Raiders pull away late, hold off Fayetteville
9:13 p.m. Jan. 29, 2026
DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor
Moore County built a steady lead through three quarters and made just enough shots from the free-throw line down the stretch to secure a 62-56 District 9A win over Fayetteville on Thursday night.
The Raiders, now 5-14 overall and 3-2 in district play, led wire-to-wire but had to fend off a determined Fayetteville push in the fourth quarter.
• Raiderettes thump Fayetteville in District clash
Moore County edged ahead 16-13 after the first quarter, with Colton Morey providing an early spark by scoring eight of his 16 points in the opening frame.
The Raiders led 31-26 at halftime and extended the lead to 49-38 in the third quarter, entering the final period with an 11-point advantage.
Anderson Sharpe took over in the second half, scoring 13 of his team-high 20 points – which included three 3-pointers – after the break.
The Raiders sealed the win at the free-throw line, converting 6 of 9 attempts in the fourth quarter and finishing 8 of 15 from the stripe for the game.
Cooper Dickey and Tristyn Gray added nine points apiece, while Knox Hall and Deacon Liles each scored three. Braylynn Hill chipped in two points to round out the scoring.
Fayetteville was led by Jayden Thomas, who poured in a game-high 25 points. Anderson DeHart added 12 for the Tigers.
The Raiders return to action Friday night, hosting Franklin County as part of Winterfest festivities, which begin at 5 p.m. Moore County will then travel to Lincoln County on Saturday.
