Lady Wildcats open new chapter 1-1
A new era officially began for Oak Ridge High School’s girls basketball team, one of the most tradition-rich programs in the Volunteer State.
The Lady Wildcats (1-1) have a new head coach in 2025-26 as Kevin Tubbs takes the reins. He replaced Paige Taylor, who guided Oak Ridge to 10 consecutive district championships.
The team, loaded with young talent, has five new starters.
The Lady Wildcats split a pair of Hall of Fame games on back-to-back nights.
Oak Ridge won its first game under its new head coach, nabbing a 62-34 victory over Oliver Springs at Wildcat Arena.
Tubbs said he enjoyed his first game after coming over from Seymour High, where he led the Lady Eagles to a Region 2-AAA tournament appearance.
“It was great to play my first game with the team, especially with a home win,” Tubbs said. “We had a great crowd and the girls played hard.
“We are still searching for our identity and learning new roles with five new starters,” he said. “I learned a great deal watching them play.”
Evalya Mitchell scored 22 points to lead Oak Ridge past the Lady Bobcats. She had 16 at halftime.
Jenayah Pippins added 13 points.
Evelyn Eubanks and Honesty Thompson chipped in with eight points each.
Se’Quari Stewart had seven, and Paige Lawing finished with four.
In their second game of the season, the Lady Wildcats hit the road for the first time, and it was a struggle.
Oak Ridge fell 67-27 on the long road trip to Cookeville.
“Cookeville has a great team, and our first away game was a real test, especially playing on back-to-back days this early in the season,” Tubbs said.
“Not taking anything away from Cookeville, but most of our mistakes were self-inflicted, and things that we’re going to have to improve on as we gain valuable game experience,” he said.