Dylan Bates (3) makes a steal for the South boys on Tuesday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

South Johnston’s varsity boys basketball team erased a 13-point deficit to take a 45-44 lead on a 3-point play by C.J. Ray before falling, 52-47, to visiting East Wake on Tuesday night.

The Trojans slipped to 19-4 overall and 6-3 in the Greater Neuse 3-A Conference despite a 24-point effort by Ray. Colby Norris and Cole Winborne added six points each for South.

The Trojans trailed 38-25 in the third quarter before making a comeback.

“Our play was not consistent enough for 32 minutes,” said South coach Brody Massengill. “We really struggled offensively in the first half.”

The Warriors led 30-23 at the break.

The Trojans took a 48-47 win at East Wake on Jan. 24.

East Wake won the varsity girls game, 49-33, on Tuesday night.

South wraps up the regular season at Cleveland on Thursday night.

C.J. Ray (34) and Colby Norris rise to contest an East Wake shot.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Jeremiah McLean had the winning basket in an earlier game at East Wake.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

C.J. Ray goes up from beyond the arc on a 24-point night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Nikki Lee looks to drive for the Lady Trojans against East Wake.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Paige Toler (20) eyes the basket for the South Johnston girls.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Janay McDonald goes to the basket for the South girls.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)