Francis Parker ready to pursue CIF-San Diego Section Open Division girls basketball crown as top seed, Mission Hills gets No. 3 seed in quest for record fifth Open basketball title

Francis Parker School achieved a breakthrough last year by winning the Division 2 title to capture the first CIF-San Diego Section girls basketball championship in program history.

Despite relying on an even younger lineup this season, the Lancers have demonstrated they are ready for their biggest challenge yet by competing for an Open Division crown.

After capturing the Coastal League title Friday with a 51-42 victory to complete a season sweep of La Jolla Country Day, Francis Parker (18-8) was awarded the top seed in the eight-team Open Division playoffs, which begin Friday against No. 8 Rancho Bernardo (22-6).

Semifinal contests are scheduled for Feb. 25, with the final held Feb. 28 at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside.

Francis Parker, led by freshmen Isabella Riddle and Brianna Mendez as well as sophomore Gigi Ong, secured its first league championship since winning the Pacific title in 2017.

The Lancers have overcome injuries to juniors Kaitlyn Raagas and Kaia Desmond, in addition to sophomore Brieana Brown, but their lineup of all underclassmen has showcased poise and maturity throughout the regular season, including a 46-45 victory Jan. 28 against La Jolla Country Day that snapped a 30-game losing streak against the Torreys.

Francis Parker girls basketball team | Photo courtesy of Francis Parker

Despite losing twice in Coastal League competition for the first time since 2015, La Jolla Country Day (16-10) still received the No. 2 seed ahead of North County-Palomar League co-champions Mission Hills (20-8) and Westview (19-8).

The Torreys, who lost 63-56 in last year’s final to Mission Hills, begin their quest for a fourth Open Division title by playing host to No. 7 seed El Capitan (23-5).

La Jolla Country Day, with junior guards Safiyah Sugapong and Princeton commit Mei-Ling Perry leading the way, produced a 64-20 victory Dec. 10 against the Vaqueros, highlighted by junior Keira Heinricy and senior Paige Worthem.

La Jolla Country Day girls basketball team | Photo courtesy of La Jolla Country Day

Although Mission Hills secured a 65-61 win Dec. 13 against Francis Parker, the four-time Open Division champion Grizzlies earned the No. 3 seed and square off against No. 6 Cathedral Catholic (19-8).

Mission Hills, led by sophomores Bay Cordova and Maleena Nava as well as juniors HC Harding, Kalea Bacho and Kendall Nguyen, has the opportunity to become the first five-time winner of the Open Division basketball title – regardless of gender – since the section added the bracket in 2014.

Mission Hills girls basketball team | Photo courtesy of Mission Hills

Westview, which split with Mission Hills during the regular season as both teams posted one-point victories on the opponent’s home court, captured the No. 4 seed and takes on No. 5 Grossmont (22-3).

Westview, featuring juniors Mia Jacobson, Sarah Heyn and Makena McLaughlin along with seniors Maren Zimmer and Katie Graves, is seeking its first section title since winning the Division 2 championship in 2011.

Westview girls basketball team | Photo courtesy of Westview

The Foothillers, led by sophomores Aakash Price and Jaliyah Fleming, completed a season sweep Friday of El Capitan with a 60-54 triumph to win the Grossmont-Hills League title.

Rancho Buena Vista (20-8) achieved the No. 1 seed in Division 1, looking to capture its first section crown in program history after three previous finals appearances.

The Bishop’s School (16-11) received the top seed in Division 2, pursuing its first title since winning the Open Division crown in 2014.

Christian High of El Cajon (20-4) captured the No. 1 seed in Division 3, trying to achieve its first championship run since taking the Division 3 crown in 2018.

Patrick Henry (19-6) grabbed the top seed in Division 4, attempting to secure its first title since 1981.

Coronado (16-3) earned the No. 1 seed in Division 5, as well as a first-round bye. The Islanders last won a section championship in 1996.

Warner (19-2) is the top seed in Division 5-AA and also earned an opening-round bye.

The Wildcats are pursuing just their second finals appearance, reaching the Division 5 title game in 2019, and the program’s first championship.