LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — Coming into Friday’s district match up against the Fayetteville, Moore County knew they had an opportunity. Three days earlier, the Tigers battled Cornersville in multiple overtimes – narrowly managing a one point win. That’s a prime spot for a hangover game and the Raiderettes pounced on it.
They nearly doubled the Tigers points in the first half and held on down the stretch to earn a 62-43 home district win – securing the number three spot behind Eagleville and Huntland in District 9A play.
The Tigers (7-9, 1-2) came into the game fresh off the overtime win against Cornersville. Moore County came into the Friday match up following a disappointing 46-39 loss to Huntland. Eagleville and Huntland remain tied for the top spot in District 9A with perfect 2-0 records.
Ellie Graham shot seven of 10 for 19 points in the first half
Sophomore Ellie Graham scored all but two of Moore County’s first period points. She swished two from field, two from the perimeter, and another two from the line to put up 12 of the Raiderettes 14 first period points. Fellow sophomore Katy Fletcher added the other basket. At the end of the first stanza, Moore County led Fayetteville 14-7.
Fayetteville swished a trey on their first possession of the second period, then Moore County’s sister act answered when Maecy Fletcher dished to Katy Fletcher underneath for a basket. It ignited a seven-point run for Moore County. With a little over four minutes to play in the second period, Moore County led 21-10.
Fayetteville answered with a quick jumper then Moore County put together another six point run off points from Katy Fletcher and Ellie Graham to make it 27-12.
The Raiderettes went into the locker room with a 27-14 lead.
Tigers get into foul trouble in second half
Moore County kept the momentum going in the third. Senior Paisley Logan scored the first point of the game from the foul line then following a Tiger turnover Madison Dingler went in untouched for a layup. The Tigers turned the ball over, then a patient Logan waited for her moment to drain a 3-point shot.
Fayetteville answered with two quick baskets then the Fletcher duo battled for points again. Katy shot, missed, got her own rebound, then threw to the top of the key. After a time out, Katy passed to Maecy who battled underneath for the shot — drawing the foul. She hit both from the line to make it Moore County 35, Fayetteville 16.
The two teams traded baskets then a Raiderette foul sent a Tiger to the line. She missed and Moore County’s Emily Burks fought to keep possession. One play later, Audrey Harder swished one from the perimeter to build the Moore County lead to 21. The Tigers scored a quick seven point to end the third period but it wasn’t nearly enough. At the end of the third stanza, the good gals in Columbia blue continued to lead, 44-27.
A frustrated Tigers team got into a bit of foul trouble in the final period. Eleven of Moore County’s 17 fourth period points came from the line.
Ellie Graham led for Moore County with 27 points. Maecy (10) and Katy (8) Fletcher combined for another 18 points. Other contributing Raiderettes were Madison Dingler (6), Paisley Logan and Bella Tucker (4 points each) and Audrey Harder (3).
The Raiderettes will play another home district game on Tuesday against Eagleville. With the District 9A Tournament just around the corner, a win over the Eagles could propel them to a tie for second place. Tip off will happen at 6 p.m. •
{The Lynchburg Times is an independently-owned, community newspaper located in Lynchburg, Tennessee the home of The Jack Daniel Distillery. We focus on public service, non-partisan, rural journalism. We cover the Metro Moore County government, local tourism, Moore County schools, high school sports, Motlow State Community College, as well as whiskey industry news and regional and state stories that affect our readers.}