Mitchell’s 31 sparks Lady ’Cats in District Run

February 25, 2026 by Ken Lay

The 2025-26 season has been a roller-coaster ride for the Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats, but they closed the District 4-4A tournament with a fourth-place finish and a berth in the Region 2-4A tournament.

Oak Ridge, the No. 4 seed, opened postseason play with a 64-55 victory over Rhea County on Monday, Feb. 16, at McMinn County High School.

Evaiya Mitchell poured in 31 points, while Jenayah Pippins added 15 as the Lady Wildcats knocked off the Lady Eagles to advance.

Later in the week, Oak Ridge faced top-seeded Bearden and fell 76-47. Mitchell scored 16 points and Paige Lawing added 13 as the Lady Wildcats dropped their third meeting of the season to the Lady Bulldogs.

“They’re a great team,” Oak Ridge Coach Kevin Tubbs said of Bearden.

In the district’s third-place game, Oak Ridge squared off with Lenoir City in a rubber match. The Lady Wildcats battled throughout but came up short, 60-53, despite a game-high 32 points from Mitchell.

The teams were tied 28-28 at halftime, and Oak Ridge continued to fight down the stretch.

“We’ve definitely gotten better as a team,” Tubbs said.