Chase Mullins (23) drew a foul and made two free throws.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Harnett Central’s varsity basketball teams bowed out of the NCHSAA 3-A playoffs on Tuesday night as their first-round opponents put together successful comebacks.

The Central boys were on top 20-9 at the end of the first quarter but visiting Dudley rallied for a 63-56 win.

At Rocky Mount, the Central girls held a 12-8 lead after eight minutes, but the Gryphons battled back for a 47-39 victory.

The Central boys finished with a 13-12 record. The Panthers (16-11) move on to meet second-seeded Northern Nash (25-1) in the second round on Thursday night. The Knights advanced with a 75-61 win over Havelock.

Rocky Mount got 19 points from senior Mya Pittman and 16 points from classmate Jada Morris added 16 as the Gryphons improved to 19-7. The Central girls wrapped up at 18-7.

Rocky Mount visits top-seeded E.E. Smith (27-1) in the second round on Thursday night.

Chase Mullins drives to the hoop for HC on Tuesday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Jaden Meadows goes up after claiming an offensive rebound.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Anthony Tomlinson drives through traffic for the Trojans.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Kasey Perkins elevates for a jumper against Dudley.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Trevonne Williams shoots from beyond the arc on Tuesday.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Kasey Perkins drives to the basket for Harnett Central.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Central’s Anthony Tomlinson scores on an uncontested layup.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Chase Mullins scores to start 3-point play.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)