By Randy Arrington
LURAY, Jan. 5 — The Luray boys basketball team saw six different Bulldogs score in the opening eight minutes on Friday night, while visiting Central only hit one basket and one free throw. Despite committing 28 turnovers on the night, Luray jumped out to a 16-3 lead and held the same 13-point advantage at the final buzzer.
LHS sophomore Matthew Owens hit two of his three three-pointers on the night in the first quarter, as the Bulldogs shot 70 percent from the floor. The Falcons shot less than 10 percent (1-for-11), with all three first-quarter points coming from senior Hayden Pence.
Central picked things up in the second frame, hitting 33 percent of their shots and winning the second quarter, 12-10. Dereck Batiz Lugo — one of the best freshman in the region — scored all six of his points on the night in the second quarter. Luray sophomore Connor Hilliard and junior Blake Jenkins combined for eight points in the second. Luray lead 26-15 at the half.
The Bulldogs were dominant again in the third. Hilliard put up seven points and recorded two steals, as Luray went on a 19-9 run during the period. Luray’s defense was even more impressive than their offense. Hilliard and Owens racked up steals, while senior forward Christian Lentz posted some impressive blocks. Central got six straight points from junior Luke Williams during the period.
Luray lead by 21 heading into the fourth and substituted freely during the final eight minutes. Owens added another three-pointer, a steal and a layup in the fourth, while Lentz had two more huge blocks and hit a couple of free throws. Central went 7-of-9 from the free throw line in the final frame and outscored Luray 15-7.
Hilliard posted a game-high 14 points with solid shooting from beyond the arc and impressive moves inside the paint. Owens scored 13 on the night, followed by Lentz with 12.
Central was lead by Pence with 13, and Williams with 10.
With the win, Luray evens out at 2-2 in the Bull Run District, with an overall record of 6-3. After winning four straight, the Bulldogs lost their first two district games on the road — at Strasburg, 64-46, on Dec. 19; and a barn burner that ended with a controversial call at home against Madison, 45-44.
Next up, Luray travels to Clarke on Tuesday, Jan. 9.
With the loss, Central falls to 0-4 in the district and 2-5 overall. Next up, the Falcons will host Madison on Tuesday, Jan. 9
For full schedules, rosters and standings — check out the Bull Run District website.
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