The Duke’s Hoops Preview: Luray vs Strasburg

1/13/26, Strasburg, VA- Strasburg hosts Luray in a boys basketball Bull Run bash for tonight’s Hike Kidz Foundation Game of the Week courtesy of Brickhouse Bar and Grill with coverage starting around 7:15 pm on Fox Sports Radio 1450, TheRiver953.com, and The River 95.3 app.

Luray will take the court as the reigning back-to-back Region 2B champions but are unable to defend that title after dropping down to Class 1 this year.

Still competing in the Bull Run District, the Bulldogs are off to a strong start at 8-2 overall and are coming off a big win against fellow Class 1 front runner, Rappahannock County.

Luray led throughout and sprung to an early 25-9 lead with just one turnover in the first quarter.

Eighth year Head Coach Mat Huff’s squad continued to play clean basketball and dominate in turnovers 22-14 to secure the 69-48 win.

Luray is led by one of the best backcourts in Class 1 with Matthew Owens and Connor Hilliard.

Both JMU commits, Owens for basketball and Hilliard for baseball, fill up the stat sheet and can takeover a game.

Owens leads the way with 21.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.3 steals while Hilliard is just behind at 14 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.6 steals.

The seniors feed off each other and when teams focus their defense on Owens, Hilliard always seems to take advantage.

Strasburg’s defense will need to limit that duo and keep the game low scoring to defend homecourt.

In Strasburg’s 6 wins, the defense held the opposition to just 34 points per game.

The Rams defense feeds off the crowd and have been incredible at home this year going 5-2, compared to just 1-3 away from Millson French Court.

Junior guard Gavin Dellinger will need a big night to continue that trend.

Following up a strong sophomore campaign and a 1st Team All Bull Run selection, Dellinger leads the Rams in scoring and is one of the best three point shooters in the area.

Jasiah Warner also looks to have taken another step forward.

The junior provides great length at 6’4″ and can play inside or outside the perimeter.

If Strasburg can limit possessions and keep Owens and Hilliard in check, the Rams could pull off the upset.

Fatigue could be an issue for Strasburg.

The Rams will play their fourth game in seven days and are on the second night of a back-to-back after last night’s loss to Sherando while Luray has not played since Friday.

I look for that to play a role in the second half, allowing Owens and Hilliard some separation and they don’t need much; Luray pulls away late 62-49.

For more local sports coverage, check out the Sports Dogs Podcast.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

Ehlers retires from LHS after 35 years

marketing leverage program grant

Luray High School’s Athletic Director Don Ehlers ended his tenure after 35 years in the school earlier this month.

Ehlers began his career as a teacher and JV coach at Luray after graduating from James Madison University.

His father Dean Ehlers was the first Athletic Director in James Madison University history where he led the athletics programs for 22 years.

Don Ehlers followed his father’s lead and took over the role of athletic director at Luray in 1999.

Under his tenure, he helped guide Luray to multiple team and individual state championships while also helping his student athletes reach their dream of competing at the next level.

He was replaced by former Chief Financial Officer of Page County Public Schools Patty Secrist on July 1st.

Secrist has over 16 years experience in education at the middle and high school levels and is an avid supporter of local organizations like the Luray Youth Football and Cheer League.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

The Duke’s Hoops Preview: Warren County vs Luray

Warren County (2-0) hosts Luray (0-1) tonight in the High School Basketball Game of the Week on Fox Sports Radio 1450 WFTR, theriver953.com, and the Tune In Radio App with coverage beginning at 7:20 pm.

Warren County enters the game 2-0 for the first time since 2011 (according to MaxPreps) and looks to have taken a big step forward in their second year under Head Coach TJ Atlee.

In a tight season opener, Warren County took down Strasburg, one of last year’s state quarterfinalists.

The Wildcats did a great job responding to each run Strasburg put together and locked in defensively to contain the Rams 6’7″ star forward Walker Conrad.

Warren County dominated the 4th quarter 11-2 to come away with the 48-43 win.

The Wildcats followed up that performance with 67-50 home win over Manassas Park where they dominated the glass.

Will Bergmann finished with a double-double including 14 rebounds and Jayden Jefferies added 7 boards in his return from injury.

Luray is coming off a tight loss to East Rockingham but also looks to have taken a step forward this season.

Head Coach Mat Huff is really excited about the Bulldogs balance of experience and youth for this year’s squad.

Senior 6’4″ center Christian Lentz returns to the paint where he was a 1st Team All-District and 2nd Team All-Region selection last season.

In their opening game, the underclassmen led the way including sophomore guard Conner Hillard and freshman guard Ayden Haddock who finished with 15 and 14 points.

Warren County appears to have an advantage in three point shooting thanks to Marshall Barton, Raymond Dingess, and Ethan Bare while Luray only converted on two attempts from the perimeter in their first game.

I predict Warren County’s defensive effort and momentum entering their third consecutive home game will contribute to the win in what should be a tight and competitive game, 57-53.

Next week, we will head across town as Skyline hosts Brentsville in our first look at the Hawks this season on 1450 WFTR, theriver953.com and the Tune In Radio App with coverage beginning at 7:20 pm.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.