BETHEL PARK, Penn. -- Using an 11-0 run to end the first half, Groveport pulled away from Blackhawk (PA) on Wednesday to open up action in the Penn-Ohio Holiday Classic. Groveport relied on 26 points from senior forward Lony Francis to put Blackhawk away, cruising to a 70-48 victory.

Shooting a high percentage from the floor, Francis was very effective on Wednesday, converting on 12-of-14 shot attempts to lead all scorers with 26 points. Francis powered Groveport with 17 points in a first half where the Cruisers turned a 24-17 lead into 35-17 by halftime, shutting Blackhawk out for the final 3:29 of the second quarter.

In the second half, Groveport pulled away, as its talented cast of guards hit shots, while Francis dominated around the basket. Outside of Francis, junior guard Tyreese Cherry added 12 points, while senior wing guard Jared Moman added 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists. 

Junior point guard Corey Baker was solid on all sides of the floor, finishing with five points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals.

With the win, Groveport moves on to play Steel Valley (PA) on Thursday to wrap up the Penn-Ohio Holiday Classic.