Raiders fall to can’t-miss-from-the-line Richland
9:17 p.m. Feb. 3, 2026
DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor
Richland never blinked at the free-throw line – and that was a difference-maker Tuesday night.
Perfect shooting from the stripe carried Richland past Moore County, 57-47, in a District 9A matchup on Feb. 3, as the home team went a flawless 15-for-15 at the line, including a decisive 12-for-12 in the fourth quarter.
• Raiderettes drop to .500 in District 9A play
Moore County (5-17 overall, 3-3 District 9A) stayed within striking distance for much of the night, but every late rally was answered by Richland, calmly converting free throws down the stretch.
The Raiders trailed by just two after the first quarter, 14-12, with Colton Morey and Cooper Dickey combining for 10 points. Each knocked down a field goal and a 3-pointer as Moore County kept pace early.
Richland edged its lead to 23-19 by halftime, then created separation in the third quarter by outscoring MCHS 16-11 to take a 39-30 advantage into the final period.
The teams traded baskets in the fourth, but Richland’s perfection at the line shut the door on any comeback attempt.
Dickey was one of three Raiders in double figures, scoring 13 points and drilling three 3-pointers. Anderson Sharpe scored 14, including a pair from beyond the arc, while Morey finished with 12 points, two 3-pointers, and seven points in the fourth quarter.
Tristyn Gray added six points, and Deacon Liles chipped in two.
Moore County struggled to match Richland’s efficiency at the stripe, finishing 8-for-16 overall and just 6-for-12 in the fourth quarter.
Jameson Andrews paced Richland with a game-high 16 points, and Kade McCormack added 14 in the win.
The Raiders play host to Cornersville on Thursday for Senior Night.
