By BOB REDD
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
PRINCETON — The Bluefield Beavers began defense of their two state championships Tuesday night, defeating the James Monroe Mavericks in the Class AA Region III, Section 2 semifinals 88-43 at Princeton High School.
“I’m extremely proud of our kids. We played a lot of people, had a lot of floor balance,” said Bluefield head coach Buster Large. “I thought Donta Hopkins was exceptional with his passing and great defense. Mookie Collier had another solid night. Jordan Ponder distributed the ball to a lot of people. We got good play from Corey Coppola and Matthew Woodrum.
“We’re just happy to move on and get another chance to try to win the sectional tournament Thursday night.”
The Beavers took control from the opening tip. A pair of Coppola free throws and a pair of layups, and a bucket by Ponder quickly gave the Beavers and 8-0 lead and forced the Maverick to call time.
After the break Bluefield reeled off 10 more points, a three by Hopkins, a three-point-play by Collier and two more baskets by Coppola pushed the lead to 18-0 and James Monroe again called time with just under four minutes showing on the first quarter clock. Bluefield’s lead grew to 20-0 before Landon Shires made James Monroe’s first basket with three-and-a-half minutes to play in the frame.
Caleb Spencer hit a couple of threes for the Mavericks and Dakota Copenhaver made two baskets, but the race was on and Bluefield led 27-12 after one.
The Beavers continued to push the ball in transition and pressure James Monroe on defense and built a 49-23 halftime lead. All 10 Bluefield players dressed saw action in the half and nine etched their mark in the scoring column.
Bluefield slowed a bit and substituted a lot in the third. Coppola added four more baskets down low and the Beavers carried a 66-36 advantage into the final quarter.
The Mavericks struggled from the field in the final frame as they made only three baskets, including a three by Dominic Lewis and Bluefield rolled to victory.
All players on the Beavers’ roster scored, led by Coppola with 22 points. Collier added 13 and Ponder 12. The Beavers played without starter Jeremy Thompson, who is injured. Spencer led James Monroe with 13.
Mavericks head coach Jonathan McPherson talked about his team.
“We had a lot of younger guys this year. We played a lot of juniors and sophomores but we progressed throughout the year and that’s all you can ask for,” McPherson said. “We lose two seniors. I hate to lose them, Jeffrey Lewis and Caleb Hatfield, but we’ll have a good core back for next year.”
With the win Bluefield moves on and will have a third meeting with PikeView, winners over Mount View, Tuesday night. The two teams split a pair of games, each winning on their home court.
“I don’t have any secrets. It’s going to be a great high school game,” Large said. “They’ve got a real good team. I feel confident in our kids also and I think it will be a great game for the area.”
With Monday night’s win Bluefield assures itself a spot in regional play next week. The winner of Thursday’s game will host the loser from the Section 1 championship game between Wyoming East and Westside, while the loser Thursday will travel to the Section 1 champion.

At Princeton High School
JAMES MONROE (6-15)
Caleb Spencer 5 0-0 13, Lance Wilson 1 2-2 4, Dakota Copenhaver 2 0-1 4, Dominic Lewis 3 0-0 7, Landon Shires 3 0-1 6, Conner Boothe 0 0-0 0, Cody Newhouse 0 0-0 0, Caleb Hatfield 1 0-0 2, Tyler Moore 2 0-2 5, Jeffrey Lewis 1 0-0 2, Dylan McMahan 0 0-0 0, Sidney McCormick 0 0-0 0, Totals 18 2-6 43.
BLUEFIELD (11-8)
Donta Hopkins 3 0-0 7, Latrell Collier 5 3-4 13, Zack Springman 2 0-0 4, Raheem Reed 3 3-3 9, Jordan Ponder 5 0-0 12, Omar Logan 2 0-0 4, Corey Coppola 10 2-2 22, Matt Woodrum 2 3-4 7, Elijah Green 1 0-0 2, Dyon Wright 4 0-0 8, Totals 37 11-13 88.
James Monroe..............12 11 13 7 — 43
Bluefield.......................27 22 17 22 — 88
3-point goals: JM 5 (Spencer 3, D. Lewis, Moore); B 3 (Hopkins, Ponder 2) Fouled out: None. Technical fouls: None.