Francis Parker's season ends with SoCal Regional semifinal loss

Temecula Rancho Christian erases a 12-point, second-half deficit to defeat Parker 85-79.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Francis Parker girls basketball team's historic season came to an end on Saturday night as they fell to Temecula Rancho Christian 85-79 in the Southern California Regional semifinals. Rancho Christian erased a 12-point second-half deficit, led by a dominant 44-point performance from freshman Addison Archer. Parker was led by Brieana Brown's 29 points and 12 rebounds, but couldn't hold off Rancho Christian's late comeback.

Why it matters

This loss ends Francis Parker's most successful season in program history, which included winning their second section championship and first Open Division title. The Lancers made their deepest run ever in the state tournament, showing they belong among the top teams in California.

The details

Rancho Christian trailed by 12 points in the second half but slowly chipped away at the deficit, taking the lead at 75-73 with 2:36 to play. Parker tied it on the next possession, but Rancho Christian senior Cori Benjamin scored six straight points to give the Eagles a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Archer, a physical 5-foot-10 freshman, scored a game-high 44 points, including 14-of-19 from the free throw line.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • Rancho Christian advances to the SoCal Regional finals on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Addison Archer

A physical 5-foot-10 freshman guard for Temecula Rancho Christian who scored a game-high 44 points.

Cori Benjamin

A senior forward for Temecula Rancho Christian who scored six straight points late in the fourth quarter to give the Eagles the lead.

Brieana Brown

The leading scorer for Francis Parker, finishing with 29 points and 12 rebounds.

Courtney Clements

The head coach of the Francis Parker girls basketball team.

Marlon Wells

The head coach of Temecula Rancho Christian and a former two-time section champion at Bishop's School.

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What they’re saying

“This was an opportunity just to show Francis Parker belongs in whatever the highest division is. The farther we go here, the more we show that. It's been exciting, it's been fun, every emotion you could feel, I've probably felt so far.”

— Courtney Clements, Head Coach, Francis Parker (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“I miss the San Diego rivalries. (La Jolla) Country Day, Parker, playing Mission Hills.”

— Marlon Wells, Head Coach, Temecula Rancho Christian (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

Rancho Christian will face No. 6 Corona Centennial in the SoCal Regional finals on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

The takeaway

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Francis Parker's historic season has raised the expectations and goals for the program, showing they can compete with the top teams in California. The Lancers' deep playoff run has cemented their status as an elite program in the state.