The Queen's Grant Stallions and the Carolina International Comets will face off at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday without much rest, having both just played. Queen's Grant will be looking to extend their current nine-game winning streak.
Queen's Grant is headed into the game after thoroughly thrashing Piedmont Community Charter: they outscored them in every quarter. Given that consistent dominance, it should come as no surprise that Queen's Grant blew Piedmont Community Charter out of the water with a 96-63 final score. The Stallions have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won 15 matchups by 22 points or more this season.
Ian Howard
| 02/21/25 vs Piedmont Community Charter | 23 |
| 02/14/25 @ Piedmont Community Charter | 19 |
| 02/11/25 vs Carolina International | 17 |
| 02/07/25 vs Piedmont Community Charter | 18 |
| 02/04/25 @ Valor Preparatory Academy | 17 |
Queen's Grant got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Ian Howard out in front who went 11-for-14 en route to 23 points. The contest was Howard's fifth in a row with at least 17 points. Another player making a difference was Chase Smith, who dropped a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Queen's Grant smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 18 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 18 offensive boards in four consecutive games.
Meanwhile, Carolina International beat Valor Preparatory Academy 75-68 on Friday. The Comets haven't had any issues with the Owls recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.
Queen's Grant better keep an eye on KJ Shouse Jr.. He was instrumental in Carolina International's win, dropping a double-double with 35 points and ten boards. Shouse Jr. is becoming a predictor of Carolina International's success: when he posts at least 15 points the team is 20-4 (and 0-3 when he doesn't). Landon Griffin was another key player, going 8-for-11 on his way to 19 points.
Queen's Grant pushed their record up to 22-7 with the victory, which was their seventh straight at home. They've dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 36 points. As for Carolina International, their win bumped their record up to 20-7.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Queen's Grant has been crashing the boards this season, having averaged 34.7 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Carolina International struggles in that department as they've been averaging 22.2 boards. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.
Queen's Grant beat Carolina International 68-56 in their previous matchup last Tuesday. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Shouse Jr., who went 9-for-17 to rack up 25 points in addition to six rebounds and three blocks. Now that he's got a second chance to win this matchup, will Queen's Grant still be able to contain Shouse Jr.? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
