C.J. Ray starts the scoring Tuesday night with a three for South.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

South Johnston advanced to the second round of the NCHSAA 3-A boys basketball playoffs with a 57-42 win over visiting Topsail on Tuesday night.

C.J. Ray had 29 points as the Trojans improved to 22-4 going into a Thursday night matchup at 7 p.m. in the second round at Eastern Guilford (21-6).

South is the No. 12 seed in the Eastern bracket. The Wildcats are seeded fifth.

“I’ve seen a little film,” said South coach Brody Massengill of the pending opponent. “They’re a good team, very athletic. I think we’ll get pressed about the entire game.”

Massengill has seen Eastern Guilford trap from a fullcourt 2-2-1 and drop back into a 2-3, still trapping.

The Trojans dropped nine 3-pointers Tuesday night as the Pirates (12-13) played a 3-2 before going man-to-man in the fourth quarter.

“They’re a tough team,” Massengill said of Topsail. “They’ve got some strong kids and they didn’t quit.”

All of the first quarter baskets came on 3-pointers as South took a 15-9 lead.

Jonathan Watts had seven points in the win and Dylan Bates added six.

Jeremiah McLean goes in for a basket in South’s 57-42 win.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

C.J. Ray (34) had 29 points in South’s first-round win.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Cole Winborne shoots for South in the second half.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Sam Webster releases a 3-pointer in the first round of the playoffs.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Jonathan Watts goes up for a close-range basket for the Trojans.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

David Carter guards the ball on Tuesday night for South.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Colby Norris drives for South against visiting Topsail.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Sam Webster goes up for a shot blocked by C.J. Ray.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Dylan Bates gets free to score on a layup for South Johnston.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)