Julie Ward leads Lady Jays to historic season

Oak Ridge athletic director Julie Ward took the challenge of coaching the girls' basketball team after averaging five wins in the previous three seasons.

It led to a historic turnaround at the school.

"The whole team has really stepped up this year, took me in as their new coach, and have bought into the plan," Ward said.

The Blue Jays defeated Couch 64-48 in the opening round of the Class 1 District 1 Tournament on Monday in Naylor. It was not only their first-ever postseason win but also the first 10-win season in school history.

"My team this year accomplished their goals," Ward said. "I am very proud to be their coach and have enjoyed watching them grow this year."

Before this year, the most wins the Blue Jays amassed in a single season was six in 2020-21.

Sophomore forward Reagan Howe led the Blue Jays with 29 points and 14 rebounds, and Madyson Ruehling scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Howe has been the leading force for the Blue Jays all season.

"Reagan Howe does an amazing job for us night in and night out," Ward said. "She finds a way to score to help her team be successful. She is a great team player and a hard worker. The team counts on her to be one of the leaders on the floor."

The Blue Jays started the season hot, winning three of their first four games through November. They entered the BCS Tri-County Conference Tournament with a 4-4 record and finished the event in third place.

"It took all we had to get [Advance], as we gave up an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter," Ward said on Jan. 12, after the Blue Jays defeated Advance 40-38. "No matter if it's a good shooting night or not so good, they hustle their tails off and I'm proud of them for it."

The Blue Jays went on to lose eight of their next nine games, but they finished the regular season winning 2-of-3 and will now play in the semifinal round for the first time in school history.

Oak Ridge will take on Delta in a rematch on Thursday. The two teams met early in the season with the Lady Cats winning 95-32 despite a 19-point performance by Howe. The Lady Cats finished last season as the state runner-up and are looking to win their fourth consecutive district championship.

Oak Ridge will be playing with house money, and Ward is encouraged by the direction of the program.

"With such a young team, I see the Lady Jays only getting better in the future," Ward said.