Lincoln High girls basketball team advances to Division 2 finals

Head coach James Townsend's bold prediction comes true despite early-season struggles.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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When Lincoln High School's girls basketball team was stuck with a 4-11 record, head coach James Townsend made a bold prediction that they would win the CIF championship, despite the team resembling a 'packed emergency room' at the time due to injuries. The Hornets went on to outlast Christian High School and advance to the Division 2 finals, proving Townsend's confidence in his team was well-placed.

Why it matters

Lincoln High's girls basketball team's unexpected turnaround and advancement to the Division 2 finals is an inspiring story of perseverance and a coach's unwavering belief in his team, despite early-season struggles. It showcases the power of determination and the ability to overcome adversity in high school sports.

The details

With two key players injured early in the season, the Lincoln High girls basketball team started off with a 4-11 record. However, head coach James Townsend remained confident, boldly predicting the team would win the CIF championship. The Hornets went on to outlast Christian High School in a close game to advance to the Division 2 finals, proving Townsend's faith in his team was well-founded.

  • In early 2026, Lincoln High's girls basketball team had a 4-11 record.
  • Head coach James Townsend made his bold prediction that the team would win the CIF championship.
  • On February 25, 2026, Lincoln High outlasted Christian High School to advance to the Division 2 finals.

The players

James Townsend

The head coach of the Lincoln High School girls basketball team who made a bold prediction that his team would win the CIF championship despite their early-season struggles.

Lincoln High School girls basketball team

The high school basketball team that overcame early-season adversity to advance to the Division 2 finals, proving their coach's confidence in them was well-placed.

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What they’re saying

“We will win CIF, mark my word.”

— James Townsend, Head Coach, Lincoln High School girls basketball team (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

The Lincoln High School girls basketball team will compete in the Division 2 finals on March 1, 2026, where they will look to win the CIF championship and prove their coach's bold prediction correct.

The takeaway

The Lincoln High School girls basketball team's unexpected turnaround and advancement to the Division 2 finals is an inspiring story of perseverance, determination, and a coach's unwavering belief in his team. It showcases the power of overcoming adversity and the ability to defy the odds in high school sports.