Lady ’Cats outmatched in district debut
Oak Ridge’s Autumn O’Donnell drives past Bearden’s Katie Foster during Friday night’s game against the Bulldogs. (photo:Marley Zarazua | ORHS Sports Media )
The Lady Wildcats were coming off a long early-season layoff, having not played since Nov. 18.
Their return came in their first district game in a new league — and it came on the road against one of the state’s top teams, Bearden.
Things started well for Oak Ridge when Se’Quari Stewart knocked down the first basket.
But momentum quickly swung the other way, and the Lady Wildcats (1-2 overall, 0-1 District 4-4A) fell 76-46 before a spirited crowd at Bearden High School.
The Lady Bulldogs (7-1, 1-0) closed the first quarter on a 22-7 run and never looked back. Bearden standout guard Natalya Hodge — considered one of the area’s best — scored 27 points and was one of three players to finish in double figures. Riley Hunt added 17 points, and Emma Rainey had 12.
Tubbs, in his first season leading the program, expected challenges for his young roster.
“We were very happy just to be able to play again,” Tubbs said. “Playing a talented and veteran team like Bearden is always tough, especially with a new team and staff.
“This was technically our first regular-season game. I feel like we improved a lot since our last Hall of Fame game. We had some good looks early, and the shots just didn’t fall.”
Despite the lopsided score, Tubbs praised his team’s resolve.
“I’m proud of our girls for playing hard the entire game despite the score,” he said. “Right now, we just need more game experience and to improve our team chemistry.”
Evaiya Mitchell led Oak Ridge with 15 points. Alani Mitchell added 11, and Stewart finished with six.
Marley Zarazua | ORHS Sports Media