Damien High School Boys' Basketball Team Brings Home First State Title

BERKLEY – The Damien High School boys’ basketball team made history, claiming the school’s first state championship Friday afternoon after dispatching of Campolindo High of Moraga, 70-57. While it is the first state title for the Spartans, it is the third for the city of La Verne, as La Verne Lutheran claimed back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011.

Jeremy Hemsley led three Spartans in double figures with 20 points, 8 rebounds and seven assists. Micah Robinson got the hot hand, scoring 15 of his 17 points in the second half to help Damien pull away. Bryce Peters chipped in 12 points, while Malik Fitts added nine points and eight rebounds.

“He’s a special young man,” Coach Matt Dunn said of the 6-foot-4 senior headed to San Diego State. “I don’t know if anybody will coach a more talented, better player who was all in. He’s all in for our team, for our school. Honestly, I feel blessed to have had a chance to coach him.”

Hemsley, along with Fitts and Peters were sophomores two years ago when Damien claimed its first CIF divisional title.

Damien led most of the way, trailing only once at 20-19 on a basket by Austin Clarke. Damien however scored four unanswered points by Kaleb Wilborn and Andy Torices to take a 23-20 lead heading into halftime.

Chris Hansen had a game-high 23 points and seven rebounds for Campolindo, who is also trying to make history, by winning a state title in both football and basketball. This feat was achieved by St. John Bosco last season. Clarke added 17 points and five rebounds for the Cougars who finished the season 28-5.

Hansen had 10 of the 15 points for the Cougars in the third period to keep them close 39-35 heading into the fourth.

Damien then took over, as both Hemsley and Robinson hitting outside shots to help Damien pull away.

“The guys found me,” Robinson said. “When I get a hot hand and am feeling it, they get it to me.”