Jaiveer Dhillon’s mission to grow basketball in the Okanagan is off to a fast start.
The 19-year-old is the founder of SM Prep, a Penticton-based grassroots basketball program that provides competitive opportunities for teenage players outside of school.
This marks the club’s second year after Dhillon, a recent graduate of Princess Margaret Secondary School in Penticton, raised more than $3,500 in 2025 to help make its first season a success.
Among the highlights: finishing third overall at the U18 nationals in Langley last summer.
“We are a group of driven, student-athletes simply trying to continue playing the sport we love while representing our community with pride,” said Dhillon, now a coach at the club after aging out as a player last season.
SM Prep got free entry into the Langley-hosted nationals last year after emerging victorious at a province-wide tournament in Penticton.
Now with 30 players across two teams — U17 and U18 — Dhillon says this season’s operating budget is between $9,500 and $11,000.
Costs go toward travel, jerseys, tournament registration and accommodations.
Without first-place finishes at an upcoming regional event in Penticton, SM Prep could be on the hook for more than $6,000 as it looks to register its two teams in four tournaments this season.
“This year, I’m getting together with a couple of the other coaches, and we’re going to a little pop-up event at my old high school to raise money,” Dhillon said.
The event will see Grade 9 to 12 students on the court for five-on-five, three-on-three and one-on-one tournaments. There will also be a three-point shooting contest.
It runs on March 28 and 29 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Princess Margaret Secondary. Entry costs $20.
“Based on how many guys come to the pop-up, I’m thinking about starting a U16 team as well,” Dhillon said.
“It will be two days of fun, and I’ll be giving away some SM Prep merchandise, too.”
While its clubs are mostly composed of Okanagan high school players, Dhillon says two people from the Lower Mainland have recently jumped on board.
His members see SM Prep as a way to improve during the school sports offseason.
Recruiting talent is also among Dhillon’s most intense daily tasks.
The Penticton resident, with the help of the Instagram account @phivehoops, says he’s also on the lookout for players who connect with like-minded teens on the court.
“We’re based around having more fun with the group, and letting them enjoy the offseason,” Dhillon said when asked about the difference between his club and high school basketball programs. “It’s more open, giving people the chance to make some friends.”
Putting the Okanagan on the youth basketball map has been challenging, with most of the province’s most prestigious tournaments and programs residing on the Lower Mainland, he added.
SM Prep’s biggest test comes this summer as it eyes a return to Langley to play at the nationals — and battle against American internet personality Cam Wilder and his nationally recognized team, Rod Wave Elite.
“They’ve had NBA players that have played for them in the past, five-star recruits and some of the best college players in states,” Dhillon said. “I’m excited to see who we play against, and hopefully the Okanagan can make a statement, too.”
Among the local stars that Dhillon is itching to see hit the court for SM Prep this season are Wells Grundy of Kelowna Secondary School and Mateo Ducheck and Hammy Chalal from Summerland Secondary School, both U17s.
Joining them is Penticton Secondary School’s Liam Reid, who recently captured the MVP award at the Okanagan 3A Sr. Boys Basketball Championships.
On the U18, the club is led by UBCO commits Mason Clerke and Tylen Lewis from Kalamalka Secondary School in Coldstream.
Jodie Brown from Vernon, who had his Grade 12 year cut short due to BC School Sports transfer rules, will also join the U18 squad.
Dhillon thanked his sponsors, Lori Lancaster, Veeriki Kelowna, and Delicato Kitchen Goods for helping the club get off its feet last year.
He also acknowledged his high school basketball coach, Mike Redford, for being instrumental in the club’s start.
Anyone wanting to get involved with SM Prep as a sponsor or player is asked to email [email protected].
READ MORE: Liam Reid wins MVP as Penticton dominates high school basketball championships
