Wildcats seek spark as season tees off
As Scott Hinton prepares for his fourth season as Oak Ridge High School’s golf coach, he knows the Wildcats will need to build depth if they hope to compete in 2025.
But that’s a challenge facing every program across the Volunteer State.
“We’ll need depth, but so will everybody else,” Hinton said. “We’ll find out what our strengths are and where we stand in a hurry.
“We’re going to be strong at the top, but the biggest thing is finding that consistent No. 4 and No. 5 player,” he said.
“That’s the same challenge for everyone this time of year. I need to see what these guys can do, and in order to get better with a golf club, you have to work beyond what we do here.”
Oak Ridge will open its 2025 campaign July 29-30 at the 5 Star Preps Masters at Three Ridges Golf Course in North Knoxville. The two-day tournament will feature many of the state’s top teams.
Last season, Oak Ridge finished second at the District 4-AA championships at Egwani Farms in Maryville, before placing fourth in the Region 2-AA Tournament on its home course.
This year’s boys team returns six players: Hunter Hinton (a senior and the coach’s son), Kaleb Jackson (a junior who fired a season-best 82 at last year’s district tournament), juniors Braxton Pemberton and Jacob Disney, sophomore Cole Disney and senior Ethan Hatmaker.
Three newcomers join the squad: seniors Billy Bennett and Grant Thompson, and freshman Abel Hensley.
Bennett is no stranger to golf, as his father manages Oak Ridge Country Club, the team’s home course.
“He’s never played competitively, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised,” Coach Hinton said of Bennett. “He’s raw, but he’s been working at it every day, and I’m looking forward to working with him. He shot a 42 at a tryout and even birdied No. 2.”
Thompson will add depth to the roster.
“When he connects, he can really hit it,” Hinton said.
Hensley, who played middle school golf at St. Mary’s, will also look to contribute.
“He was our No. 2 guy there, and he’s working hard,” Hinton said.
The Lady Wildcats return three players: senior Kaedyn Hollander, junior Lilli Grace Langenberger, and sophomore Charli Rose. Hinton noted that Langenberger could contend for a spot in the region tournament.
The TSSAA has re-aligned districts for 2025, moving Oak Ridge from District 4-AA to District 3-AA, which now features Campbell County, Knoxville Central, Knoxville Halls, Karns, and Powell.
“District 3 looks a lot different than it used to,” Hinton said. “The Anderson County schools are in Class A now.”
Hinton expects Campbell County and Halls to provide stiff competition within the new district, but Oak Ridge’s schedule will also include top programs such as Farragut, Maryville, Bearden, and Hardin Valley Academy.
The Wildcats will face Kingston, a Class A powerhouse, along with strong private programs including Grace Christian Academy, Christian Academy of Knoxville, and Concord Christian School.
