The O'Neal girls' basketball team scored the first 19 points of the contest on the way to a 61-25 win over visiting Harrell's Christian Academy Friday.

In the boys' contest, the Falcons fell 39-31 to the visitors in the nightcap. O'Neal stated close despite missing three starters, including leading scorer Stephen Clark. Chris Payton scored 12 to lead the Falcons (3-12), while Whit Solomon scored a game-high 16 for the Crusaders (7-4).

Syd McIIwain had 17 points and Jennie Joy 16 to pace the Falcon girls (11-4).

Vikes Battle for First

At Western Harnett, the Union Pines Vikings had a couple of important Cape Fear Valley Conference showdowns. The Viking boys picked up a 69-59 win while the girls dropped a 64-52 contest to Western Harnett.

In the boys' battle, the Vikings rode 17 points each from Jon Toomer and Stefan Demirvic to stay in contention for first place in the conference standings. Union Pines is now 5-1 (9-7 overall) in the conference. Southern Lee (4-1) was playing Overhills (5-0) in a key conference clash. Chris Henderson added 11 points for the Vikes, including eight in the second quarter before getting into foul trouble.

In the girls' game, the Vikings also were in a battle for first place, but had a tall order against Western Harnett, undefeated and fourth-ranked 3-A team in the state. Western Harnett (6-0, 17-0) roared to a 28-point third-quarter lead. The Vikings (5-1, 12-4) came back to make a game of it in the fourth-quarter.

North Moore Splits

North Moore split a doubleheader with visiting Thomasville in Yadkin Valley Conference basketball action Friday.

The Mustang girls defeated the visitors 58-44 while the boys lost 54-32.