San Clemente Girls Basketball Caps Off Historic Season with Grit, Growth, and a League Title
The 2024–2025 winter season proved to be another milestone year for the San Clemente High School Girls Basketball team, led by head coach Kerri Husbands. With a dynamic roster of young talent and experienced leaders, the Tritons dominated the South Coast League, finishing the season undefeated in league play and capturing back-to-back league championships — a testament to their development, resilience, and unrelenting drive.
Beyond the hardwood, the team also made waves academically, securing second place in the CIF Southern Section for team GPA among large schools with an impressive 3.846 unweighted GPA — proving excellence on the court and in the classroom go hand in hand at San Clemente.
Stars Emerge: Key Contributors Fueling a Championship Run
Coach Husbands credits the team’s success to a balanced and deep lineup, with standout contributions from underclassmen and veterans alike.
Leading the charge was sophomore Izzy Sims, who became a double-double machine, averaging 10 points and 10 rebounds per game. Her combination of grit, hustle, and inside-out scoring made her a constant threat on both ends of the floor.
Fellow sophomore Kiley Husbands delivered a standout campaign of her own. Known for her versatility and high basketball IQ, Kiley averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds per game, while leading the team in field goal percentage at 48.5%. Her ability to read defenses and make smart plays added a critical layer to the team’s offensive execution.
One of the season’s biggest storylines was the return of junior Quinsey Bryan, who became eligible in late December after serving a transfer sit-out period. Bryan wasted no time making an impact, leading the team in made three-pointers (43) while shooting a lights-out 38% from beyond the arc. Her sharpshooting and leadership were vital to the team’s surge heading into the postseason.
Junior Ellie Anderson emerged as one of the team’s defensive specialists, using her elite speed to consistently disrupt opposing offenses. She finished second on the team in both steals and assists, often turning defense into fast-break opportunities.
Senior Andrea Rico brought a veteran edge, balancing scoring with playmaking. Averaging 10 points per game, she also led the team in steals and assists, setting the tone with her tenacity, energy, and finishing ability.
Meanwhile, dual-sport athlete junior Reese Tremper added toughness and physicality to the lineup. While excelling simultaneously on the varsity soccer field, Tremper contributed 8 points and 5 rebounds per game, proving her grit and value in high-pressure moments.
Season Highlights: Undefeated League Play, Road Wins, and CIF Playoff Fire
From the season’s outset, it was clear this San Clemente team was special — not only because of their skill, but because of their chemistry and constant improvement.
The Tritons didn’t drop a single game in January, sweeping their way through league opponents and locking up the South Coast League title for the second consecutive year. According to Coach Husbands, the team “played well and continued to improve the entire season,” a hallmark of championship-caliber programs.
The team notched significant wins throughout the campaign, including impressive road victories over Orange Lutheran and Fairmont Prep. Perhaps the most electrifying home win came in the second round of the CIF Division 1 playoffs, when the Tritons took down JSerra, further establishing themselves as a team that could compete with anyone.
Turning Points and Team Growth
A key turning point in the season came with the midyear addition of Quinsey Bryan. Her return not only brought lethal perimeter shooting, but also elevated the team's overall basketball IQ and poise on the floor. As Coach Husbands noted, “Her addition made an immediate impact.”
Equally important was the team’s response to adversity. Whether navigating injuries, tough games, or pressure-packed moments, the Tritons showed a collective resilience. “This team has a lot of toughness and grit,” said Husbands. “They would rally around each other and support their teammates through difficult times.”
That unity — forged through rigorous practices, tough competition, and a shared goal — became a defining trait of the 2025 Tritons.
A Senior Class That Set the Standard
The contributions of senior Andrea Rico and the graduating class went far beyond stat sheets.
“The senior class has set a championship tone for our program, both on and off the basketball floor,” said Coach Husbands. “They are an amazing group of young women who will have a lasting impact on the program… it has been a true honor to coach them all.”
Their leadership created a culture of excellence, accountability, and mentorship, laying the foundation for the continued success of the Tritons.
Looking Ahead: The Future is Bright
Even with the departure of key seniors, the future remains very bright for San Clemente basketball. The team returns six core players, including impact sophomores and juniors with playoff experience under their belt.
Coach Husbands is also enthusiastic about the addition of new, young talent, who are expected to contribute right away. “They are all extremely talented and it will be an exciting and fun team to coach,” she said.
With a strong nucleus of returners and a deep commitment to development, the Tritons are poised to remain a force in Southern California girls basketball for years to come.
Offseason Focus: Sharpening the Mind and the System
As the team shifts into offseason mode, the focus will be on raising the collective basketball IQ and deepening players’ understanding of the team’s system.
“Continue to develop our overall basketball IQ and understanding of our system. And always keep getting after it to improve!” Coach Husbands emphasized.
In other words, the Tritons don’t plan to rest on past achievements — the grind continues, and the standard remains high.
