Not quite four minutes into North St. Paul’s game against No. 2 seed Hopkins (29-1), Goodnews Kpegeol attempted a dunk to spark the underdog Polars.

Hopkins standout Amir Coffey sensed as much, and literally rose to the occasion.

“I knew he’d go up strong so I just tried to jump as high as I could,” Coffey said.

A clean block maintained order in a 74-42 Royals’ victory, even as Coffey missed a portion of the game with an injured tailbone. He crashed to the floor attempting a block later in the first half. Coffey, who committed to Minnesota, said he “definitely” could have played more minutes if needed.

“I’m a little sore,” said Coffey, who is also nagged by a turf toe injury. “I put ice on it during the game. I’ll have to use a heating pad. But it’s my last couple games so I can’t sit out.”

He cheered the efforts of fellow seniors Xavier Johnson (who led Hopkins with 20 points), Vinnie Shahid (11 points) plus junior Simon Wright (10 points, seven rebounds) and sophomore Joe Hedstrom (10 points in nine minutes).

Coffey’s block headlined the strong Hopkins defensive effort. North St. Paul (24-6) struggled early, committing 16 turnovers and scoring 11 points by halftime. Kpegeol finished with 13 points in the first North St. Paul state tournament game since 1999.

“They’re just talented,” Polars’ senior Adreon Wadlington said. “They have a bunch of guys who had been here before and they’re tough.”

No. 2 seed Hopkins (29-1) rolled to a 74-42 victory against North St. Paul (24-6) in the Class 4A boys’ basketball state tournament quarterfinals Wednesday at Target Center.

The Royals advances to the semifinals and play winner between Blaine and No. 3 seed Apple Valley at 8 p.m. Thursday at Target Center.

Xavier Johnson led Hopkins with 20 points. Goodnews Kpegeol led North St. Paul with 13 points.

Hopkins standout Amir Coffey, the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, missed a portion of the first half. Coffey leaped to block a shot, fell over a North St. Paul player and crashed hard on the floor. He left with a trainer before checking back into the game before halftime. He saw limited action early in the second half and finished with eight points.

North St. Paul struggled with possession in the first half, committing 16 turnovers and scoring 11 points.

Check back later for more on the game.