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.
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