Excellence On and Off the Court
What made this San Clemente team truly special wasn’t just their championship performance — it was their commitment to excellence in every aspect of student-athlete life. Finishing second in CIFSS large schools with a 3.846 unweighted GPA is no small feat, especially while competing at such a high level in athletics.
This blend of athletic dominance and academic achievement speaks to the culture Coach Husbands has fostered — one that values character, discipline, and effort just as much as wins.
A Season to Remember
From undefeated league play, statement road wins, and a deep CIF playoff run, to a record-breaking GPA and standout individual development, the 2024–2025 San Clemente Girls Basketball team delivered one of the most memorable seasons in recent memory.
But perhaps the greatest achievement was how they did it — together, with grit, class, and heart.
With a loaded roster returning and a program culture that continues to grow stronger, the future is looking bright for the Tritons.
Stats available via team reports and MaxPreps.
 while shooting a lights-out 38% from beyond the arc. Her sharpshooting and leadership were vital to the team’s surge heading into the postseason.
Junior Ellie Anderson emerged as one of the team’s defensive specialists, using her elite speed to consistently disrupt opposing offenses. She finished second on the team in both steals and assists, often turning defense into fast-break opportunities.
Senior Andrea Rico brought a veteran edge, balancing scoring with playmaking. Averaging 10 points per game, she also led the team in steals and assists, setting the tone with her tenacity, energy, and finishing ability.
Meanwhile, dual-sport athlete junior Reese Tremper added toughness and physicality to the lineup. While excelling simultaneously on the varsity soccer field, Tremper contributed 8 points and 5 rebounds per game, proving her grit and value in high-pressure moments.
Season Highlights: Undefeated League Play, Road Wins, and CIF Playoff Fire
From the season’s outset, it was clear this San Clemente team was special — not only because of their skill, but because of their chemistry and constant improvement.
The Tritons didn’t drop a single game in January, sweeping their way through league opponents and locking up the South Coast League title for the second consecutive year. According to Coach Husbands, the team “played well and continued to improve the entire season,” a hallmark of championship-caliber programs.
The team notched significant wins throughout the campaign, including impressive road victories over Orange Lutheran and Fairmont Prep. Perhaps the most electrifying home win came in the second round of the CIF Division 1 playoffs, when the Tritons took down JSerra, further establishing themselves as a team that could compete with anyone.
Turning Points and Team Growth
A key turning point in the season came with the midyear addition of Quinsey Bryan. Her return not only brought lethal perimeter shooting, but also elevated the team's overall basketball IQ and poise on the floor. As Coach Husbands noted, “Her addition made an immediate impact.”
Equally important was the team’s response to adversity. Whether navigating injuries, tough games, or pressure-packed moments, the Tritons showed a collective resilience. “This team has a lot of toughness and grit,” said Husbands. “They would rally around each other and support their teammates through difficult times.”
That unity — forged through rigorous practices, tough competition, and a shared goal — became a defining trait of the 2025 Tritons.
A Senior Class That Set the Standard
The contributions of senior Andrea Rico and the graduating class went far beyond stat sheets.
“The senior class has set a championship tone for our program, both on and off the basketball floor,” said Coach Husbands. “They are an amazing group of young women who will have a lasting impact on the program… it has been a true honor to coach them all.”
Their leadership created a culture of excellence, accountability, and mentorship, laying the foundation for the continued success of the Tritons.
Looking Ahead: The Future is Bright
Even with the departure of key seniors, the future remains very bright for San Clemente basketball. The team returns six core players, including impact sophomores and juniors with playoff experience under their belt.
Coach Husbands is also enthusiastic about the addition of new, young talent, who are expected to contribute right away. “They are all extremely talented and it will be an exciting and fun team to coach,” she said.
With a strong nucleus of returners and a deep commitment to development, the Tritons are poised to remain a force in Southern California girls basketball for years to come.
Offseason Focus: Sharpening the Mind and the System
As the team shifts into offseason mode, the focus will be on raising the collective basketball IQ and deepening players’ understanding of the team’s system.
“Continue to develop our overall basketball IQ and understanding of our system. And always keep getting after it to improve!” Coach Husbands emphasized.
In other words, the Tritons don’t plan to rest on past achievements — the grind continues, and the standard remains high.
Excellence On and Off the Court
What made this San Clemente team truly special wasn’t just their championship performance — it was their commitment to excellence in every aspect of student-athlete life. Finishing second in CIFSS large schools with a 3.846 unweighted GPA is no small feat, especially while competing at such a high level in athletics.
This blend of athletic dominance and academic achievement speaks to the culture Coach Husbands has fostered — one that values character, discipline, and effort just as much as wins.
A Season to Remember
From undefeated league play, statement road wins, and a deep CIF playoff run, to a record-breaking GPA and standout individual development, the 2024–2025 San Clemente Girls Basketball team delivered one of the most memorable seasons in recent memory.
But perhaps the greatest achievement was how they did it — together, with grit, class, and heart.
With a loaded roster returning and a program culture that continues to grow stronger, the future is looking bright for the Tritons.
Stats available via team reports and MaxPreps.)
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