The CIF San Diego Section created the Open Division in girls and boys basketball for the 2013-14 season. In the 13 years since the division’s inception, no Francis Parker program, boys or girls, has hung an Open Division title.

Late next month, that could change. The Lancers boys are ranked third in the section. As for Courtney Clements’ girls team, its viewed as the team to beat, ranked No. 1 in the section by multiple polls.

“We talk a lot about, what do they want their legacy to be about at Francis Parker?” said Clements, whose team lost to Mission Hills in last year’s Open Division championship. “No Open Division title? That’s something they know about.”

The Lancers took a step in the right direction Friday night, coming from behind to defeat La Jolla Country Day 52-39 on the Torreys’ floor in the Coastal League opener for both teams.

Parker improved to 13-6. LJCD, which has won 15 section titles and four state championships in Terri Bamford’s previous 30 seasons, fell to 11-10. The Torreys, ranked third in the section, have lost seven of their last eight.

La Jolla Country Day made Parker sweat. The visitors led 13-4 in the first quarter. By halftime, Parker trailed 26-22, scoring only five points in the second quarter.

“We took eight shots in the second quarter and had seven turnovers,” said Clements. “It’s hard to shoot it when you don’t have the ball in your hands.”

The game was tied at 34 after three quarters.

That’s when Parker’s defense and freshman Jordan Brown took over. Parker outscored LJCD 18-5 in the final eight minutes. The Torreys hit just one of eight shots in the quarter and committed five turnovers, most of them against Parker’s full-court press.

“It was better defense and offense,” said Clements. “We scored and that helps. They’re young. If they don’t score they don’t play defense the same way. When we score points, the defense looks better. They get a little energized.”

The 5-foot-9 Brown showed why she’s considered one of the best freshmen in the nation. She scored Parker’s first tight points of the fourth, including two 3s, one from the wing, another from the corner.

Regarding her hot start in the fourth quarter, Brown said, “For me, it was just time to win.”

Brown finished with a game-high 25 points, six above her average. Junior Brienna Brown logged a double-double, finishing with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Before the season, Clements said Jordan Brown will be one of the section’s best players. Not this year.

“Ever,” said Clements. “As soon as her physical strength matches her ability, she will be a player that’s unstoppable. “

“I love playing with Jordan,” said Brieenna Brown. “We’ve got a lot of chemistry. When we get it going, we’re fun to watch.”

La Jolla Country Day was led by seniors Safiyah Sugapong and Atlanta Bass-Sulpizio, who each scored 12 points. Bass-Sulpizio, who was slowed during the week with the flu, grabbed eight rebounds.

The game was only Parker’s fourth against San Diego Section competition and marked the first time the Lancers were pushed by a local team. The other wins came by 46, 42 and 32 points.”

Brienna Brown missed most of last season with a foot injury. After losing to Mission Hills in last year’s title game, she’s longing to win an Open Division title.

“I kind of have a chip on my shoulder,” said Brienna Brown. “I want to get this for my team, to put our school on the map. Let everyone know who Parker is.”

The rivals haven’t seen the last of each other. LJCD gets a rematch on Feb. 6 on the Lancers’ floor.