Sharpe, Dye lead comeback vs. Franklin Co.
8:29 p.m. Jan. 30, 2026
DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor
The Moore County Raiderettes saved their best basketball for the biggest moments Friday night, pulling away in the fourth quarter to secure a 43-37 win over Franklin County during Winterfest at MCHS.
Moore County battled from behind early, trailing 14-8 after the first quarter before tightening up defensively to cut the deficit to 18-17 by halftime. The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter, entering the final period deadlocked at 25.
• Raiders’ hot start fizzles in loss to Franklin Co.
That’s when the Raiderettes (13-7) took control.
Ally Sharpe delivered the decisive spark, scoring seven of her game-high 18 points in the fourth quarter. Sharpe knocked down her second 3-pointer of the night during the closing stretch, helping Moore County create separation in a game that had been tightly contested throughout.
Emma Dye was equally clutch, calmly converting 5 of 6 free throws in the fourth quarter as Franklin County was forced to foul down the stretch. Dye finished with 15 points and went 9-for-10 from the free-throw line overall, anchoring a strong night at the stripe for the Raiderettes.
Bella Tucker added five of her seven points in the final quarter as Moore County outscored Franklin County 18-12 in the fourth to seal the win.
Abbie Bateman (2) and Ellie Carter (1) rounded out the scoring.
The Raiderettes finished 11 of 16 from the free-throw line, a decisive edge in a game where possessions were at a premium.
Gracen Baggett led Franklin County with 16 points.
Moore County will be back on the road Saturday, traveling to Lincoln County for a 6 p.m. tipoff.
