Merced basketball opens Columbia College Classic with win

The Merced High School boys basketball team started fast and cruised to a 65-25 win over James Lick of San Jose in the opening round of the Columbia College Holiday Classic on Monday.

The Bears (6-6) took an 18-4 lead by the end of the first quarter and led 36-8 at halftime.

“We talk about a team effort, and that’s what the boys did,” Merced coach Hector Nava said. “They played together, they passed the ball, and they shot well. Defensively, they were extremely sound as well. It was a good all-around night.”

A.J. Stewart led Merced with 21 points. Jared Pazin knocked down four three-pointers for all 12 of his points.

Merced will play Sonora Tuesdayat 4:30 p.m. in a semifinal matchup.

“Sonora is going to be tough,” Nava said. “You have to do everything well when you play Sonora.”

Escalon 58, Golden Valley 52 in Sonora – Collins Hayes scored 14 points and Cyrus Allen 13 as the Cougars opened the tournament with a loss to Escalon.

Tommy Pangan paced Escalon with 16 points.

Golden Valley will play Summerville in a consolation game Tuesday at noon.

Girls basketball

Buena 63, Golden Valley 60 in San Diego – The Cougars misfired on two three-point attempts in the final five seconds as they lost in the SoCal Holiday Prep Classic.

Golden Valley coach Matt Thissen, who is one win away from career win No. 300, felt Naomi Peterson was fouled on her shot at the buzzer.

“She got hammered, and there was no call,” Thissen said.

Stephanie Moore led Golden Valley (9-3) with 20 points, nine assists and six steals. Kayla Commons had 17 points and nine rebounds. Center Abbee Croninger had 12 points and eight rebounds.

Golden Valley will play Schurr of Montebello Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.

This story was originally published December 28, 2015 at 7:53 PM with the headline "Merced basketball opens Columbia College Classic with win."