The high school basketball season always has so many different teams, individuals, and subplots worth following, and some topics naturally receive more attention than others. However, it feels like not enough people are talking about Queens Grant and their utter dominance over the last few months. The Stallions sat at 4-3 on November 22….and haven’t lost since. Although they suffered losses to three of the better teams in North Carolina, these results likely helped sculpt the team into what it has become today. It’s also worth noting that this is a roster completely void of any senior leadership after previously having two key guys graduate (Ian Howard, Geronimo Clark). So, between the time, cohesion, and individual development across their core, this group looks ready to win a title. Let’s take a closer look…
It’s difficult to assign any more value to one individual over another, as each of their main pieces is vital to team success, but Chase Smith clearly brings a lot to this group. He’s a big, strong, skilled post player with a nice blend of touch, footwork, and perimeter skill. Smith is a capable passer out of the post and displays an understanding of how to take what the defense is giving him. He carves out space well to establish deep post position and finish around the basket. Smith is a quality rebounder who competes for extra possessions on both ends of the floor. He also knows how to put himself in the right spot to alter or block shots defensively.
Although he’s still truly just beginning to harness his long-term gifts, it’s easy to see the appeal with Mekhi Allen. His flashes are legitimately tantalizing and provide real substance to what he could become as a long-term player. Allen is a long, explosive, shot-making wing with an incredible frame and tons of potential. However, he’s starting to quickly progress. Allen is capable of filling it up as a scorer, showing the ability to create his own shot, apply lethal pressure from beyond the arc, and attack closeouts whenever available. He’s still adding strength but already plays well above the rim and effectively through contact. Allen utilizes his length to be disruptive and force turnovers defensively. He’s also a useful rebounder for his size/position. Given his current talent level, it’s scary to consider how much Allen could continue to progress.
Rounding out their main sophomore grouping, Bobby Montgomery has continued to visibly solidify himself as one of the top marksmen across the state. He’s a capable initiator and playmaker, but is arguably at his best when operating as an off-ball threat. Montgomery is a lethal spot-up option who knows how to move without the ball, find open seams, and consistently burn opponents when given any space. He displays deep range and the ability to get his shot off basically whenever he needs. Montgomery also defends with nice energy and toughness at the point of attack. He’s a major x-factor for this group.
Anyone who has watched this team should easily be able to recognize the value Preston Scott brings to the Stallions. As we stated earlier today, he excels at doing the little things and running the team as a smart, tough, unselfish floor general. Scott does a phenomenal job of touching the paint and putting his teammates in ideal scoring positions. He sees the floor extremely well as a passer and understands how to shift or collapse defenses to generate openings for others. Scott is a capable scorer, but doesn’t need shots in order to impact a game. He’s a rugged, pesky defender who mirrors opposing ball-handlers and forces turnovers at a strong rate. Scott also rebounds his position well. He shines as a leader by example.
Their other main junior, Cannon DeBerry, is another guy who does a terrific job of finding opportunities within the flow of the action. He’s a physical, explosive big man who consistently impacts the game without needing the ball in his hands. DeBerry knows how to rebound, block shots, and properly run the floor in transition. His motor and athleticism allow him to wreak havoc as an interior anchor defensively. DeBerry already finds ways to outwork opponents on both ends of the floor, but should only continue to progress as he adds strength.
Additionally, Ethan McSweeney gives this group quality minutes off the bench. He possesses the IQ, size, and nose for the ball to operate in various types of roles. McSweeney can score as needed, but mainly finds opportunities through his defense, rebounding, and ability to fill in the gaps offensively.