04/02/2026
The 2025-2026 season started just like any other season. The players worked out during the off season, some played travel ball, some played other sports, and others became new to team. But many outside of the program did not see the Bulldogs returning to have a successful season as they did the previous when they were ousted in the State Semi-Finals vs. John Marshall.
Players came prepared, coaches knew exactly what they needed out of each individual, and fourteen players quickly realized to reach the ultimate goal, they needed to become one.
At the beginning, the season started out just as expected from the Bulldogs, a 5-0 start which was the first 5-0 start in many years. Then there was a couple bumps in the road, but nothing that would get the Bulldogs flustered.
Nagging injuries started to mount the Bulldogs, but just as the Football teams slogan for this season, " No Quit Just Grit" started to take shape, and the boys basketball team started to hit their stride.
The regular season ended, and the Bulldogs finished third in the district. This was no different than last year, the Bulldogs went into the Bull Run District tournament as the underdog and would have to beat Central, and then face Strasburg a team that the dogs had lost two twice during the regular season. As expected by the coaches, players, and fans, the Bulldogs beat Central, and then was victorious against Strasburg to capture the Bull Run District Tournament Championship. Goal One: Complete
The Regional Tournament then started, and the Bulldogs knew competition would start to get tougher, but at this point in the season, no one was going to stand in the way! The Bulldogs made quick work of Carver Academy, and then battled and won against Brunswick, then the regional championship game against Rapp took place. This was a battle tested game, the crowd was electric on the neutral court and the Bulldogs came out on top 55-53. This made the Bulldogs Regional Champions for the third straight year! Goal Two: Complete
Then the State Tournament started and the Bulldogs were well aware it was win or go home, and they did not want to feel as they did the previous year against John Marshall. In the State Quarter-Final, the Bulldogs played at Home against Northampton and cruised to a 75-56 victory. This setup the rematch against Rapp. The Bulldogs were 3-0 against Rapp on the season, but the mere 2 point victory in the regional championship gave a glimmer of hope across the mountain to the Panthers. The game was being held at Luray High on the Bulldogs home court, Panther fans were upset and thought it should be on a neutral site. You win games to host and this is what the Bulldogs had done. The gym was sold out, packed to capacity, one of the most electric crowds that these players on both sides will probably ever see, and then the tip-off! The Bulldogs controlled the game from the before mentioned tip-off, and cruised to a 79-61 victory that would send the Bulldogs to VCU to play in the State Championship game.
The Main Event: Luray vs. Fort Chiswell
The team was ready, the coaches were ready, and the entire community was ready! The Siegel Center was electric, Luray showed out! The sea of Maroon and White was evident, and the players knew they had the support! The game was as advertised. Fans were on the edge of their seats for the entire game. The game ended in a tie, going to overtime. The first overtime wasn't enough on your nerves, they decided to play a second overtime. The Bulldogs were on a uphill battle as two senior starters fouled out, and a bit of pre-celebration on the Fort Chiswell side was all the Bulldogs needed to regain composure in the second overtime. Players stepped up, fans got louder, and the Bulldogs came out victorious to win the State Championship! This night wasn't about an individual player, this night was about the before mentioned fourteen players becoming one. If it wasn't for these players and coaches believing in each other and themselves, this feat wouldn't of been accomplished. But now all the players, coaches, and fans, can say " We are State Champions"
Goal Three: Complete
Seniors: Thank you! Your hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. You have instilled a winning tradition like no other at Luray High School and you have become the winningest class in the history our Luray High School with your overall 63 wins.
Juniors, Sophomores, Freshman: Last year, was all about redemption. Getting back, facing adversity, putting in the hard work and dedication. So next year, there should only be one goal, or slogan: Repeat!!!!
Coaches: Thank your for your love, dedication, support and time! These players spend almost as much time with you all as they do their own families! But you all continue to teach these men life lessons, and they will forever be grateful for this!
Thank you fans and supporters to the Luray Bulldogs Boys Basketball team! We appreciate your loyalty to the program and support you have shown. We look forward to next season!
