Oak Ridge Today

Basketball photos: Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats

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Oak Ridge senior guard Khamari Mitchell-Steen (2) drives against Powell during the District 3-AAA championship game at Wildcat Arena on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. (Photo by Zack James/used with permission)

The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats won the District 3-AAA championship with a 52-43 win over Powell on Monday. They advanced to a Region 2-AAA semifinal game with a 67-58 quarterfinal win over Farragut on Friday.

It was the sixth consecutive district championship win for the Lady Wildcats.

Oak Ridge (21-4), which is coached by Paige Taylor, will host Maryville (23-5) in the semifinal game at Wildcat Arena on Monday.

Here are photos from the Monday and Friday games by Zack James and Luther Simmons. (See our story here.)

[Read more…]

Basketball: Lady Wildcats win district championship, defeat Farragut

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The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats won the District 3-AAA championship with a 52-43 win over the Powell Lady Panthers at Wildcat Arena on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. (Photo by Luther Simmons/used with permission)

The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats won the District 3-AAA championship with a 52-43 win over Powell on Monday. They advanced to a Region 2-AAA semifinal game with a 67-58 quarterfinal win over Farragut on Friday.

It was the sixth consecutive district championship win for the Lady Wildcats.

Oak Ridge (21-4), which is coached by Paige Taylor, will host Maryville (23-5) in the semifinal game at Wildcat Arena on Monday.

With their district championship win on Monday, the Lady Wildcats finished first in the District 3-AAA tournament. That meant they played the fourth-place team in District 4, Farragut, in the Region 2 quarterfinal on Friday.

[Read more…]

Volleyball: Oak Ridge eliminated in Region 2 semifinals

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The Oak Ridge volleyball team suffered a season-ending loss at Wildcat Arena on Tuesday night in the Region 2-AAA tournament semifinals.

Farragut, which went on to win the regional championship, defeated the Lady Wildcats in the semifinal elimination game for the second straight year. The Lady Admirals won in straight sets Tuesday: 25-20, 25-20, and 30-28.

That prevented Oak Ridge from moving on the sectional round, the set of games that determine which teams go to the state tournament. Sectionals follow the regional championship games. Win or lose, both teams in each regional championship game move on to sectional games.

“This is such a disappointing way to end what was otherwise a banner year for Oak Ridge volleyball,” Oak Ridge Head Coach David Kolodney said after the Tuesday night semifinal loss, according to information provided by Buzz Patrick, who provides volleyball stories and photos to local news and sports outlets. â€œIn the match that mattered most, we came up very short. We know going into this that it would be tough—Farragut always brings their ‘A’ game in big moments—but we had a good game plan and when we were able to execute it, we were successful.”

[Read more…]

Volleyball: Lady Wildcats win fourth straight district championship

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The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats volleyball team won its fourth consecutive District 4-AAA tournament championship at Bearden High School on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019. (Photo submitted by Buzz Patrick)

The Oak Ridge volleyball team won its fourth consecutive District 4-AAA tournament championship on Thursday.

The Lady Wildcats were undefeated in the district during the regular season, and as a result, they did not have to play in the first round of the district tournament, which was at Bearden High School.

Here is information about the tournament provided by Buzz Patrick:

Oak Ridge faced the number five seed, Karns, in the semifinal match on Thursday, and the Lady Wildcats swept the Lady Beavers in three sets (25-12, 25-15, 25-16) behind the stellar serving of junior Paige Halcrow, who notched seven aces against the Lady Beavers to help the ‘Cats counteract some of their own passing errors.

After a short break, the Lady Wildcats faced the number two seed, West, in the finals. Oak Ridge defeated West for the third time this year (25-22, 25-12, 25-12) to earn the 2019 District 4-AAA tournament championship to accompany their regular season championship.

[Read more…]

Soccer: Wildcats finish second in district, play in region semifinal today

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Oak Ridge played Karns in the District 3-AAA boys soccer championship at Karns on Thursday, May 9, 2019. Pictured above at center is Oak Ridge’s Nathan Kidder (9). (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

Note: This story was last updated at 4:10 p.m.

KARNS—Oak Ridge and Karns met for the second year in a row in the District 3-AAA championship, and the Beavers won for the second year in a row.

Last year is the first time that anyone can remember Karns winning the district soccer championship. That game was played at Oak Ridge, and Karns won 3-2.

This year’s game was played at Karns on Thursday, and the Beavers shut out Oak Ridge 3-0.

Senior striker Edson Castro, who scored the game-winner for Karns last year, scored the first two goals for the Beavers on Thursday. Castro, the leading scorer for Karns, also assisted in the third and final goal.

