LHS senior and JMU-commit performing at the plate and on the hill
~ PVN staff report
LURAY, May 15 — PVN’s “Athlete of the Week” this time focuses on one of the most touted athletes of the 2026 spring season, Luray High School’s Connor Hilliard, who’s performance on the mound and at the plate has lead Luray to second place in the Bull Run District and No.3 in Region B among Class 1 schools.
On Tuesday at home against Central, Hilliard went 3-for-4 at the plate with three singles and two RBI. He would have gone a perfect 4-for-4 if not for a great diving catch in centerfield to rob a hit in the first inning.
Hilliard gave up three walks and a hit batter among the first seven Falcons he faced from the hill. After that, he retired the next eight in-a-row — and 17 of the next 19. The Division I signee went all seven innings allowing only one earned run and two hits, while striking out nine. And this was against a key district opponent, who sits among the top three in a highly competitive district.
Clocked in excess of 90 mph on more than one occassion, Hilliard’s heat drew the attention of James Madison Univsersity — his dream school — and he will be playing for the Dukes this fall. According to MaxPreps, Hilliard ranks No. 5 statewide in strikeouts during his senior campaign 71 Ks in 16 outings. His ERA of 0.83 ranks 9th statewide after facing 162 batters across 42 innings.
However, what makes this young man so amazing, is that he also ranks No. 4 in batting average among Virginia high school players with an .611 average (33 hits in 54 at bats). In a game against Stonewall Jackson this season, Hilliard went a perfect 5-for-5.
~ Athlete of the Week selected by the publisher ~
~ Athlete of the Week is sponsored by local Realtor, Andew Horn, give him a call at 540-421-2440.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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