Wildcats use size to defeat Rossview, but then stumble against Franklin
The Oak Ridge High School boys basketball team faced tough competition over the holidays, posting mixed results at a Christmas tournament at Centennial High School in Brentwood.
The Wildcats (9-3) split their two-day trip to the Midstate, defeating Rossview 67-51 on Dec. 28 before falling to Franklin 59-47 later that day.
“Rossview is a good team; they qualified for the state tournament in Class 4A last year,” Oak Ridge Coach Aaron Green said. “You want games like this during the holidays. These games will get us ready for the postseason.”
The Wildcats capitalized on their size advantage against Rossview, with all three post players scoring in double figures.
Guard Garrett Giles, who can score from anywhere on the court, led Oak Ridge with 22 points, doing much of his damage in the paint. Cooper Williams added 18 points, and Shamar Greene 10.
“We knew we had a size advantage inside, and we were able to take advantage of that,” Green said.
The Wildcats ended 2024 on a down note with a 59-47 loss to Franklin.
“We had guys who just didn’t play their best,” Green said.
“Franklin is definitely a possible state-tournament team this year,” he said. “They made 11 of 17 shots from three-point range.
“They have the No. 1 player in the state, and he’s going to James Madison,” Green said. “We struggled offensively, and when you don’t defend, that’s what happens.”
Ray Ray Watson led Oak Ridge with 18 points, while Williams added 15.
Oak Ridge was scheduled to host Karns on Tuesday, but results were unavailable at press time.
The Wildcats will travel to Powell on Friday, with tipoff at 7:30 p.m. at Jeff Hunter Gymnasium.
