SpringfieldNewsSun.com

KETTERING — Austin Jones' grandma handed him a plastic bag full of suckers after the game. As has become tradition, the senior guard then distributed them to his Graham teammates — a sugary assist that might win him friends, if not postseason honors.

Had they no candy at all, it still would have been a sweet Sunday for the Falcons.

At Kettering Fairmont's Trent Arena on Jan. 4, Graham grounded the Eagles of Chaminade Julienne 74-53 to extend its regular-season winning streak to 29 games.

The Falcons (6-0) played a near flawless game. They were never challenged after taking an 8-2 lead on three early baskets by Ethan Ward, who finished with 16 points.

"We've been ready for this game for weeks," Jones said. "That's what we've been looking forward to."

Graham's Josh Schuler scored 21 of his 34 points in the first half. His three-point play four minutes into the second half gave Graham a 33-12 advantage.

"We knew we hadn't reached our potential yet, and we talked about it all the time," said Schuler, now averaging 26 points per game. "But I think tonight we knew it was bigger game, and we were a lot more focused. I think tonight was a lot more up to our potential than we had been playing."

Ryan Bass led C.J. with 26. The Eagles have lost three straight after a 3-0 start.

"They came to play, and we came to play too, but we're not very good defensively," CJ coach Joe Staley said. "Until we appreciate that, we're going to have a lot more disappointing nights."

Graham made nine 3-pointers and 16-of-18 free throws.

"I think it's as well as we've played, especially offensively," Graham coach Brook Cupps said. "Our unselfishness, ball movement, player movement was definitely at a better level than it has been all year. That's why you play a team like C.J. The competition they play consistently makes you have to play at that level."