12/22/2025
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Russell County Rivals Ready to Ignite the Mecca
When Castlewood and Lebanon meet, it’s never just basketball, it’s a rivalry built on years of battles, packed gyms, and bragging rights that last long after the final buzzer. Tomorrow night, another chapter unfolds inside the Mecca in Lebanon, one of the toughest places to play in Southwest Virginia.
These two Russell County neighbors know exactly what’s at stake.
Castlewood enters with a trio capable of matching the moment.
• Tru Ruff looks to continue his electic scoring as he is the Blue Devils leading scorer and looks to own the rebounds.
• Ayden Skeens leads the charge with poise, toughness, and the ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
• Luc Harvey brings relentless energy and timely scoring.
• Jayden Clark is a difference-maker who can flip momentum in an instant.
The Blue Devils are built for rivalry games disciplined, physical, and confident.
But Lebanon will defend its home floor with depth, balance, and experience.
• Mike Reece is the heartbeat of the Pioneers, capable of taking control when the game tightens.
• Layne Jessee, averaging 10+ points per game, has been a force on both ends and may be playing the best defense in the paint anywhere in the area.
• Ethan Horne provides strength and consistency.
• Dawson Rasnake is a three-point sharpshooter, a threat to stretch the floor and punish defenses from deep.
• Jake Hilton is the spark plug at point guard, pushing the pace, setting the tone, and igniting runs.
And don’t sleep on Lebanon’s bench.
Keep your eyes on Luke “Big Shot” Garrett, always ready for a momentum changing bucket, and Brayden “Heavy Set Sniper” Hill, who can swing a game with one clean look from the outside.
The Mecca has hosted countless rivalry classics, and tomorrow night promises another electric atmosphere where every possession matters and every basket echoes a little louder.
This is Russell County basketball.
This is Castlewood vs. Lebanon.
And tomorrow night, the Mecca will be rocking.
This game coverage is brought to you by Brian Long of Wallace Imports Bristol and Next Level Fitness Club of Lebanon Va.
