MCMS Raiderettes hold off Unity
Visitors miss game-tying free throw with no time remaining
10:06 p.m. Jan. 22, 2026
DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor
On 8th Grade Night, the MCMS Raiderettes survived a tense, low-scoring battle Thursday, Jan. 22, edging Unity 29-28 to improve to 16-1 on the season.
And it was a nail-biter. Moore County was up by three with 10 seconds remaining. Unity inbounded the ball and worked it into the paint, where Adelynn Freeman pushed up a shot and was fouled. The basket was good, but she missed the plus-1 free throw for the chance to force overtime with no time on the clock.
Moore County had to rally from an early deficit after Unity controlled the tempo in the first half. Unity jumped out to a 10-3 lead after the first quarter and carried a 17-10 advantage into halftime. The Raiderettes found their footing after the break, doubling up Unity in the third quarter to pull within 20-16 entering the final period.
The game turned in the fourth quarter behind a strong closing effort from Addison Brandon. She scored eight of her team-high 12 points in the final frame, including a perfect 4-for-4 performance at the free-throw line, as MCMS poured in 13 fourth-quarter points.
Madison Hatfield added six points, including a key 3-pointer, while Sadie Ivey also finished with six points. Maddie Goodwin knocked down a shot from beyond the arc for three points, and Haven Hornaday chipped in two.
MCMS finished 7 of 12 from the free-throw line for the game.
Unity was led by Evvie Bryan, who scored 18 points.
Unity 54, Raiders 26
Unity used a fast start and balanced scoring to pull away from Moore County on Friday night, handing the Raiders a 54-26 loss.
The Lions set the tone early, racing out to a 21-6 advantage after the first quarter and extending the margin to 33-10 by halftime. Moore County showed more offensive rhythm in the third quarter but still trailed 42-22 heading into the final period, as Unity maintained control throughout.
Laken Wade led the Raiders (12-5) with six points. Whit Sumners and Sully Townes chipped in four points apiece, while Jojo Pettygrue also finished with four.
Grayson Hill and Kurt Smith each connected on a 3-pointer for three points, and Sawyer Boyce added two.
Moore County was perfect at the free-throw line, converting all four attempts.
Judson Smith paced Unity with 12 points, including two shots from beyond the arc. Maddox Groce followed with 11 points.
Moore County will close out the regular season Monday night, hosting South Lincoln with tipoff set for 6 p.m.
