FOUR OAKS - Less than 24 hours after missing 16 free throws in a 10-point loss to Wallace Rose-Hill, the South Johnston boys basketball team went 23-for-25 from the stripe in a solid 59-52 win over Durham School of the Arts in the North-South Christmas Classic.

"I think the free throws last night were just a matter of lack of concentration and fatigue combined," said South coach David Dewey.

"Free throws won the game. In the fourth quarter, we didn't miss a free throw."

The Trojans' newfound excellence from the line allowed the Trojans to keep their distance from DSA. After three quarters, South had a 36-30 lead before ousting the Bulldogs 23-22 in a flurry of scoring over the last eight minutes.

The Trojans have been fighting injuries all year long, but got back junior forward Dolton Bledsoe for the tournament.

After being grounded in his first game back against Wallace-Rose Hill, Bledsoe ignited for 24 points against DSA, including nine in the fourth quarter.

"It's just a matter of getting bigger, stronger, and next year they'll be a tough team because of these lumps and bumps they're taking now," said Dewey. "We've learned a lot."