Tri-Cities Prep Baseball has proved that a size of a school doesn’t have to dictate talent. Coming off back to back state championship seasons at the 2B level, the Jags are prepping for another season under head coach Jason Jarrett.
In a city where big high schools often dominate the headlines, one small 2B school has quietly become a baseball powerhouse. Tri-Cities Prep is back on the diamond this spring, chasing an ambitious goal: a third state championship in a row.
Head Coach Jason Jarrett, now in his 15th year leading the Jaguars, knows exactly what that target on their back means.
“The bullseye just got larger,” Jarrett told The Sports Council. “You don’t take anything for granted. Every year, every team is a little different. You find the path up the mountain all over again.”
Camaraderie, Coaches, and Community
For Jarrett and his longtime assistant Mark Nelson, success comes down to relationships — on and off the field.
“It’s about connections. Seeing brothers come through the program, having former players like Isaac [Nelson’s son] come back to coach — that’s what makes it special,” Jarrett said.
Nelson echoed the same sentiment, reflecting on the journey from building their first field with borrowed equipment to now having one of the most respected programs in the region.
“Back then we had grass base paths and a softball field in center field,” Nelson said with a laugh. “Now it’s a place where kids want to come play. But more importantly, we’re preparing them for life — not just for baseball.”
Teaching the Game — and Life
Prep’s staff, which now includes ex-player Isaac Nelson and local baseball mind Brady Riddle, prides itself on developing complete athletes. Players aren’t boxed into one position; they learn the entire game.
Senior Owen Janke, a third baseman who also pitches and plays outfield, says that versatility is a big reason behind Prep’s consistent postseason success.
“Everybody here can play anywhere. It’s huge when you get deep into the playoffs,” Janke said.
But for Janke, who hopes to continue playing in college and major in agricultural business, the biggest growth has come mentally.
“Baseball’s a grind. You fail and fail and fail — so you learn how to handle it. That’s probably what’s improved most for me: the mental game,” he said.
Building Local Baseball — One Sandlot at a Time
Prep’s impact stretches far beyond its own dugout. Jarrett and his fellow coaches are behind local baseball staples like the Columbia Basin Series, All-State Baseball, and the relatively new Tillage League — a summer league designed to give local players a true “sandlot” experience.
“It was bigger than we expected last year — ten teams, packed championship at Wreck Park in July,” Jarrett said. “Kids got dirty, bruised up, and learned to love the game the old-school way. That’s what baseball should be.”
New Season, Familiar Expectations
Back-to-back state titles mean high expectations. And while Jarrett jokes he’s gotten “maybe a little grumpier” over the years, the standards haven’t slipped.
This year’s squad is a mix of tested seniors like Janke and Will Balcom, and promising underclassmen like Bryce Calderon, Jarrett Garza, Hank Harkins, and more.
“We have 26 kids — a record for us. Two full teams,” Jarrett said. “We’ll grind, play small ball, surprise people, and play to win every time out.”
Nelson knows the road won’t be easy — but that’s the point.
“We tell them nothing’s given — you earn your spot. That mentality pays off in baseball and in life.”
⚾ Catch the Jaguars
If you want a glimpse of grassroots baseball done right — family-built fields, college-bound talent, and kids who play hard for their school and each other — Tri-Cities Prep is worth a visit this spring.
Tune in for more local sports stories every week on The Sports Council — Thursdays at 11:30 AM on 1340 ESPN Tri-Cities, or on demand at 1340espnradio.com.