Wildcats split trip, brace for Bearden test
A trip to the Midstate brought a little of everything for Oak Ridge High School’s boys basketball team early last week.
The Wildcats (2-2) split their two tournament games, opening with a narrow 61-58 loss to Rockvale on Monday, Nov. 24, before responding less than 24 hours later with a 61-58 win over Siegel.
Senior Charlie Taubenheim lit up the Stars on Tuesday, Nov. 25, finishing with 27 points.
“Charlie had a great game against Siegel,” Oak Ridge Coach Aaron Green said. “But the big X factor for us was Luis Soria. He had 13 points, and he hit four threes. I think he made three of those in the second half, and that really made the difference.”
The Wildcats weren’t as sharp in their opener.
“We got off to a slow start against Rockvale,” Green said. “We were down by about 12, and we didn’t do a very good job guarding their best player. He had 25 points.”
Ja’Rel Jemerson made his 2025-26 debut after football season and scored 15 points. Eli Peters added 13, and Ethan James finished with 12.
Oak Ridge now shifts its attention to Friday and a bit of history: its first-ever league game as a member of District 4-4A. The Wildcats will travel to West Knoxville to take on unbeaten Bearden.
The Bulldogs started the week 6-0 before facing Knoxville West on Tuesday (results were not available at press time). They’ll also look to settle a score. Oak Ridge beat Bearden in last season’s Region 2-4A tournament semifinals at Wildcat Arena.
“We’ve played a lot over the years,” Green said. “It’s usually been in the region quarterfinals or semifinals. We’ve ended each other’s season before. They beat us on a last-second shot two years ago, and we won last year. This is the first time we’ve played in the regular season in a long time and our first-ever district game against them. I’d say them or Webb are the best team in the area.”