WILDOMAR — The curtain has fallen on the Mountain Pass League baseball season, but recognition for the Elsinore Tigers and their standout players, as well as other top talent from the league is still rolling in. In 2025, Elsinore delivered a season that will be talked about for years, reaching the CIF Southern Section Division 5 championship game for the first time in 55 years and electrifying their school and community with every pitch and swing.
The Tigers closed their remarkable campaign with a 22-7 overall record and a 10-2 finish in league play, cementing their place as one of the Inland area’s top programs. Their playoff push saw the squad deliver in clutch moments—including a dramatic 5-4 quarterfinal victory over Liberty and a convincing 6-0 shutout against Camarillo in the semifinals. In that must-win game, junior left-hander Brayden Stankus turned in a masterful outing, limiting Camarillo to just three hits and keeping the pressure on from start to finish.
Elsinore’s offense thrived thanks to its depth and energy. In the semifinal, seven Tigers collected at least one hit, and Robert Gates scored twice, providing the spark when it counted. Sophomore shortstop Andrew Jimenez anchored the lineup with a .396 batting average, 22 stolen bases, and four home runs, while on the mound, junior Jacob Farias posted a stifling 1.65 ERA. Stankus also piled up 77 strikeouts, putting him among the league’s elite in the circle.
Recognition came quickly and generously for Elsinore, whose players dominated the All-League honors. First Team selections included:
Andrew Jimenez, Elsinore (MVP)
Jacob Farias, Elsinore
Ivan Huerta, Elsinore
Brayden Stankus, Elsinore
Bryson Boyd, Elsinore
Gannon Gonzalez, Temescal Canyon (Defensive MVP / Pitcher of the Year)
Brock Dixon, Temescal Canyon
Jake Padden, Temescal Canyon
Tristan Whittle, Temescal Canyon
David McLean, Temescal Canyon
Anthony Duenas, Tahquitz
Tyler Fiallos, Tahquitz
Nate Navarette, West Valley
Aiden Juarez, West Valley
Marco Morales, San Jacinto
Second Team selections featured more Tigers, along with other standouts from across the league:
Robert Gates, Elsinore
Jonathan Reece, Temescal Canyon
Harrison McGarvey, Temescal Canyon
Deven McDaniel, Tahquitz
Jayden Bartlett, Tahquitz
Matthew Regla, Tahquitz
Maximus Vega, West Valley
Tristan Meza, West Valley
Cesar Perez, San Jacinto
Jeremy Morales, San Jacinto
Second Team selections featured more Tigers—Robert Gates joined by athletes from Temescal Canyon, Tahquitz, West Valley and San Jacinto. Jonathan Reece, Harrison McGarvey, Deven McDaniel, Jayden Bartlett, Matthew Regla, Maximus Vega, Tristan Meza, Cesar Perez and Jeremy Morales were recognized for their consistent impact.
Their awards underscore not just personal achievement, but the team unity and drive that propelled Elsinore through tense playoff moments and a season full of pressure-packed games. The Tigers’ ability to thrive together, from the front of the batting order to the last outgetter in the bullpen, carried them farther than any Tigers team in over half a century.
This year’s squad also provided plenty of highlights. Andrew Jimenez’s burst around the bases and his aggressive play were key storylines. Gates’ heads-up baserunning and steady presence made him a reliable contributor every game. On defense, Ivan Huerta’s diving catches and Stankus’ ability to shut down top opponents made a difference game after game, and Farias’ cool command on the mound gave Elsinore confidence whenever he took the ball.
Their collective effort brought the Tigers within reach of a championship they had not contested for since 1970. The last time Elsinore played under the bright lights of the CIF Southern Section finals, few of this year’s players’ parents were even born. The 2025 run reenergized the school’s tradition and gave students, families and alumni a season to celebrate together.
As the summer months set in, the Tigers and their All-League peers now get to reflect on months of effort, growth and excitement. For Elsinore, 2025 was about belief, tenacity, and building something that will outlast the final score.
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