Zaire Rasshan Shines as Damien Wins the State Division I Boys’ Basketball Championship
SACRAMENTO — Damien High School’s basketball team clinched the state Division I championship with a 58-55 victory over Folsom at the Golden 1 Center. Under the leadership of Coach Mike LeDuc, the Spartans executed their game plan with precision, overcoming challenges and demonstrating resilience.
At halftime, junior guard Zaire Rasshan struggled, hitting only two of nine shots from three-point range. However, LeDuc encouraged him to maintain his confidence. “I told him to start making them,” LeDuc said. Rasshan responded decisively, sinking a three-pointer to ignite a 10-0 scoring run that put Folsom on the back foot.
“I knew they were going to fall,” Rasshan remarked after the game, reflecting on his newfound rhythm. He finished with 18 points, including five three-pointers, the last of which extended Damien’s lead to eight with just over a minute remaining. Alongside Rasshan, Elijah Smith also contributed significantly with 18 points and four assists, while Eli Garner secured 15 points and 13 rebounds. Cameron Murray rounded out the scoring with seven points.
The Spartans showcased remarkable teamwork throughout the fourth quarter, maintaining an offensive execution that left an impression on Folsom Coach Mike Wall. “Their level of execution was on another level from anyone we’ve played,” Wall noted. Despite their effort, Folsom, led by Joven Dulay and Parks Weaver—each scoring 16 points—failed to keep pace, ultimately falling behind after two key free throws from Smith.
Damien dominated in rebounding, securing 32 boards to Folsom’s 21, and showcased a more aggressive shooting strategy, attempting 30 three-pointers compared to Folsom’s 18.
LeDuc praised his team’s adaptability, noting their smaller size this season. “I really do believe this team, more than any other team I’ve coached, has been overachieving,” he said. Emphasizing fundamentals, he added, “Basketball is a real simple game. It’s a game of repetition, and if you do it over and over, you expect it to be done perfectly.”
As the season comes to a close, the Spartans’ triumph marks their position as the fifth consecutive team from the Southern Section Open Division to drop down to Division I and emerge as state champions.
