LHS senior on verge of career scoring record for boys basketball
On Saturday, Jan. 17 at Stuarts Draft, Owens surpassed Neil Porter, who previously held the No. 2 spot on the all-time scoring list for LHS boys basketball. On Tuesday, Jan. 20, Owens put up a game-high 33 points on the road against rival Page County. On Thursday, Jan. 22, the senior posted another game-high 24 points on the road at Clarke County.
And now, with 1,526 career points…Owens sits just 14 points from the all-time scoring leader for boys basketball at LHS, Craig Tutt.
Owens committed to play at Division I James Madison University in October.
Owens helped lead the Bulldogs to two-straight Region 2B titles and two consecutive trips to the VHSL Class 2 state tournament. Last season he averaged about 18 ppg and was named the Region 2B Player of the Year while also earning first team all-state honors. As a sophomore, he earned second team all-state recognition. The then-junior began talking with JMU head coach Preston Spadlin and the Dukes after appearing in last season’s state semifinal appearance against a powerful John Marshall team.
Despite having a number of DII and DIII schools like Frostburg, Shepherd, Bridgewater and EMU also courting the basketball star, as well as a visit to Navy, Owens stated that JMU was his top Division I collegiate offer.
“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid,” Owens said back in October. “I’ve always wanted this…I have papers written down saying I want to play Division I, and one of my top schools was always JMU as well, so this is really a blessing.”
Last season, Luray finished 21-8 and among the top four teams in VHSL Class 2. In his last three games, including a second-straight Region B championship and two state playoffs games, Owens lead all scorers in each contest and averaged 24 ppg (a total of 71 points). The junior also had two buzzer-beating shots in the playoffs.
Currently, the Bulldogs are in a three-way tie for second place in the Bull Run with a district record of 6-2 and an overall mark of 12-3. Luray is looking to get back to the state tournament, this time at the Class 1 level. Rappahannock appears to be their toughest competition in Region 1B, and the Bulldogs walked away with a 69-48 victory at home against the Panthers on Jan. 9. The two teams meet again on Feb. 3.
With five games remaining in the regular season, Luray is scheduled to host Central on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
Bulldogs dominate first rivalry game with Panthers, 72-48
Bulldogs make regional statement against top-ranked Panthers, 69-48
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