond the arc. He has deep range and a quick release that he can access off the catch, bounce, or coming off movement. Montgomery truly only needs a glimmer of daylight to get off clean looks, and is capable of heating up in a hurry. Add in his useful handle, passing, and defense, and it’s easy to see his overall value. Both scholarship-level pieces.
Rounding out this roster, guys like Ethan McSweeney and Max White should each be able to carve out meaningful minutes. McSweeney is a very valuable utility piece who knows how to operate in several different roles. He’s able to fill in the gaps as a glue-guy on both ends of the floor. Similarly, White finds opportunities to impact the game through his energy, initiation, and defensive presence. Expect both guys to be useful rotation pieces for this group.