Top-seeded James Monroe pulled away after a strong first quarter to defeat No. 8 Lincoln 68-33 in the WVSSAC Class AA Girls Basketball State Tournament quarterfinals, advancing the Mavericks to the state semifinals.

The game began tightly contested. Peyton Griffith knocked down an early three-pointer to give the Mavericks a narrow lead, while Andrea Rockwell answered for Lincoln with a basket inside to keep the Cougars within a point.

Late in the opening quarter, James Monroe began to create separation. Mya Dunlap sparked a 9-0 run, scoring the final five points of the period as the Mavericks built a 14-4 lead after the first quarter.

The momentum carried into the second quarter. Kendall Long scored on back-to-back possessions before Lydia Dunlap cleaned up a miss inside, helping extend the lead. The Mavericks’ defense fueled an 11-0 run that pushed the advantage to 25-8 before Lincoln responded late in the half with a basket from Bristol Toth. James Monroe still carried a 28-15 lead into halftime.

The Mavericks added to their lead immediately after the break when Mya Dunlap knocked down a three-pointer on the opening possession of the third quarter. Dunlap finished with a game-high 21 points, while freshman Lydia Dunlap controlled the paint with 18 points and 16 rebounds, recording a dominant double-double.

Lincoln attempted to rally with baskets from Rockwell and Toth, but James Monroe answered with an 11-1 run to regain full control. Trinity Hill added a baseline jumper late in the quarter as the Mavericks extended their lead to 49-26 entering the fourth.

From there, James Monroe continued to pull away as Kendall Long added two more baskets to finish with 13 points, sealing a decisive 68-33 victory.

Rockwell led Lincoln with 14 points, while Toth added 10 for the Cougars.
With the win, James Monroe advances to the Class AA semifinals, where the Mavericks will face Region 3 rival Wyoming East.

Final Score
James Monroe 68
Lincoln 33

🏀 Top Performers

Mya Dunlap — 21 points
Lydia Dunlap — 18 points, 16 rebounds
Kendall Long — 13 points
Andrea Rockwell (Lincoln) — 14 points
Bristol Toth (Lincoln) — 10 points