Lady Wildcats clinch district crown, focus turns to Region 2–4A tournament
Oak Ridge High School’s girls basketball team capped a flawless District 3-4A campaign Monday night.
The team added a new title to its trophy case with a 64–49 win over Campbell County at Karns High School.
The Lady Wildcats (26–3 overall) notched another district tournament championship after posting a perfect 10–0 regular-season league record.
As the top seed, the Wildcats earned a first-round bye and an automatic bid to the Region 2–4A tournament. They will host Maryville Friday night at Wildcat Arena with tipoff at 7 p.m.
Oak Ridge advanced with ease in its postseason opener Friday, thrashing Powell 76–32.
After allowing the first basket, a short-range field goal by Lady Panther Peyton Richmond, the Wildcats ignited a 13–0 run.
Although Powell managed to get back into the game, Oak Ridge held an 18–10 lead at the end of the first quarter, using five long-range jumpers and three free throws.
“We shot the ball well from outside early,” Coach Paige Taylor said.
“I think we made four or five three-pointers early and didn’t make any two-pointers. When we make shots, it gets us into our press and forces turnovers. It was a great overall team win; we played well offensively and defensively.”
Relying on full-court defense and timely baskets, the Wildcats extended their lead to 43–20 by halftime.
Then Oak Ridge left little doubt about the outcome, erupting in the third quarter by outscoring Powell 22–3.
District 3-4A Player of the Year and senior guard Ayana Porter led the charge with 27 points, while Ze’Yana Stewart added 15.
Jenna Johnson, one of the area’s top inside players, chipped in nine points, all from beyond the three-point line, and grabbed six rebounds.
Porter finished with six steals and five rebounds, and Stewart recorded six steals and four rebounds.
With the district championship secured, the Lady Wildcats have earned the right to host the Region 2–4A tournament.
