Clayton and South Johnston have both moved their final prep basketball games before Christmas up a day. Clayton will now host East Wake on Thursday, Dec. 18, while South Johnston hosts Southern Lee on the same date.

Both teams' games were originally scheduled for Dec. 19.

Anderson a Red Zone Player of the Year nominee
West Johnston senior receiver/defensive back DeOnte Anderson has been nominated as an Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year.

As a result of this achievement, Anderson is among a select group of players who are eligible to be selected as a national Red Zone Player of the Year and be honored in a full-page feature in USA Today in February.

The program honors athletes who are able to elevate their play and step up when the heat is really on. These athletes embody leadership, performance and desire, and serve as examples to their teammates on and off the field.

Anderson led the 8-4 Wildcats this season with 1,081 yards receiving and nine touchdown receptions.

Basketball gets later start in 2009-10
Among the moves made by the N.C. High School Athletic Association board of directors at last week's winter meeting was the delaying of the start of the 2009-10 basketball season by a week. Practices and tryouts will begin on Nov. 9 with the first games set for Nov. 16.

Teams would also be able to play four games in one week during two weeks of the season, as long as the fourth game is on a non-school day.

The board also approved the same four-match in a week policy for dual team tennis, with one of those on a non-school day. Also in tennis, the board will consider using a 24-team playoff bracket (down from 32) in the dual 1-A state playoffs.

Lacrosse for boys and girls will be a sanctioned NCHSAA sport beginning with the 2009-10 school year. Details about number of games, sports seasons and playoff qualification will be worked out and approved prior to the start of school in 2009.

Lewis wins title at Pierce-Davis
North Johnston senior Jacob Lewis won the 189-pound weight class championship in the 17th annual Pierce-Davis Wrestling Tournament Saturday at Southwest Edgecombe. Lewis recorded the fastest pinfall in the championship round, stopping Brandon Rome of Edenton-Holmes in 1:51. He advanced to the finals with a pin of Rosewood's Jonathan Randolph and a 12-6 victory.

North Johnston finished sixth in the 13-team tournament with 99.5 points. Northern Nash won the tournament with 132.5 team points.

Senior Roger Willoughby finished third for North Johnston at 135 pounds, while Travis Phipps (140) and Manshon Shoulars (285) took home fourth place medals for the Panthers.