Adding up all the games and practices as a player, Kiara Buford has taken the court at Williams Arena hundreds of times.

Six years removed from her standout career with the Gophers, Buford is going back to the Barn as a head coach. Her top-ranked Cooper team will make its first state tournament appearance after defeating Benilde-St. Margaret’s 62-47 on Thursday in the Class 3A, Section 6 final in Chanhassen.

The Hawks’ 19th consecutive victory was their third of the season over the Red Knights, whom they swept on their way to a 14-0 showing in the Metro West Conference.

Top-ranked Cooper advanced to the state tournament for the first time in school history Thursday with a 62-47 victory over Benilde-St. Margaret’s in the Class 3A, Section 6 finals in Chanhassen.

The Hawks’ 19th consecutive victory was their third of the season over the Red Knights, whom they swept on their way to a 14-0 showing in the Metro West Conference.

Senior Jada Buford jump-started a game-opening 17-5 run for the Hawks (26-2) with a three-pointer on the first trip down the floor.

The Red Knights (19-10) moved back within 18-16 on Isabel Fleming’s three-pointer midway through the first half. Cooper responded with a 15-4 run, highlighted by three-pointers from senior Aja Wheeler, Andrea Tribble and Ty’neecia Longs to extend its lead to 33-20 by the break.

The Hawks’ six first-half three-pointers opened up the paint for freshman forward Kierra Wheeler, who scored 15 of her 16 points in the second half. Aja Wheeler finished with 13 points and Buford added 11.

Fleming led the Red Knights with a game-high 26 points.

Check back later for more on the game.