Jaylin Henderson scores with about two minutes left in the first half, helping to lead the Oak Ridge Wildcats to a 61-45 win over the Sevier County Smoky Bears in a sectional game at Wildcat Arena on Monday.
Defense and a team effort propelled Oak Ridge past the Sevier County Smoky Bears on Monday, sending the Wildcats basketball team to the state tournament for the first time since 2007.
The final score was 61-45.
Oak Ridge (28-5) will find out who they play in Murfreesboro next week during a drawing on Saturday.
Oak Ridge Wildcats coach Aaron Green said the team didn’t play as well as it could have, but its defensive play was key to Monday night’s win in a packed, raucous Wildcat Arena.
“It was a total team effort,” Green said as exuberant Oak Ridge students danced and cheered at half-court after the game. “What an atmosphere, what a game.”
Despite the score, he gave credit to the Smoky Bears (28-6), saying they were well-coached and had had a tremendous year.
The Wildcats won a regional championship game 71-54 over the Maryville Rebels on Thursday night.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
Aaron Wells says
Great game by the Cats! They are the team to beat in the State Tourney.
John Huotari says
Definitely an exciting game to watch.