Dalton’s Quaneisha McCurty attempts to pass the ball over Carrollton’s Taylor Loveduring the Dalton vs. Carrollton High School girls basketball tournament at Dalton High School in Dalton, Ga. Dalton defeated Carrollton and will advance in the tournament.
Staff Photo by Jenna Walker/Chattanooga Times Free PressDALTON, Ga. – Meet Quaneisha McCurty, team leader.
That might shock some people who view the Dalton High School senior center as a bit of a pariah. McCurty knows when a star player transfers from one bitter rival to another, things will be said, rumors will be rampant and reputations can be tarnished.
Instead of lashing out at her critics after leaving Northwest Whitfield for the Lady Catamounts following what she called a “falling out,” McCurty has been steadfast in letting her play do the talking for the 32-0 team. Having led her new team to Georgia’s Class AAA state semifinals today in Macon against Crisp County (4 p.m. start) with averages of 16.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.9 blocked shots, that play has said plenty.
“Since she got here she’s been a model player,” Dalton coach Jeff McKinney said. “It’s always, ‘Yes, sir’ and ‘No, sir,’ and she’s never questioned anything we’ve asked of her. I wasn’t sure what to expect, to he honest, but she’s fit right in without any issues. It’s easy for people to make judgments on things they hear.”
Not only has she fit in, but McCurty has taken over as the team’s main offensive option and has become someone other players seek out for advice. According to former Dalton star post and current assistant coach Christen Brown, the emotional maturation has been the biggest reason for McCurty’s breakout season.