Moore County girls, with no seniors, win TSSAA basketball tournament quarterfinal in OT

MURFREESBORO − Playing in an overtime game in the TSSAA Class 1A state quarterfinals was a moment that wasn't too big for Moore County's young basketball team.

A tough schedule and several close games helped prepare a Lady Raiders squad that has no seniors for that moment.

"I don't know if you would say it's fortunate, but we've played a lot of close games lately," Moore County coach Chad Spencer said following the team's 58-55 overtime win over Clay County Wednesday, advancing to Friday's semifinals at 12:45 p.m. against Greenfield.

"These young ladies, I have all the confidence in them."

Madison Dingler's backdoor assist to Ellie Graham with less than a minute left in regulation tied the game and sent it into overtime, a play that Spencer said was all Dingler's call.

"She did that all on her own," said Spencer.

Down by two early in overtime, junior Katy Fletcher hit perhaps two of the biggest shots in the Lady Raiders' season. She nailed back-to-back 3-pointers to give Moore County a 54-50 lead, and Moore County never trailed again.

"They weren't really guarding me ... backed off a lot," said Fletcher, who scored a game-high 21 points. "(Spencer) kept telling me to shoot it, so I did. I hit one and was feeling it, so I shot another one."

Moore County (26-8) didn't shy away from tough competition this season. The Lady Raiders played Class 2A rivals Summertown and Loretto, as well as tough 3A opponents in Central Magnet and Tullahoma.

"We played Upperman the first game of the season and got the crap beat out of us," Dingler said. "So we adapted, we worked hard at practice, then played a bunch of other (tough) teams like Summertown and Loretto. So, it really prepared us for this moment."

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Moore County has been to the state tournament 10 times since 1992, but has reached the final just twice (1998, 2010). The Lady Raiders are seeking their first state title.

"Every single day," said Graham, when asked how much the young team talks about the history of the program. "It means a lot to be a part of this program. We bring up teams from past years."

Graham, a junior, finished with 17 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks for Moore County. Dingler scored 15 points.

Halle Buford led Clay County (22-11) with 18 points.