Christian Carroll and Josh Sykes have played a lot of basketball together growing up.

The chemistry between the two Golden Valley High juniors was on display on Thursday night as Carroll hooked up with Sykes for three alley-oop dunks to highlight the Cougars’ 63-56 win over Franklin of Elk Grove.

“Josh and I have played a lot together, including travel ball,” Carroll said. “We work well together.” Sykes carried the Cougars (11-4) early, with 12 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks in the first half.

Carroll helped finish off the win with four of his 13 points in the final 1 minute and 18 seconds.

“Josh had a tremendous week last week,” Cougars coach Keith Hunter said. “I think every game he had a double-double. He’s just making stronger moves.”

Sykes finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks.

The Cougars took a 35-24 lead at the half. Franklin made runs in the second half, but every time Golden Valley had an answer.

Hunter received some quality minutes from his bench as Gus Perez, Damian Jimenez and Lee McNeil played well.

Sierra 57, Atwater 32 SONORA -- Ben Peterson scored 16 points as the Falcons (9-6) opened the tournament with a loss.

Merced 39, Sonora 35

SONORA -- Keith Bolden scored 14 points as the Bears (6-8) opened the Columbia Tournament with a win over the Wildcats. Merced will face Central Catholic today at 4:30 p.m.

Las Vegas Prep Classic

LAS VEGAS -- Buhach Colony went 1-1 in the second day of the tournament.

Joe Marquez topped 30 points for the second straight game with 32 points in a 64-58 win over View Park of Crenshaw in the morning.

The Thunder (12-4) then lost to Clark 67-47 in the semifinals in the afternoon despite 15 points from Marquez .

GIRLS

Basketball

Buhach Colony 46, Kingsburg 22

WALNUT CREEK -- Jessica Silva scored 19 points to lead the Thunder (10-4) to a win in the West Coast Jamboree.