Oak Ridge Today

Dowdell again leads Lady Wildcats over Science Hill

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Oak Ridge junior Mykia Dowdell (34) had a game-high 14 points during a 57-36 win over Science Hill in the Champion Chevrolet Shootout at Science Hill High School in Johnson City on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016. (Photo by Robert Kell)

 

JOHNSON CITY—Oak Ridge junior Mykia Dowdell again led the Lady Wildcats to a win over Science Hill.

Last year, Dowdell scored 18 in the 49-32 Oak Ridge win over the Lady Hilltoppers at Wildcat Arena.

This year, she scored a game-high 14 points against Science Hill in the Champion Chevrolet Shootout at Science Hill High School in Johnson City on Saturday. This year, the Lady Wildcats (10-1, 5-0 District 3-AAA) won 57-36.

It was the Lady Wildcats’ second win of the Champion Chevrolet Shootout. They also beat Cleveland 69-35 on Friday. [Read more…]

Young Lady Wildcats, first-year coach advance to state championship

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The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats celebrate a 38-31 Class AAA semifinal win over Bradley Central in the state basketball tournament in Murfreesboro on Friday, March 11, 2016. (Photo by Paul Ward)

 

Note: This story was last updated at 3:40 p.m.

First-year Oak Ridge Coach Paige Green and her young Lady Wildcats advanced to the state basketball championship game on Saturday after beating Bradley Central 38-31 in a Class AAA semifinal game in Murfreesboro on Friday.

It was a success story that few, if any, had predicted. Wildcats broadcasters called it a “miraculous journey” and a “Cinderella run.”

The Lady Wildcats were led by sophomore Mykia Dowdell with 15 points, nine rebounds, and two steals. Freshman Jada Guinn had nine points, two rebounds, and two assists, and sophomore Jaymi Golden added eight points, including late free throws that helped seal the win.

Oak Ridge (30-4) trailed by as many as eight points in the third quarter, but they rallied starting late in that quarter and continuing through the fourth to knock off Bradley Central (32-4). The Lady Wildcats took a 26-25 lead with about 3.5 minutes left in the game on a feed across the lane from Golden to Guinn, who scored a layup.
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Lady Wildcats: Great first half, Hembry ‘stepped up huge’ in second

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Oak Ridge Coach Paige Green said sophomore Jasmine Hembry (42), with back to camera, “stepped up huge” for the Lady Wildcats in the second half of a 63-42 win over Powell at Wildcat Arena on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

The Lady Wildcats had a great first half, on both offense and defense, and sophomore Jasmine Hembry “stepped up huge” for Oak Ridge in the second half, Coach Paige Green said after a Thursday night 63-42 win over Powell.

“Offensively, we were strong,” Green said. “We took it to the defense.”

After a Tuesday night game against Anderson County, Green had said she wants her team to take shots or take the ball to the basket, even if players have their shots blocked or pick up an offensive charge.

“We’ve got to have the scoring mentality,” Green said then.

On Thursday, the Lady Wildcats (18-3, 12-0 District 3-AAA) appeared to respond. They led 36-17 at halftime, and they made 10 of 11 free throws in the first half. [Read more…]

Lady Wildcats hold Central to 11 points, a record low

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The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats basketball team, pictured above during an earlier game, held Central to 11 points on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016. (File photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats held Central to 11 points on Tuesday in a 64-11 win, a new record for least points allowed.

The previous record for least points allowed was 14, which is what the 1999 team allowed Alcoa, broadcaster David Clary said.

At 10-0, the Lady Wildcats remain undefeated atop District 3-AAA, and they have an overall record of 16-3. Central is last in the district at 0-9 and 2-16 overall.

The Wildcats and Lady Wildcats swept Clinton and Central in the past week. [Read more…]

Lady Wildcats end seven-game losing streak to Powell with 55-43 win

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Oak Ridge sophomore post Mykia Dowdell (34) scored a game-high 21 points for the Lady Wildcats during a 55-43 win at Powell on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

POWELL—The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats ended a seven-game losing streak to Powell with a 55-43 win over the Lady Panthers on Tuesday.

Oak Ridge was led by sophomore Mykia Dowdell, who tied her season high of 21 points. Dowdell got off to a hot start, scoring eight points in the first quarter.

Lady Wildcats Coach Paige Green said the girls played four quarters of basketball and kept their composure, even when Powell narrowed the lead. The score at halftime was 27-24, but Oak Ridge (5-2, 3-0 District 3-AAA) was able to widen it in the second half.

