SPORTS

Oak Ridge teams advance in Region Tourney

Carmen Roberts
Oakridger
Oak Ridge's Kell Slater (11) dribbles the ball during a game between Clinton and Oak Ridge in Clinton, Tenn. on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022. Oak Ridge beat Hardin Valley Saturday night, Feb. 26, in the Region 2 AAAA Tournament.

Oak Ridge got off to a fast start for a dominating performance against Hardin Valley with a 72-55 win to advance in the Region 2 AAAA Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Wildcat Arena.

Oak Ridge led 26-15 against Hardin Valley after one quarter, knocking down five 3-pointers to Hardin Valley's six. The Wildcats had a big 41-28 lead going into halftime.

Oak Ridge's Lucas Searcy (2) dribbles around Clinton's Jeremiah Blauvelt (2) during a game between Clinton and Oak Ridge in Clinton, Tenn. on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022. Oak Ridge beat Hardin Valley Saturday night, Feb. 26, in the Region 2 AAAA Tournament.

Oak Ridge senior Lucas Searcy hit the 100th three-pointer in his career and scored his 700th career point in this game. Searcy went on to score 19 points Saturday night. Jamison Uptgraft also had 19 points.

Oak Ridge led the entire game, going ahead more than 20 points during the game. The Wildcats are in search of their 21st Region Title.

"We didn't play our best game, but I told the boys that I would rather not play well and win ... than play great and lose. Focus on what got you here and have fun," Oak Ridge head coach Aaron Green said. "Good win, proud of our guys and we have to get ready and prepare well for the next game." 

Next, The Wildcats will advance in the Tournament to play Bearden at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, at Farragut.

"We have a big game against Bearden on Tuesday. We have to put it together and develop a good game plan for a good team," Green said.

Oak Ridge's Ze'Yana Stewart (5) shoots the ball during a game between Clinton and Oak Ridge in Clinton, Tenn. on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022. The Lady Wildcats beat William Blount Friday night, Feb. 25, 2022, in the Region 2 AAAA Tournament.

Lady Wildcats win a slugfest, 51-42

After a slow start, the Lady Wildcats finally got it going after a 3-pointer by Semaj Clark late in the third quarter to spark them to a 51-42 win against William Blount on Friday, Feb. 25, in Oak Ridge to advance in the Region 2 AAAA Tournament.

Nothing was falling for the Lady Wildcats and they trailed behind William Blount 15-8 after one quarter. Oak Ridge fought their way to a 20-18 lead going into the locker room at halftime.

The Lady Wildcats just couldn't get anything going until Clark sank that 3-pointer late in the third quarter. This shot seemed to change the momentum of the game. Oak Ridge's defensive press took the wind out of William Blount's sails and opened up the scoring for the Lady Wildcats.

"I was honest with the girls and told them that if we lose, we go home," Oak Ridge head coach Paige Taylor said.

Oak Ridge took over the lead to start the fourth quarter and finished strong to win their 20th game of the season and advance in the single elimination Region 2 AAAA Tournament. 

Oak Ridge's Kannon Green (24) dribbles down the court as Clinton's Allie York (2) defends during a game between Clinton and Oak Ridge in Clinton, Tenn. on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022. The Lady Wildcats beat William Blount on Friday night, Feb. 25, in the Region 2 AAAA Tournament in Oak Ridge High School's Wildcat Arena.

"I am proud of the fight that the girls showed. You get down and you could quit, but we didn't. We dug ourselves out of a hole and it took a total team effort," Taylor said.

Oak Ridge defeated William Blount 51-42 and will move on to play the Farragut Admirals at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28, at Bearden High School. Farragut defeated Campbell County.

"We can't afford to have a slow start like we did tonight against Farragut. I anticipate that they are coming after us and they can shoot the ball well," Taylor said.

Clark led all scoring with 13 points, Jenna Johnson had 10, Ze’Yana Stewart had 9, Dimitria Strickland had 8, Gracie Hearon had 5, Ayanna Porter 3 and Loren Hart had 3.