Luray hosts Generals on Friday, before traveling to Page on Saturday
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, Jan. 23 — Bouncing back from a tough non-district loss to Stuarts Draft on Monday, the Bulldogs of Luray battled the Mountaineers of Madison on Tuesday and captured a much-needed Bull Run District win, 45-40.
Senior Emily Donovan lead Luray through both home games on back-to-back days, scoring a combined 29 points — 14 against Stuarts Draft and 15 against Madison. Senior Maggie Foltz put up 13 points against the Mountaineers on Tuesday night, including two three-pointers. Sophomore Ella Parlett recorded 10 points against Draft, with two shots from beyond the arc.
The Madison win on Tuesday broke a four-game losing streak for the Bulldogs and moved them to 3-4 in the Bull Run and 5-10 overall. Luray sits just one win outside of the district’s top five, with two more big games coming up this week. On Friday, the Bulldogs host the winless Generals of Mt. View before traveling to cross-county rival Page on Saturday night at 7 p.m.
Tuesday’s matchup with Madison proved to be a close game through the first three quarters. The Mountaineers lead by three (11-8) at the end of the first quarter behind a couple of baskets from senior Ava Jenkins. Madison then carried a 26-22 advantage into the locker room at the half. Jenkins scored 12 of her team-high 14 points on the night in the first half.
Madison would connect on seven three-pointers on the night from four different players, with Jenkins, senior Morgan Cook and senior Annie Herrman each hitting two. However, Madison’s shooting began to fade in the third and went almost completely dry (2-for-11) in the fourth.
The fourth quarter proved to be the difference, as Luray — who trailed by as much as 11 midway through the second quarter — outscored Madison 11-4 in the final frame to win, 45-40. Despite the win, the Bulldogs shot only 12-for-28 (43%) from the free throw line and committed 10 turnovers on the night.
On Monday, Luray outscored visiting Stuarts Draft in the first and fourth quarters, and tied them in the third. A let down in the second frame proved to be the difference, as the Cougars dominated the quarter 16-2. The Bulldogs hit 20 percent of their shots in the second, but only took five shots…and committed six turnovers in eight minutes.
Luray did well to make the game close in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs narrowed a 15-point deficit in the third, down to a six-point (two possession) game at 46-40 with just 1:24 to go following a basket by Donovan. Draft went 3-for-4 at the charity stripe to close out the game and the win, 49-40.
Picking up their fifth win on Tuesday, the Bulldogs continue to improve and show that they could be a disrupter in the upcoming postseason — but they will need to put together a full four quarters. Luray has shown moments of playing extremely well as a team, and they have several players who can light it up from beyond the arc. Then at other moments, their youth and lack of depth has shown as well. But with the parity that exists in a tough Bull Run District, Luray is right in the mix and can play with anyone in the region…at least in spurts.
Luray should even out their district record on Friday before hitting the road for the big rivalry game at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27 at Page County High School. The Panthers, currently alone in second place in the Bull Run, will provide a big test for the Bulldogs. But no one should overlook Luray…especially in a rivalry game when records go out the window.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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