“Our defense was huge in the fourth quarter,” Green said. The Lady Wildcats were also able to get the ball inside to Dowdell and attack the rim, she said. [Read more…]

Playing for team, Middleton scores 18, rebounds 15 in blowout over Central

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Playing for his team, senior post Darel Middleton (33) had one of his best games as an Oak Ridge Wildcat, scoring 18 points and picking up 15 rebounds during a 94-66 win over Central on Friday, Dec. 4, 2015. (Photo by Julio Culiat)

 

Note: This story was last updated at 11:30 p.m.

Playing for his team, senior Darel Middleton had one of his best games as an Oak Ridge Wildcat, scoring 18 points and picking up 15 rebounds during a 94-66 win over Central on Friday.

It was the most memorable performance by Middleton, a 6-foot-6 post, since he scored 14 points and pulled down 10 rebounds against Memphis East in the state quarterfinal game in March.

“I just felt like I owed my team,” said Middleton, who said he’s gotten into a little trouble this year. “I gave them my all tonight and from now on.”

Oak Ridge Coach Aaron Green said Middleton is playing a lot harder this year than he did last year.

“He played well,” Green said. “He’s been playing well.” [Read more…]

Fans ask for dunks, Mitchell gives them two

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Ted Mitchell of the Oak Ridge Wildcats Dunks Against Gibbs

All year, fans had been asking senior guard Ted Mitchell (4) of the Oak Ridge Wildcats to dunk the ball, and Tuesday night, he obliged. Mitchell dunked twice in his last regular-season home game at Wildcat Arena. (Photo by Melissa Livesey)

 

All year, fans have been asking Ted Mitchell to dunk it. On Tuesday, the senior gave the fans what they wanted—and more. He dunked the ball twice in his last regular-season home game at Wildcat Arena.

It was a dramatic finish in a high school career that included trips last year to the state championship game in basketball and the state quarterfinal game in football. The Wildcats’ basketball team finished first in District 3-AAA this year and will advance to the playoffs.

Mitchell, who has plans to play football in college, was the only senior to play for the Wildcats on either the boys’ or girls’ team at home on Senior Night against the Gibbs Eagles on Tuesday.

Here’s more on those games from freelance contributor Trenton Duffer:

Oak Ridge celebrates Senior Night with two victories over Gibbs

Tuesday night, the Oak Ridge Wildcats and Lady Wildcats celebrated Senior Night in the home finale at Wildcat Arena. However, only one senior would be playing his last game in the arena: Ted Mitchell. In some ways, it seemed like “Ted Mitchell Night,” as both sets of Wildcats rolled to easy victories over the Gibbs Eagles and Lady Eagles. Neither set of Eagles had the lead the entire night.

Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats Mykia Dowdell against Gibbs Eagles

Freshman Mykia Dowdell (34) had 15 points against the Gibbs Eagles on Tuesday at Wildcat Arena. (Photo by Luther Simmons)

 

Lady Wildcats Stomp Lady Eagles

The Lady Wildcats (17-9, 12-3 District 3-AAA) were the first up to play, and they did not disappoint. The Lady Wildcats would go on to crush the Gibbs Lady Eagles (6-18, 5-10) by a score of 65-29. A one-two punch of offense and defense helped the Lady Wildcats walk away with this victory unscathed.

The first quarter was actually very close. Within the first 1:30, Oak Ridge jumped out to an 11-2 lead before the Lady Eagles came storming back, making it 18-14 after one quarter. [Read more…]

Oak Ridge knocks out Knox Central on Autism Awareness Night

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Hoops for Autism at Wildcat Arena

The student section holds up a poster for autism awareness during Hoops for Autism on Friday night during the Oak Ridge and Central basketball game at Wildcat Arena. (Photo by Trenton Duffer)

 

The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats and Wildcats battled the Knox Central Lady Bobcats and Bobcats on Friday night in Wildcat Arena. Both sets of Wildcats left their home stage victorious against their district rivals on Autism Awareness Night.

Lady Wildcat head coach David Scott discussed Autism Awareness Night and its significance after the game.

“It’s part of our responsibility to get the word out,” Scott said. “We’ve been blessed in Oak Ridge. We have some great teachers and therapists…It’s (autism) a number that’s going up and not going down. The more word we can get out there that the autism spectrum is so large…There’s a lot to it, and no two are the same. Anytime we can get the word out, we appreciate that opportunity. To have people respond really means a lot to us.”

At the halftime of each game, fans were encouraged to come down to the court and pay $1 for a half-court shot contest. These proceeds are going to autism awareness foundations.

