Nash Central 59, 66----North Johnston 29, 66

What happened: The Bulldogs opened the season the right way for both squads Tuesday night. Neither team was really challenged, which allowed Terri Cash and Renny Taylor to work deep in their respective benches.

Nine different players scored for Taylor’s boys’ team, while eight scored for Cash and the Lady Bulldogs. Only eight players failed to score for the two teams, which have 25 players on their combined varsity rosters.

Why it happened: While both teams cruised to easy victories, they did so in different fashions. For the boys, defense led to offense and transition points were aplenty. The girls utilized second-chance opportunities.

But both keyed on one player.

Timyra Staton was strong inside and should be for the rest of the season. It’s only one game, but she could be an early All-Area candidate. Meanwhile, Nathaniel Pittman shined above all the other Bulldogs. Pittman was key in Nash Central’s zone defense, and his size and speed will make him a tough assignment with the ball in his hands.