EAST LANSING — KJ Torbert and Kingston Thomas have established themselves as some of the top talents in the state and the go-to players for the East Lansing boys basketball team.
But the Trojans know they will need others to step up and make contributions this winter if they hope to repeat as Division 1 state champions.
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And senior DeQuarius Stewart is ready to be that third option for East Lansing.
The third-year varsity player made key plays for the Trojans in their 74-62 CAAC Blue victory over Waverly in a matchup of unbeatens Thursday, Dec. 18.
Stewart had 18 points and six rebounds while helping East Lansing take a big early step in the CAAC Blue race.
East Lansing’s DeQuarius Stewart Jr., left, scores against Waverly’s Kameron Amunga during the second quarter on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at East Lansing High School.
“DQ is a three-year varsity basketball player,” East Lansing coach Ray Mitchell said. “DQ is a college basketball player. He’s super athletic. He’s starting to come around. He’s one of the best-kept secrets in the state. The kid just jumps out the gym. He’s very smart and he plays hard. He’s still learning and developing, but expect him to step up. He’s been here for three years. He has seen it, been through it and it’s time for him to be that guy we can trust.”
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Stewart has been more of an inside presence in previous seasons for the Trojans but appears ready to showcase his full range of skills and emerge as a consistent contributor. Stewart has attracted the interest of NCAA Division III and NAIA programs so far but believes he can open more doors and provide more options for his future as he works towards reaching his maximum potential.
“Last season I kind of just played down low a lot so I didn’t get to show my play-making skills and ability to dribble, but that’s what I’m definitely going to do this season,” Stewart said. “(I want to) show that I can play make and dribble the ball and shoot the ball and kind of just show coaches what I’m about.”
Stewart hit a 3-pointer and showed he can put the ball on the floor and get to the basket during his big game. He scored 11 points in the opening half and played a role in East Lansing (6-0, 2-0) jumping out to a 38-18 advantage at halftime.
With what he showed Thursday and what has seen been on display behind the scenes the last three years, Mitchell sees a bright future for Stewart. And his continued progress can lead to East Lansing contending for more championships.
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“The sky is the limit,” Mitchell said. “This kid is like super athletic. He’s developing. He’s going to be a great player with whoever gets him. The kid can almost jump from the free-throw line. It’s ridiculous.. He has guard skills. He’s got to get a little bit stronger but as he develops mentally, he can play. He’s going to play college ball I definitely believe. He has some offers right now, but he could at least play DII, maybe even DI.”
While Stewart’s contributions were critical, Thomas and Torbert starred as usual for East Lansing. Torbert had 23 points and 11 rebounds and Thomas finished with 24 points and five rebounds. They each had key baskets late while helping the Trojans fend off a comeback attempt by Waverly, who closed within six in the final minute.
Derek Thomas II led Waverly with 20 points.
Contact Brian Calloway at bcalloway@lsj.com. Follow him on X @brian_calloway and Bluesky @briancalloway.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: DeQuarius Stewart helps East Lansing boys basketball top Waverly
