Clinton’s Caylin Taylor. shown here against Oak Ridge, had 18 points, six rebounds, three steals and a block in the Lady Dragons’ 43-35 win over Powell. Clinton improved to 10-1 with the victory. - Tony Cox
A little adversity couldn’t stop Clinton High School’s girls basketball team from continuing its hot streak last week.
The Lady Dragons improved to 10-1 with a hard-fought 43-35 victory over longtime rival Powell on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Don W. Lockard Gymnasium.
Clinton was without senior Josie Moody, who was diagnosed with the flu shortly before tipoff.
“Josie was sick,” Lady Dragons Coach Alicia Daugherty said. “She got diagnosed with the flu right before the game, so she was at home. She was disappointed that she didn’t get to play, but I told her not to worry because it wasn’t a district game.”
Clinton had to battle back from an early deficit, but got a big night from Caylin Taylor, who scored 18 points and added six rebounds, three steals and a block.
Anderson County’s Julia Owens shoots a short jumpshot during the Lady Mavericks’ opening round of the Hammer’s Christmas Tournmant against Karns. Owens finished the game with 10 points. The Lady Maverick won the matchup 58-27. - Tony Cox
Anderson County High School’s girls basketball team reversed its fortunes last week, snapping a three-game losing streak with a decisive road win.
The Lady Mavericks, who had dropped consecutive games to Powell, Heritage and Northview Academy, got back on track with a 48-32 victory over South-Doyle on Tuesday, Dec. 16, in South Knoxville.
“That was a big win for us, and it was one that we needed,” Lady Mavericks Coach Mitch Cupples said. “We had played Powell, Heritage and Northview, and those are all pretty good teams.”
South-Doyle, however, came in with a strong 7-3 record and was no pushover.
“We rebounded better as a team, and we played great team defense,” Cupples said. “Their best player is averaging 20 or 21 points per game, and we held her to 10.”
Anderson County (record not available) had three players score in double figures. Macy Basford led all scorers with 19 points. Emerie Bullock added 11, and Addison Grooms finished with 10.
The Lady Mavericks opened play in the 5Star Preps Hammer’s Christmas Tournament with a dominant 58-27 win over Karns.
They advanced in the bracket, but results from the remaining tournament games were not available at press time.
Clinton’s Bryson Maddox delivered a 35-point performance in the Dragons’ 77-54 win over Powell on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Clinton led from start to finish and held the Panthers to just three fourth-quarter points. - Tony Cox
Bryson Maddox has delivered plenty of big performances during his Clinton High School basketball career, but his latest may have been his best.
Maddox, a senior, scored 35 points to lead the Dragons past longtime rival Powell 77-54 on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Don W. Lockard Gymnasium.
He shot 12-for-20 from the field, 4-for-6 from 3-point range and 7-for-9 at the free-throw line.
He also contributed four assists, three rebounds and three steals.
“Bryson has had a lot of 30-point games, but this was the best game that he’s played in terms of skill level,” Clinton Coach Chris Lockard said.
“In his other 30-point games, he’s done it because of his athletic ability. He’s just such a good athlete.”
Maddox, a three-sport standout who recently signed to play football at Middle Tennessee State University, also competes in track and field for the Dragons.
Anderson County’s Edmond Presson defeated McMinn Central High School’s Zymari Clary by fall in the 165-pound weight class. - Tony Cox
Anderson County High School’s wrestling team honored its seniors during a pair of home dual meets last week against McMinn Central and Bearden.
The Mavericks recognized five senior wrestlers and one senior manager before scoring a pair of convincing victories on their home mat.
ACHS Head Coach Matt Slone said this year’s group of veterans has the potential to be one of the program’s best.
“Our senior class last year was probably our most-successful,” Slone said. “But this class could be even better.
“All these guys are ranked in the top five in the state, and we’ve never had five guys ranked at the same time.
“This is a great group,” he said. “They’ve worked hard in the offseason, they do things the right way, and they’re a big reason why we’re where we are right now.”
