Cranbrook drives past Franklin Road Christian 64-41.

The Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Cranes defeated the Franklin Road Christian Warriors 64-41 at home on Friday night.The win places Cranbrook at 17-1 on the season while Franklin Road goes to 9-9.

Cranbrook established an early lead with great perimeter shooting. Junior point guard Torrell Williams put the Cranes in good position with a big 3-pointer to open his scoring.

Franklin Road Christian played aggressive, but could not find open shots in the early going.

Cranbrook led 20-3 at the end of the first.

In the second quarter, the Warriors found a rhythm and got their shots to fall.Freshman guard Blake Goodman knocked down two 3-pointers, a field goal, and a pair of free throws to put life into their attack.

But senior forward Colin Canning hit three baskets in the paint to keep the Cranes soaring.

Cranbrook took a 37-17 lead into the half.

“Franklin Road Christian figured out their shots in the second (period),” said Cranbrook Head Coach Shane Finney. “We knew they were a good shooting team and it was just a matter of time before they got going.”

In the third period, the Warriors continued to chip away at the Crane defense as Goodman continued to find his shots.Junior guard Blake Banks also added a key field goal from beyond the arc for Franklin Road Christian.

But junior guard Clark Doman would deflect the Warriors charge with three baskets and a big 3 pointer of his own.Adding in free throws by senior center Tim Hauxwell and junior center Danny Files, Cranbrook would hold the line against Franklin Road Christian.

Cranbrook led 53-26 after three periods.

The fourth quarter featured a pair of dueling guards, as Banks hit several shots for the Warriors, including two 3-pointers.But Cranbrook junior guard Kobi Russell was not to be outdone, hitting two 3-pointers of his own in the running battle.

Banks’ efforts, however, were not enough to lift Franklin Road Christian out of their deficit.The Cranes would hold on to their lead as the clock wound down.

Cranbrook took home a 64-41 victory.

“We worked to get good quality shots tonight. We also got key rebounds from our front court,” said Finney.“I was pleased with our overall team effort.”

Junior guard Clark Doman led the Cranes with 15 points.Junior guard Torrell Williams had 11 points. Junior guard Kobi Russell finished with 9 points.

Junior guard Blake Banks scored 19 points for Franklin Road Christian, while freshman guard Blake Goodman had 16 points.

Cranbrook now moves on to face Bishop Foley in the Catholic League C-D Championship at Callahan Hall on Sunday.