Laney's Brandon Ellington (44) and Ashley's Travis Keys (32), seen at last year's Brogden Tourney, were in action Tuesday night.

High school basketball is off to a red hot start.  Ashley visited Topsail and Fayetteville 71st played at Laney Tuesday night.  With no shortage of early season drama, both games were knotted at 41 at the end of regulation and were decided in overtime.

Despite playing at home, Topsail’s offense was a bit late finding the gym, but the Pirates rallied and pulled out a 49-47 overtime win over Ashley.  Paced by Will Thomas’ 19 points, the Pirates evened their record at 1-1 and will play at Hoggard on Tuesday.   The Eagles were led by Reid Clark’s 14 points and Xavier James’ 13.   Ashley dips to 0-2 on the young season and will host West Brunswick Monday.

Laney raced out to an early lead, but Fayetteville 71st clawed their way back into the game and despite having a chance to win it in regulation, things weren’t meant to be for Laney, as the Bucs were outscored 10-4 in the overtime period and fell 51-45 in their season opener.

The New Hanover boys’ team was twelve points better than Eastern Wayne, while the Lady Cats rebounded from Saturday’s loss to Jack Britt by topping E. Wayne 68-63.

In other girls action, Ashley topped Topsail, Hoggard downed Kinston 53-44, while 71st bested Laney 65-36.