In a thrilling CIF State Division III boys basketball playoff opener, Colony High School showcased a dominant performance against Norte Vista, winning 90-69 on March 3, 2026. Junior guard Destin Strauther led the charge with a career-high 41 points, propelling his team into the next round of the tournament.
Outstanding Performance by Strauther
Strauther, who is officially listed at 5 feet 10 inches, demonstrated remarkable agility and skill throughout the game. He made an impressive 16 of 22 shots from the field, including 2 of 4 from beyond the arc, and converted 7 of 8 free-throw attempts. His ability to drive to the basket was evident, particularly in the second half, where he frequently found opportunities for layups.
“That’s always been my game, get downhill,” Strauther commented after the game. “I know nobody can stay in front of me. I’m in great shape. I never settle for the three if the basket is right there.”
Colony’s coach, Tony Davis, echoed this sentiment, noting that pushing the ball was a key component of their strategy. “Destin is quick on quick; he was getting to the front of the rim and finishing,” Davis said.
Game Highlights and Team Dynamics
Colony, the CIF Southern Section Division 4 champion, established an early lead, going up 27-11 in the second quarter. Despite a strong effort from Norte Vista, who staged an 8-0 run to narrow the gap to 38-30, Colony maintained control throughout the game. The Titans increased their lead to 19 points in the fourth quarter, effectively sealing the victory.
In addition to Strauther’s standout performance, Fende Thomas contributed significantly with 15 points and six rebounds, while Damien Dominguez added 11 points, all of which came in the second half. The team’s total of 90 points marked a season high and exceeded their previous playoff game scores by 27 points.
Norte Vista, despite the loss, had strong performances from junior players Hugo Morales, who scored 28 points, Bryan Ramirez with 14 points, and Marquise Johnson, who added 11 points. Coach Adam Aguirre emphasized the need for his team to take the upcoming season seriously after enduring back-to-back playoff disappointments.
“I want my guys to take it seriously; preparation starts tomorrow,” Aguirre stated, reflecting on the team’s journey and the lessons learned from the match.
Colony will advance to face No. 13 Atascadero in the second round of the CIF State playoffs. The anticipation builds as the Titans look to continue their successful run, buoyed by their impressive performance in this opening game.