[Read more…]

Lady Wildcats win fourth straight district championship

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The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats won their fourth straight district basketball championship with a 47-40 win over Campbell County at Karns on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats won their fourth straight district basketball championship with a 47-40 win over Campbell County at Karns on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

KARNS—The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats won their fourth straight district basketball championship with a 47-40 win over Campbell County at Karns on Tuesday.

The girls rallied from a nine-point 24-15 deficit in the second quarter to take a lead that they didn’t give up at the end of the third quarter. The Lady Wildcats outscored the Lady Cougars 10-5 in the final quarter to expand their margin.

Oak Ridge senior Jada Guinn was named most valuable player of the District 3-AAA tournament, which was played at Karns High School. Guinn has been named district tournament MVP three of the past four years: 2016, 2018, and 2019.

“It feels good,” Guinn said after the Tuesday night win. She said the competitive Campbell County game helped prepare Oak Ridge for the next level, which includes the Region 2-AAA tournament that starts today (Friday, February 22). [Read more…]

Football photos by Houchin

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Oak Ridge senior quarterback Herbert Booker (13) scrambles during a 20-14 loss to Farragut on Blankenship Field on Friday, Sept. 7, 2018. (Photo by Barry Houchin)

Oak Ridge senior quarterback Herbert Booker (13) scrambles during a 20-14 loss to Farragut on Blankenship Field on Friday, Sept. 7, 2018. (Photo by Barry Houchin)

 

The Oak Ridge football team is 6-1 so far this season. Here are photos from some of their first seven games, courtesy of Barry Houchin.

Oak Ridge is off this week. They play next at Clinton on Friday, October 12. [Read more…]

Soccer photos: Oak Ridge girls vs. Farragut

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Oak Ridge sophomore Taylor Del Toro (23) scored a goal for the Lady Wildcats late in the second half during a 5-2 win over Farragut at home on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

Oak Ridge sophomore Taylor Del Toro (23) scored a goal for the Lady Wildcats late in the second half during a 5-2 win over Farragut at home on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

Oak Ridge sophomore Taylor Del Toro (23) scored a goal for the Lady Wildcats late in the second half during a 5-2 win over Farragut at home on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

Oak Ridge sophomore Taylor Del Toro (23) scored a goal for the Lady Wildcats late in the second half during a 5-2 win over Farragut at home on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

The Oak Ridge girls defeated Farragut in soccer on Tuesday for the first time since 2008.

The two teams played Tuesday evening at the Pro2Serve Oak Ridge Soccer Complex at Oak Ridge High School. The Lady Wildcats (2-0) won 5-2.

The last time the Oak Ridge girls beat Farragut was in a 3-0 regional semifinal win in 2008.

See more photos from Tuesday’s game below.

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Soccer: Oak Ridge girls defeat Farragut for first time since 2008

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Oak Ridge sophomore Katelyn Mattus (31) is pictured above with freshman Lexi Foley (4) of Farragut during a 5-2 win for the Lady Wildcats at home on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

Oak Ridge sophomore Katelyn Mattus (31) is pictured above with the soccer ball while defended by freshman Lexi Foley (4) of Farragut during a 5-2 win for the Lady Wildcats at home on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

Oak Ridge sophomore Katelyn Mattus (31) is pictured above with freshman Lexi Foley (4) of Farragut during a 5-2 win for the Lady Wildcats at home on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

Oak Ridge sophomore Katelyn Mattus (31) is pictured above with the soccer ball while defended by freshman Lexi Foley (4) of Farragut during a 5-2 win for the Lady Wildcats at home on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

The Oak Ridge girls defeated Farragut in soccer on Tuesday for the first time since 2008.

The two teams played Tuesday evening at the Pro2Serve Soccer Complex at Oak Ridge High School. The Lady Wildcats (2-0) won 5-2.

The last time the Oak Ridge girls beat Farragut was in a 3-0 regional semifinal win in 2008. Since then, they’ve had two ties (in 2009 and 2010), and every other game has ended in a loss, according to the coaching staff.

Oak Ridge senior Kate Hausladen scored two goals for the Lady Wildcats on Tuesday, one in the third minute of the game and the other in the 52nd minute.That last score from Oak Ridge came as Hausladen got behind the defense on a breakaway down the left side of the field and angled a shot across the front of the goal that bounced in off the right post.

Hausladen’s two-goal performance against the Lady Admirals on Tuesday followed a hat trick (three goals) against Knoxville Catholic at home on Thursday, August 16. Oak Ridge won that first regular-season game 4-2.

