Lady ’Cats tournament run highlights progress
An Alcoa defender closes in as Oak Ridge’s Evaiya Mitchell surveys the court for an open teammate during the Lady Wildcats’ game against the Lady Tornadoes. (photo:Kaylin Dimmer | ORHS Sports Media )
But the Lady Wildcats closed out the 2024 calendar year on a high note by winning two of three games in the Faris Family McDonald’s Shootout at Carter High School in Strawberry Plains.
Oak Ridge (3-8) reached the championship game, but fell just short in a 56-54 loss to in-county rival Clinton, which has won 17 of its first 18 games, on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
The Lady Wildcats held a lead against the Lady Dragons.
“That game against Clinton really could’ve gone either way,” Oak Ridge Coach Kevin Tubbs said. “That’s been the case with most of our games. We had a lead against Farragut late, we lost to (Knoxville) Catholic by two, and we lost to Grace in a close game. We’ve been in most of our games, we’ve had leads, and we’ve had chances to win.
“I’m really excited about getting back into district play,” he said.
Oak Ridge opened tournament play with a 63-37 win over Gibbs on Saturday, Dec. 27.
Evaiya Mitchell led the way with 28 points, while Alani Mitchell added 18.
In the semifinals on Monday, Dec. 29, the Lady Wildcats turned in perhaps their most-complete performance of the season, routing Jefferson County 60-32. Evaiya Mitchell scored 26 points as Oak Ridge raced out to a 43-12 halftime lead.
The Lady Wildcats returned to the court Friday night to open the 2026 calendar year but dropped a 70-65 decision to Alcoa at Wildcat Arena.
Evaiya Mitchell scored 39 points and Jenayah Pippins added 10 in the loss to the Lady Tornadoes.
