MARIENVILLE — Freshman Rylan Benton poured in 20 points in his varsity debut and the Youngsville boys basketball team advanced to the finals of the Forest Area Tip-off Tournament with a 52-30 victory over Tidioute Charter on Friday.

Benton’s big game was complemented by a 16-point effort from senior Nathan Lucks. Cash Moore and Ethan Beers chipped in 8 and 6 points, respectively, to round out a balanced Youngsville effort.

Both teams came out blazing in the opening quarter of the season with the Eagles holding a slim 16-15 lead after a quarter. In the second quarter, however, Youngsville used a 20-2 advantage to build a lead that wouldn’t be seriously challenged the rest of the way.

Lane Buccardo led the Bulldogs with 8 points, while Cody Paden and Bryce Gilson added 7 points apiece in the loss.

Youngsville will look for its second consecutive tip-off tournament championship Saturday when it faces the winner of Friday night’s Forest Area vs. Venango Catholic game. Tidioute will square off with the loser of that same contest.

TIDIOUTE (30)

Chris Kenney 2 0-1 5, Lane Buccardo 4 0-0 8, Cody Paden 3 1-3 7, Bryce Gilson 3 0-0 7, Landon Anderson 0 0-0 0, Maddox Gilson 0 0-0 0, Correy Mahan 1 0-0 3, Caleb Hart 0 0-0 0. Totals 13 1-4 30.

YOUNGSVILLE (52)

Cash Moore 4 0-0 8, Ethan Beers 3 0-1 6, Rylan Benton 9 0-0 20, Braydon Baker 1 0-0 2, Nathan Lucks 8 0-0 16, Rodney Rowland 0 0-0 0, Josh Pikna 0 0-0 0, Hudson Haight 0 0-0 0, Chris Edwards 0 0-0 0, Austin Connor 0 0-0 0, Ollie Boozer 0 0-0 0. Totals 25 0-1 52.

3-point goals–Kenney, BGilson, Mahan, Benton 2.

Tidioute 15 2 9 4 — 30

Youngsville 16 20 12 4 — 52