California: Damien Spartans Boys Basketball Team Overachieves to Division I State Title

In Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center on March 13, 2026, the Damien Spartans delivered a gritty 58-55 victory over Folsom to claim the CIF Division I state championship. The game stayed tight throughout, but Damien flipped the script in the fourth quarter with flawless execution, outrebounding the Bulldogs 32-21 while going a perfect 8-for-8 from the field late. Zaire Rasshan ignited the comeback with 18 points and five threes, including clutch shots during a pivotal 10-0 run; Elijah Smith added 18 points and four assists; and Eli Garner anchored the frontcourt with 15 points and 13 rebounds. The Spartans celebrated by mobbing each other at midcourt as the trophy was presented, with players and families erupting in joy after defying preseason expectations.

Team success story:

Coach Mike LeDuc, with over 45 years of experience, called it the most overachieving team of his career, crediting their resilience and unselfish play that turned underdogs into champions and brought the school its second Division I title since 2022.