Vikes' shots don't fall in loss to Moore Co.

Clint Fanning and Vann Boyce combined for 30 points to lead the Moore County Raiders to a 56-51 win over the Community Vikings Friday night in Unionville.

The win earned the Raiders a season split with the Vikings (6-18, 4-9 District 9-A).

The first quarter saw three lead changes with the Vikings gaining a 12-11 advantage on the strength of a 3-pointer by Kyle Dyer in the waning seconds.

Fanning poured in eight points in the second frame and the Raider defense held the hosts to just eight points to take a 29-20 lead into the intermission.

"We were playing hard and we were getting some open looks but the shots just wouldn't fall," Community coach Jace Bryant said. "We missed numerous layups and shots close in the paint so I felt like we could turn that around in the second half if the effort was there."

The Pierce boys fueled a comeback by the Vikings with Cody hitting for five points and Logan netting a 3-pointer to pull their squad to within 37-36 as the final period began. Sophomore Jake Leverette contributed four points to the cause.

Moore County went right back to work offensively in the fourth frame with Fanning putting up six points and Boyce supporting the effort with a pair of baskets off offensive rebounds to hold back the Vikings.

The Vikings clawed their way to within three points with a little under three minutes left to play with Logan Pierce scoring five points and freshman Zeke Grissom hitting a trey but the clock became the enemy shortly thereafter.

Forced to foul to preserve the clock, the Purple and Gold sent the Raiders to the line 11 times in the closing minute. The visitors managed to hit six times to close out the scoring.

"Once again, I can't fault the effort by my guys," Bryant said. "We didn't shoot the ball well tonight but we still gave ourselves a shot to win the game.

"I told them after the game that I was proud that they always play hard. Missing shots is part of the game. It is hard to coach effort."

Fanning led the Raiders in scoring with 18 points. He was joined in double figures by Boyce with 12 and J.P. Robinson with 11.

Cody Pierce netted 11 points and Leverette added 10 for the Vikings.

Moore County was 13-of-30 from the free throw line while Community hit 14-of-27 attempts.

Community welcomes Middle Tennessee Christian on Monday night at 7:30 as district play continues.