At a school where winning is the expectation, Tri-Cities Prep athletes are learning that success carries responsibility.
This winter, that lesson came into focus as the Tri-Cities Prep Jaguars baseball and boys basketball programs followed up a dominant stretch of on-field success with a holiday fundraiser that put players face-to-face with families in need across the community.
The timing wasn’t accidental.
Prep baseball enters the year as a three-time defending state champion, while the boys basketball team has surged to a 8–1 overall start and 2–0 in conference play, quickly establishing itself as one of the top small-school teams in the region — More-so, many of the multi-sport athletes still feeling the bruises from a football state championship in December. With trophies, wins, and momentum piling up, coaches wanted to make sure perspective stayed intact.
“When you’re at the high of highs, ego can creep in,” said senior basketball center Brett Peterson. “This keeps that in check. It reminds you why you play.”
The holiday blanket fundraiser — a joint effort between the baseball and basketball programs — raised money for Christmas gifts, furniture, and essential items for local families in need. But for the coaches, the real goal wasn’t the dollar amount.
“This is the ultimate state championship,” baseball head coach Jason Jarrett said. “What kind of men we are becoming off the field.”
That mindset resonates inside programs accustomed to deep postseason runs. Players are used to being pushed — early mornings, long practices, weight room sessions — all in pursuit of banners. This time, the challenge was different.
“Usually when coaches push us, it’s for something on the court,” Peterson said. “This was about stepping outside ourselves for somebody else.”
Players sold custom-designed Jag blankets, using QR codes to reach family, friends, and supporters. The work felt different than a typical fundraiser — and, at times, uncomfortable.
“It can be awkward asking people to buy something,” Peterson admitted. “You don’t always know where the money’s going to come from.”
That uncertainty disappeared once the teams delivered the gifts themselves.
“Seeing the looks on people’s faces — that was the best part,” Peterson said. “They were so grateful. It makes you grateful for what you have, too.”
Senior Jameson Elliott echoed that sentiment.
“We surprised families with gifts — three for each person,” Elliott said. “Seeing the kids’ faces light up was awesome. That was my favorite part.”
Why It Matters More When You’re Winning
Boys basketball head coach Isaac Nelson believes the message hits harder because of where his teams stand competitively.
“When things are going well, that’s when it’s most important to step back and serve,” Nelson said. “It reminds our guys that sports aren’t the whole picture.”
Elliott said the success Prep teams enjoy made the experience feel full circle.
“We get a lot of support from the community,” he said. “People come to our games, follow us, back us. Being able to give back to them felt right.”
For Peterson, the connection went even deeper.
“It gives you purpose,” he said. “I’m playing for the people in our community who come out and support us. Not just wins, but what we represent.”
With baseball chasing a fourth straight title and basketball establishing itself as a conference contender, Prep’s athletes know expectations are high. This fundraiser reinforced that excellence isn’t limited to performance.
“It’s not just baseball and basketball,” Peterson said. “It’s for everyone. Giving back is always important. It humbles you.”
That humility is something Jarrett hopes stays with his players long after the season ends.
“You can win championships,” he said, “but the impact you make on people lasts a lot longer.”
For Tri-Cities Prep, the holiday fundraiser became more than a feel-good moment. It was a reminder that true championship programs are defined not just by how they win — but by how they lead when they’re on top.