Colony's Denzel Hines is a late bloomer who could be steal for a college program

ONTARIO, Calif. – The Colony High of Ontario basketball team scrimmages and a guard on the white defense yells, “D on 3, 1-2-3.”

But there is no defense for the red-shirted Denzel Hines, a 6-foot-7 problem for any stopper unit. The senior goes coast-to-coast for a lay-in. He makes putbacks. He drains 3-pointers.

Veteran Colony coach Jerry De Fabiis doesn’t hesitate when asked what makes Hines special.

“His work ethic and development,” De Fabiis says. “Just to see how much he’s grown since his freshman year – it’s been exponential.”

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The dreadlocked Hines is asked to pose with a basketball in front of some Colony title banners.

“Make sure they’re basketball banners,” De Fabiis quips.

Hines obliges then sits down to chat.

“When I got to high school, I realized that in college I’ll be a guard, so I work on my ballhandling and shooting every day,” Hines says. “I think this year I’ve been able to show off all parts of my game – posting, shooting, ballhandling, and passing.”

Heading into the week, Hines averaged 22.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He is a big reason why Colony is 13-5 and 3-0 in the Palomares League. The Titans host Alta Loma 7 p.m. Friday. 

“You get a dunk, and the energy goes up,” Hines says. “I like to feel the adrenaline and to see everyone doing well.”

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Hines swam and played recreational football and basketball when he was young but didn’t play travel basketball until middle school.

“He got a late start, and you could see it when he came in,” De Fabiis says. “He was big and was just trying to figure out his body. It was a big adjustment for him to come in as a freshman and be on varsity.”

Says Hines, “I had to learn discipline and confidence. Confidence is something I struggled with when I was younger. One of my teammates last year, Jaden Henley, said that the only way to build my confidence is hard work. We were in the gym during holidays, Christmas, and everything.”

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“This is Levon – did you call my number?” Hines’ mother says by phone. She's unaware a story is in the works.

“Denzel is a great person,” Levon Routte says. “He’s a gentle giant. He’s a kind-hearted, self-less person who is always supporting other people.”

Hines’ mom tells how her son watches out for his two younger sisters, looks up to his grandfather Patrick “PoPo” Routte, and enjoys hiking with her to Etiwanda Falls and up to Mt. Rubidoux in Riverside.

“He’s a well-rounded, young man who’s so respectful and has high morals,” Levon says. “I have no doubt he’ll excel no matter what.”

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Back at Colony High, De Fabbis talks up the unsigned Hines. And why not?

He was voted the All-Tournament (Gold Division) squad at the highly competitive Damien Classic last month, helping the Titans win three out of four games. 

“This year you can see the fruits of his labor,” De Fabiis says. “The kid works after practice shooting and comes before practice, too. And he has a Division 1 body. Someone’s going to get a steal.” 

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