The Lady Wildcats play Christ Presbyterian Academy of Nashville at home on Saturday. The junior varsity game starts at 4 p.m., and the varsity game begins at 6 p.m.

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See more photos from Tuesday’s game here.

Oak Ridge boys, girls cross country teams both going to state meet

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The Oak Ridge boys and girls cross country teams have both qualified for the state meet in Nashville next Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, finishing third in the Region 2 Large Division Championships at Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville on Thursday, Oct. 26.

The Oak Ridge boys and girls cross country teams have both qualified for the state meet in Nashville next Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, finishing third in the Region 2 Large Division Championships at Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville on Thursday, Oct. 26.

 

The Oak Ridge boys and girls cross country teams have both qualified for the state meet in Nashville on Saturday, and the Wildcats had one runner finish second in the region and another finish fourth on Thursday.

It’s the first time since 2014 that both teams are going to state together.

Both teams finished third in the Region 2 Championships for the Division I Large Division at Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville on Thursday. The top three teams in the regional meets advanced to the state cross country meet at Percy Warner Park in Nashville on Saturday, November 4.

Oak Ridge senior Jose Villegas finished second in the region in the boys 5,000-meter run at Victor Ashe Park on Thursday, and senior Genevieve Schwartz finished fourth in the girls race.

“You always want to get at least one team to state, but ultimately, you want to get both,” Wildcats Coach Ed Wright said after the Region 2 Championships. “Today was a good day.” [Read more…]

Lady Wildcats finish as district runner-up, play Farragut in Region 2 semifinal Tuesday

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Oak Ridge freshman Katelyn Mattus (13) scored four goals in the 5-0 shutout win over Halls in a District 3-AAA semifinal win at the Pro2Serve Oak Ridge Soccer Complex on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. (Photo by Linda Ripley)

Oak Ridge freshman Katelyn Mattus (13) scored four goals during the 5-0 shutout win over Halls in a District 3-AAA semifinal game at the Pro2Serve Oak Ridge Soccer Complex on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. (Photo by Linda Ripley)

 

The Oak Ridge girls’ soccer team finished second in District 3-AAA, and the Lady Wildcats will play Farragut in a Region 2-AAA semifinal game today (Tuesday, October 17).

Today’s game is an elimination game, meaning the season is over for the loser. The winner will be guaranteed at least two more games, the Region 2-AAA championship and a Class AAA sectional game. The sectional games will determine which eight teams will play in the Class AAA state tournament.

The District 3-AAA tournament championship game was Thursday at Powell Middle School. Powell, the top seed in the district tournament, won 6-0. Oak Ridge was the number two seed.

It was the third year in a row that Oak Ridge (10-8-1, 3-1 District 3-AAA) and Powell (13-3-1, 4-0) played for the District 3-AAA championship—and the fourth time in five years. The Lady Wildcats won last year 2-0, and the Lady Panthers defeated Oak Ridge 1-0 in 2015.
[Read more…]

Football: Wildcats improve to 4-2 with win over Sevier County

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Oak Ridge senior linebacker Adarius Simpson (24) makes a tackle against West at home on Blankenship Field on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017. In the background is senior linebacker Cobe Angel (22). (Photo by Luther Simmons)

Oak Ridge senior linebacker Adarius Simpson (24) makes a tackle against West at home on Blankenship Field on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017. In the background is senior linebacker Cobe Angel (22). (Photo by Luther Simmons)

 

The Oak Ridge Wildcats improved to 4-2 for the season with a 30-14 win over Sevier County at home on Blankenship Field on Friday.

The Wildcats are now 2-0 in Region 3-5A. Their remaining four games are all region games.

After their season-opening win at home against Hardin Valley, the Wildcats:

  • lost 28-25 in a non-region game at Dobyns-Bennett in Kingsport on August 25,
  • won 17-15 in their first region game at Campbell County on September 1,
  • were shut out 41-0 at Farraugt, a non-region opponent, on September 8, and
  • won their second region game, 23-13, over West at home on September 15.

The win over Sevier County this past Friday night was the second straight win for the Wildcats.

Here are the four games remaining, all Region 3-5A games:

  • at home against Karns (2-4, 0-3) on Friday, September 29;
  • at home against Clinton (2-3, 0-1) on Friday, October 13;
  • at Powell (5-1, 2-1) on Friday, October 20; and
  • at Fulton (4-1, 2-0) on Friday, October 27.

All games start at 7:30 p.m.

Here are highlights of the season so far: [Read more…]