ANAHEIM — The San Clemente girls basketball team treated its matchup against Fairmont Prep, the No. 2 team in the Orange County rankings, like a postseason game, and head coach Kerri Husbands embraced the moment.

“We wanted a really hard game in the middle of our season and it has a playoff feel to it,” Husbands said, “so we wanted to mimic what that’s going to feel like.”

The Tritons, who are ranked No. 6 in the county, had four players score in double figures, led by Kiley Husbands’ 20 points, and Quinsey Bryan added nine points on three second-half 3-pointers as they beat the Huskies 67-60 on Friday night at Fairmont Prep.

Husbands gave credit to the entire team’s preparation.

“They put in a great week of practice,” she said. “Every single player on this team really helped to prepare for this game. I couldn’t have asked for more, from the effort to the energy that the entire team gave, not just tonight but all week at practice too.”

Izzy Sims finished with 14 points while Ellie Anderson and Andrea Rico each had 10 points for San Clemente (19-5).

The Huskies (17-8) led 23-11 after the first quarter but the Tritons began chipping away in the second.

Sims scored 12 of her 14 points in the second to help pull San Clemente within five points at the break, 30-25.

Fairmont Prep coach Josh Lozano was limited to a seven-player rotation because of injuries. Foul trouble in the second half did not help the Lightning.

“Lesina Afu rolled her ankle early in the first quarter,” Lozano said, “so we had to pull her and then Sarah (Aldeguer) picked up three (fouls) in the first half and picked up a fourth one early in the third, and that’s when they were able to beat us up inside.”

Rico scored all 10 of her points in the third quarter thanks to great ball movement and solid court vision in the post by Husbands.

“Andrea had a great game and finds open lanes and has a real vision that’s tremendous,” Husbands said.

Rico scored three consecutive baskets to give San Clemente a 45-42 lead late in the third quarter.

Adyra Rajan knocked down two free throws for the Huskies to the close the gap to a point, but Bryan drilled a corner-3 as time expired in the third, giving San Clemente a 48-44 advantage.

Bryan hit two more 3s in the fourth to give the Tritons a 56-50 lead while Anderson and Husbands provided crucial baskets down the stretch.

“Super proud of her,” Husbands said of her daughter, Kiley. “She just always lets the game come to her.”

Rajan scored a game-high 26 points (four 3-pointers), Sarah Aldeguer added 15 points (11 in the first quarter) and Maria Mejia finished with 12 points.

Lozano wants his team to regroup and finish the regular season strong.

“We’re looking to start playoffs with some new blood,” Lozano said. “We’ll have about 10 days to prepare for the playoffs as our last game is Feb. 2nd.”

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