Eagles take three-game win streak into first round

First-year coach Agustin Heredia was already drawing comparisons between his Estancia High boys’ basketball team and his next opponent.

This before the Eagles (13-13) play host to Sante Fe (18-10) tonight at 7 in the opening round of the CIF Southern Section Division III-A playoffs.

“I think we can play with them. I like our chances,” Heredia said. “They play in a league similar to ours.”

Not exactly. Sante Fe, the second entry out of the De Rio League, did compete in a league with four teams finishing below .500. But Estancia placed second in the Orange Coast, which saw half of its teams finish with losing records, including one almost going winless the entire season.

The Eagles are on a three-game winning streak, which includes a 53-52 upset against Laguna Beach Thursday.

Sante Fe last season advanced to the quarterfinals, losing to Renaissance Academy League of La Cañada, 67-54. Estancia didn’t qualify after a 2-24 season. This is Estancia’s first postseason berth since 2005-06 and their first home playoff game since 2004-05.

— David Carrillo Peñaloza