Wildcats rolls past Rhea County, McMinn County
Oak Ridge’s Charlie Taubenheim, the only returning starter from the 2025 state runner-up team, had 18 points against Alcoa on Jan. 2. The senior scored 28 points against McMinn County on Tuesday, Jan 5. (photo:ORHS Sports Media )
After defeating Alcoa 73-58 on Friday, Jan. 2, the Wildcats (10-6 overall, 3-1 District 4-4A) added two more league victories last week.
Friday, Oak Ridge downed Rhea County 98-38 in Evensville.
The Wildcats showcased a balanced scoring attack against the Golden Eagles.
Charlie Taubenheim, Oak Ridge’s lone returning starter from last season’s Class 4A state runner-up team, led the way with 18 points and was one of three Wildcats to reach double figures.
Ja’Rell Jemerson added 15 points, Ethan James scored 12, and Eli Peters chipped in nine.
Oak Ridge followed with an 80-56 district win over McMinn County on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at Wildcat Arena.
Four Wildcats scored in double figures. Taubenheim poured in 28 points, James finished with 16, Justice West added 13, and Jemerson had 11.
Oak Ridge is beginning to receive steady offensive production from younger players who endured early growing pains.
“We’ve got some guys that are kind of getting their first dose of varsity, so they’re getting better,” Wildcats Coach Aaron Green said. “(On Jan. 2), we played well against Alcoa.
“Defensively and effort-wise, we’re making some progress for sure,” he said. “Sometimes offensively we look good and sometimes we don’t, and that’s frustrating as a coach. But our guys are playing hard. We’re just trying to get a little better every day and hopefully be playing our best toward the end of the year.”