Lady Wildcats keep Lady Bobcats winless with physical play

The Lady Wildcats of Oak Ridge improved to 88-1 all-time against the Knox Central Lady Bobcats (0-22, 0-14 District 3-AAA) on Friday night by defeating Central 64-26. Oak Ridge could do no wrong in this game. [Read more…]

Wildcats roll to victory at Campbell County; Lady Wildcats lose nail-biter

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JACKSBORO—The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats and Wildcats made the long trip to Campbell County Tuesday night for their matchup against the Lady Cougars and Cougars. While the boys rolled to an easy 78-47 victory, the girls came up just short of beating the Lady Cougars, losing 47-46 in a nail-biter.

Lady Wildcats stunned by Lady Cougars

The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats (15-9, 10-3 District 3-AAA) were beaten last night by the Campbell County Lady Cougars 47-46 in a game that had the entire crowd on edge. The Oak Ridge crowd really seemed to be after the officials all night, as they made many questionable calls in the game.

“Those refs were brutal,” said one fan. “It seemed they were out to get us.”

Controversial calls aside, the Lady Wildcats just couldn’t muster up enough at the end to come back for the victory. The loss marks the 16th time in the schools’ series history that Campbell County has been victorious over the Lady Wildcats. [Read more…]

Wildcats clinch district in rout of Anderson County

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Oak Ridge Wildcats Darel Middleton and Anderson County

Oak Ridge junior center Darel Middleton (33) had 14 points and a dunk as the Wildcats clinched the regular-season district championship in a 73-51 rout of Anderson County on Friday night, January 23. (Photos by Melissa Livesey)

 

Lady Wildcats overcome halftime deficit to upend Lady Mavericks

The Oak Ridge Wildcats clinched the regular-season district championship against Anderson County on Friday, and the Lady Wildcats continued their fight for first place. Both teams won their match-ups against Anderson County at home in Wildcat Arena.

Foul trouble was a main factor in both games, and the ability to overcome that played a major factor for Oak Ridge.

Girls’ team

The ladies were the first up to play, and they did not disappoint. The Lady Wildcats came back from a 12-point deficit at the half to win the game 43-39. A late three and some extra free throws by Oak Ridge proved to be the dagger for the Lady Mavericks.

Anderson County seemed to be all over the Lady Wildcats early. The Lady Mavericks jumped out to an early 16-10 lead after one quarter of play. Oak Ridge (15-8, 10-2 District 3-AAA) would then come out in the second quarter and score only four points. [Read more…]

Wildcats, Lady Wildcats extinguish Dragons

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Oak Ridge Wildcats Tee Higgins Dunk

Sophomore Tee Higgins (5) of Oak Ridge had two dunks in the first quarter and led the Wildcats with 14 points against the Clinton Dragons at Wildcat Arena on Tuesday. (Photos by Melissa Livesey)

 

Eleven miles is all that separates the bitter rivalry between the Oak Ridge Wildcats and the Clinton Dragons. However, since 1990 the rivalry has been nothing but Oak Ridge. For 57 straight games, Oak Ridge has bested Clinton on the basketball court, and Tuesday night was no different for the Wildcats and Lady Wildcats. Both teams went on to soundly defeat their opponents.

Girls’ game

The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats were the first matchup of the night. Clinton’s players and coaches were pumped up before and during the entire game, and it was obvious that they had upset on the mind. However, thanks to a strong fourth quarter, the Lady Wildcats were able to defeat the Lady Dragons by a solid score of 65-54.

Clinton actually jumped out to an early lead on Oak Ridge. With a little less than 5:20 left in the first quarter, the Lady Dragons had an 8-1 lead. However, the Lady Wildcats fought back to a 10-8 lead thanks to a three-pointer by Jasmine Hembry with 3:51 left in the first quarter. Hembry would finish with 14 points, which was second on the team. After fighting back and forth, Oak Ridge would score a basket with :20 seconds left, and the score after one quarter was 15-13. [Read more…]

Dowdell scores 27 as Lady Wildcats beat Halls 82-41

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Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats Mykia Dowdell

Freshman post Mykia Dowdell (34) had 27 points for the Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats in a 82-41 win over the Halls Red Devils on Friday night. (Photos by Luther Simmons)

 

Freshman post Mykia Dowdell scored 27 points for Oak Ridge as the Lady Wildcats opened up a large lead in the second half of a 82-41 win over the Halls Lady Red Devils on Friday night.

The game was closer at halftime, when the Lady Wildcats were up 30-24. Dowdell led all scorers then with 11 points.

But Oak Ridge’s rebounding and defense improved in the second half, and the teamwork was better, Oak Ridge coach David Scott said. The Lady Wildcats scored 52 points in the second half alone.

Other leading scorers on Friday were Caelyn Thompson with 14 points, Princess Bates with 12, Courtney Ellison with 10, Jas Hembry with nine, and Destiny Kassner with seven. [Read more…]