By Manuel Hernandez
For the News-Gazette
Heritage Christian won its first Florida Christian Conference playoff game Friday, with an 83-45 home win over Land O’Lakes Christian.
Senior Josue Hernandez led Heritage with 30 points, and Miles Peterson had 20.
“The key was, all nine of them (the Eagles) came ready to play,” Heritage Coach Jim Estrella said.
A combination of stark defense and a fast-paced offense paved the way for Heritage to take a quick 10-2 lead in the first quarter and dominate the game from the very beginning.
Land O’ Lakes hit the first shot of the second quarter and came out aggressive, but Heritage came right back. Hernandez continued to hit shots throughout the second quarter, especially in short drives to the hoop. Heritage stretched the lead to 45-26 at the half.
Land O’ Lakes scored first second half, and was able to cut the lead to 17 points (50-33), but Elijah Reid, Gavin Gailfoil and Eli Morales put on a defensive clinic and halted Land O’ Lakes’ comeback.
“We had different players in passing lanes,” Estrella said. “Deflections mean a lot because it gives your partner an opportunity to deflect the pass.”
In the fourth quarter Estrella was able to rest his starters. Heritage moves on to its 2nd playoff game and faces No. 2 West Division Community Christian Tuesday.
