By Tabitha Evans Moore | EDITOR & PUBLISHER

FAYETTEVILLE — It rained threes on Friday in Fayetteville as the Moore County Raiders scored half of their 54 points from the perimeter to lift them to their first district win of the 2024-25 season. The Raiders came into the game with a 2-12 overall record and 0-1 record in district play. They lost to Eagleville on January 9 by a final of 62-30.

{Editor’s Note: This year’s Raiders basketball coverage is free to all readers thanks to our community partner, Woodard’s Market.}

Second half free throws and perimeters shots seal the win

Moore County and Fayetteville matched each other nearly point-for-point on Friday with the Tigers edging the Raiders by a single free throw in the first eight minutes. The score at the end of the first quarter was Raiders 7, Tigers 8. However, ace perimeter shooting by Fayetteville’s Shannon Hobbs and Bruce Carter helped lift the Tigers to a 29-22 halftime advantage.

Moore County came out of the break swinging – putting up 17 while holding the Tigers to just six points. Colton Morey and Jay Sparkman swished two treys each to help Moore County gain the lead 39-35, going into the final quarter.

Though there were several lead changes in the fourth, Moore County battled from the perimeter and from the line to earn the 54-47 district win.

Wise, Sparkman combine for 29 points

Gavin Wise led for Moore County with 15 points followed closely by Jay Sparkman with 14 points. Colton Morey added three second half treys for nine points. Other Raiders who contributed to the win were: Cooper Dickey (6), Peyton Martin (6), Brantley Hill (3) and Tristyn Gray (1).

Moore County scored 20 points from the floor and another 27 from the perimeter. The Raiders were just seven of 29 (24 percent from the free throw line).

Tuesday’s game will tip off at Moore County High School. The girls’ action begins at 6 p.m. and the boys’ game will follow. •

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