Raiderettes’ District 9A Tournament Preview
5:07 p.m. Feb. 18, 2026
DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor
The Moore County Raiderettes will host Cornersville at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, in the District 9A Tournament at Moore County High School. The rematch presents a chance for the Raiderettes to avenge both earlier losses to the Lady Bulldogs this season and gain momentum heading deeper into postseason play.
Cornersville enters as the No. 2 seed (23-4 overall, 6-2 in district), while MCHS is the third seed (15-9, 4-4).
Season Matchups Recap
Jan. 20 at Cornersville – 56-49 loss
In the first meeting, Cornersville’s physicality and dominance at the line were decisive factors in a 56-49 victory for the Lady Bulldogs. Cornersville opened the game with a 15-4 first-quarter lead and led 27-11 at halftime, forcing Moore County into rally mode.
The Raiderettes responded with a 21-point third quarter, cutting the margin to 39-32 heading into the fourth period. However, the game was ultimately decided by Cornersville’s advantage at the free-throw line – Cornersville attempted 39 free throws, converting 25 (nearly half of its points), while Moore County went 4-of-9 from the line.
The Raiders were whistled for 29 fouls, including 19 in the second half, and three players fouled out.
The Raiderettes were led by Emma Dye with 11 points, including a 3-pointer. She was the only MCHS player in double figures.
Cornersville’s Emma Kate Dunivan led all scorers with 22 points, including a 7-for-13 night from the stripe.
Feb. 6 at MCHS – 41-37 loss
The second meeting, on Senior Night at MCHS, was a tightly contested game that slipped away in the final minutes.
Moore County built an early 12-5 edge behind Abbie Bateman’s offensive burst and held a 21-12 halftime lead, but Cornersville chipped away in the second half and took control in the fourth quarter. Moore County managed just four points in the final period while Cornersville pulled ahead for a 41-37 win.
Camile Franklin scored six of her game-high 15 points down the stretch to punctuate Cornersville’s comeback.
Ally Sharpe and Bateman led the Raiderettes with nine points each in the loss, and Moore County finished 4-of-8 at the free-throw line.
What to Watch Thursday Night
• Free-Throw Battle: Cornersville’s advantage at the foul line in the first meeting was decisive. Moore County must avoid early foul trouble and let Cornersville rack up free throws again – particularly in the second half – if it hopes to stay within striking distance. Consistency at the line and disciplined defense without fouling will be critical.
• Early Momentum and Defense: In both games, Cornersville jumped ahead early or closed aggressively, forcing Moore County to play catch-up. Controlling tempo from the opening tip and making defensive stops before the scoreboard gets out of hand will be key.
• Balanced Scoring and Secondary Production: The Raiderettes have shown the ability to score in bursts – particularly in the third quarter of their first meeting – but will need contributions from beyond their top two scorers to overcome Cornersville’s physical front line.
The winner advances to play either top-seeded Richland or No. 5 Fayetteville at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23.
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