Bluefield loaded again in back-to-back title quest

BLUEFIELD, W.Va — After bringing home their first state title since 1996 last year by beating Fairmont Senior 63-43 in the Class AA title game, Bluefield (1-0) and head coach Buster Large return a plethora of that talent for this year.

“We feel lucky that we have a chance to have another good season,” Large said. “We have all five starters from last year back and the top two off the bench back, and that gives you a good nucleus to work with.”

Though Large may feel lucky to have all that talent returning, his team will surely be tested early with a difficult schedule.

“This is by far the toughest schedule that we have put together in a while,” Large said.

The Beavers opened up the season last week on the road against rival Princeton, a team that handed Bluefield two of its three losses last season. The Beavers avenged that with a 71-47 win to start off 2013-2014.

Bluefield has another rivalry matchup this week against Graham, Va. before returning home to play in the Bluefield Invitational prior to Christmas.

“Greenbrier East will be very difficult. I feel like they’re going to have one of the best teams in the state, and then we’re playing in the Mid-Atlantic Classic which is going to be a very demanding task,” he said.

Over the summer and into the fall, there was question as to whether the Beavers were going to be with the services of senior guard Lykel Collier. Collier had an eligibility issue with the WVSSAC (initially ruled ineligible), but they ultimately did rule in Collier’s favor and he will return for his senior campaign.

“We’re very happy to have him back and we feel like the decision was very fair,” Large said. “We would like to thank all parties involved, especially the Secondary Activities Commission.”

Joining Collier on the floor, will be Anthony Eades and D.J. Edwards. Eades had a championship game he will never forget as he exploded for 27 points – all three players were named to the all-tournament team last year.

“I have three young men that have started for me since their freshman year, in Collier, Eades and (Michael) Yost,” Large said. “All three of them have gotten stronger over the summer.”

Bluefield will be leaning heavily on that experience as the Beavers look to claim back-to-back titles.

“There’s no answer for experience,” Large said. “We’ve played in a lot of games and camps the past three years, and I think that’s going to be an advantage for us down the road.”