South coach Brody Massengill provides some instruction.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

C.J. Ray of South Johnston hit a 3-pointer with two seconds left in regulation play to tie the score at 45 and the Trojans went on to a 56-53 Greater Neuse River 3-A Conference varsity boys basketball win at Cleveland on Thursday night.

Ray had 17 points as South improved to 20-4 overall and 7-3 in league play.

The Trojans are the No. 2 seed for the Greater Neuse tournament and will meet the winner of Monday’s matchup between East Wake and Smithfield-Selma in the semifinals on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Clayton.

Dylan Bates had 12 points in the regular-season finale and Colby Norris added 11.

“Great game,” said South coach Brody Massengill. “We were very fortunate to win. … We just made more plays in overtime. Both teams played their guts out.”

Cleveland won the girls game, 52-32. The South girls (4-19, 0-10) return to Cleveland on Tuesday night at 7:30 to take on the Lady Rams again in the first round of the Greater Neuse tournament.

C.J. Ray led the Trojans with 17 points on Thursday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Dylan Bates puts up a shot for South in the first half.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Colby Norris of South goes up in the midst of Cleveland defenders.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)