West Johnston's boys led the overwhelming majority of the night but Wilmington Hoggard came on just in time to get a 64-62 first-round boys basketball playoff victory on Feb. 22. West led by five after the first quarter, by three at the half and the two teams were tied entering the final quarter.

Senior Mark Parker and junior Ben Jacobs had 17 points each for the Wildcats in the loss.

Defending champs oust North boys

Kinston took advantage of a rough second quarter on the offensive end for North Johnston and rolled away with a 81-43 first-round 2-A boys basketball playoff victory last week.

The Vikings, who are led by North Carolina recruit Reggie Bullock, led just 22-17 after a quarter. But a 23-6 scoring advantage in the second quarter turned the contest completely in Kinston's favor.

North Johnston, which qualified for the playoffs as a wild card, finished the season with a 14-11 mark.

Chris Vick led North Johnston with 11 points.

Northwood girls top North Johnston

Pittsboro Northwood ended North Johnston's girls season on Monday night as well, taking a 65-46 win over the Panthers in the opening round of the 2-A state playoffs.

North Johnston, in its first season back in the 2-A ranks, compiled a solid 17-8 record.