Elsinore High School's Undefeated Basketball Team Has a Storied History

The only unbeaten team left in the Southern Section playoffs has a tale worth telling.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Elsinore High School's boys basketball team is the only undefeated team remaining in the Southern Section playoffs. The team's co-head coaches, Peter Rettinger and Rick Wolter, have been leading the program for 32 years, dating back to when they were a student and player at the school in 1974. This season, Elsinore is led by standout junior guard Kamrynn Nathan, who is averaging 25.2 points per game. The school has a rich basketball history, having reached the Division 1-A final back in 1974 when it was the only high school serving the Temecula Valley region. Now, Elsinore is one of several high schools in the area, but the team remains a community-supported program backed by loyal neighborhood families.

Why it matters

Elsinore's undefeated run this season is a testament to the program's longevity and the dedication of its coaching staff. In a region that has seen significant growth and the addition of multiple high schools, Elsinore has maintained its status as a basketball powerhouse, continuing to field competitive teams year after year. The team's success also highlights the enduring appeal of community-based high school sports programs in an era of increasing corporate influence in youth athletics.

The details

Elsinore's co-head coaches, Peter Rettinger and Rick Wolter, have been leading the program for 32 years, dating back to when Rettinger was a middle school student riding the rooter bus to watch Wolter play as a sophomore in the 1974 Division 1-A final. This season, Elsinore is led by standout junior guard Kamrynn Nathan, who is averaging 25.2 points per game. The team won the Mountain Pass League and has victories over Chino Hills, Murrieta Valley, and Murrieta Mesa. Elsinore was placed in the Division 2 playoffs and will open at home on Wednesday against Sonora.

  • In 1974, Elsinore went 27-0 until losing in the Division 1-A final at the L.A. Sports Arena.
  • Rettinger and Wolter have been co-head coaches at Elsinore for 32 years.

The players

Peter Rettinger

Co-head coach of the Elsinore High School boys basketball team, who has been with the program for 32 years.

Rick Wolter

Co-head coach of the Elsinore High School boys basketball team, who has been with the program for 32 years and played for the team as a sophomore in 1974.

Kamrynn Nathan

Elsinore's top junior guard, who is averaging 25.2 points per game this season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's fun to watch because he's really creative.”

— Peter Rettinger, Co-head coach (Los Angeles Times)

“We've always had a positive experience. The parents realized we are the product of the valley and tried to do the best we can with whatever we team have.”

— Peter Rettinger, Co-head coach (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

Elsinore will host Sonora in the first round of the Division 2 playoffs on Wednesday.

The takeaway

Elsinore High School's undefeated basketball team and its long-tenured coaching staff represent the enduring appeal of community-based high school sports programs, even as the region has seen significant growth and the addition of multiple new schools over the past decades.