Bluefield 80, James Monroe 61

[Bluefield_Rules 46]

http://www.bdtonline.com/articles/2005/01/15/sports/01.beavers.txt

 

Beavers run and gun to win over Mavericks

Posted: Friday, Jan 14, 2005 - 10:57:11 pm EST

By DUSTY HARMAN

Bluefield Daily Telegraph

 

BLUEFIELD - Time to go back to the drawing board.

 

James Monroe came into Friday's contest at Bluefield hoping to contain Jonathan Repass and Dexter Moore, the Beavers' top scoring duo - each averaging around 15 points per game.

 

But despite an defense geared to stop them, the Bluefield duo still found the hoop enough to pace the Beavers (7-3).

 

Moore hit five 3-pointers and finished with 20 points, scoring nine in the first quarter and eight in the fourth. Repass, meanwhile, stepped up in the second and third stanzas, collecting 11 points, including a trio of 3s in the third stanza.

 

Tremayne Matthews added 10 points and Tarius Palmero had eight for the Beavers, which rotated deep into their bench, getting points from 14 of 15 players.

 

"We're getting some quality minutes out of all of our subs," Bluefield coach Ernie Gilliard said. "... We've been able to sub very freely and get people not only playing time, but valuable experience."

 

Rusty Coeburn added six points four steals, three assists and two blocks, while Moore grabbed four steals and Repass dished three helpers.

 

Bluefield had 17 steals as a team, forcing a 15 of James Monroe's 22 turnovers with an aggressive first-half press.

 

"That's what we've been trying to accomplish all year long," Gilliard said. "When we pressure the ball as well as we did tonight, we're able to get some runs and easy baskets, and that helps us settle into the game."

 

The Beavers' performance capped a tough stretch for the Mavericks (2-7) on the hardcourt.

 

"We've had a tough week this week," James Monroe coach Jason Mathis said. "We had a home game Monday (a victory against Giles), we went to Wyoming East on Tuesday (a loss) ... and then we have to play Bluefield (on the road.)"

 

The Beavers trailed only once in the game, allowing the Mavericks to erase an early 6-2 lead. But once Gilliard's squad took control, they never looked back.

 

Bluefield led 21-13 after the first quarter, and scored the first six points of the second to go ahead 27-13.

 

After Robert Payne hit a bucket for Monroe, the Beavers exploded for a turnover-fueled 10-2 spurt to get some breathing room.

 

"They play their style of basketball, and they force you to play their style of basketball," Mathis said. "What we need to do is make quick passes and make better decisions."

 

BHS led 40-23 at the half, and was never really threatened in the final 16 minutes, leading by as many as 28.

 

Corey Miller led James Monroe with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Justin Whittmore tallied 14 points, Cody McDaniel scored eight, and Heath Mullins passed four assists to go with four points.

 

Bluefield hosts Shady Spring Tuesday night in its next action. James Monroe plays Monday at Giles, one of two teams the Mavs have beaten this season.

 

- Contact Dusty Harman

dharman@bdtonline.com

 

At Bluefield High School

 

James Monroe (2-7).................13 10 19 19 - 61

 

Bluefield (7-3).........................21 19 26 14 - 80

 

JMHS: Robert Payne 7, Heath Mullins 4, Corey Miller 18, Cody McDaniel 8, Justin Whittmore 14, Joseph Haynes 4, Duane Crawford 6.

 

Totals: 20 21-30 61.

 

BHS: Jerome Powell 2, Bradley Cosby 5, Delane Goodson 2, Jonathan Repass 11, Dexter Moore 20, Rusty Coeburn 6, Quinton Steptoe 4, Jordan Manns 3, Tremayne Matthews 10, Kyle Hammond 2, Jonathan Payne 4, Tarius Palmero 8, Mark Page 2, Daniel Wells 4.

 

Totals: 23+10 4-15 80.