By Randy Arrington
LURAY, Feb. 2 — Luray and Clarke flip-flopped in the standings after the Bulldogs handled the Eagles at home on Friday night, 62-57, to capture a key Bull Run District win heading into the final week of the regular season.
Sophomore Connor Hilliard lead Luray with 18 points, including a three-pointer and an amazing 11-for-12 performance at the free throw line. Free throw shooting was solid all night long from both teams, as the Bulldogs hit 81 percent (25-of-31) — including a 7-for-8 effort in the final minute of the game. Clarke hit 82 percent from the charity stripe (9-for-11), even though they went to the line a third as many times.
The Eagles dominated the first 90 seconds of the game and jumped out to a 9-4 lead behind an opening triple by senior Louis Marino and four points from senior William Booker. However, the Bulldogs were able to tie the game 90 seconds later following a free throw from senior Ryder Liscomb, and finished out the first quarter on a 16-2 run. Tough defense forced four Eagle turnovers in the opening frame, including three blocks by senior forward Christian Lentz and steals from sophomore Matthew Owens and freshman Ayden Haddock. Luray lead 20-11 at the end of the first frame.
Despite six points from senior Caidan Broy and 3-for-3 shooting at the line, the Eagles were held to just 10 points in the second quarter. Luray’s defense remained tough as Owens recorded two more steals. Free throw shooting was a key element throughout the game, as the Bulldogs went 5-of-6 and extended their lead by three behind five points from Haddock. Luray lead 33-21 at the half.
Clarke flipped the script and went on a 19-15 run in the third behind seven points from both Broy and Booker. The Eagles hit two triples, one from Booker and one from junior Tanner Sipe. The Bulldogs stayed in the lead behind 6-for-6 shooting at the line and six points from Hilliard. However, Sipe’s last-second three-pointer cut the Bulldogs’ lead down to eight at the buzzer. Luray lead 48-40 heading into the fourth.
The Eagles would once again outscore the Bulldogs in the final frame, but the three-point margin would not be enough. Broy fouled out with 5:06 on the clock and a team-high 15 points. Booker also had 15 points on the night, while Sipe and senior Moses Day both added eight.
Luray got six points from junior Blake Jenkins in the fourth and ended the game with 7-of-8 shooting from the line in the final minute. Behind Hilliard’s game-high 18 points, the Bulldogs got 15 points from Owens, who also recorded six steals. Lentz recorded 11 points and five blocks, while Jenkins finished with eight points and Haddock had seven.
Overall, Luray shot 45 percent from the floor, compared to 36 percent for Clarke. The Bulldogs turned the ball over 16 times (12 in the second half during Clarke’s comeback), while the Eagles had 11 turnovers.
With the win, Luray moves to 8-3 in the district and 12-5 overall. The Bulldogs are now in second place, as Clarke falls to fourth. Rappahannock picked up a 55-50 win at Page County on Friday night to move into third place. However, little separates the three teams as Luray is 8-3 in the district, Rapp is 8-4, and Clarke is 7-3. Madison sits at the top of the Bull Run standings at 11-1.
Next up, Luray travels to Rappahannock on Tuesday and Clarke on Wednesday (make-up game). The Bulldogs close out the regular season on Friday, Feb. 9 by hosting cross-country rival Page.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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