Kyla Carter is a second-year member of ORHS Sports Media, having joined in fall 2024. A prolific shooter year-round, her favorite photo in the gallery is the one of Wayne Gibson, she said, “because I love how the colors in the background blend together. I feel like having the blurry background highlights Wayne as opposed to the way a plain background diminishes a player.” Outside of Oak Ride Sports Media, Kyla likes to spend time with her friends and her family.
Senior Blaine Stansberry warms up before a football game during the 2025 regular season.
Kip Feagan and teammates celebrate after a big play during the Wildcats’ historic 2025 baseball season.
Oak Ridge Wildcats quarterback Blaine Stansberry gives a salute to the sideline after making a first down.
Oak Ridge senior Wayne Gibson looks for open field during a Wildcats football game this past fall.
After winning its season opener, the Oak Ridge High School girls basketball team has now dropped four straight games.
The Lady Wildcats’ latest setback came Tuesday, Dec. 16, as they fell 53-50 to Concord Christian School at Wildcat Arena. The loss marked Concord’s first-ever victory over Oak Ridge.
Despite the outcome, first-year ORHS Coach Kevin Tubbs said he’s encouraged by his team’s progress — although closing out games remains a challenge.
“We have struggled to finish our last three games,” Tubbs said. “We’ve fought and led by one or two points in the final minutes of each game. The team continues to improve overall, but when you play good teams, it comes down to two or three possessions. We have to find a way to finish.”
Eviya Mitchell led the Lady Wildcats with a game-high 26 points, and added three steals. Jenayah Pippins posted a double-double with 10 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and four steals. Evelyn Eubanks anchored the defense with five blocked shots.
The Lady Lions had three players score in double figures. Kiran Keaton led Concord with 17 points and seven rebounds. Emory Thomas added 12 points and six boards, while Kiera Cooper finished with 11 points and seven rebounds.
Clinton Middles School’s Ceci Brooks grabs an offensive rebound during the Lady Hawks opening round of the Concord Christian School Christmas Tournament against The Kings Academy. The Lady Hawks won the game 37-21. - Tony Cox
Clinton Middle School’s basketball teams opened play in the Concord Christian School Christmas Tournament with a pair of convincing victories Thursday night.
Both the Hawks and Lady Hawks defeated The King’s Academy in first-round action. The CMS girls downed the Lady Lions 37-21, while the boys cruised past the Lions 46-23.
Tora Beeler led the Lady Hawks with 13 points. Kailyn Martin added 10, and Myla Queener finished with seven.
In the boys’ game, Canyon Long and Deacon McGhee scored 10 points each, while Pearson Lollar contributed eight.
Tournament play continued through Saturday, but results were not available at press time.
The Norris Middle School girls basketball team remained tied for first place in the standings with a convincing 44-13 victory over LaFollette on Thursday night.
With the win, the Lady Senators improved to 12-1 overall and 4-0 in league play.
Addison Willoughby scored 15 points, going 7-for-13 from the field.
Addie Blevins added 14 points, shooting 4-for-9 from the floor and 6-for-8 from the free-throw line.
The Norris boys also cruised to a win, routing LaFollette 61-23.
Both teams were to return to action Saturday in the Maverick Middle School Basketball Tournament at Anderson County High School.
While classrooms at Anderson County High School will be dark and hallways quiet during winter break, the gymnasium will be buzzing with basketball action.
The Maverick Middle School Classic tips off Friday, Dec. 27, featuring some of the area’s top middle school boys and girls teams.
Tournament play continues Sunday, Dec. 29, and wraps up Monday, Dec. 30.
Day 1 of the action on Monday begins with four girls’ games.
Tipoff is at 9 a.m. as Powell faces Huntsville.
Norris plays Knoxville Halls at 10 a.m., followed by LaFollette vs. Bearden at 11.
The girls’ slate concludes at noon when Horace Maynard takes on Oneida.
Boys’ games begin at 1 p.m. with Farragut taking on Midway.
Huntsville and Powell square off at 2 p.m., followed by Bearden vs. Fairview at 3.
Huntsville returns to the floor at 4 p.m. to face Horace Maynard.
LaFollette meets Powell at 5, and Bearden is back in action at 6 to play Oneida.
The first day wraps up with a 7 p.m. matchup between Norris and Horace Maynard.
