The Heritage Patriots basketball program traveled Friday night to Flowery Branch, splitting a pair of Region 8-AAAAA contests against the Flacons.

The boys varsity basketball team picked up a 59-58 victory over the Falcons, moving its record to 13-2 overall, while the girls teams dropped a 65-23 decision.

Heritage boys coach Ralph Denmark said it was good for the Patriots to get a road win, but his team looked out of synch after the holiday break.

“We didn’t play very well and we came out a little flat,” Denmark said. “I think some different things had bearing on that – we were out of school, we had to drive up and it was a late game. That’s not a typical schedule for us and not a situation that we’re used to. However, Flowery Branch played very well and did some good things against us. They deserve a lot of credit for playing well.”

Heritage led 14-8 after the first quarter, but Flowery Branch narrowly outscored the Patriots 17-16 in the second quarter.

Flowery Branch made its comeback bid in the third quarter, outscoring Heritage 20-13 in the period, taking a 45-43. Heritage rallied back in the fourth, outscoring the Falcons 16-13 to take the road win.

Andre Harris and San Marteen Rozier finished in double figures for the Patriots, with Harris leading the way with 13 points and Rozier finishing with 11 points. Rozier went 2-for-2 from the floor, while posting a 7-for-8 night at the free-throw line.

Rozier also finished with a game-high six steals, while Trevor Campbell finished eight rebounds.

The Patriots return to action Wednesday night at home against Apalachee. The game was originally scheduled to be played Tuesday, but was postponed due to inclement weather.

 “Hopefully, having the game moved won’t be that big of a deal,” Denmark said. “We’re going to get in here and practice and get them to understand that we still have to play at a high level, despite some of the adjustments that we’ve had to make. We’re hoping that what we learned Friday night carries over. They learned that they need to come in prepared.”

Lady Patriots stumble

The Lady Patriots fell to 0-13 Friday night on the road against Flowery Branch, dropping a 65-23 decision.

Heritage was held to single digits in all four quarters, scoring just nine second-half points.

Flowery Branch took control in the first quarter, taking a commanding 17-6 advantage. The Lady Falcons carried a 33-14 lead into halftime before outscoring the Lady Patriots 19-5 in the third period. Heritage scored a game-low four points in the fourth quarter, while Flowery Branch sealed the win with 13 points in the fourth quarter.

Heritage will face Apalachee at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.