(13) Clayton got off to a fast start on Friday night, but despite never trailing, the Comets had to hold off a fierce comeback attempt by (4) Jordan in the second round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A state playoffs.

The Comets led by as many as 17 points, but Jordan got the deficit down to a single possession in the final minute. Clayton held on for a 51-47 win, advancing to next week’s third round.

Clayton set the tone in the first quarter. The Comets, led by seven points from Justice Mitchell, scored 14 points in the opening quarter while holding Jordan scoreless.

The Comets led 14-0 after one quarter.

Jordan’s first points of the game came at the 7:09 mark of the second quarter when Rivers Knight buried a three-point shot from the point. The Falcons scored 12 points in the quarter, but Clayton scored 13.

Mitchell and Aiden Smalls each scored four points in the second quarter for the Comets. Smalls got a putback lay up to fall with four seconds left in the half to give Clayton a 27-12 lead at the break.

Jordan found its footing in the third quarter and began chipping away at the Clayton lead.

After being held to just one point in the first half, Julian Lowe scored seven points in the third quarter for the Falcons, including a three-pointer from the corner with 2:41 left to cut the Clayton lead to single digits.

Knight added five more points in the third quarter for the Falcons and Clayton’s lead was cut to 37-27 when the quarter ended.

Jordan accelerated its comeback attempt behind the three-point line in the fourth quarter. Four different players connected on three-point attempts in the fourth quarter, including Duece Sumpter who sank a deep shot with 10 seconds left to get the Falcons within 49-47.

Clayton was able to seal the win at the free throw line though. Andrew Grimes hit two free throws with six seconds left to push the Clayton lead to four points. Grimes was 5-of-6 from the line in the fourth quarter.

Mitchell led all scorers in the game with 18 points for Clayton. Grimes finished with 12 points, while Smalls and Khaleil Walters both scored eight points.

Jordan was led in scoring by Lowe’s 13 points. Knight and Bryce Hill both scored 12 points for the Falcons.

Clayton will travel to (5) Green Level in the third round of the playoffs on Tuesday night. The Gators defeated Leesville Road 64-47 in the second round.