Wildcats set for state clash against Walker Valley

March 19, 2025 by Ken Lay

While many of their classmates enjoy spring break, the Oak Ridge High School boys basketball team is preparing for its biggest week of the season.

The Wildcats, who captured both the District 3-4A regular-season and tournament championships before winning the Region 2-4A title, are headed to Murfreesboro to compete on the state’s grand stage.

Oak Ridge (29-3) punched its ticket to the state tournament with a nail-biting 51-50 victory over Sevier County in the state sectionals Monday, March 10, at Wildcat Arena.

The Wildcats last reached the state tournament in 2021, going to the semifinals.

They will open state play Thursday against a familiar foe, taking on Walker Valley (30-4) at Middle Tennessee State University’s Murphy Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET.

The two teams met earlier this season, with Oak Ridge rolling to an 88-70 win on Feb. 3 at home.

Veteran Wildcats Coach Aaron Green is treating the matchup like any other.

“We played Walker Valley once, but it’s not about who we’ve played or whether we won or lost,” Green said. “And we aren’t going to be satisfied just being there. We’ve still got work to do.

“It’s interesting — after the regular season, you go into the district tournament,” he said. “You have to reset, and you’re 0-0 again. It’s win or go home. Then in the region tournament, you’re 0-0 again, and it’s win or go home.

“We were fortunate to win the region, and this year, I thought our region was the toughest in the state,” Green said. “It was as tough as it has ever been since I’ve been at Oak Ridge. Then, in the sectional, you’re 0-0 again, and you have to win that.”

The Wildcats have embraced the elimination mindset since the postseason began in late February.

“We’ve approached every round like we’re starting from scratch,” Green said. “That’s been our mentality since the district tournament.”