One key run was all it took for the New Castle High boys basketball team.

The Red Hurricane scored 10 straight points to build a 12-point lead and coast to a 63-46 win over Poland (Ohio) in the second annual United Way Holiday High School Basketball Classic on the Bulldogs’ home floor Saturday night.

New Castle (4-0) led just 22-20 in the second quarter, but the ’Canes rattled off 10 unanswered points to take control. New Castle settled for a 32-24 lead at the break and 45-34 advantage going to the fourth.

“Both teams guarded really well throughout the game,” ’Canes coach Ralph Blundo said. “They were long, big and good; they’ll be one of the best teams we’ll play all year.”

Blundo said he learned a little about his team in the win.

“I know that we can find a way to get it done and that guys can make plays,” he said. “We’ll play extremely hard; there’s a ton of room to grow and that’s exciting to me. Knowing that we can continue to get better.”

Malik Hooker, a senior and Ohio State football recruit, netted a game-high 17 points with eight rebounds, eight steals and five assists for New Castle. Drew Allen tossed in 14 points and handed out six assists for the ’Canes and Anthony Richards added 13 markers. Jake McPhatter chipped in with 10.

Stew Allen snared seven boards as well.

Kyle Dixon and Jake Wolfe tossed in 12 points apiece for the Bulldogs (3-1).

“I was pleased that we were able to go over to their home floor and win the basketball game,” Blundo said. “I didn’t think we played particularly well. They made us do things that weren’t characteristic of us.

“We were never able to get away from them. Once it got to 10 it stayed there until the last three minutes.”