Heritage girls basketball team at home in playoffs Saturday

The Heritage High girls basketball team will continues its best season ever when it plays host to Pilibos High of Los Angeles Saturday at 5 p.m. in the CIF Division 4AA quarterfinals.

The Patriots improved their season record to 21-4 Wednesday night, traveling to Santa Barbara and defeating Bishop Diego, 77-52. Heritage led by seven at halftime before breaking the game open in the third quarter.

A strong offensive attack was led by Lauren Pagtakhan with 29 points, followed by freshman Sierra Maxwell with 27 and senior Aaliyah Benavidez with 11. Pagtakhan and Maxwell both shot over 50 percent from the floor. Pagtakhan made 5 of 8 three-point shots.

Rodriguez, Maxwell and senior Naya Perez each pulled down seven rebounds for the winners. Maxwell finished with 5 steals.

Pilibos comes into the game with a 19-6 overall record. The Eagles defeated Gabrielino 46-38 on Wednesday.

Photo of Aaliyah Benavidez by Kristi Jo Photography.