By Tabitha Evans Moore, EDITOR & PUBLISHER
The Moore County Raiderettes continue on their post season run with a Region 5A Semifinal game tonight against the Cornersville Lady Bulldog at Richland High School. Tip off of that game will take place at 6 p.m.
Cornersville comes into the game fresh off a 45-30 win over Huntland to advance. Moore County beat Culleoka 57-24 on Friday to earn their spot in the Regional Semifinal game.
Cornersville peaking at the right time
It will be the second meeting this season for the two teams. Moore County beat Cornersville 54-12 in the Cornersville Thanksgiving Classic on November 21. But don’t let that score deceive you, the Lady Bulldog are a good team, who seem to be peaking at the right time.
Following a couple of early season missteps, they went on to a 16-9 overall record and a 6-2 District 10 record. They sat just behind the perfect 8-0 Richland Lady Raiders at the end of the regular season. In the post season, they beat Culleoka 44-24 in a District Semifinal game and narrowly lost to Richland in the District 10A Championship game, 38-36.
The Lady Raiders had Cornersville number during the regular season – winning both games. But in a game for the district crown, Cornersville dominated in the first half and trailed Richland by one at halftime. Richland woke up in the fourth quarter – scoring 17 points after only scoring 21 in the first three periods.
Moore County finished the regular season 22-8 and in the top spot in District 9A. In the post season, they beat Fayetteville 59-9 in the District 9A Semifinal game and beat Eagleville 40-37 to earn the district crown.
To view the TSSAA Class 1A bracket, click here.
Hot behind the line and opportunistic defensively
But Moore County is also peaking at the right time. They’ve played smart, opportunistic defense for the last three games. They’ve also gotten hot – especially from the perimeter. Junior Anna Harder approached the MCHS single game record against Culleoka with six.
Ellie Graham and Katy Fletcher are usually offensive top scorers but as of late, it’s their defensive play that’s gotten our attention. Both have stolen balls, blocked shots, and deflected passes in the past several games. They’ve also rebounded like crazy and waited patiently for opportunities at put back points. Those rebounds have been game changers. Not as flashy but just as effective is Audrey Harder. She’s an equal threat behind the perimeter and plays methodical, pressure defense.
And then there’s Madison Dingler. She’s been money for the past couple of games. The Raiderette point guard went to the line and made six of nine in the final minute of the District 9A Championship game. She also led in the District 9A Semifinal game against Fayetteville with 12 points.
The Raiderettes missed their shot at the Region 5A Championship game last year with a 69-47 loss to Wayne County. They’ll be itching for a win against Cornersville to advance for a chance at this year’s Regional Final.
Tip off in Richland will happen at 6 p.m. Your can watch the Moore County’s Sports Network broadcast of the game on the NFHS network or The Times will live blog the game on our Facebook page. •
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