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In its Class 2A state play-off opener at home on Tuesday, #7 Hertford County defeated #26 James Kenan, 76-55. Shimere Garris (25 points), Rimiez Williams (17), and Keveon Rodgers (15) led the effort for HCHS.

The Bears advance to host #10 Franklin Academy on Feb. 29. Franklin Academy edged Louisburg, 62-59, in Tuesday’s opening round.

In Class 1A Boys play, #11 Bertie powered past #22 KIPP Pride, 68-38, at home on Tuesday. No game stats were available.

The Falcons will travel to meet #6 West Columbus on Thursday, a 71-33 first round winner against #27 Columbia.

Gates County’s girls won their state play-off opener on Tuesday night as the #11 Lady Barons defeated #22 Weldon, 61-37. London Barber poured in a game-high 24 points to lead the way while Kyndall Banks added 10 points.

GCHS moves to Thursday’s second round where they will hit the road to take on #6 Union, a 59-52 winner vs. #27 Neuse on Tuesday.

The Hertford County girls and the Bertie girls saw their respective seasons come to an end during Tuesday’s opening round play.

The Lady Bears, seeded at #17, dropped a 59-47 decision at #16 Southeast Alamance.

Bertie’s girls were seeded 23^rd and lost at #10 Pamlico, 54-38.