Inder Sandhu and Ceres High and David Serrano and Central Valley battled twice during the Western Athletic Conference varsity boys basketball season.

Each team won once.

Inder and David tangled for the third time while competing in the Turlock Journal’s Fourth Annual Central Valley Senior Showcase this past week.

Sandhu and the National squad edged Serrano and the American squad, 71-70, Thursday evening at Turlock High.

“We had a good time even though we were on opposite teams,” David said. “We got to know each other more.”

Added Inder: “We talked during the two practices and game. It was fun.”

Sandhu and Serrano both logged 15 minutes of playing time.

Sandhu scored seven of his 10 points in the opening half.

“It was an honor to play in the game,” said Inder, who contributed at guard. “My brother (Joshneil) played in it three years ago. We’re very competitive.”

Serrano totaled two points at center. He made a pair of free throws.

“It was a fun experience even though we lost,” Serrano said. “I got to play basketball with new guys.”

The American team turned a double-digit deficit into a slim lead late in the game.

The National team scored the go-ahead basket with 3 seconds left in regulation.

The American team failed to get off a potential, winning shot.

“My team went out there to have fun and also win,” Sandhu said. “That’s what we did. We got the job done.”

“Even though we didn’t win, it was still fun,” Serrano said. “It was worth going to practice. It got competitive.”

Sandhu plans to play basketball in college.

Inder earned first-team all-Western Athletic Conference honors during his final season with Ceres High.

He averaged 15.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

Inder shot 83 percent (19 of 23) from the free-throw line.

“I put in countless hours in the gym,” Sandhu said. “It had a huge impact on my game. I’m looking forward to the next chapter.”

Serrano will play football in college.

David was named Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in the WAC during his final season on the gridiron with Central Valley.

“It’s sad just thinking about my basketball career ending even though it’s not my main sport,” Serrano said. “I have no regrets. I tried to do everything I could to help my team.”