Regis Jesuit's baseball team captured the Class 5A state championship on Saturday, edging Arvada West 5‑3 in a contest that capped a roller‑coaster season for the Raiders. The victory was especially meaningful because the program had been denied the title in the two previous finals, leaving a lingering hunger among the seniors who had watched their underclassmen counterparts fall short.
A Senior‑Driven Triumph
Coach Matt Darr's Raiders entered the championship game with a narrative of perseverance. The seniors, who had endured multiple near‑misses, rallied around a core that included shortstop Chase Massey, pitcher Hudson Alpert and outfielder Deion Cesario‑Scott. Their leadership translated into key moments that swung the game in Regis Jesuit's favor.
Massey, a four‑year starter, anchored the defense at shortstop and contributed crucial hits throughout the series. Alpert, a Vanderbilt signee who had battled an elbow injury, returned to the mound and delivered a steady performance that kept the Raiders in contention. Meanwhile, Deion Cesario‑Scott provided a spark with a home run in the opening weekend against Mountain Vista and Legend, setting a tone of confidence for the team.
Pivotal Plays and Pitching Mastery
The championship game featured a back‑breaking three‑run double from Jack Manthey that helped seal a 14‑8 semifinal victory over top‑seeded Arvada West. In the final, Carter Rathbun delivered a three‑run double that gave the Raiders the margin they needed, finishing the series 7‑for‑14 at the plate. On the mound, Mikey Kroll tossed four scoreless innings, while reliever Cade Filleman retired the side in the sixth and seventh innings with two runners on, preserving the lead.
Arvada West's pitching tandem of Brayden Reiner and Cooper Vais had been dominant throughout the tournament, but the Raiders' offense and timely pitching neutralized their efforts. The Raiders' ability to execute under pressure was evident in their disciplined approach at the plate and their composure in high‑leverage situations.
Looking ahead, Regis Jesuit will lose a significant portion of its offensive firepower, including the graduating seniors, but the team expects to return both Kroll and Filleman from the championship game. The underclassmen who stepped up this season will have the opportunity to build on the experience and maintain the program's upward trajectory.
The championship also marks a historic milestone for the school: Regis Jesuit now owns the most state titles among Aurora‑area prep baseball programs, with four championships to its name. The achievement underscores a culture of determination and sets a high standard for future Raiders teams.