RED OAK, N.C. — There are plenty of new faces this year for Northern Nash’s boys basketball team, but the one most familiar still towers over his teammates and competitors, both literally and figuratively.

Sophomore C.J. Rosser, rated by some recruiting websites as a top-five player in the country for his age group, had 20 points in a season-opening 82-60 win over East Wake on Monday night.

The Knights led 31-27 at halftime but as they settled in, the result was improved ball movement and easier buckets.

“We’ve got a lot to work on, but for the most part we’re satisfied,” said coach Henry Drake.

Sophomore Kingston Little had 13 points and junior Christian Barnes had 15.

Junior 6-foot-9 post player Chris Silver had 15 as well, and his presence on the low block allowed Rosser, who’s 6-foot-10, to get to his spots on the perimeter.

“We’re going to have a mismatch somewhere with both of them in the ball game,” Drake said.

East Wake, which was also playing in its season opener, had 10 players score in total. Pierre Crespo had 11 points, including three 3s, to lead the Warriors.

Box Score

NN: C.J. Rosser – 20; Kingston Little – 13; Christian Barnes – 15; Chris Silver – 15; Jamiere Harris – 5; Jah’Marzea Williams – 6; Latrail Moore-Brown 8;

EWK: Pierre Crespo – 11; Donovan Midgette – 7; Ben Fox – 4; Mo Cannon – 9; Caden Midgette – 8; Corban Woodard – 9; Jamal Taybron – 3; Eric Johns – 7; Elijah Little – 2; Malachi Harris – 7.